4 x 4 Magazine 201408

OPENING TRACK 

Timeless Classics It simply wasn’t better ‘back then’,  but it’ it’ss stil stilll gre great at fun tod today  ay 

D  You smi  Yo mille whe hen n the ignition ignition is switched switche d on.  As  A s the engi gine ne catches, catche s, the steering steeri ng wheel vibrates vibrat es and the vehicle has a throb and a wobble that makes you feel it is alive!

o you have a problem when people start moaning that ‘things were better back in the day’? It always seems an odd comment to me, and not something I ever want to get drawn into discussing. You just know that it will get a bit heated. There are, however, however, lots of examples today where we seem to be ‘looking back’ and reviving things that many had thought had long been discarded. I am a keen vinyl record collector as it happens, but you won’t get me declaring it’s ‘better’ than modern digitised sound. In my view, it’s it’s certainly different, and I enjoy it, but if you want to listen to downloaded music on an MP3 player that’s your call. Personally, Personally, I think you are missing out, but i t doesn’t bother me that much.  You  Yo u hear similar when mixing with classic car car enthusiasts. Discuss the merits, indeed the incredible technological benefits, of a ‘modern’ vehicle and you are likely to get the cross-fingered, sign of the devil, salute. Get behind me Satan, and leave me mopping up the oil on my driveway from my classic’s leaking sump. It’s similar with 4x4s, of course, and that is never more obvious than when something like the Discovery Concept is announced. It’s It’s a display of technological wizardry that is mind-blowing, and surely for anyone interested in this market, a fascinating subject to learn more about. (Hopefully, we have helped here with our insight piece in this issue). Of course, trouble comes when you hear one of Land Rover’s Rover’s engineers, or researchers, as they s eem to be called t oday oday,, saying that they are “lowering the need for the driver to do anything.” You can hear the hackles rising, the pints of real ale being spluttered into untrimmed moustaches and Imperial gauge torque wrenches being waved in frustration.  The issue crossed my mind mind this month when experiencing experiencing a day that makes me me realise just how lucky I am to be a motoring Editor. In the day when I saw the new Discovery Concept, and lis tened first hand to its fascinating specification, I also got behind the wheel of F981 ENV, the first Discovery to roll off the production line back in 1989. It’ It’s s a vehicle that has been so well looked after by the guys at Land Rover’ Rover’s s Heritage Collection that it is hard to appreciate it’s actually 25-years old. It has done less than 1400 miles, and now I have done a couple of those myself; something that felt like an honour. honour. Now, I say it was hard to think of it as 25-years old, so pristine was the bodywork and the interior (which has to be a masterpiece of interior design, it remains so light and fresh), but you do smile when the ignition is switched on. As the engine catches, the steering wheel begins to vibrate and the whole vehicle has a throb and a wobble that makes you feel it is alive! I had jumped straight from the very latest - super smooth - Discovery 4 into this magnificent old beast and the difference was initially somewhat unnerving… Then you just smiled. Even at low speeds, on (the Queen’s Queen’ s no less) tarmac roads at W indsor indsor,, you have to ‘drive’ this Discovery Discovery.. Steering, gear selection and braking had to be done. I was fully involved in driving, and grinning at the same time. Was that ‘better’ than what’s what’s on offer today? Just as I am presently enjoying the re-issued vinyl version of Led Zeppelin’s Zeppelin’s first album, I loved my Discovery 1 drive, j ust as much as I did learning about what the very near future holds for Land Rover 4x4s. Isn’t that what makes this particular motoring subject so enjoyable?  Talking  T alking of which, here’s hoping you enjoy the issue. issue. Full of old and new stuff, stuff, as ever. ever.

Nigel Fryatt, Editor

OFF-ROADING WITH US THIS MONTH

Rene Bauer has crossed Africa in his very trusty Nissan Patrol and also provided us with a great story and some really excellent photographs, start the trip on page 44

It’s 20 years since Toyota introduced us to the fun SUV. To celebrate we took the latest RAV4 off-road in the mountains. Hils Everitt’s Greek Odyssey starts on page 52

Off Road Armoury’s Rob Butler gets stuck in the Ultra4 King of the Glens event. We sent  Alan Coutt Coutts s to follo follow w this this latest latest Chal Challeng lenge e event. The Scottish mud flies from page 80 www.4x4i.com  • August 2014

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CONTENTS

 AUGUST 2014

30

 YOUR  Y OUR 4X4 LIFE LI FE  Aucti  Au tio on action 6  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

90 Outlandish bargains

SUBSCRIPTION OFFER CHECK OUT THE SPECIAL OFFERS IF YOU SUBSCRIBE BY DIRECT DEBIT GO TO PAGE 92 FOR MORE DETAILS

COVER STORY SPECIAL FORCES

30

44

Review of some of the most outrageous 4x4s available in the UK market. Catering for all tastes, if you have the money, they will build them. Time to check those lottery numbers again... just in case you can be a customer

22 DISCOVERY CONCEPT We have had access to the fascinating technology that is being developed by Land Rover, aimed at the new Discovery 44  ADVENTURE: AFRICA BY NISSAN Crossing the Dark Continent by Nissan Patrol – an unusual vehicle to take on such a trip, but it proves its worth 52 TWENTY YEARS OF RAV4-ING Toyota’s To yota’s Recreational Activity Vehicle has been in continuous production for 20 years. To celebrate, we went to Greece

60

60 STAR TEST: MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS Little has changed since its 1974 launch; the monster Mercedes remains a true off-roading icon. We test the G350 70 THE VISIT: ALDERS TRANSMISSIONS Better known perhaps for their Yank tanks, these guys certainly know how to rebuild 4x4 gearboxes, and love Jeeps 74 WORKSHOP: FOURTRAK FIXES The Daihatsu Fourtrak remains a tough off-roader. We check out Blood Red to catch the latest tweaks and mods 80 SPORT: KING OF THE GLENS The Ultra4 rock-crawling racers go to Scotland for the latest in this exciting off-road competition series. Awesome action 98 BUYING GUIDE: TOYOTA RAV4  After 20 years, much mu ch has changed with Toyota’s Toyota’s RAV4. What that means is there’s probably a model there to suit all budgets

REGULARS OPENING TRACK  Getting old and staying young

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NEWS AND VIEWS Discovery drive in the Queen’s back garden

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PRODUCTS The latest 4x4 accessories

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LITTLE AT LARGE Will there ever b e another original RAV4 RAV4? ?

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OUR 4x4S Latest news from our fleet

86

COOKE’S COLUMN Is the Jeep better value than the Merc?

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114

● Marketwatch ● Focus on: Mitsubishi Outlander ● 4x4 Calendar ● Let’s go off-road

80 www.4x4i.com  • August 2014 7

News & Views INSIDE THE WORLD OF 4X4

OFF-ROAD AT THE HOUSE OF WINDSOR Enjoying a great, if unusual, celebratory drive for 25 years of Discovery

Top: Princess Anne looks down on the very first Discovery to roll off the production line. We were able to drive this famous 4x4 around the Windsor Park lanes

10 August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

TO CELEBRATE THE UK debut of the Discovery Concept and the 25 years of Discovery,, we were permitted to drive along Discovery her Majesty’s Majesty’s front drive at Wi ndsor Park.  The three mile long long drive is arrow straight. Standing at the start, the grandeur of W indsor Castle is obvious, but it does seem a long way away. away. OK, so we trundled along at a very slow speed, avoiding the many pedestrians enjoying the spring sunshine but it was something of an honour. While my drive around the park was indeed special, it was increased by the enjoyment of getting behind the wheel of Land Rover Discovery F981 ENV.  This is the first production model model of what later became known as Series 1 (it’s doubtful at the time that confidence was high enough to consider if there would ever be a S eries II, let alone III, IV and now the Concept). This actual

vehicle was handed over to the Heritage Collection directly from the production line and it probably looks even better today than it did back in ’89! Climb aboard and it feels like yesterday. The Terrance Conran-inspired interior still looks stylish and modern, the ultimate compliment for any design. Thinner  A-pillars help as well, but it is still a great great place to sit; the high roof helping, big hats are no problem in a Series 1. Turn on the ignition and the 2.5-litre 200TDi four-c four-cylinder ylinder turbocharged diesel rattles to life, the steering wheel vibrates and there’s a hum through the whole body. Having previously been driving the very latest super-smooth Discovery, this comes as something of a shock. It’s not a criticism, however,, just a comment that today we however forget just how damped and noise-supressed modern new 4x4s are.

RHINO

FORD

CHARGE

BRONCO

SPECIAL

RESULTS

WINNER

 VEHICLES  VEHI CLES

PAGE 12

PAGE 14

F981 ENV is treated like a hot-house flower and given no-expense-spared attention, but that aside it drives smoothly smoothly,, lacks jumps and judders, and has a slick gearbox where you know by feel that you are selecting a mechanical gear; none of this multi-gear automatics. Oh joy of joys, you are driving a vehicle that is not submerged in s ensors and computerised control. If this thing stalls, it’s the fault of the nut behind the wheel, not the ECU. Somehow stalling this Discovery at Windsor would be the equivalent of motorised treason. On the same day, I also drove a Series II, III and IV and had the option to try the Millionth Discovery,, but this spring, on a sunny morning Discovery at the Royal House of W indsor indsor,, this was the only one for me. When I got behind the wheel the odometer read 1367 miles. When I finished, it probably only read 1368, or maybe 1369. What the heck, it’s one of the most enjoyable miles I’ve had behind the wheel of a Land Rover.  NF 

around the Discovery’s 25 years, plus the news of the Discovery’s new Concept vehicle (see page 22) pointing the way to the new Discovery ‘range’ in the future, it would be easy to forget the trusty Freelander. Not so it seems, as Jaguar Land Rover has just announced the new Metropolis model, introduced as ‘the most luxurious Freelander yet’. It is based on the HSE LUX model but has (appropriately enough!) Windsor lea ther, electronically adjustable seats, panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights, reversing camera and 19inch alloy wheels. The Metropolis is top of the Freelander range, but there are also new SE and SE Tech models for the 2015 model range; the SE being the entry level model. The SE Tech has the excellent 380W Meridian audio

PAGE 30

The full Discovery range was on display at Windsor, Windsor, from Series I right through to the latest version - in this case the millionth model to roll off the l ine. Camel Trophy Trophy and G4 Challenge models made this an impressive convoy

FREELANDER UPGRADE WITH ALL THE excitement

 VERY  VER Y

system, touchscreen-controlled navigation, automatic headlights and 19inch alloys.  The new 2015 Freelander model range is available from dealers now, with a starting price of £27,765 for the SE manual, up to £35,995 for the Metropolis SD4 automatic.  This magazine will be running a Metropolis in our Long Term fleet, starting next month. This is actually the first time that the magazine has had a present day Land Rover in its fleet, so we are looking forward to reporting just how we get on with it. Of course, if we need to get an understanding as to what it’s like to live with a latest Freelander, we could ask Princess Anne, since we spotted her very smart black version at W indsor. If it’s it’s good enough for her, it should be OK for this magazine, don’t you think!

