In this week's issue:

• A Rough Guide to Four-Wheel Drive
• Car Sales Dip Rattles Recovery Hopes

  A Rough Guide to Four-Wheel Drive

It's come a long way since first turning a wheel (or four) circa 1900, but these days, the 4x4 vehicle divides opinion like no other. Burgeoning sales and frequent new launches are matched only by the volume of objections off-roaders trail in their wake.

To these objectors, four-wheel drive vehicles are running spikes being used as a carpet slippers; indulgent tokens of materialism bought by egotists looking for the next something bigger and better; vehicles intended for hard labour being pampered for no good reason. The anti-lobby's case against hinges on the assertion that big, thirsty off-road vehicles have no place clogging-up Britain's roads because they were designed to romp across rough terrain, not to sit with hazard warning lights flashing, outside boutiques. As Britain's (sub)urban landscape is rarely impassable through flood or rock fall, it could be argued that the non-believers have a point.

But how did such basic automotive progenitor evolve into an object of four-wheeled desire? Simple - fashion.

Right now, luxury 4x4 vehicles are hot and there are more on their way. From BMW to Volvo, manufacturers are expanding their ranges with new four-wheel drive models, and yet there remains a world of difference from one end of the 4x4 sector to the other. While it is true that many are rather more lifestyle accessory than farmer's friend, some are actually as capable off-road as the rest are swanky on it. And one or two even manage to combine the best of both worlds! So set aside all prejudice, ignore your preconceptions and pore over this hand-picked selection - you may be surprised at what's on offer, whatever your budget and whatever your needs.

Jeep Wrangler

Where else would you start? In 1941, the US army took delivery of a versatile new vehicle, developed specifically to go where no passenger vehicle had gone before. Nicknamed the ?Jeep', it was the world's first purpose-built 4x4 and is an enduring icon of motoring history, in both name and design.

The contemporary Chrysler-built version remains faithful to the spirit of the original, even though it now comes with such luxuries as a CD player and air conditioning. It boasts the same rugged off-road ability of sixty years ago but offers four-litre, straight six power mated to a switch-able high/low transfer Command-Trac 4x4 system. Despite its more modern specification, the Wrangler is still all about ?fit-for-purpose' ability rather than luxury and refinement. For any serious off-road enthusiast motorway wind noise, hefty emissions and a cramped interior will be way too far down the list of priorities to be of concern when this much style and excitement can be had from as little as £15,750. Off-road credibility rating: 10 out of 10 / luxury road car rating: 1 out of 10

By 1948, Britain's own legendary 4x4 had been launched. Known today as the Defender, this classic Land Rover remains the weapon of choice for all self-respecting farmers, rescue service personnel or explorers because it is strong, simple and sure-footed. It has become famous around the world for its unique off-road capabilities and even the brochure sets it apart - surely, this is the only car on which you can specify a snorkel air intake, electric winch and shotgun security box at the same time as choosing the colour. You can have the hard-top, pick-up or station wagon. Or drop-side tipper. Or telescopic hydraulic platform, all of which proves the point - a Land Rover is truly unique.

On the down side, all the central locking, electric windows and wooden door cappings in the world can't disguise the Defender's crude on-road manners and the driving position would frustrate a contortionist. Such discomfort doesn't come cheap either - the XS version of the short wheel base 90 (the cute little one with all the bells and whistles) will stand you a less than agricultural £24,995. But as you bounce along, a sense of classless superiority is included in the price; the Defender is the rough and reliable ?old money' alternative to the transience of every nouveau riche SUV wannabe! Off-road credibility rating: 10 out of 10 / luxury road car rating: 2 out of 10

Lexus RX300

And now for something completely different. Lexus' contribution to the 4x4 marketplace, the RX300, is the upper crust softie to the working class grit of the Defender and Wrangler. The Lexus and mud go together about as well as kippers and cake but the futuristic-looking RX300 is none the worse for this, providing you don't own a Welsh hill farm. And if you do, clever little luxuries like the rearward-facing camera should ensure you don't reverse over any of the mindless woolly backs. This is a different 4x4, a genuine soft-roader with little pretence to hillside heroics that is bursting with every comfort and amenity befitting the finest of luxury vehicles. It just happens to be quite tall (and a bit floaty), with four driven wheels. Instead of locking differentials, you get a stunning Mark Levinson stereo; in lieu of switchable four-wheel drive you can relax in electrically adjustable, heated seats. For the money (£28,955 to £37,705), and on tarmac, it is a cut above. Off-road credibility rating: 2/10 / luxury road car rating: 8/10

