Motorists snub small cars in favour of 4x4s

Recent figures indicate that the modern motorist's love affair with small vehicles could be at an end, with demand for 4x4s soaring to its highest ever level.

Statistics from motoring.co.uk reveal that while new searches for superminis and hatchbacks have fallen by 30% and 12% respectively, the number of drivers searching for 4x4-style vehicles has soared by 35% in the last 12 months.

The figures have come as a shock to industry experts who expected motorists to stick with small, family-friendly hatchbacks in the wake of soaring fuel prices and inflated insurance premiums. However, the economical designs of the new 4x4 lines are obviously proving to be a big hit - 20,000 Range Rover Evoques have already been pre-ordered despite the vehicle not going on sale officially in the UK until next month.

Improved road handling, safety and size have been named as the biggest draws to new 4x4s for modern motorists by motoring.co.uk co-founder Chris Green.

'In the past, opponents of 4x4s have dislike the vehicles' fuel consumption and some people have believed they make congestion worse. Over the last couple of years, more fuel-efficient, smaller engine 4x4 vehicles have been launched, allaying motorists' concerns,' commented Mr Green.

'As major manufacturers continue to invest in more fuel efficient, smaller engine 4x4s, we will we continue to see demand continue to grow as motorists favour their size, safety and road handling in bad weather conditions.'

While newer 4x4s which boast small, efficient engines have seen a rise in demand, it's worth noting that the larger, less-efficient 4x4 models have experienced a large dip in demand - this seems to back up evidence that suggests motorists are more concerned about the effects their vehicles have on the environment than ever before.