JLR SAVES TATA’S FINANCES THE STRONG PERFORMANCE from PERFORMANCE  from Jaguar Land Rover for the last financial year (up to 31st March 2014) was the prime reason for owners Tata Motors Limited being able to report revenues up over 2013, according to financial analyst, Moody’s. Moody’ s. Without JLR, the Indian business had what was described as ‘a very weak year with revenues falling 23 per cent.’  The parent company company is hoping that there there will be a recovery in sales after the recent Indian elections and that enthusiasm in the home market for new models (the Zest and Bolt) will i mprove the situation. Moody’s comment that until benefits from these new models kick in, ‘woes in India are likely to worsen’. Interestingly Interestingly,, even the success of JLR is reported with a significant caveat. JLR sales are strong, but potential capacity is presently restrained – the company simply cannot build enough models quick enough it seems. The first vehicles from the joint venture with Chery  Automotive in China have just just started to roll off the production line. This operation has a reported annual capacity of 130,000 vehicles, so plenty of opportunity here. However, it must be remembered that Tata Motors has invested a great deal in JLR, but will also need sales in its core business in India to improve in the coming years. www.4x4i.com • Augu August st 2014

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News & Views

RHINO CHARGE ROCKS! IT’S NOT PART of any recognised international Challenge

Championship, there are limited technical regulations or rules, and team members come from all walks of life, not necessarily dedicated off-roaders. It is also one of the toughest off-road driving events you could imagine, yet it is perhaps less well known than it ought to be. Oh yes, and it also raises significant revenues for African wildlife! We have always been great fans of the Rhino Charge and so were pleased to hear from stalwart supporter and competitor John Bowden of Gumtree4x4 about this year’s event; and this despite John’s Land Rover coming to an ignominious end on its side this year (see picture above)!

Starting back in 1989, the rules of the Kenyan Rhino Challenge have remained remarkably simple. You You have to get from A to B by travelling the shortest distance within 10 hours and in doing so visit 13 ‘Guard Posts’ or checkpoints. How you do it, and the route you take is completely up to you, but the ‘course’ such as it is, provides the challenge since it is virgin African bush and involves significant hills, drops and gullies over some monstrous rocks. To compete, besides needing a decent, tough off-roader, off-roader, you have to organise sponsorship to be committed to the Rhino Ark wildlife charity charity.. This year’s event raised a fantastic 102,919,334 Kenyan shillings, which is over a million US$, and actually £700,777! When it started, the money was raised for the construction of Aberdare electric fences to keep the wildlife, in particularly the somewhat destructive Rhinos, away from villages and farmland. The success of the venture means the charity has expanded its work considerably considerably.. It’s It’ s great to see that UK off-roaders are getting into the act as well. Indeed, John Bowden has been competing since 2000 when he shipped his Land Rover over to Kenya. John had won the 1998 UK Rhino Charge, and since then has missed only a couple of the Kenyan events. It was tough thi s year, however, however, as John explained: “Despite doing two competitive sections to start with, the Land Rover was showing signs of fatigue and crawled in the team’ team’s s worst position ever, 58th overall, after breaking a rear half shaft and the front diff as

12 August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

well as rolling on their third section.”  Another previous UK Rhino Charge winner, winner, Team Team Dirty Berty, Berty, lead by James Dodson, from Rutland, did really well and roared round to secure 10th place in only their second attempt at the Kenyan event in a Range Rover buggy (pictured below), which they shipped out three years ago. This year, they also sacrificed time and a few metres distance travelled by towing John Bowden’s Bowden’s stricken and by then onewheel drive Land Rover hybrid out of a gulley!  The overall winner was Alan McKittrick, driving his bespoke Rhino Charge special. His team covered only 31.34km, which compares with a theoretical straight-line distance of 24.6km. Impressive, eh! If you fancy getting involved, you can without immediately having to go to all the expensive of shipping a 4x4 to Kenya. Why not join in with this year’s UK Rhino Charge, at the excellent Slindon off-road site near Arundel on 21st September? Anyone interested in this fun event can contact organiser John Bowden via [email protected]. Fewer Rhinos in Sussex, but it’ll be a great event!

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News & Views

 And finally... China’s China’ s petrol thirst. The massive country is now importing more than half its total petrol needs. Average passenger fuel consumption is targeted to reach 34mpg by 2015, and 47mpg by 2020.  That’s  That’ s still an awful lot of unleaded. unleaded.  The Range Rover Evoque Women In Science and Scholarship has opened for 2014 applicants. Two female students will receive £1000 a year towards their studies for three years, plus practical support, mentoring and a summer placement at JLR. At present, only four per cent of engineers at JLR are female. The company intends increasing that figure.

BRAVO BRONCO IN OUR JUNE issue JUNE issue we had a feature on the history of the Ford Bronco. It caused quite a stir with even one Land Rover enthusiast telling us that if he didn’t have a Defender, Defender, he’d happily have a Bronco! We didn’t need much excuse to use another picture sent in by our American correspondent Jim Maxwell of this superb restored Roadster version that

won ‘Best of Show’ in an event in California recently.. The model looks as though it has recently come straight off the production line back in 1966. Must admit that we think it’s a great looking 4x4, although admit that it helps that it is photographed on the west coast of America and that it might look a little less sensible on a dull day in Solihull. W ood al l  l’  ’   G u   s G   s  u i  id    e d  

LET’S READ…

U   s ef u  ul C  l   C l  la    s   s i  ic     c V ehi c  cl  l e    s 

Woodall’s Guide  Useful Classic Vehicles  Dan Woodall

Dan W oodall

THE TITLE OF this book intrigued us somewhat, but it does seem that most of the ‘useful’ vehicles included are indeed, 4x4! There are sections on driving off-road, winching, modifying, plus a great many jeeps and trucks. Besides the more obvious Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover models there are also things that perhaps you might not know about, including the Acmat VLRA and the wonderfully named M561 Gamma Goat! One review of the book says that it’ it’s s worth sitting down wi th a cup of tea and thumbing through the pages to marvel at author Dan Woodall’s collective knowledge of all these models. The pictures are in black and white, but if obscure, oddball, 4x4s interest you - and l et’ et’s s face it, that has to include most off-roaders - then this sounds like a pretty good present, or just treat yourself!

“

4X4 OFF-ROAD QUOTE OF THE MONTH We have to take enthusiasts with us in the design of the new Defender

”

SOURCE: Senior Research Leader, Dai Jones, while discussing the technological delights of the latest Discovery Concept. Find out more starting on page 22

14 August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

 Your 4x4 Life – this magazine needs you! We are looking for reader’s reader’s 4x4s for our regular feature. It can be a standard 4x4, or modified, just send us a few high res pictures and some details and we will make you and your 4x4 famous.  You’ll  Yo u’ll also receive a FREE FREE 4x4 Magazine polo shirt. Let’s hear from you. Email: [email protected] 

 ATV specialist Polaris has just celebrated its 60th Anniversary, with the launch of the Ranger 400 Limited Edition and Ranger Diesel Limited Edition. These models are also fitted with gun scabbard mounts for shooting. Fittingly,, the models were launched at Fittingly the Clay Pigeon Shooting World English Sport Championships at West Wycombe, in Buckinghamshire. We take a good look at 4x4 tyres in next month’s issue. We have experienced some serious Brazilian offroad rubber from Genius. Top that off with a wheel and tyre guide for pick-up owners and it’s an issue not to miss! Subscribe and never miss an issue. Check out page 92 for all offer details.

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Products WHAT’S NEW FOR YOUR 4X4? Cover up, stay safe

Land Rover bush changes

It amazes us sometimes when you see a highly modded off-roader with an expensive winch fitted to the front, exposed to the elements. Winches are expensive bits of kit and although they might not be used that often, when you need them, they have to work. It would seem highly logical to us to have a serious cover to protect it, not just when off-roading but when enjoying the vagueries of the British weather! WARN has a great new range of neoprene covers for its range of winches including ZEON, Tabor Tabor,, M8, 9.5XP, 9.5XP, VR, Series and Utility models. The elastic covers stretch over the winch and provide a snug fit to prevent flapping, eliminating the need for cords and straps. You also get a bottle of UV Protective Spray that ensures your cover retains maximum UV protection. The prices of these covers start at £31.  And while we are protecting protecting covers, how about fingers? It makes you wince when you see anyone using a winch without protective gloves. Madness. As you would expect WARN have a great range of gloves, that look the business and are made of synthetic leather with Kevlar reinforced material, yet remain breathable. The gloves are available in both large and XXL sizes, and have an added ID tag, which means no one else can claim your gloves! The RRP for these gloves starts at £20, which seems very little to keep all your fingers. Both these items are available at WARN stockists or can be purchased direct from the team at Arbil 4x4 .  Website:  W ebsite: www.arbil.co.uk/4x4/

If you have a Land Rover Discovery 3 or 4, or the Range Rover Sport (2005 – 2013) and are experiencing vague steering and uneven tyre wear wear,, it could be a problem with the oil filled front lower arm bushes. Powerflex now has a new front arm rear bush, which offers a solution to this. The polyurethane bush can actually be chosen to suit the driver’s requirements; whether you use the vehicle specifically for on-road, off-road or just want it to be as comfortable as possible. Certainly worth talking to the Powerflex guys to get exactly the driving feel you want. The bushes retail at £119.88 (inc VAT) VAT) per set. Check out more on the website.  Website:  W ebsite: www.powerflex.co.uk  www.powerflex.co.uk

Expanded Ranger truck top choice  The supply issues on the new new Ford Ranger pick-up pick-up seem to be easing and you certainly see more of them on the roads these days, This means the demands for truck tops will increase. Auto Styling  Truckman  T ruckman has recently recently expanded its range of British-built hardtops to include an Aerotop RS for the Ford Ranger Mk5 Super Cab. Super Cab versions of the Aerotop RS, Classic and Utility  Top  T op are now all available available for this vehicle. Auto Styling Truckman also manufactures Double Cab and Single Cab hardtops for the Ford Ranger.  All Aerotop Truckman Truckman units have solid sides, gel gel white interior, chrome push button lock, tinted and toughened rear glass and have an integral spoiler with a high level brake light. To To find out more, check out the advertisement in this very magazine, call 01384 485405 or go direct to the website.  Website:  W ebsite:   www.autostylinguk.com 