Toyota Landcruiser

For many, the Toyota Landcruiser is the off-road daddy of them all. It is huge, better-built than almost anything on the planet and offers a unique combination of serious ground clearance / split cabin climate control. It is flawed (the petrol engines are thirsty, the maritime handling a bit old-fashioned) but it is ?an informed choice'. If a Defender is too basic for you, a Discovery too hackneyed and an M Class too pricey, don't despair. Nobody will ask any awkward questions if they know you drive a Landcruiser - it's about as ?classless' as you get in this marketplace. Brand-new and fully loaded or once around the clock with moss on the seats, a Landcruiser is all things to all people and it won't let you down. Off-road credibility rating: 8 out of 10 / luxury road car rating: 6 out of 10

BMW X5

And then there's the X5. At the end of last year, BMW launched a face-lifted version of its rapper's delight, featuring a sophisticated new 4x4-system called X-Drive. While the visual modifications have been limited to detail tweaks, mainly around the front end, new engines and transmissions have sharpened this car's awesome handling and performance characteristics still further. The patented X-Drive system features the fastest intelligent 4x4 technology around, optimising the distribution of power when, and where, it is needed in fractions of a second. It is an attempt by BMW to lend the X5 greater off-road credibility but has performance and safety benefits in all circumstances. The 3.0 litre diesel is the housewives' choice, but the 361 BHP 4.8iS is the real (Puff) Daddy of them all. Off-road credibility rating: 5/10 / luxury road car rating: 10/10

Chrysler Jeep Grand Cherokee

And so we're all the way back where we began, with a Jeep. Well, almost. Chrysler doesn't receive the due deference it deserves for the off-road credentials of its top-of-the-range model. Sure enough, every London postcode is log-jammed with Grand Cherokees but you'd lose very little money betting every single one of them never puts a wheel off the tarmac. It's a shame. Not only is the four-model range (one six cylinder, one diesel, two V8 models) suited to the city, it's even better suited to the country (ie: off-road).

The Grand bears little comparison to its Wrangler sibling and yet underneath its heated leather seats is a rugged permanent four-wheel drive system with progressive differential and low speed transfer gearbox. It is a proper piece of kit, with Quadra-Trac power distribution technology offering real off-road performance. With prices that start at just £28,695 and stop where the BMW's begin (£34,715), the well-specified Grand is a compelling choice. Factor in its genuine heritage and brand kudos and this five-way battle might be declared a no-contest?

  Car Sales Dip Rattles Recovery Hopes

Car sales in western Europe have started 2004 on the back foot, dipping 1.6 percent in January amid shaky consumer spending in France and Germany and dashing hopes for a quick recovery, figures show.

Japanese and Korean carmakers, which grabbed market share from homegrown manufacturers in 2003, continued their European assault, boosting sales by more than 20 percent. Most European carmakers lost market share, although Italy's Fiat, scrambling out of financial crisis, bucked the overall trend to nudge sales slightly higher and boost market share as new models charmed motorists.

Brussels-based carmaker association ACEA said earlier this month auto sales in western Europe fell to 1,173,273 units in January, down 1.6 percent from the same period a year ago, after falling 1.3 percent as a whole in 2003. One less working day in all countries except Britain and Ireland contributed to the dip.

"These figures confirm the European market is still far from recovery mode," said Patrice Solaro, autos analyst at Kepler Equities. "Maybe consumer spending will pick up later in the year but for now, that sounds like wishful thinking."

The auto industry, which accounts for about four percent of the European Union's gross domestic product, reflects the wider economy and in particular consumer confidence. Most economists expect a modest recovery in European economic growth this year unless a strong euro continues to hurt exporters and high unemployment in France and Germany hampers spending.

Many auto industry experts reckon the car market will be slightly firmer in 2004, with recovery tilted toward the second half as consumer morale improves and as smart new models woo thrifty motorists, although some see no growth at all.

European Underdogs

Europe's top auto firm Volkswagen and US giant General Motors fared worst, with sales down 10 and 11 percent respectively and market share declining. France's PSA Peugeot Citroen, which lost market share in 2003 as competitors pumped out smart new models, also posted a sharp fall in sales in January, as did DaimlerChrysler brands.

Improvement at Fiat followed market share gains in the Turin-based carmaker's key home market last month and a rise in European sales toward the end of last year. ACEA said in a statement the January figures reflected clear signs of recovery in some countries, but continued economic uncertainty in others.

Sales in Spain, Italy and Britain all rose. But sales fell in Germany, Europe's biggest market, and France, the region's worst hit major auto market in 2003.

The Reuters Eurozone Purchasing Manager' Index showed the euro zone's manufacturing sector grew a little faster in January thanks to buoyant worldwide demand but the euro's strength forced companies to cut jobs to stay competitive - a factor that bodes ill for consumer spending.

Sales in the United States, the world's biggest car market, fell 0.7 percent in January as cold weather kept consumers away from dealerships despite a strengthening economy and high incentives.

Written by Rebecca Harrison

Contact the Editor