Up to Speed: Off-roaders defy knockers

U.K. – Sales of 4×4s and luxury saloons have continued to rise despite high fuel prices, increased road tax and concerns about the environment.

Off-roaders made up 7.6% of new car sales in the first five months of the year, compared with 7.2% in the same period of 2005. The bestselling luxury petrol 4×4 was the Range Rover

Sport Supercharged, which is in the new top band for vehicle excise duty and has an urban fuel consumption figure of 12.6mpg.