4 x 4 Market Update
2007 was an interesting year for 4x4 vehicle sales in the UK. Whilst the general market for off-roaders remained static at its current high level, the sales of pick-ups dropped by 5%. Land Rover continue to dominate the 4x4 market, accounting for 25% of all sales (excluding the pick-up sector). Discovery sales, whilst down a little, show it is still a popular choice in the UK, being the fourth bestseller (down from third last year). However, the new Freelander 2 has proved to be a real winner and an instant sales success. Its sales were almost back up to normal Freelander levels, and no doubt 2008 will see Freelander sales back over the 20,000 mark as sales so far this year are well up. Both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport continue to be very popular, aided by the introduction last year of the new TD V8 3.6-litre super modern diesel engine. (above) Nissan’s Navara pick-up.

The Honda CR-V continues to be the best seller, and it will be interesting to see if the Freelander can regain its spot as best seller. It certainly is proving to be a popular vehicle among forestry professionals. With the market remaining static, and the introduction of 12 new vehicles, our list now totals 56. To this you could add the Škoda Octavia Scout, Audi Allroad, Fiat Panda 4x4, Nissan Quashquai and many others. The new entrants sold 8200 units and these sales had to come off models already on the market. However, I am sure many purchases were made by people coming out of ordinary cars. New entrants include the curvy looking Mazda CX-7, the Mitsubishi Outlander (also badged as a Peugeot 4007 and Citroën C-Crosser), the return of Vauxhall to the sector with their Asian-built Antara and similar Chevrolet Captiva (though with seven seats), the Seat Altea Freetrack and the Jeep Patriot. More recent arrivals include the VW Tiguan (a good all-rounder and economical too, I got 39 mpg). BMW saw sales of the new X5 expand and those of the dreary X3 contract. Audi is most pleased with the growing sales of its big ugly Q7 and its worldwide sales have really surprised Audi management as it was one of the late arrivals to the market. The UK Audi fan-base must add to its popularity. Will it catch the Range Rover Sport?

Jeep sales were down 10% despite a large range of six vehicles. They just tend to be behind the market leaders even though well priced. Hyundai sales fell too, by 50%, which is surprising as their Santa Fe is a good vehicle. Nissan, who has five off-roaders, saw its sales fall by 43%, but is hoping the new X Trail will regain lost ground. However, it does not look as good as the original.

Mercedes M Class sales are surely suffering from the impact of the Audi Q7 even though it’s a much better looking vehicle and not so large. However, their larger GL seven-seater is gaining new fans. It’s Range Rover money. Small is beautiful, and the Daihatsu Terios saw its sales grow by 22%. Suzuki sales were also down 10% but their Grand Vitara, equipped with a low ratio gearbox, is one of the few genuine small offroaders. It looks good and is competitively priced.

Toyota also saw its sales drop by, yes, 10%, and the Koreans lost ground too with the Kia Sportage down 8% and the Sorento down 44%. Its brother, the Hyundai Tucson, was also down 38%! Porsche sales remained steady. Another loser was Subaru, with its sales down 19%. The restyled Forester was a poor design decision, and its replacement comes to the UK later this year. The new Forester looks much like a BMW X3. The big news at Subaru is the recent launch of their first diesel engine. It’s the world’s only flat four boxer diesel engine. By all accounts it’s very good, smooth, powerful and economical. The Subaru Outback remains one of my favourite cars, so when combined with this new engine I am sure many of us will find it irresistible. Volvo XC90 sales continue to fall with the onslaught of newer large seven-seater SUVs. So with so many vehicles sales down within a static market, where have all the sales gone? Well, apart from new models as noted above, the Honda CR-V and Land Rover Freelander combined absorbed an additional 11,843 units.

Interestingly, both are made in the UK; the CR-V in Swindon and the Freelander in Liverpool. Unlike the general 4x4 market, pick-up sales were down 5%. The nice Nissan Navara continues to be the best seller and Mitsubishi second best. However, both are under attack from the rejuvenated Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux. Isuzu still struggles to attain the 5000 annual sales it hoped for, though its fans remain loyal. With fuel prices increasing and 4x4 car tax on the up, it will be interesting to see the sales chart next year. Will the small but beautiful Terios continue to expand its market share? Time will tell.
Happy motoring in 2008.


The Freelander 2 (right) – already proving popular for its breadth of capabilities, agile handling, quiet and powerful engine and nice interior, and good fun to drive. Will it regain its number one position from the Honda CR-V?