The dilemma

David is looking to replace his ageing Volkswagen Polo. Its replacement needs to be well suited to short-distance city commuting but he also intends to use it for the odd country trip. The latter will include bumpy, occasionally slippery dirt roads, so good ground clearance, all-wheel-drive and a proper spare tyre are desirable.

The budget

About $30,000

The shortlist

A light-sized SUV would seem to be exactly what David needs but just which one he should be chasing up isn't such an easy question to answer.

Mazda's CX-3, for example, is a great choice for tarmac-orientated buyers but in this context its mediocre ground clearance (155mm) and space-saver spare tyre are issues.

A host of other candidates, meanwhile, do without all-paw traction, from Honda's HR-V, Renault's Captur and Holden's Trax to Citroen's C4 Cactus, Ford's EcoSport and Nissan's Qashqai.
Fiat's 500X, too, falls short because AWD versions kick off closer to $40k than our desired $30k-odd.

That process of deduction leaves this neat trio below. None is the perfect package, but for buyers wanting an equitable mix of city and country appeal they can't be ignored.

Mitsubishi ASX 4WD, from $31,990

This Mitsubishi ticks the all-wheel-drive box and has 180mm of ground clearance – not a benchmark, and less than 2WD versions, but still a useful increase over your average road car.

Its compact size makes it easy to handle around town and the diesel engine that is mandatory for all-paw versions is strong and respectably thrifty (6.0L/100km).

It has this group's longest factory warranty (five years/100,000km) and longest service intervals (yearly/15,000km), and the cost of those services is capped for four years/60,000km.

It also has this group's biggest boot (393 litres) and, while a space-saver spare is standard, a full-sizer is available as an accessory.

But the ASX's belly rides closer to the ground than both of its rivals here and its diesel engine is somewhat grumbly. Its handling, cabin ambience and exterior are all hard to get excited about, even if there's little to be offended by.

Read Drive's Mitsubishi ASX reviews:

Road test: Mitsubishi ASX Aspire Diesel 4WD

She says, he says: Mitsubishi ASX

Subaru XV, from $26,490

This Subaru's all-wheel-drive chassis, 220mm ground clearance and full-sized spare make it a natural for off-tarmac work.

Its diminutive footprint and decent economy (7.0L-7.3L/100km) mean it works around town, too.

It has this group's lowest starting price and its funky styling and eye-searing colour palette give it more emotional appeal than the Mitsubishi.

But the XV's petrol engine needs to be worked for snappy response and CVT auto versions have something of a droning character when pedalled vigorously.

It has this group's smallest boot (310 litres) its handling – while eminently competent – lacks the poise and engagement of the best-driving light SUVs.

It has no answer for the ASX's benchmark ownership – its warranty runs out sooner (three years/unlimited km), costs aren't capped for as long (three years/75,000km) and it needs dealer attention more often (six-monthly/12,500km).

Read Drive's Subaru XV reviews:

Quick spin: Subaru XV

She says, he says: Subaru XV

Suzuki Vitara 4WD, from $32,990

This Suzuki's compact size, agile handing and punchy, thrifty (6.0L/100km) turbo-petrol drivetrain mean it's a natural for town duties.

It's this group's most contemporary design and offers the most potential for personalisation (two-tone paint, etc), so its emotional appeal extends beyond its well-sorted road manners.

It beats its rivals here for capped-price servicing coverage (five years/100,000km) and is solidly practical, with a roomy cabin and decent-sized boot (375 litres).

But all-paw Vitaras have this group's highest starting price and diesel models are costlier still, starting from $35,990.

Its unremarkable ground clearance (185mm) and mandatory space-saver spare are issues on the dirt, and it has this group's shortest service intervals (six-monthly/10,000km).

Read Drive's Suzuki Vitara reviews:

She says, he says: Suzuki Vitara RT-X diesel

Comparison review: Citroen C4 Cactus vs Fiat 500X vs Suzuki Vitara S Turbo

Drive recommends

The Suzuki is the most talented, likeable contender of this group and a great choice for a lot of light-SUV buyers. However, its high price and space-saver spare are crosses to bear here.

The Subaru has the most to offer of this group off the beaten track and the most attractive pricing but can't quite seal the deal in an overall sense due to its sub-optimum performance, servicing and practical prospects.

The Mitsubishi? It has something of a likeability deficit in this company but its size, solid off-tarmac credentials and strong ownership add up to this group's best compromise, even if it's not the easiest to love.