HONDA'S HR-V came as both two and four wheel drive and in either short wheelbase three door or long wheelbase five door bodystyles.

It is capable of decent off-road work when necessary even though the 4WD versions don't have low ratio gears.

Both varieties are chunky and good looking - rather like overgrown children's sandpit toys - but the five door is more practical for a family.

The 2WD and base 4WD models both had a 1.6-litre engine with 105bhp, which gives a top speed of around 100mph, and zero to 60 miles an hour in about 11 seconds along with 32mpg economy.

A more powerful 1.6 with 122bhp was added later and this improved the urge all round cutting the 0 to 60 time by about a second, while retaining the same level of economy.

The five door is not only more practical but a little more comfortable thanks to the longer wheelbase.

The ride is still generally good and the suspension still manages to give more roadgoing handling and road-holding than many other 4x4s.

The three door is a little cramped in the back, with less kneeroom and really only room for two adults are larger children.

: Suzuki Vitara