BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 27th Jun 2003
THE Alfa Permanent 4 looks smart and its full-time 4WD system gives it good roadholding and traction. The 1.7-litre, flat four engine has ample power (95kW) but lacks low speed torque. Some people will not like the unnatural driving position with offset pedals.
TOYOTA CELICA 2D LIFTBACK (1990-1992)
THE GT-4 certainly looks the sports coupe part from the outside. Under the skin it is remarkably similar to the Liberty with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged engine, five-speed manual transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. Performance and equipment are comparable to the Subaru.
SUZUKI VITARA 4D WAGON (1995-1999)
THE Suzuki can not match the performance of the Liberty. With a 2.0-litre, 100kW V6 it can comfortably and safely transport almost the same load of people and luggage on the highway and then keep going in off-road conditions that would stop the RS Turbo dead in its tracks.
TOYOTA RAV 4 5D WAGON (1995-2000)
TOYOTA's neat looking RAV4 is aimed at the lifestyle market and has similar people and luggage capacity to the Suzuki. The full- time 4WD system is designed for light duty off-road use so there is no low ratio range. The all-independent suspension and a strong 2.0-litre engine deliver hot-hatch performance.