Best 4x4

THE Land Rover Freelander has been awarded 'Best 4x4' by Fleet News for the second year running. Freelander, the best selling 4x4 both in the UK and Europe, is available with different body styles and a choice of engines. The competition judges stated: "Freelander offers the complete range and is a true 4x4 in both on and off-road. Its chief rivals continue to lack a diesel option, which is vital in this category".

Grand Cherokee named top 4x4

THE Jeep Grand Cherokee has been voted best off-roader for the second year running by What Car? magazine. It comes in three models, starting at 29,995 on the road for the 4.0 Limited.

Zafira power

VAUXHALL has unveiled a hydrogen-powered concept version of the Zafira people carrier which has a range of about 250 miles and a top speed of 87mph. Apart from water vapour the car is emission free, as the mini-multi purpose vehicle's 75 horsepower electric motor runs on power from a fuel cell powered by hydrogen.

Cleaner Laguna

FRENCH car-maker Renault has strengthened its Laguna range with the launch of a cleaner, more economical common rail diesel engine. The 1.9 dCi is priced at 16,875. A 2.2-litre model is due to arrive soon and Renault is developing a new family of 1.5-litre dCi engines.

First off-roader

THE new Santa Fe four-wheel-drive is set to go on sale in the UK towards the end of this year the first 4x4 Hyundai to be sold in the UK. Wider and longer than the Land Rover Freelander, it will have the choice of 2.4-litre or 2.7-litre engines. A 2.0-litre turbo diesel version is expected early next year. Prices will be announed closer to the launch date.