July 6th, 2018 | Updated on August 8th, 2026
As you’re basking in the summer sun, the thoughts of winter must be miles away. However, as us Brits know all too well, the sun can never last and it won’t be too long until we fall back into the routine of wrapping layer over layer and scraping stubborn ice from our windscreens.
The Beast from the East caused chaos for millions of us across the country, sadly it took lives too. Therefore taking a few precautions for the cooler weather can be vital if the snow is to hit again.
Too many people were left stranded for want of winter tyres or a reliable four-wheel drive system; therefore, this list compiles some of the best cars you can drive when battling the winter elements!
1. Skoda Octavia Scout
If you’ve decided you need an SUV to cater to family life, I bet you’d actually be better off with an estate. Better fuel economy, often more luggage space and far better driving dynamics are all offered by the stretched car.
If you argue you need the extra ride, have you considered the off-road variants? Manufacturers already sell estate cars with a few extra centimetres of ground clearance and some helpful body cladding to save your paint from protruding rocks on your adventures. One of the best examples on the market currently is the Skoda Octavia Scout Estate.
It offers all of the practicality already present in the Octavia and then adds more space and a four-wheel drive system to make it the ultimate go anywhere car.
2. Land Rover Discovery Sport
If you’re certain that you need an SUV, make it one of best on the market. Like every car fitted with the Land Rover badge, this car is exceptional off road. It’s capable of things far beyond the worst you’ll ask of it.
However, the Disco isn’t a one trick pony, its small size makes it surprising agile on road and fuel efficient too. The Terrain Response system is the real winner here though, it enables the car to tackle roads rivals would find impassable and makes it one of the best cars to tackle the winter weather.
3. Audi TT
You may assume this car is more suited to the summer sun than winter grime, but when fitted with Audi’s four-wheel drive system ‘Quattro’, it’s as capable as anything else on the road when the going gets tough.
Although it may lack the ride height to tackle larger snow drifts and doesn’t have the practicality of our other cars, if you want a fun car that can isn’t going to leave you stranded at the first sight of snow, this is the car for you!
Conclusion
When winter arrives, having a car that can cope with snow, ice and difficult road conditions can make driving safer and less stressful. The Skoda Octavia Scout, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Audi TT with Quattro each offer different advantages for winter driving.
The Octavia Scout is a practical choice for families, while the Discovery Sport provides excellent capability when conditions become particularly challenging. If you want something sportier, the Audi TT with Quattro offers strong traction without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
Whichever car you choose, remember that good winter tyres, sensible driving and proper preparation are just as important as four-wheel drive when tackling winter roads in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cars for winter driving in the UK?
Some of the best cars for winter driving in the UK are models with four-wheel drive, good ground clearance and strong traction. The Skoda Octavia Scout, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Audi TT with Quattro are three examples featured in this guide.
Is four-wheel drive better for winter driving?
Four-wheel drive can provide better traction when accelerating on snow, ice and slippery roads. However, it does not automatically make a car safer in every winter condition. Good tyres and careful driving remain essential.
Are winter tyres worth it in the UK?
Winter tyres can improve grip and braking performance in cold, wet, icy and snowy conditions. They can be particularly useful if you regularly drive in areas where winter weather is severe.
Is the Skoda Octavia Scout good for winter driving?
Yes. The Skoda Octavia Scout combines the practicality of an estate car with increased ground clearance and four-wheel drive, making it a practical option for difficult winter conditions.
Is the Land Rover Discovery Sport good in snow?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is well suited to snowy and challenging conditions thanks to its four-wheel-drive system and Terrain Response technology. Its additional capability can be useful when roads become difficult to navigate.
Can a sports car be suitable for winter driving?
Yes, provided it has suitable tyres and a capable traction system. The Audi TT with Quattro, for example, can provide good traction in winter conditions while still offering the performance and handling expected from a sports car.
