When people think of cars suitable for city driving, they assume a smaller carriage is the best one for the job. On average, they are more fuel efficient, are easier to manoeuvre into tight parking spaces, and are great at negotiating crowded streets. While small rides are suitable for singles and couples, your family is growing and you need a vehicle that can fit a couple of prams, your teenager’s soccer gear, the weekly groceries, and good ol’ Lassie. Basically, everything but the kitchen sink! But just because you need to upsize, doesn’t mean you have to invest in a super embarrassing mom-mobile. Have you ever considered a 4WD? You’d be surprised to hear that not all of them are gas guzzlers or take up two lanes; they are also incredibly easy to handle in the endless stop-and-go traffic. Just take a look at our top three 4WD picks for inner city driving.

Lexus RX 450h

While on the expensive side of the 4WD market, this luxury crossover is still the best value, gaining the 2013 title for Best Hybrid SUV for the Money for its combination of ownership costs and positive ratings in its class. Most reviewers confirm that once again Lexus has delivered a winning fusion of well-appointed comfort, practicality and frame quality while enhancing the drive with magnificent high tech features. Its outstanding fuel economy is why this five seater has become one of the more popular and reliable cars this year to date. Powered by a 3.5 litre V6 gasoline engine and three electric motors, the RX450h allows you to travel up to 48 kilometres per hour on electric power alone.

Land Rover Freelander TD4

If you are a natural city slicker, but love to get away to the countryside at the weekends, the new Land Rover Freelander TD4 could be your new best friend. There’s one thing that Land Rover always seems to do perfectly, and that’s creating a vehicle that transitions seamlessly to tackle whatever terrain you are driving on.When toting precious cargo, safety becomes a number one priority, so you’d be happy to hear that Land Rover’s compact SUV comes with a five star crash rating with six airbags and all the fandangle aids including stability control, ABS on four disc brakes, cornering control (perfect for all those tight spaces) and hill descent. It is also slick, stylish and practical enough for congested city duties.

Mazda CX-5

The introduction of the 2012 Mazda CX-5 models was highly anticipated. For once, an economic 4WD with excellent dynamics was available at an affordable price. Even now, as Mazda continue to upgrade this range with more equipment and features, people are lining up to have a test drive. Mazda set the benchmark for crossover SUVs with this range due to its sophisticated engine, great braking ability and agility. Comfortably fitting five people, this ride also have ample cargo space (enough for all those extra prams!) Starting at a low price of $27,880, this is the perfect car for families on a budget.

There was a time when the concept of owning a 4WD for city driving seemed unpractical and expensive. However with the increases in petrol, automakers are now doing their best to include a better fuel economy and maximum safety for all car buyers.

Mum’s two cents

A 4-wheel drive is something I’d like to own, if given the chance. I think it fits a busy mum’s lifestyle as it can carry at assortment of things at the same time, including groceries and the seemingly hundreds of things my tot needs to bring whenever we go out. I also think it is rather cooler to drive around the city behind a big vehicle compared to a smaller car. But it is just me, anyway, and I it might think a long while before I even learn how to drive! 😀

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