16  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

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Products WHAT’S NEW FOR YOUR 4X4? Bilstein Ride Control suspension We reported in detail about the new Defender Challenge motorsport competition in the last issue, mentioning the race machines modified suspension. Now, thanks to Bilstein, it is possible to have a new ‘switchable’ suspension system for your 90 or 110 Defender. Defender. The Bilstein B16 Ride Control system offers two switchable modes, which are controlled from a push button fitted to the car’s interior. interior. The Sport mode offers tauter driving dynamics and what is claimed to be optimum handling for all situations, whereas Comfort gives a ‘plush, cossetting ride, akin to softer softer,, Original Equipment dampers’. Switching between either mode can be done ‘on the fly’ i n an instant, allowing you to tailor the Defender to the prevailing conditions, or indeed, your own mood. Everything included in the kit has been designed and produced entirely inhouse in Bilstein’s German production facilities and these kits carry full TÜV approval and have i mpressive anticorrosion treatment on the damper bodies, which leads to a 24 months warranty. The complete Bilstein B16 Ride Control is priced at £1210 (plus VAT). To find out more, call the UK office on 0116 289 8345.  Website:  W ebsite: www.bilstein.de  www.bilstein.de

Boom, boom  Jeep  Je ep Jeep Wranglers are best when open to the elements, that’s that’s when you really enjoy yourself. Of course, there are times when the roof needs to be fitted and that’s when you realise that things can get a little l oud, especially on a long motorway drive. The answer to this could well be a Sound Deadening Headliner kit from the experts at Boom Mat. Made from high quality marine grade acoustical foam that resists mould and mildew while insulating outside heat or cold. It’s actually the same heavy-duty material that is used in off-road and military vehicles. The interior face is finished in cloth and is available for both two and four door Wranglers and comes in black, white or grey. All panels are ready cut to shape and self-adhesive.  Website:  W ebsite: ww  ww w.boommat.com 

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Left Hand Drive 2.4 TDi Hilux, A/C, Exceptionally Clean, 79,000KM, Worldwide Shipping & Full Equipment-Outfitting Service To Suit Clients Requirements, New Left-Right Hand  Available, £12,495+VAT £12,495+VAT

New/Used 110-130 Single & Double Cab Chassis With Bespoke Tipper, Dropside, Workshop Bodies Build And Outfitted To Client Spec, Councils, Authorities, Private Individuals & Companies We Deal With Them All, Please Email Requirements To , Check www.neneoverland.co.uk  [email protected] 

Check out   www.defendericon.com For The Most Comprehensive Defender Editions With Depth Of Engineering, Style And Function 5.0 V8 3.2 TDci Auto & Manual Conversions New Or Used, Left-Right Hand Export

New from MUD Exhausting business  The Isuzu D-Max is making making quite an impression in the British Cross Country Championship, as well as on many building sites around the UK. As they say, motorsport improves the bread, and it is now possible to buy a rally proven road-legal exhaust system from Milltek. Based around 70mm non-magnetic stainless steel tube, and designed, developed and fabricated in Milltek’s Derbyshire factory,, the D-Max s ystem can either be ordered as factory a half system for those looking to get the style and sound, but who wish to leave their DPF and catalyst in place. Or, for those seeking outright performance, a full catalyst and DPF delete option is also available, which is claimed to offer considerably more power and torque in the process. This latter option will need new ECU software or a full engine remap. If you are considering this, the best idea is to check things out directly with the guys at Milltek.  Website:  W ebsite:   www.millteksport.com 

 Always good to hear from MUD UK, and this month we’ve heard that they have increased the range of Land Rover sun visors – these are going to be in demand as the weather improves and summer arrives. Well, at least we hope so. Plus there’s now an increased variety of cargo nets; all shapes and sizes to suit all needs. MUD UK is now a distributor for the RAM Mounting systems; ideal to hold iPhones, tablets etc. Give them a call to find out more on 01422 881951 or go direct to the website. Tell them we sent you!  Website:  W ebsite: www.mudstuff.co.uk  www.mudstuff.co.uk

Toyota • Jeep • Land Rover • Ford • Mitsubishi • Isuzu • Mercedes • Mazda • VW

New Ne w RO ROW W 70T 70Toy oyota ota 70 Se Serrie ies s Sa Sale les s Sp Spec ecial ialist ists s TOM OMS S Wor orld ld La Land nd Cr Cruis uiser er UK ag agen ents. ts.

Tel: +44 (0) 1733 380687 sales@neneover sales@neneo verland.co land.co.uk .uk www www.neneov .neneoverla erland.co.uk nd.co.uk Est.. 1988 Est

Mitsubishi L200 Warrior 2.5 TDi Double Cab Pick Up, A/C, Black, Black Leather, 18” Alloys, VGC, £5,995, No VAT, Check  www.neneoverland.co.uk 

We Are Continually Creating The Coolest Defender 110 & 90 Soft Tops For Clients At Home & Afar, Please Lyase With Our Dedicated Team For Sensible Advice For New, Used, Left Or Right Hand Auto, Manual Tuned 2.2/2.4/3.2 Diesel Or 5.0 V8, POA, Check www.defendericon.com

We Continue To Hold A Large Inventory Of Toyota Land Cruisers, New-Used In Stock, All Prepared & Equipped For Overland Travel To Suit Clients Budgets, Check www.neneoverland.co.uk 

Beautiful Cairnes Blue Metallic, XS Half Leather, Heated Seats-Screen, ABS-TC, Electric Windows, Remote Lock, 16” Boost Alloy Wheels, 45,000RM, £19,995*, Check www.neneoverland.co.uk 

We Currently Have Four TD5 Commercial Discovery’s In Stock,  All In Excellent Condition, Air Conditioned, Some With Tacho Graph, Hi Spec Etc, Please Check Discovery Commercial Page On  www.neneoverland.co.uk , £4,495-£7,995+VA £4,495-£7,995+VAT T

1 Owner From New, Red Wine Over Silver, Full Grey Leather Interior, Central Locking, A/C, Central Arm Rest, Alloys, BFG AT Tyres, LPG Conversion, Armadillo Rollatop, Speedliner Truckbed Liner, Very Tidy, 12 Months Mot, £5,995+VAT, Check www.neneoverland.co.uk 

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 XS TDci-TD5 7-10 Seater County, Largest Choice Of Quality 110s In UK From £11,995 To New, All Excellent Throughout, Check www.neneoverland.co.uk  Used  Used 110 Pages, Call 01733 380687

Stunning Complete With All G4 Equipment/Decals & More, Warn Winch, Spot Lights, Underbody Protection, Soft A Bar, Snorkle, Expedition Roof Ra ck, Full HSE Spec, Climate A/C, Electric Seats, Hi Spec Music, Heated Seats-Screen, 37,400RM, Being Sold On Behalf Of Customer, Very Well Cared For

Performance Springs The right choice when replacing the old sagging original springs! Britpart Performance - Lifted Springs Defender 90 Lift Load DA4201 Front 25mm 25kg Front 40mm 50kg DA4202 DA4203 Rear 40mm Light DA4204   Re R ear 50mm 100kg DA4205 Rear 50mm 200kg Defender 110 DA4201 Front 25mm 25kg DA4202 Front 40mm 50kg DA4206   Re R ear 40mm 100kg DA4208 Rear 50mm 500kg Defender 130 DA4202 Front 40mm 50kg DA4208 Rear 50mm 500kg Discovery 1 DA4201 Front 25mm 25kg DA4202 Front 40mm 50kg DA4203 Rear 40mm Light DA4204   Re R ear 50mm 100kg DA4205 Rear 50mm 200kg Discovery 2 DA4199   Fr F ront 40mm 20 - 50kg DA4198   Fr F ront 40mm 50 - 100kg DA4203 Rear 40mm Light DA4197 Rear 40mm Medium DA4205 Rear 50mm 200kg Range Rover Classic DA4201 Front 25mm 25kg DA4202 Front 40mm 50kg DA4203 Rear 40mm Light DA4204   Re R ear 50mm 100kg DA4205 Rear 50mm 200kg Note  - Spring quantity 1 = 1 pair

Bar Diameter 16mm 16mm 17mm 18mm 19mm

Rate llb bs/in 200 230 220 300 - 340 360

Free Height 420mm 390mm 435mm 425mm 430mm

16mm 16mm 17mm 21mm

200 230 270 - 295 420

420mm 390mm 445mm 445mm

16mm 21mm

230 420

390mm 445mm

16mm 16mm 17mm 18mm 19mm

200 230 220 300 - 340 360

420mm 390mm 435mm 425mm 430mm

15mm 15 16mm 17mm 18mm 19mm

180 220 220 290 360

390mm 390mm 435mm 430mm 430mm

16mm 16mm 17mm 18mm 19mm

200 230 220 300 - 340 360

420mm 390mm 435mm 425mm 430mm

Britpart performance springs are high quality,, versatile and competitively quality priced - the right choice when replacing the old sagging original springs. Developed by one of the world’s top spring manufacturers these high quality, powder coated yellow springs have been designed with the needs of today's Land Rover owners in mind. Britpart performance lifted springs have the added benefit of improving your vehicles approach and departure angles which in turn allows you to overcome more obstacles when off-roading.

 .     e     e      t     n     a     r     a     u     g       h      t     n     o     m      4      2     e       h      t     r     o       f     y       l     p     p     a     s     n     o      i      t      i       d     n     o     c      &     s     m     r     e      T  .      t     s      i       k     c     o      t     s      t     r     a     p      t      i     r      B       l     a     c     o       l     r     u     o     y     m     o     r       f     e       l       b     a       l      i     a     v     a     s      t     c     u       d     o     r      P  .      E      O      &      E  .     r     e     r     u      t     c     a       f     u     n     a     m     e       h      t       f     o     y      t      i      t     n     e       d      i     e       h      t     e      t     a     c      i       d     n      i     r     o     y       l     p     m      i      t     o     n     o       d       d     n     a

As Land Rovers are often working vehicles as well as the family car, uprated springs must offer the ability to carry loads, handle off-road terrain and provide a good ride on road. The progressive springs offer a compliant ride when lightly loaded, but firm up as the load increases.

