With winter fast approaching, weather conditions are bound to get worse and driving can become a challenging experience.

We’ve already given you a handful of car maintenance tips to get you through the difficult weather, but nothing can give you the comfort of driving a solid and winter ready set of wheels. As weather gets colder and roads get icier, traction and grip become increasingly important and four-wheel drive is a definite advantage when the roads get slippery.

This year, Creditplus brings you the top ten cars that can get you through winter safely and comfortably:

1 – Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is pretty much the most affordable SUV you can buy in the UK today. This comfortable and competent off-roader offers an easy drive and solid braking and steering that can keep you safe on slippery winter roads. It is also a spacious, practical and highly customisable car, that allows you to choose between a basic all-terrain version and a well-equipped luxurious interior.

Specifications:

Engine size – 1.2 – to 1.6 cc (depending on the model)

Fuel consumption – 42-64 mpg combined

CO2 emission – 138g/km to 145g/km (depending on the model)

2 - Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a five or seven-seater SUV that also comes in a plug-in hybrid version. The Outlander offers an easy and smooth drive, with strong brakes and nicely weighted steering, which makes it a safe bet for the rigorous winter conditions. The top GX5 models can also be fitted with a high-tech safety kit.

Specifications:

Engine size – 2.0 to 2.3 cc (depending on the model)

Fuel consumption – 49-53 mpg combined

CO2 emission – 139g/km to 154g/km (depending on the model)

Electric Only Range – 33 miles

3 - Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the most stylish SUV crossovers you can drive. Its agility and responsiveness are surprising for such a large car. It offers great stability, which makes it ideal for the challenging winter driving. The fact that it is well-built, spacious and well-equipped, along with its reasonable running costs makes it a very good choice for a solid winter car.

Specifications:

Engine size – 2.0 to 2.2 cc (depending on the model)

Fuel consumption – 47-56 mpg combined

CO2 emission – 132g/km to 152g/km (depending on the model)

4 – Volvo XC60

This compact 4x4 offers a versatile, comfortable and much cheaper alternative to the much bigger XC90 and it delivers in all fronts: its respectable performance, comfortable ride and solid build make it a safe and affordable option for your winter driving needs. Its CO2 emission also makes it a greener alternative to most of its 4x4 counterparts.

Specifications:

Engine size – 1.9 To 2.4 cc (depending on the model)

Fuel consumption – 38-53 mpg combined

CO2 emission – 49g/km to 117 g/km (depending on the model)

5 – Audi TT Coupe

You don’t often find sports cars among winter cars lists, but the Audi TT’s four-wheel-drive system makes it a solid and luxurious alternative to SUVs, when it comes to staying in control of your car in slippery conditions. Its beautifully designed and well-equipped inside gives you all the luxury of an Audi and the wide range of engines it comes in allows you to choose how to combine performance, safety and economy.

Specifications:

Engine size – 1.8 To 2.0 cc (depending on the model)

Fuel consumption – 41-60 mpg combined

CO2 emission – 124g/km to 153 g/km (depending on the model)

6 – BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series combines a great driving experience, great looks and a beautiful interior. It comes with a wide range of engine and trim choices, so if you need extra grip for the cold winter months, you can choose the xDrive four-wheel-drive system for a safer and smoother experience. Although it’s a relatively expensive option, it is still a comfortable and safe alternative for your winter travelling.

Specifications:

Engine size – 1.5 To 3.0 cc (depending on the model)

Fuel consumption – 31-72 mpg combined

CO2 emission – 104g/km to 119 g/km (depending on the model)

7 – Renault Kadjar

The Renault Kadjar is a direct competitor of the Nissan Qashqai, but it’s the better looking of the two, whilst also being a cheaper alternative. The Renault Kadjar looks like an SUV, with its high driving position and bulky shape, but has a lot of crossover in it, with a four-wheel-drive system that ensures plenty of grip on slippery winter roads. However, you need to go for the top version to be able to choose the four-wheel option.

Specifications:

Engine size – 1.2 To 1.6 cc (depending on the model)

Fuel consumption – 45-74 mpg combined

CO2 emission – 99 g/km to 134 g/km (depending on the model)

8 – Range Rover Sport

Land Rover is arguably the car maker that has taken the SUV further and its Range Rover Sport offers all the luxury and off-road capability of a standard Range Rover for a lot less money. Its impressively designed interior, impeccable on-road performance and high capabilities under tougher conditions make it a great alternative for winter, both for city and country driving.

Specifications:

Engine size – 2.0 To 5.0 cc (depending on the model)

Fuel consumption – 22-45 mpg combined

CO2 emission – 164g/km to 294 g/km (depending on the model)

9 – Skoda Octavia Scout Estate

The Skoda Octavia Estate is an efficient all-rounder that can offer a practical and dependable option for winter driving.  The four-wheel drive system and raised suspension offer extra grip, ideal for driving on rough or slippery roads. It’s also well built, spacious and economical when compared to other four-wheel-drive cars.

Specifications:

Engine size – 2.0 cc

Fuel consumption – 61 mpg combined

CO2 emission – 103g/km to 150 g/km (depending on the model)

10 - Subaru Levorg Estate

If you like to stand out, the Subaru Levorg offers a solid but quirky option, with an impressive four-wheel-drive system and an automatic gearbox. It offers a smooth and comfortable drive in traffic whilst giving you impressive grip for slippery roads and rough conditions. It’s also a practical travelling options with an impressive amount of luggage space.

Specifications:

Engine size – 1.6 cc

Fuel consumption – 40 mpg combined

CO2 emission – 164g/km

How to get the best possible deal when looking for your winter car?

As we reach the end of the year, dealers might be in a rush to hit their quarterly and yearly sales targets and are likely to offer you a good deal on your new car. We’ve gathered some top tips on how to get the best possible deal when shopping for your winter ready set of wheels.

Know what you need

Don’t settle for a lower specification because it may be cheaper. Instead, try to negotiate a discounted price on the model you really want.

Look around

If other dealers are offering deals on the car you want, this will give you some leverage when bargaining for the best price.

Start small

Start the negotiation by mentioning an amount lower than what you’re willing to pay. That gives you some room to gradually increase it, if needed, without going over your initial budget.

Know what your car is worth

If you’re part-exchanging your current car, make sure you’re aware of what it’s worth, as this can save you money on the rest of your deal. You can get a free valuation at Glass’s.

Always test drive

Always test drive the car before closing the deal. Make sure to drive it in traffic and out on the open road. You can then compare it to the driving experience offered by other cars and use your findings as a bargaining tool.

Have you chosen your new winter car?

Creditplus can offer great car finance deals on a wide range of winter ready cars, including some of the impressive models we recommend above. Go through our extensive car search or try out our armchair Find, Fund & Deliver service to have your new set of wheels selected, financed and delivered in no time.

If you’ve already chosen the perfect vehicle for your winter journeys, apply for car finance today by filling out our simple, two-minute, no obligation form or call our friendly customer advisors on 0800 1777 290.