A fingertip extended from the drivers window suggests the wind of popular opinion is warming over 4x4s. Its not a huge change, but its significant. Largely, it comes down to the Arctic-ish weather: earlier this year, which along with most of the UK, were snow-bound. And all that nasty white stuff has an uncanny knack of instantly turning those bully-boy beefed-up SUVs and offroaders alleged icons of the me-first, stuff-you brigade into intelligent, socially responsible automotive choices.
Green car test: Volvo XC60 2.4 DRIVe
Can an SUV be green? Simon Hacker says opinions are changing – and cars like this eco Volvo XC60 might be crucial to that.
Road test: Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LT
It looks like a Vauxhall Insignia, but is actually a similar size to the Astra. Is the Cruze king of the value cars? We find out.
Future Classics
10 cars to invest in now, while you still can.
Road test: Fiat 500C 1.2 Pop
Will the convertible version of the chic Fiat 500 eat into MINIs dominance of the premium small car market further? We find out...