“Britpart performance springs are high quality, versatile and  competitively priced...”  Britpart Performance - Standard Height Springs Defender 90 DA4277   Front Fr DA4278 Rear Defender 110 DA4277   Front Fr DA4279 Rear Discovery 1 DA4277   Front Fr DA4278 Rear Range Rover Classic DA4277   Front Fr DA4278 Rear Note  - Spring quantity 1 = 1 pair

Bar Diameter 16mm 18mm

Rate lbs/in 225 285

Free Height 390mm 385mm

16mm 19mm

225 330

390mm 415mm

16mm 18mm

225 285

390mm 385mm

16mm 18mm

225 285

390mm 385mm

Britpart yellow springs are designed for the enthusiast who wants a performance spring without having to raise the vehicle. They offer a firmer ride with less body roll, ideal for a vehicle with uprated performance or one used for carrying heavy loads. The springs are designed to offer full articulation off-road with a compliant ride. Developed by one of the world’s top spring manufacturers these high quality, powder coated yellow springs have been designed with the needs of today's Land Rover owners in mind.

After lowering

NEW  Britpart  Britpart Performance 1” Lower Springs Reduce the ride height of your Land Rover by 1” (25mm) by fitting these lowered springs. By lowering your vehicle it will help reduce body roll as well as giving your vehicle a more sporty squat stance. The springs are designed in line with the standard spring rate specification. Finished in powered coated orange paint. DA4563   Defen Defende derr 90 / Di Disc scov over eryy 1 / Ra Rang nge e Ro Rove verr Cl Clas assi sicc DA4564   Def Defen ende derr 90 / Disc Discov over eryy 1 / Rang Range e Ro Rove verr Cl Clas assi sicc

britpart.com/springs

Frontt pa Fron pair ir Rear Re ar pa pair ir

    y       l     n     o     s     e     s     o     p     r     u     p     n     o      i      t     a     c      i       f      i      t     n     e       d      i     r     o       f       d     e     s     u     e     r     a     s     r     e       b     m     u     n      t     r     a      P

HILS EVERITT

Small talk   After celebrating the Toyota’s Toyota’s RAV4’s 20th birthday, our columnist remembers the Suzuki X-90 and asks,  will there ever be another small small off-roader?

E

arlier this year, I highlighted the fact that the 2014 Geneva Motor Show marked 20 years since the pioneering  Toyota  T oyota RAV4 was launched to an unsuspecting 4x4 world. I was hoping that  Toyota  T oyota would mark this major landmark in some suitable way and indeed it has, as you will see on p52.  Toyota  T oyota thought it fitting to invite journalists from all over the world to join a Toyota Toyota RAV4 adventure in the Greek mountains. We had a great time trundling up the steep, rocky mountain tracks and haring around fast gravel stages that formed part of the WRC Rally earlier this year. You You can read all about it in the feature. We didn’t take part in any serious off-roading as, let’s face it, the modern RAV isn’t an off-road machine any more. It was good, however, to clap eyes once again on the original RAV three-door (pictured below right), with its independent suspension and permanent four-wheel drive, and reminisce about the old days when the little compact SUV was a mighty fine little off-roader that also offered a very pleasing on-road drive. It was a reminder of times past and how the world once was. How the 4x4 market has changed! Indeed, the term ‘SUV’ is really no longer synonymous with off-roading and 4x4s, at least not in any meaningful sense. While we were driving around a sunny and beautiful Greece we were comparing notes on the various machines that have come and gone since the RAV’s initial appearance in

1994. One that came up, and prompted much merriment and smiles all round, was the forgotten, bizarre, yet equally funky and mould-breaking Suzuki X-90 (pictured below left). Remember that? A far cry from anything 4x4 before or since, i t was Suzuki’s Suzuki’s twoseater sporty number that had a removable targa roof and the most under-damped suspension I think I have ever encountered. Like the RAV, RAV, it prompted raised eyebrows o n its launch in 1996 with what was dubbed its ‘push-me-pull-you’ styling and, also like the  Toyota  T oyota to a certain extent, it was a pretty nifty off-roader if you really did want to push it. Okay,, so its wheels waggled joyously in the air Okay at the drop of a hat, but it happily went most places, thanks to its tiny wheelbase and surprisingly agile suspension. And it was the first ‘compact’ (if we can actually call it that? Has to be in a class of its own really) 4x4 to come in two- or four-wheel drive models, and had an auto’ version into the bargain.  Two-wheel  T wo-wheel drive versions of the modern SUV have only been around in recent years.  Thinking about it now, what on earth was was Suzuki thinking when it openly admitted it was aimed primarily at the US market? In the early ‘90s the US was crazy for big trucks; Suzuki’s expertise was in the smaller 4x4s, as in the exceptional LJ, SJ and Vitara, so it decided to try and lure the Americans in with a fun but useful alternative. Sadly, it didn’t work. The  X-90 lasted only two years before withdrawal. I have no idea how many were sold in the UK,

but you probably can count them on the fingers of two hands. The UK motoring public was totally confused by it – and also by the fact that it actually cost more, at £11,375 for the 4WD version, than the four-seat soft-top  Vitara. Unlike the RAV4, the X-90 regularly appeared in the World’s Ugliest Car polls, which probably helped hasten its demise. It didn’t really know what it was. The RAV4 knew what it was, it was just that the public wasn’t quite prepared for it. We were all used to traditional small 4x4s, such as the Suzukis mentioned earlier and Daihatsu Fourtrak, Lada Niva and the Fiat Panda (we talked about those at length also), with the cute Panda the sole survivor. So the RAV was a revelation, marking a new era of comfort and ‘lifestyle’. Sadly, not so the X-90, but it gave us something to talk about for two years!  The only three-door left to us at the moment is the Suzuki Jimny – now that was a diminutive 4x4 that Suzuki got absolutely spot on. The RAV has been a five-door-only model for some while and I think we need some fresh, new three-doors so that the Jimny and Panda can be part of a gang, although the Panda isn’t the 4x4 force it once was. A baby Land Rover is expected to be on its way. way. How about a modern baby RAV? And perhaps a baby Vitara again? What will the Jeep Renegade really be like?  Yep,  Y ep, the RAV4’s RAV4’s milestone has got me on my soapbox once more...  Hils

www.4x4i.com  • August 2014

21

TECHNICAL

Discovery Concept

 After 25 years, there’s there’s now a brand new Discovery Concept and we’ve been to see it to find out more. A great deal has changed since the Series I model rolled off the production line, but that’s nothing compared to what is about t o come… Words: Nigel Fryatt

T

here’s a mountain goat somewhere in South America that has recently let out a huge sigh of relief, and gone back to the important job of searching for some fresh pampas grass. The Land Rover research team has gone home, having first discovered that the goat’s goat’s skin is in fact some 15 per cent lighter than the present leather used in the Discovery’s Discovery’ s headlining. Sadly for Land Rover,, but happily for the goat, the Rover animal cannot be ethically sourced so the team will be looking elsewhere for its super-light interior trimmings; such is the depth of analysis and detail that is going into the mind-stretching Discovery Concept. First unveiled in New York, then displayed in Beijing, the new Discovery

22  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

Concept made its UK debut at the recent Royal Windsor Horse Show in May.. Geographically that alone shows May that this is a global production, introducing the future to a wide audience. It’s a brave and confident move to show what is, let’ let’s s not forget, a Concept vehicle, to be poked and prodded by the general public – albeit at Windsor that’s a public well versed in Land Rover’s thoroughbred heritage. We showed first images in last month’s issue and commented that perhaps from first glance the Discovery Concept doesn’t blow you away away,, but agreed that you need to see it in the flesh (or rather high tech aluminium composites). Having done that we can certainly confirm that the designers have cleverly taken the bluff, somewhat

 Above: At

first glance perhaps this doesn't shout 'Discovery', but in the metal, the stepped roofline is obvious. Interestingly the Concept is lower than the present D4

slab-sided, Discovery 4 shape and morphed it into something very different, but with obvious Discovery genes. From the front, and indeed from the rear, rear, this is very obviously a Discovery. It’s a bulky, brute of a machine from dead front, over emphasised by the narrow front headlights and high narrow grille. The rear is also unmistakably Discovery,, especially with the Discovery asymmetric moulding around the Land Rover badging. It’s It’s from the sides that things look different, with the ‘theatre style’ three rows of seating, leading to the rear row higher than the second, which are higher than the front, giving the Discovery Concept a much more prominently ‘lifted’ rear than the present

model, yet keeping the familiar know what they are doing.” ‘stepped’ roof line. It looks a big  That perhaps disappoints some some machine, but interestingly is a mere inch enthusiasts, but the Discovery is aimed or so longer than the Discovery 4 and as a do everything type of family more surprisingly, a fraction lower. Again machine that will run the kids to school, you have to remember that this is a tow a boat or caravan, carry s even and Concept, but the dimensions are likely be bullet-proof to all weather and road to be pretty representative to what the conditions. The fact that it is also production Discovery ‘5’ could be. awesome off-road is not actually top of One idea that the Concept displays the list; buyers are not all 4x4 that is unlikely to appear on the enthusiasts. This is a market that Land production models is the intriguing door Rover has already mined so well with opening design, which includes the rear the Evoque; for 80 per cent of Evoque hinging rear doors – remembered by buyers, it’s their first Land Rover, 50 per those of us old enough – to be once cent are bought by women and – most unfortunately named ‘suicide’ doors! importantly – for 85 per cent, i t’ t’ss their Interestingly,, talking to Senior Research Interestingly first ever SUV. It will be interesting to Leader at Land Rover, Dai Jones, there find out in a couple of years what those is no engineering reason why this percentages are for new 2015 shouldn’t go into production, since the Discovery owners. techniques available with aluminium and However, bemoaning the lack of aluminium composite monocoque driver involvement rather misses the production means that the structural point, especially since Land Rover is integrity of the shell would be fine. investing some $5.7bn in Research and Indeed, looking closely at the Concept, Development in conjunction with having rear-hinged doors would make engineers in India, China and the highly access and egress to the third row of respected Massachusetts Institute of seats a great deal easier easier.. It seems,  Technology,, in Boston USA. We  Technology We however,, that this is one radical step however described some of the fascinating too far and if the front passenger and technological innovations in the last rear passengers step out at the same issue, but have now been able to find time they would be ‘trapped’ between out more, which has led to further head the doors: “After you, Claude…. No, scratching… after you Cecil.” That’s That’s another memory  The Discovery Concept’ Concept’ss frontal for our more mature readers and fans of aspect is emphasised through the early British radio comedy. However, the narrow headlights. These actually Discovery Concept is anything but include laser technology to offer bri ghter retrospective and the vehicle that we light, claimed to be closer to natural saw at Windsor last month is but the tip daylight. The lasers also have intelligent of a particularly high tech iceberg and tracking which means they offer the enthusiasm from Dai Jones for localised dipping when a vehicle comes what’ss happening behind the closed what’ towards you, so you don’t ‘blind’ the research doors at Land Rover was on-coming traffic, but keep full beam for infectious, as he explained: “The new the road ahead of you. Lasers from the Discovery has to be an outstanding front fog lamps can also project vehicle. We have an acronym of PEAT, reference markings onto the terrain meaning it has to be Peerless, Effortless ahead, during poor visibility when you and All Terrain.” Terrain.” So far so good for us would struggle to see objects, helping 4x4 off-road enthusiasts, although to guide the driver safely ahead. Jones also admitted that they were, We briefly described last month the “lowering the need for the driver to ‘transparent bonnet’ technique,

