The latest crossover 4x4, the ASX, comes from Mitsubishi and is based on the same platform as the Outlander, giving generous passenger space for a vehicle aimed at the family buyer.

It is offered with either petrol of diesel engines; the diesel 1.8-litre has been developed so that it fits in the Band F to E tax band, thus reducing the cost to £115 per annum. Mitsubishi claims that the diesel can now achieve 54.3mpg in the official combined cycle. The petrol version is Mitsubishi’s established 1.6-litre engine. Towing ability is increased for the petrol version, up from 1100kg to 1200kg.

The UK pick-up market is becoming even more interesting with news that from March, sales of the Chinese pick-up from Great Wall will begin in the UK.

Called the Wingle in China, the new model will – thankfully – be known as the Steed in the UK and as this was being written, vehicles were arriving at UK dealers for the March on sale date. The vehicle is being imported into the UK by the IM Group (Isuzu and Subaru) and at present there are around 32 Great Wall dealers, with the intention of this rising to about 40 this year.

The partnership with Fiat, and the new model range that we saw in 2011 has resulted in a staggering increase in Jeep sales across Europe. The company claims a 61.8 per cent increase over the same period of 2010. Of course, any increase measured as a percentage does depend on where you start, and Jeep sales in 2009/2010 were on the floor. However, when the overall sales trend for the industry is down, this has to be a reason to smile for the iconic 4x4 brand.

It’s no surprise that the biggest increase was actually recorded in Italy where sales were up 117.6 per cent. France was the next major gain with a 71.7 per cent increase. The USA saw an increase of 44 per cent. Here in the UK it is a little less dramatic with sales up only 18 per cent, which is perhaps something of a disappointment.

Toyota’s flagship 4x4, the mighty Land Cruiser V8, enters the 61st year of the model range with an even higher level of luxury and claimed improvements to its off-road performance. The most obvious changes will be seen in the new exterior design at the front of the vehicle, with its over-sized bumper and fog lights and new grille.

Toyota comment, however, that the lower section of the front bumper has been sharply trimmed to ensure that the front overhang does not compromise the approach angle when driving off-road. There are new headlamp units, which now include daytime LED running lights. At the rear, the light clusters have been changed to match the new look at the front and the turn indicators on the vehicle are said to be far more evident both front and rear.