Your correspondent EC, via email, appears to have identical needs to mine, except that our dog is a Springer Spaniel, not a Lab. I also drive 12,000 miles a year and make frequent trips to the Scottish Highlands. Living in Cumbria with frequently icy and snowy roads, I convinced myself several years ago that I needed a 4WD SUV and ran a Land Rover Freelander followed by a Volkswagen Tiguan. The latter was certainly the better all-round vehicle, however I found both vehicles unexciting and underpowered for long journeys and even with a “soft-roader”, I felt environmentally “non-PC” albeit getting 38/40 mpg, as both were diesels.

This summer, following a winter when many of our 2WD neighbours were unable to even get out of our village, I changed to a different style 4WD and bought an Audi A3 Sportback TDI 170 Quattro - undoubtedly the best all round package I have ever owned; great performance, 50+mpg economy, permanent 4WD, premium build quality and finish. Also, £1,000 cheaper to buy than the equivalent 2WD Volkswagen Golf and with the same running costs. More compact inside than an SUV but a more practical shaped boot for a dog. I thoroughly recommend it. If more space is required go for the equivalent A4 Quattro Avant, but be prepared for a disproportionate increase in purchase price.