 Above: There

are three full adult sized seats in the second row. The roof glass can be changed to suit the mood Land Rover designers are reducing the complexity of the fascia - minimalism is the word for the Concept's interior Below:

whereby low grille cameras scan ahead of the car (areas that are not visible to the driver) and project the image into the smart glass in the windscreen. The affect shows what is immediately ahead and ‘under’ the front of the car creating what could be described as a transparent bonnet. While this is happening, lasers are scanning ahead to establish what kind of terrain is coming up, for the vehicle to proactively select the necessary off-road mode the vehicle needs to be in. Taking this one step further, a multi dimensional map of the terrain ahead can be created, that can be displayed for the driver, or can just be left for the vehicle to decide the route that needs to be taken… thus removing any need for the driver. The implications of this means that you could even create a fleet of drone Discoverys totally capable of traversing rough terrain, guided and controlled by a remote computer. It will also be possible to analyse the actual physical constituents of the terrain ahead to see how high the water content, for example, and therefore whether it can hold the weight of the vehicle, long before you drive into the soft sand and realise you are stuck!  You have to smile at the idea that you can remotely control your vehicle from outside. Why would you want to remotely control your vehicle – that has cost you many thousands of pounds Sterling, Dollars or Yua Yuan? n? Apparently it will help farmers going through gates www.4x4i.com  • August 2014

23

TECHNICAL

Discovery Concept

meaning they only have to get out of the vehicle once; they then ‘drive’ the Discovery through the gate remotely from their smart tablet, close the gate (manually!) and then get back in. Extravagant use of technology? Perhaps for the farmer but not for other commercial, industrial and military options. Gesture control has also been mentioned, where a mere wave of the hand will open or close the doors. The Land Rover researchers (interestingly, (interestingly, what we used to call engineers) are also looking at eye tracking (one shudders to think what you can operate with a quick wink) and full-face recognition. The latter is not just for security, but would allow the vehicle to recognise you and have your seat adjusted exactly as you like it, perhaps also the air conditioning temperature set and even have your favourite music playing.  There is also work going on to have

24  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

active body panels, to allow the body to be changed to ideally suit the conditions, plus something called ‘non contact towing’, which I confess leaves my head spinning a little. While some of these options will remain as concepts, the interior configuration of the Discovery Concept is likely to make it to production, and the emphasis has been on versatility.  This is a full adult seven seater, seater, the third row are not just for small, or naughty, naughty, children. Seven can be made six with the centre second row seat folding to be a useful table, to a four seater where the second row of seats can all be folded away and a limousine mode created for the final pair of seats now offering the ultimate in legroom and comfort.  The seating versatility has one further further,, very clever option, which is being called ‘social seating’ and likely to find its way into production. Once the rear hatch

 Above: The Concept

is a full adult seven seater. It can then offer six, four or even limousine options Below left: The

laser scanning can 'map' the way ahead and decide where to go without your input The Social Seating concept is very clever and we would think very likely to make it into series production Below:

has been opened, a ‘deployable event platform’ slides out from the rear, which folds back to create a nifty bench seat.  A lower part of the rear rear body moulding can also then fold down as a footrest.  This creates a great great outdoor seating option, but also has the versatility of being able to carry attachments for transporting bikes and s ki racks. It’s very slick, and you just know that new owners will delight in showing these options to envious neighbours! Such owners will also s how off the SkyLight cabin option, whereby the smart glass in the panoramic sunroof can be programmed to alter the characteristics of the light coming into the cabin. In theory, therefore, on a damp grey November afternoon, the Discovery Concept can ‘project’ an image of blue sky and sunshine. Whether this will make it into production has not been announced, but the ability to brighten or dim the cabin is likely to

TECHNICAL

Discovery Concept

SPOT THE NEW DEFENDER? Land Rover's Brand Architecture

now has three 'pillars', explained here by Studio Director Richard Williams; it includes Range Rover, Discovery and Defender. Check out the graphics of the Range Rover and Discovery and you will see they are very close to the actual products. Does that mean the Defender will look like this graphic, we wonder?

be included.  The interior of the Discovery Discovery Concept is trimmed in Foglizzo H20, which to the eye and touch appears to be the k ind of high quality leather you would expect in such a vehicle, but you might j ust question the practicality of the creamy white colour. colour. Fear not, as this material is said to be ‘totally oil and waterrepellent’. Now that is impressive, and very sensible for an off-roader. Sadly, we were unable to actually test this at our Windsor showing! Learning of all these very impressive technical developments, one must remember that this is a Discovery Concept vehicle. Not everything

mentioned here will make it to production, but a lot of it will, in one form or another. All that has been announced so far is the first ‘new’ Discovery model will actually be the Discovery Sport. It has been mentioned in some quarters that this i s effectively the replacement to the Freelander, but again that misses the point. Land Rover now discuss the entire model range as being made up of three pillars; Range Rover, Discovery and Defender. The Range Rover obviously includes the Evoque both existing and future versions, with RR in standard form, long wheelbase and Hybrid options and is the Refinement pillar. The Discovery is

Left: Senior Research

Leader Dai Jones's enthusiasm for the project is infectious

26  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

the leisure vehicle that offers Versatility, there will therefore be different sized Discoverys in this group and the Sport may indeed be smaller than the Concept shown here. Then there’s the Defender pillar and this stands for Durability.. Now, if you are reading this Durability and being someone of a traditional view, bemoaning all this ‘automatic’ laser reading, remote controlled, technical wizardry, wizardry, then this will perk you up. While Dai Jones enthusiasm for the technical developments was unmistakable, and infectious, so were the words he said about the new Defender: “We have to take the enthusiasts with us with the replacement Defender.” It seems that the new Defender replacement will involve the driver, you will have to interact. Heavens above, you will need to actually drive the thing! Personally,, having been writing about Personally 4x4s since the mid-1980s, this has to be the most exciting time for vehicle technology and Jaguar Land Rover must be at the vanguard of this for production 4x4s. Of course, other manufacturers are looking at similar similar,, and perhaps even more exciting developments, but few develop a concept vehicle as complete as this Discovery and show it so quickly and so openly to the general public. There’s There’s a confidence in doing that. Well founded, from where we stand.  4x4

COVER FEATURE

Special 4x4s

SPECIAL F O R C E S If you’re not one for following the crowd and are keen on customising and upgrading your trusty 4x4 then read on. We talk to some of the best-known bespoke specialists in the UK for inspiration... Words: Sarah Harrington-James

N

ot everyone who buys a 4x4 wants to keep it looking like any other that rolls off the production line, similarly not every 4x4 turns a wheel in anger off-road. These days it’s just as common to see a suited-and-booted city gent behind the wheel of a Defender,, as it is a tweed-obsessed Defender farmer tending to his sheep. Indeed, the respected utilitarian Land Rover has turned into a must-have for a whole range of enthusiasts, who don’t mind an automatic boost to their street cred, too .

30  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

Unsurprisingly this latest craze hasn’t gone unnoticed by the independent bespoke specialists which have been quick off the mark to cater for the more discerning customer; in particular those who want to individualise their 4x4 a lot further than  just ticking boxes on the manufacturer’ manufacturer’s s extras list. Some specialise in offering bespoke exterior/interior styling, but others have made a name for themselves creating one-off, individual vehicles with the wow factor. If money is no object then you can literally have

Below and right: Land Rovers, but not as the company built them! Below: Bespoke Cars 110. Right top: Nene Overland Icon Sport Wagon. Right bottom: Tune My Defender

anything you want when it comes to customising; chrome-plating, carbon fibre, Bentley Nappa leather, powerboosted engine conversions... and of course you’ll order two identical versions and give one away as a gift. Here we take a look at what the industry is up to, which will hopefully give you some nifty ideas for what to do – when those lottery numbers finally come up!

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KAHN DESIGN

PROBABLY BEST known BEST known for its unique alloy wheel designs, Kahn was founded in 1996 after British designer  Afzal Khan identified a gap in the market. In the early 2000s the firm moved into Range Rover conversions and now customers can choose to upgrade almost any model from the Land Rover/Range Rover range – even the latest Range Rover Sport. Kahn’s version, the RS300 which was unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show along with other models from Project Kahn’s Kahn’s RS and LE Edition collection, has styling

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upgrades including an aerodynamic bodykit, 23-inch alloys, new side vent surrounds, orange brake calipers and the firm’s signature single exit exhaust system. The interior sports handstitched quilted leather and a contrasting orange and black dash. Nice. But that’s the point; Kahn takes a standard model and transforms it from a rugged workhorse to a completely different proposition, tailored to the customer’s taste. Not so long ago, the company started a Defender programme, which

Kahn has a full range of options from the very latest Range Rover, through Land Rovers, but also including highly spec'd Jeep Wranglers

exceeded all expectations in the popularity stakes. One example is the Chelsea Wide Track Defender that can be ordered as a 90 or 110 station wagon or van and comes with many personalisation options – wide arches, a choice of aggressive grilles, leather interiors, wheels and more – topped by the option to specify a s ix-speed auto ‘box. But for those seeking the ultimate Defender, there is always Kahn’s top-of-the-range Huntsman Longnose 105, which comes with a heartthumping 6.2-litre V8 powerplant and super-exhilarating super-exhilara ting performance. There is a Chelsea Jeep Expedition range too, with a choice of diesel or petrol, two- or four-door and a selection of leather interiors and alloy wheels. We hear on the grapevine that Afzal Kahn has expanded into car manufacturing and coachbuilding, forming subsidiary business, Ant-Kahn, which is based in London with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Coventry. The company expects to produce coach-built special editions to series manufacture of high-performance vehicles – what these will be is still to be revealed!

