Amersham 4x4, Bucks

Advantages: Grippy, spacious for small car, decent performance, looks good
Disadvantages: can't adjust steering wheel, tyres expensive, vehicle pricey-ish

...Most people are completely unaware that the new Panda 4x4 is not the first small car to receive the viscous-coupled 4x4 system. Before the much hyped Panda came the YRV 4trak, equipped with the same automatic system capable of distributing torque to the rear wheels as soon as slip is detected. The YRV is also a bit roomier inside, although admittedly not by much. It will suit a small family as long as you won't be giving lots of lifts to friends. Externally the vehicle looks great and has an interesting double-wedge design that bucks the conventional horizontal platform. The 4trak model has 10 spoke alloy wheels, air conn, electric pack, abs with ebd and side-impact protection though as you can well imagine the car will probably be written off protecting the occupants in a bad crash. This is not a landrover but seems solidly built... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good for off-road
Disadvantages: High cost to run, not efficient

...The amount of people using a 4x4 in the town just for driving about in is astonishing. Lots of middle aged women seem to buy 4x4's as some kind of a status symbol. I think that when they are high up in the driving seat of their 4x4 they feel important and above other road users. To be honest its pathetic. You see them drive somewhere, and they look like they're giving off the message 'I have arrived'. As far as fuel goes, a 4x4 is less economical than the standard saloon car or MPV. Why buy a 4x4? Tyres cost more, they are slower and less efficient, and take up lots of room. For a farmer, or someone living in the country, maybe a 4x4 is practical, but in the town, why bother?... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful

Advantages: Good car - built well
Disadvantages: Verry poor customer service

...I have been servicing my car with Audi dealers since it was purchased 7 yrs ago, last 4 of which have been at Amersham Audi. Belt slipped and caused serious damage. It emerges that despite the formal Audi guideline to change the belt after 5yrs or 80K, the dealer is not responsible for failing to provide this advice. Audi UK were also useless - they claim the responsibility for these srvicing guidelines is with the driver, their service level with the delars did not cover this and therefore they could not take any action. Finally they were trying to argue that this was similar to checking the tyre pressure of cars. How insulting! In short if you think you are getting safety for an authoorised dealer - beware! Amersham Audi are polite and on the surface a professional outfit. However they don't understand customer service and appear... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful