Time to ditch the 4x4?

The economic downturn means that downsizing cars - trading larger models for smaller, more fuel-efficient motors - will be a significant trend this year, says Which? Car.

A previously healthy market for 4x4s has virtually collapsed and some people have finally realised that an off-roader isn't the perfect car for the school run. Expensive, gas-guzzling cars like 4x4s are becoming socially unacceptable - unless you're a farmer. Buyers have also been turned off by high taxes and some models' disappointing reliability.

Which? Car recommends that a large family of six people who may be thinking of buying a 4x4 like the Land Rover Discovery (which could cost £39,061) downsize to a multi-purpose vehicle such as the Honda FR-V (£19,095). The Land Rover might have the ‘bling', but fuel economy is poor and it's hard to park; the Honda is not only £20K cheaper, but solidly-built and tops the Which? Car reliability chart in its class.

The car magazine chooses other downsizing alternatives to more popular models which could save motorists thousands of pounds:

For a small family, many buyers will default to the popular Ford Focus (£16,595), but the quirky Skoda Roomster (£12,295) is more versatile and running costs are lower.

For a high mileage driver, the BMW 3 Series (£26,680) might have the badge but a Mazda 6 (£18,639) has the value - it's much cheaper to run and is packed with gadgets that are optional on the pricey BMW.

A busy mum might go for a Peugeot 207 (£12,290), but would do well to consider a Honda Jazz (£10,990), a nippy, practical supermini which uses less fuel.

A first-time buyer might be tempted by a Ford Ka (£9,445), but the Hyundai i20 (£8,895) is more comfortable, more fuel-efficient and holds its value well.

For a retired couple, an obvious choice might be the BMW Z4 (£32,660), but a Mazda MX-5 (£20,657) has a remarkable owner satisfaction score of 97% in the latest Which? Car survey.

Richard Headland, Editor, Which? Car, says: "Times are hard, so it's no surprise that people are downsizing to save money. It pays to think carefully about alternatives to the mainstream choices and if you go for a more fuel-efficient car you can cut costs for years to come. Luxury cars and 4x4s could be in for a rough ride."