Right: A great deal Right: A of the personalisation for these special 4x4s goes into the interior. Not trimmed for your local greenlane admitedly

TUNE MY DEFENDER  A LOGICAL STEP STEP for  for The Man for Land Rover was to branch out into aftermarket modifications and bolt-on accessories for Defenders and so Tune My Defender was born just over a year ago. The online shop has taken off as more people desire quality aftermarket products to set their Land Rover out from the rest. We’re talking uprated brakes such as Tarox, Bilstein suspension, Recaro seats, KBX and Momo steering wheels and now TMD can offer stealth Allisport intercoolers.  Aside from bolt-on goodies goodies there is, of

course, engine tweaking and TMD can offer tuning packages to boost power by 30, 50 or 70bhp for the TD5, 2.2 and 2.4 TDCi. The Stage 2 kit is the most popular, which encompasses a larger Serck Motorsport intercooler intercooler,, SFS silicone hoses, an ITG air filter and a bespoke remap to give an extra 50bhp and a healthy boost in torque. As well as the above, the next stage up for customers with a larger budget adds a hybrid turbo and top notch Hayward & Scott straight-through exhaust system.  The latest offering is tuning in

If you cannot quite make it to order a complete vehicle, then the guys at Tune Tune My Defender will sell individual items to make your Land Rover special www.4x4i.com  • August 2014

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association with Bell Auto Services using a device, which works with any Android phone or tablet. The customer uploads the map file to the personal flasher tool, sends it on to the tuner and it’s returned duly boosted, to allow the owner to download it to t he vehicle. What’s What’s really cool is that you can switch between original and tuned maps for main dealer and MOT visits, if you so wish. Custom builds are also popular popular,, or if

you’re feeling lazy you could always opt for one of TMD’s Man Made Limited Editions that boast a whole cornucopia of tuning goodies that start with a Stage 3 power upgrade – and then some. All current stock is sold, (unsurprisingly) so you’ll have to keep an eye on the website for any further done-up offerings. However, sister company The Man for Land Rover has recently teamed up with Urban Truck to offer its bespoke

 Above: Tuning

packages are available at Tune My Defender to boost power for the TD5, 2.2 and 2.4 TDCi

take on Defenders. Two six-speed, 2.2-litre 90 TDCi XSs are currently listed for sale, priced identically at just shy of £35k. What do you get for your money? Well (among other things) Black Limited Edition upgrades such as 18-inch gloss black Boost alloys, lowered sports suspension, KBX grille and bonnet, leather interior, Momo steering wheel,  Xenon headlamps and daytime running lights. And they look so damn cool, too.

NENE OVERLAND

Left: Nene Overland's

conversion, the Icon RS 50 has a Ford Racing 5.0-litre engine (below right) which can be tuned to 605bhp! Below left: Less

ostentacious than the RS 50, perhaps, but the Nene Overland Heritage series has a great deal of class

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ONE OF THE biggest THE  biggest UK independent 4x4 specialists, Nene Overland was started by Land Rover enthusiast  Andrew Harrison-Smith who who diversified from buying and selling old Series vehicles some 26 years ago. Today Today there is a team of 40 working behind the scenes on expedition preparation, 4x4 servicing, bodywork, accessories, vehicle sales and engine conversions. In particular, Nene’s suspension packages for a sure-footed, fast road Defender are legendary; the firm has developed its own anti-roll bars and progressive springs mated to Fox Racing v2 dampers which are then valved to suit individual’s vehicles. Tuning wise, Nene tries to cater for those who want a simple upgrade to suit their tastes, even if they have an older Defender, right up

COVER FEATURE

Special 4x4s to where money is no object. And that’ that’s s where the bespoke side comes in; it was four years ago that Andrew realised that this part of the market was growing and he saw an opportunity to hone all of his team’s skills together into creating their own range of vehicles, known as the Defender ‘Icons’. His inspiration came from Land Rover’s own range of special editions – models that he has been pro-actively upgrading and refurbishing for his customers over the past ten years. Indeed, as it became commercially harder to buy and refurbish these Land Rover special editions and make money selling them on, Andrew came to the conclusion that making a range of his own was the answer.. And so eight very special answer Defender Icons were born that appeal to any Land Rover enthusiast who wants something just that little bit different – from a wolf in sheep’s clothing Icon RS Edition, to a traditional Icon Heritage LE. In fact the latter is Nene’s Nene’ s most successful, as it connects with the ‘old skool’ Land Rover enthusiast, the rural estate owner or the guy who wants a more discerning classic-looking Defender. In contrast, Nene’s Defender 90 or 110 Falcon soft-top is all the rage for the Middle Eastern customers and perfect for hoonin’ about in the desert. But the latest rendition for 2014 has got to be the maddest yet after two year’s worth of in-house development; the Icon RS 50, fitted with a hyperactive and highly-tuned Ford Racing 5.0-litre V8 which pushes out some 412bhp naturally-aspirated, or 605bhp with the optional fitment of a supercharger! Five gearbox options are available to suit different requirements requirements – two autos, a sequential race spec and two six-speed manuals – and Nene’ Nene’s s demo version is fitted with own-brand limited slip diffs to aid the handling somewhat. We totally believe Andrew when he says it’s a cross between a Land Rover and an AC Cobra...

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Right: Nene Overland interiors; as flash as you want, or the very classy Heritage option Below: Even if you are unsure about some of the vehicles in this feature, you'd have this one on your drive, wouldn't you?

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BESPOKE CARS THERE IS NOW so NOW  so much choice in the bespoke market, that it’s important for businesses to differentiate themselves from the competition. What Bespoke Cars has done is to stay true to the iconic Defender without detracting from its utilitarian origins. The firm’s firm’s in-house design team has focused on knocking the rough edges off the model so it goes better, stops and steers more efficiently and is a lot more comfortable place to be.  At least 60 per cent of Bespoke’ Bespoke’s s customers are people who require a strong and durable vehicle for their work to allow them to use it at a moment’s notice no matter the weather conditions, but ideally they’d like more comfort from standard. The remaining group only use their 4x4 for outward bound fun at weekends with the family and so require something with a little more ooomph, along with a few other subtle improvements. Bespoke offers three elements: cosmetic enhancements like colour changes, alternative grilles, bodykits and custom alloys, plus engine tuning such as remaps up to 180bhp and twin exhausts and finally interior overhauls – think luxurious Nappa leather and custom headlining. Bespoke has its own exclusively designed GTS-R styling kits for the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport (the latter model can also be specced up with a GTS-R

Evo wide-body version). The resulting sportier look is achieved by deeper bumpers, LED daytime running lights, vented bonnet, extended wheel arches, boot spoiler and bespoke exhaust tips.  The Defender 90 GTS-R has over 25 modifications from standard that includes a custom bonnet, new grille and headlight cluster, chequer plates,

exhaust snorkel and engine air extractor,, 22-inch custom alloys and extractor much more. The majority of the time customers bring their existing 4x4s to the guys at Bespoke for customising, but by far the biggest growth in the business is sourcing a vehicle out of the dealer network for them. The team has noticed that as the time draws ever

The attention to detail of this Bespoke Cars Land Rover 110 is clear to see. Very special indeed...

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closer to the end of Defender production, they are seeing a number of loyal Land Rover enthusiasts asking Bespoke to build them a customised version which they will hold onto. Soon they will be able to offer the option to up-spec to a 3.2 TDCi engine or 5.0-litre V8 conversion too. Aside from the Defender, Defender, we hear that Bespoke is working on improvements to the Range Rover Vogue and Land Rover Discovery,, in particular bringing the Discovery Discovery 3 cosmetically in line with the D4 with a specially designed kit.

PRINDIVILLE PRINDVILLE is

described by its founder as being like a tailor with its bespoke range of services that caters for the whole vehicle – from exterior and interior styling to engine tuning. One of the key elements of the London-based company is that its specialist staff will sit down with a client to create one-off limited edition cars right from a sketch through to colour scheme, the look and feel. The firm has a background in using carbonfibre/glassfibre and so most of what Prindiville manufactures are structural carbonfibre wide bodykits and aerodynamic packages for prestige car exteriors, which have been designed for

a sporty or aggressive and muscular appearance. The interiors are completely revamped too using different grades of leather and colours to suit the customer’s identity or even business. Prindiville can also offer an entertainment upgrade which incorporates anything from just a replacement head unit and speaker upgrade, right up to this plus an 1000-watt amplifier, sub base box,  Tracker  T racker unit, anti-theft and 360deg camera system. Wealthy customers are demanding high-quality products and more tuning upgrades than ever before and as Alex Prindiville says, when someone is buying

Prindiville produces one-off limited versions to meet a customer's demands

a car that’s £100k, then they will easily spend another £20k personalising it... it.. . Prindiville will shortly be releasing its take on the £130k Mercedes G-Wagen which will be a l imited production run costing somewhere between £60-70k on top of the vehicle’s price and is aimed at the Middle Eastern and Chinese markets. The conversion, which has some 35 different parts being mainly carbonfibre, transforms the exterior,, interior, exhaust system, exterior suspension, engine, with some other trickery in there too for good measure. Each one will be made slightly different so no two will be the same.

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Special 4x4s smaller capacity petrol engine conversion for developing markets. Interior wise, JE will be launching a new, bespoke premium interior range with JE upgraded front comfort seats. Of course, JE is also known for its take on the latest Range Rover Evoque. Called the ‘JE Evoque Dakar’, customers can either cherry-pick the options list and create their own example, or buy new through exclusive London dealers, Clive Sutton. Special interior features include retrimmed Nappa diamond-quilted leather in contrasting colours, Dakar engraved logo to the gear knob and Dakar/  Startech pedals. The exterior is transformed with colour-c colour-coded oded aerodynamic front and rear bumper panels, wheelarches and side skirts and colour contrasting highlights to the roof and trim in orange or blue. To To finish off, there are Dakar/Startech 20-inch alloys mated to 30mm lowered sports suspension and under the bonnet JE has tuned the engine with a Stage 1 remap. Interestingly, Interestingly, JE will be launching a new model Range Rover Sport Dakar edition also this year year,, with performance enhancements and Startech body styling. Next year marks JE Engineering’s Engineering’s 40th anniversary, making it the longest running Land Rover performance specialist in the business. No doubt the brains behind JE will celebrate with something suitably gobsmacking!

JE ENGINEERING WITH ITS ROOTS firmly ROOTS  firmly planted in engine building and an enviable first class reputation for its craftsmanship, JE quickly made a name for itself in the ‘80s producing V8s unlike any other.  This evolved into a series of conversion conversion packages, for the P38 Range Rover; a bored out 4.2-litre which incidentally Land Rover dropped into its last of the line Range Rover LSEs and later a switchable supercharged ‘S500’ bespoke build. As the market changed and interest in Rover V8 engine conversions lessened, JE moved its attention to the later Range Rover Sport/Jaguar 4.2 supercharged V8 and created its own ‘Super Defender’ conversion range with three model options: Zulu, Liberator and Saluki. JE’s engineers have managed to make a standard Defender handle, brake and perform a lot better thanks to some clever trickery and a reworked engine – with the Zulu in particular particular,, we’re talking larger valves, change of exhaust with twin high-flow cats, custom induction system and so forth – to reach the dizzy heights of between 460500bhp. Wowzers!

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 The current trend trend for modifying Defenders continues to flourish with 2013 having been JE’s biggest year for Zulu production, with four vehicles completed, two of which were for a Middle Eastern royal family family.. The firm also had a busy year with suspension and performance upgrades for standard Defenders with a greater variety of Land Rover models coming through the doors, from the good old Defender TD5 up to the latest L405 Range Rover  TDV8s. We hear that a particular highlight has been fine-fettling the Range Rover Sport 3.0-litre SDV6, which, it seems, becomes a serious driver’s machine once it’s been breathed on by JE’s experts. Right now, JE is concentrating on developing new products to offer its customers in the latter part of the year. year. Interestingly this will include an evolution of the Zulu model with upgrades to the engine and transmission to increase performance, refinement and driveability.. There will be a new addition driveability to the Super Defender range, featuring a larger capacity turbo diesel engine and new transmission options, plus a

 Above: The JE

Engineering Zulu conversion for the Defender creates a vehicle in demand by a Middle Eastern royal family, no less Below:  The latest

Range Rover can now have JE Engineering's Startech mods

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 AUTO STYLING  AUTO STYLING STYLING Truckman, the expert

supplier and manufacturer of 4x4 accessories, stocks a wide range of stainless, chrome and lighting accessories specially designed to add flair and style to 4x4s, SUVs and pick-ups. Front bars are a popular choice with 4x4 drivers. Made from high-quality stainless steel, the Cobra 60mm front bars supplied by Auto Styling are a popular accessory, accessory, which fit many 4x4s and pick-up trucks. It features spotlight brackets for drivers who want to kit their vehicles out with a smart combination of bars and lights. These bars also serve a practical purpose, protecting a vehicle in the unfortunate event of a bump. Auto Styling’s entire range of front bars are pedestrian friendly,, fully compliant with EU friendly regulations and TÜV certified. Prices range from between £305 to £566, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. If it's lights that float your boat, then there is a wide range available through  Auto Styling. Hella driving lights lights are one of the company’s most popular

products; the Hella Comet FF75 driving lamps are discrete and can be fitted to the front of 4x4s at Auto Styling’s West Midlands-based facility. These small 12V lights are all the rage and look great teamed up with 76mm stainless steel front bars. These particular Hella lights fit the current model Nissan Navara and VW Amarok, but Auto Styling also sells other Hella accessories suitable for other 4x4 models.  There is also a wide range range of chrome light guards on offer, offer, which is a stylish method for protecting headlights from minor scrapes and are individuallymoulded to ensure they fit perfectly to each different 4x4. A pair of these can be bought for just shy of £40 and fit a wide range of 4x4s including the Toyota Hilux and Mk5 Ford Ranger. For some added bling, Auto Styling can supply a 76mm stainless steel Mitsutonida roll bar. Hand polished and made in Italy, these easy to fit, large diameter sports bars instantly upgrade the appearance of any 4x4. There are of course plenty of other styling accessories available from Auto Styling, depending on budget and taste.

TO FIND OUT MORE

 Auto Styling Tel: 0845 644 4992 www.autostylinguk.co.uk  k.co.uk  Web: www.autostylingu Top: Pick-ups are catered for by Auto Styling. Includes, Hella Comet FF75 driving lamps and chrome chrome light guards (above) Left and below: Stainless steel roll bars and Cobra Cobra front bar

Bespoke Cars Tel: 01423 888888 www.bespokecars.co.uk  ecars.co.uk  Web: www.bespok

JE Engineering Tel: 02476 305018 www.jeengineering.co.uk  eering.co.uk  Web: www.jeengin

Kahn Design Tel: 0207 751 4555 (London)

01274 749999 (Bradford) www.kahndesign.co.uk ndesign.co.uk Web: www.kah

Nene Overland Tel: 01733 380687 Web: www.nene www.neneoverland.co.uk  overland.co.uk 

Overfinch Tel: 0207 416 6199 (London)

0844 477 2888 (Leeds) Web: www.overfinc www.overfinch.com h.com

Prindiville Tel: 0207 624 2911 Web: www.prindiville.co.u www.prindiville.co.uk  k 

Tune My Defender Tel: 01825 841148 Web: www.tunemydefender.com

Twisted Performance Tel: 01845 574990 Web: www.twistedperformance.c www.twistedperformance.co.uk  o.uk 

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 ADVENTURE

Trans Africa

CONTINENTAL DRIFT It had to be a real adventure, and so there had to only be one route, traversing the continent of Africa, from north to south. The choice of off-roader was perhaps a little more surprising, as the journey was completed by Nissan Patrol Words and photography: Rene Bauer

H

aving previously crisscrossed Australia in a Nissan Patrol, I had always had this dream about a ‘real’ expedition – to have to dig myself out of mud, to be dirty, camp in the bush and maybe also feel fear of fierce locals or wild animals. Itches like this need to be scratched and so a plan was made; my partner, Andrea, and I would cross  Africa, from north to south. south.  The first question, however, however, was what vehicle to use; Land Rover, Land Cruiser or stick with the Nissan Patrol that we knew so well? After looking at prices, we quickly realised that it had to be a Nissan Patrol, so we bought a black SWB Nissan Patrol 2.8-litre TD. We spent the following 15 months building, repairing, and welding. First, out with the back seats and in with a bespoke drawer system. The production bumpers went, as well as the side steps and we started planning the replacement parts. As my

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brother-in-law is a fabulous welder welder,, he offered to manufacture reinforced bumpers, roof rack, swing-away doors for jerry cans and a spare wheel. Happily we agreed… what we didn't know was that he is a pedantic, precise welder who took six months to make all those parts. We had often read about winches and that they were indispensable for such a trip. And an Engel fridge as well.  And this and that and those… those… When we finally had all the equipment on and in the car, our Patrol looked like a slammed expedition vehicle – something was wrong! We had not even wasted one single thought on the suspension, and so we finally decided to buy an OME heavy-duty suspension kit. To be honest, those springs didn't really convince me, so I inserted another leaf into the back springs.  The other problem was our hard top – it’s great that you can easily transform this car into a cabrio, but there is no

Main: Alone, in Africa

photographing the wildlife. Is there a better way to spend the day, we wonder?

way it can carry a long roof rack with a roof tent, spare jerry cans, another spare wheel and all souvenirs and artifacts. So on top of everything we developed a frame structure, which reached down and was bolted to the chassis. And then, finally finally,, in October 2008 we were ready to go…  Tunisia was a slow drive into the  African continent, there there was still too much asphalt for our taste but we could slowly get used to our equipment. Our first route took us along the coast towards the Algerian border, from where we veered inland to get to the ‘table de Jughurta’, a table mountain, which served the Berbers as a fortress against Roman invaders. What we were looking forward to most in North Africa was the Sahara – what we hadn't expected were thousands of Italian and French ‘weekend adventurers’ digging up the sea of sand! It may surprise you to know we

nearly every building. In Egypt we could finally relax a bit. ‘A bit’ means that instead of one month we stayed two! But driving here was also very stressful at times, Egyptians  just don't like using headlights at night. night. How they can see at night we don't know but somehow it seems to work.  As the pyramids weren´t our main main concern, we turned off south right behind the border – our destination was Siwa Oasis. When arriving there we felt thrown back a few hundreds of years. Life in the oasis is quiet and peaceful, there are more donkey carts here than cars, palm plantations, hot springs, gardens and traditional locals. There are no campgrounds in Siwa, we retreated into the desert every night.  Thanks to the hot springs, our hygiene and washing was safe! So fully refreshed and cleaned up we could move on to the next destination – the Sinai. This peninsula counts as Egypt's ‘wild west’, a conflict zone between Egypt and Israel, home to opium hadn't practised off-road driving at home, which meant we got stuck almost immediately, immediately, just outside of Douz. On one hand that's rather embarrassing, on the other, it's a good opportunity to try out our sand boards. We had never heard about reducing tyre pressures before. But we managed to get far enough into the desert and make camp behind a big dune. There we spent our first night in the Sahara, around us only stars and sand. It was a beautiful feeling.

We had organised a guide for Libya. Our expedition car was a little too heavy for trips deep into the desert, so we had decided to cross Libya in four days from one border to the next. What our guide didn't know was, that we would squeeze him into an already overfilled car. Andrea somehow managed to find a place behind my seat and this dwarf of a guide had the comfy front seat.  Those four days in Libya passed passed quickly,, but Gaddafi's face never left us quickly – he was looking down on us from

 Above left: The decision from the start was to have a roof tent. Secure, and simple to unfold Right: Rene and  Andrea spent a couple of hours with wild lions - who is taking the picture?

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traders, gunrunners and Bedouins. We had nearly landed on one of those poppy plantations when looking for a place to bush camp. We had turned off the main road at dusk and had found a good spot behind the many hills. Unfortunately it only took two minutes before the first déshabilléd Bedouin arrived and begged for cigarettes. We packed up quickly and moved on. Our trip continued along the banks of the Nile, south to Assuan, where we had planned to cross into Sudan by ferry.. Well, ferry is quite an ferry

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 Above: The Nissan

Patrol is dwarfed by a Baobab - the Tree of Life, and an enduring  African image Below:  Rene

wanted to get stuck, and one day he did! He had to remove the winch from the front bumper and fit it to the rear to pull the truck out

overstatement. We were a little afraid to load our reliable travel companion onto one of those ‘tubs’, especially after having paid an extortionately high fee of $900US for the tickets. The idea was to send the car a day earlier and follow the next day by passenger ferry so we would all arrive in Wadi Halfa in Sudan at the same time. As we had to save some money, we didn't book a cabin but spent 24 hours on deck. And while the sun was slowly cooking our brains, we waited on deck all day before everything was loaded – tin cans,

fridges, TVs, goats, people etc etc. At some point at night, when the heat slowly gave way to a mild breeze, we fell asleep. Completely exhausted, we arrived in Wadi Halfa but there was no car waiting for us. We were very nervous so we tried to find the captain and ask him what had happened. Thankfully, he explained that the car ferry had had engine trouble and would arrive the next day. We had wanted to continue on our way but now had to take a hotel in Wadi Halfa for a night.

