4x4

With an all-wheel drive you can not only drive across the terrain, but you can also have a lot of fun on gravel roads. The Subaru WRX STI shows how that works. Also on this episode of 4x4: The Ford Escort RS Cosworth. In the 90s, Ford wanted it to be a successful rally car, but today it is a coveted classic-to-be and a collectors' item with a high fun factor.

When winter is coming, you have a lot of advantages with an all-wheel vehicle. There is traction even when the road is slippery. For the driver this means not only more safety but also more fun behind the wheel. 4x4 spends a day with Rally pro Niki Schelle on the icy terrain of snowy Austria. Moreover: Why is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution so perfect for drifting? Find out on this episode of 4x4.

Things are getting serious on this episode! This time 4x4 shows you the real off-road lifestyle, when we check out the first Rallye Defender at Europe's biggest all wheel drive exhibition. In addition to that 4x4 finds out how a Jeep Wrangler can be turned into an offroad-monster that costs twice as much as the regular one. Also: A Fiat Panda fights its way through the Icelandic highlands.

Usually you wouldn't see small cars like the Audi A1, Volkswagen Golf and Mini on an all-wheel magazine. But when the "A" becomes an "S" and the Golf gets an "R", the small cars turn into strong all-wheel beasts. That's reason enough to test them! All-wheel drive not only brings traction in rough areas but also a lot of driving pleasure. Furthermore: the Mini Countryman gets refreshed.

Everything that has wheels can be tuned, SUVs are no exception either. The big vehicles are already impressive from the get go, but there is always more: powerful wheels, crazy colors and performance data similar to those of super sports cars. In this episode 4x4 presents impressive tuned SUVs like the Kelleners BMW X5, Mercedes Brabus B63 and the Porsche Cayenne tuned by Techart.

For Americans SUVs are not only pack animals. Instead, they are vehicles for everyday use. Americans don't want to miss their spacious conditions, comfort and a high displacement engines. The motto: the bigger, the better. 4x4 introduces you to the world of American off-roaders, including the Chevrolet Suburban, Jeep Cherokee and GMC Yukon.

The Nissan X-Trail and BMW X4 don't look like your typical off-roaders. But with all-wheel drive, strong diesel engines and different prices they adapt to the living conditions of many people. Nissan introduces the third generation of the X-Trail, while the BMW X4 celebrates its world premiere in Bilbao. Plus: the "Steinbeisser-Trophy", an exceptional rally event with crazy off-road vehicles.

For a very long time, Bentley and Jaguar have opted not to produce any SUVs. But after a change of mind, they developed concepts for luxurious SUVs. Are luxury SUVs really necessary or might they even be better than other luxury models? Seeing that SUVs are still hugely popular, it's a logical step for those luxery brands to introduce cars with a higher seating position.

There is a cliche about SUVs that they are only used by wealthy big-city mothers to bring the kids to school. But truth is: mountain and desert areas have the highest density of all-wheel drives. Follow two charming but tough ladies in a Hummer H3, when they conquer the Atlas Mountains at the Conti 4x4 trophy. Plus: Two female reporters test the SsangYong Rexton and Hyundai Grand Santa Fe.

This time 4x4 shows unusual SUVs like the Mitsubishi Outlander. However, we're not talking about the regular one, but the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV with two electric engines and a 2-liter gasoline engine. Does a hybrid SUV make sense on pathless terrain though? 4x4 tested it. Furthermore: the American full-sized pickup Chevrolet Silverado that can save you money - with natural gas!

70 years old and younger than ever before: The Land Rover Defender is one of the oldest off-road vehicles. It's loud and uncomfortable, but also absolutely authentic and simple. 4x4 reviews the Landy. Moreover on this special Land Rover episode of 4x4: the Range Rover Evoque, the latest model from the British car manufacturer, is on its way to the legendary Silkon Road.

City SUVs are the latest trend in the automobile industry. They are as short as a Golf, but they provide a better view due to a raised seat position. All-wheel drive is not necessary for those cuddly off-road vehicles, but a cool image and a urban design is. Also on this episode: an off-road review of the Subaru XV and an incredible comparison between Audi RS Q3 and Mercedes GLa AMg.

The Dakar is the hardest rallye of the world. In 2010 BMW and the German racing team X-Raid decide to turn the Mini, a first class fun car for the streets, into an off-road vehicle. Also on this episode: 4x4 checks out the Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 in his natural environment: the deserts around Dubai and drive the Kia Sportage in the Mediterranean area in Sicily.