Many motorists in the higher regions of Germany would like a car with traction advantage in winter. The Four-wheelBut many are afraid of the extra charge. It does not necessarily cost a lot of money to have more grip on snow. Five examples of new four-wheel drive vehicles under 20.000 Euro.
The classic choice among low-priced climbers is the Lada 4 × 4 / Taiga (formerly Niva). The least expensive version of the sparse Russian import model with a length of 3,64 meters is in the price list for EUR 10.490, in which case there are at least electric windows and power steering on board. Much more important, however, are the standard features of all-wheel drive, reduction and lockable center differential, with which the Russian shows off his advantages off the beaten track - he drives rather bulky on paved roads. The off-road vehicle is powered by the 1,7-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 61 kW / 83 hp.
An all-wheel alternative for people with more space requirements (443 liters of boot volume) and little self-expression urge offers the Dacia Duster. In the cheapest version with switchable four-wheel drive, the 4,32 Meter has a long five-seater from 15.390 Euro, then with the 84 kW / 114 PS powerful petrol engine. As standard, air conditioning, radio and roof rails are on board. A diesel engine (17.290 Euro) is also available.
Another classic among the affordable all-wheel-drive vehicles is the robust nature boy Suzuki Jimny, which costs at least 15.590 euros, then with a 62 kW / 84 hp petrol engine. With a switchable 4 × 4 drive and reduction gear, the little Japanese is a real rail vehicle. At 3,70 meters, the Jimny accommodates four people and 113 liters of luggage. Although Suzuki has a new mini off-roader named Ignis in its range from the beginning of 2017, the popular four-wheel drive classic Jimny remains in the model range.
The Suzuki Ignis will be launched in mid-January as the new mini-Kraxler. At a height of 3,70 meters, the stylish Japanese established the genus of the micro-SUV and - although its main area of application is likely to be in urban areas - is typically available with all-wheel drive as is typical of Suzuki. Then the Ignis costs 15.990 euros and is powered by the 1,2 liter petrol engine with 66 kW / 90 hp. There is space for 260 liters in the trunk.
The Panda 4 × 4, which from 16.690 euros (0,9 liter turbo gasoline engine with 63 kW / 85 hp) is well equipped in the price list with automatic climate control and alloy wheels, drives in city traffic as it is for a 3,65 meter short compact car. Thanks to all-wheel drive and an electronic lock, it also digs through the area not yet cleared by winter service as a city car. However, you have to limit yourself to 225 liters in the trunk. The diesel alternative with 70 kW / 95 PS costs 18.390 euros.
(Hanne Schweitzer / SP-X)