I had always had the dream of a 'real' expedition - to have to dig myself out of mud, to be dirty, camp in the bush and maybe feel the fear of fierce locals

 Thankfully,, the next day,  Thankfully day, our car arrived and Sudan was ours to discover.

Finally we could enjoy sand and gravel tracks, endless scenery scenery,, small villages and camping in the desert – that's how we had imagined it. This time we didn't even need to use sand boards. Sudan has a bad reputation but the locals we met were so hospitable and friendly that sometimes we couldn't even drive 10km without being invited for a tea or coffee. When entering Khartoum we got stopped by a group of Sudanese who admired our truck, and proved to be 4x4 crazy! One of them, Abdel Salam, had a workshop in Khartoum. We had no choice but to get invited for lunch and on top of this even got invited to stay at their place and go on 4x4 tours with them. One of those tours led us to a huge airplane cemetery in the desert, then along small villages and fields, and then at a little dam, we got stuck. We sank slowly into the soft, muddy ground. Fortunately, a group of Sudanese got us out, by standing on the front bumper and thus putting the wheels back on the ground. With much better traction I finally got out, with a lot of smoke and a screaming engine. To put it mildly mildly,, I felt embarrassed.  After a few days with these lovely people we had to leave. Travelling on absolutely desolate, washed out dirt tracks we finally arrived in Kadugli in the Nuba Mountains, where we again by

coincidence got in touch with a few tribes, and even got invited for a ceremony; Andrea even got a wedding henna! There are literally no tourists in this area, so we were received with a warm welcome. Soon though we left the dusty, dry and hot Sudan and swapped it for the Ethiopian Highland. Just to be prepared we had bought chicken wire, which we stretched over our back window. Other travellers had warned us that Ethiopian beggars love to throw stones when they don't get what they want. It happened to us – our truck got spat at, kicked and stones thrown at it. One time a boy even threw his school book at our car car.. Unfortunately,, the effect of handing out Unfortunately sweets or money is devastating for the locals, it breeds more beggars and teaches dependence. In north Ethiopia we got to an altitude of 4500m above sea level and suddenly our truck started smoking and spitting – it just lacked oxygen, so much that sometimes we could only move forward in low range.  The very dirty, dirty, bad diesel didn't help either – often we thought that our head gasket was blown to pieces by the way the truck smoked – blue, white, black and everything inbetween. Driving in Ethiopia can be very dangerous, the whole country is overpopulated, the roadsides are crammed with people, mostly men strolling along with a few goats, while women with bent backs carry

Rene had a strong idea from the start that he wanted to use a Nissan Patrol. The fittings were all hand welded by his brother-in-law over a six month preparation period. They stood the test of Africa!

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ridiculously heavy amounts of firewood, mostly with extra 20-litre water cans on their heads.  After a little excursion to Harer Harer,, close to the Somalian border, where we fed hyenas outside the city walls, we entered our first national park at Nechisar.. The first few tracks in the park Nechisar were actually pretty good, we saw our first zebras, hippos and crocodiles, then we came upon a hill full of huge rocks, meaning we could only advance at walking speed. On the map we found an apparently nice track to follow.  Again, like in Sudan, the track got got

smaller and smaller, the grass grew as high as the car car.. Then it happened, with a big bang we fell into a hole. Nearly the whole front of the car had disappeared. What now? I would have nearly forgotten about the winch, which until now hadn't served for anything except looking good on the car. The only problem was that the winch was attached to the front of the vehicle, and this was in the hole. Somehow I managed to dig my way to the winch, unfasten it and pull it out. We had our winch sitting on an adaptor plate so we could attach it to the back bumper of

 Above: With an

OME heavy-duty suspension lift kit fitted, wading African rivers was not a problem Left: Part of the

 journey has to be the people that you meet; most of whom were always helpful and friendly

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the vehicle. There were trees around, the only disadvantage though – all plants in Africa are thorny! We finally managed to pull the car out backwards and saw that we got away pretty undamaged, only the front bumper was a little bent on one s ide. Relieved I went behind a bush for a pee and saw a pair of big eyes… there were big cat tracks on the ground. Packing up and leaving was quick! Our last destination in Ethiopia was the Omo valley, known for its wild and traditional living tribes. Driving here was good, mostly sand tracks, dusty at times but no bone rattling like on corrugated gravel tracks. To get into Kenya we had chosen the unofficial route, which led from Omorate, one of the last stations in the Omo Valley, Valley, to Illeret and along Lake Turkana. We couldn't have chosen better better.. We followed a dry, sandy river bed an d passed between palm islands and green bush, then we came onto an open, pan-like plain and when we reached the top of one hill there it lay before us, Lake  Turkana.  T urkana. What a vast moon landscape with the lake in its middle. No plants,  just rocks and saline water. water. We camped by the lake but it was a restless night in our roof tent. The winds got stronger by the minute and we felt very lonely there. We felt better when we could leave this place in the morning. Soon the vegetation became thicker and we felt like we had finally

reached the real Africa, a vast savanna dotted with acacia trees. At a little police outpost we registered in Kenya, and soon reached the lands of the Samburu, the mighty cattle herders of Equatorial Africa. And it was there that we ran out of diesel. No fuel station for the next hundred kilometres. The only possibility is to ask in missions and stop every car that passes. But that is a rare thing in these parts of the world.  And of course, one has to be prepared to pay at least double the normal price for uncertain amounts of an uncertain quality of diesel. Well, that's what we had to do, at least until we got to Maralal, where we found a fuel station and actual civilisation. Kenya was definitely an experience for us, we spent a lot of time on asphalt, but the country offers so many diverse landscapes that sometimes we felt like we were on a different planet. We don't really like big cities but had to go to Nairobi to sort out some visas for our further trip. It was there that I landed in prison for 10 minutes and had two court cases on my neck, because we didn't want to pay bribes. It wasn't the nicest experience, but definitely worth it and at least I had time to scrape my name into the cell wall. We f elt that after all these exhausting travels and experiences we needed to relax and unwind a bit, so we made our way to Mombasa and Kenya’ Kenya’s s white beaches. For a good week we spent our days lazing around under coconut palms. And we could also clean up all our mess, wash and maintain the technical side of the car. I didn't find anything serious except 'vanishing' suspension bushes.

 After sun burn, fresh fish and coconuts we still wanted to get towards the Masai Mara. There we found a Catholic mission headed by a priest, who took us in and even had a goat slaughtered for his guests of honour. We paid him back by going into the forest with his workers to chop down trees to make boards.

 Through the Amboseli Amboseli and passed Kilimanjaro, we entered Tanzania, which for us was more of a transit country. country.  The reason was that that we had planned six months for this entire Trans Africa trip, but had to realise that six months had passed and we were only in Kenya. Our budget and diminishing bank accounts urged us on! Zambia showed itself to us as the most corrupt country we visited. At every checkpoint someone tried to extort a bribe from us. I remember one road block where we spent four hours trying to ‘out wait’ them and finally managed to get away because the police there ran out of patience. We had cooked lunch, I had maintained the car and we caught up with our diary diary.. Neighbouring Zimbabwe held the same uncertain mystery as Sudan had; a dictatorship, high inflation, empty shops and fuel stations, and genocide.  All this led to a lot of doubts about about visiting this country country.. Well, fully loaded

 Above: Lunch

is ready! Can you imagine a better place to enjoy yours? Below:  Africa is

certainly a place where you realise some 'western' habits can appear odd to the locals, especially children!

with food and diesel (even fuller than usual because Andrea is one big hunter of artefacts and souvenirs) we crossed the border into Zim and within 15 minutes we realised that we could pay in $US, that there was food and diesel widely available and that the country made a run-down but peaceful impression. Again, this confirmed to us that most locals were very different to their leaders. Many roads were freshly tarred, well, it was Chinese tar, so about two cm thick and cracking, but all i n all fine. On the side roads one has at least a little feel of adventure with gravel, dirt and sand tracks. What we saw was a soft and wonderful bush scenery scenery,, granite kopjes, acacia trees, rondavels, abandoned and burnt farms, collapsed silos and towns with an architecture which came to a halt in the 1970s. It was love at first sight. Right behind the Kariba dam, along the Zambezi, is Mana Pools National Park, a uniquely wild park without fences and in which,

www.4x4i.com  • August 2014

49

 ADVENTURE Trans Africa

if you are lucky, you can have elephants, hyenas or even lions next to the tent at night. Mana had been our first real contact with wild animals, which we enjoyed even if it meant we didn’t sleep much at night. For this trip, we had to leave Botswana unvisited and instead returned to Zambia to enter Namibia through the Caprivi strip. Very quickly, quickly, this dry but beautiful country became one of our favourites in southern Africa; endless open spaces, empty deserts, breathtaking panoramas, wild, traditional tribes and German wurst to eat! In the north, the Kaokoland is a paradise for off-road addicts, there are tracks of all grades of difficulties here.  And the best bit is while you are busy

digging your car out or building a road to cross a dry riverbed, you have to be careful not to be trampled to death by desert elephants! It all adds a little spice to the whole adventure. It's easy to get lost in a country like Namibia. What we will never forget was as we drove along the Skeleton Coast four out of six tyres punctured, which meant stopping every 30 minutes to pump them up again. If, on top of that the compressor breaks, you quickly realise that sometimes this overlanding isn’t fun! But you know it is all worth it when sitting around a campfire at night, soaking up the exotic smell of the burnt wood and always remembering that while you are far away from home, it will

be something to tell the grand kids. South Africa was pretty quick for us. We had finally come from the bush in to a more civilised part of the world, where everything was available everywhere; fuel stations, good tar roads, car jackings, townships, farms, beaches, beaches, Zulus and white sharks. And of course there’s Table Mountain. We opened a bottle of champagne, which had travelled with us for more than 50,000km and sitting by the two oceans at Cape Agulhas, we celebrated the last 10 months of adventures! We laughed because we had collected so many experiences, and cried because this unique trip was about to finish. We both looked at each other and at our Nissan, gave him a pat on the bonnet and thanked him for bringing us here. It had taken nearly 8000 litres of diesel to cover more than 52,000km, and despite sometimes being mistreated, he never gave up. Before we flew home he actually told us that he doesn't want to go home but rather stay in Africa. He now lives in South Africa and waits for our return…  4x4

TO FIND OUT MORE: Left: We made it!

Some 52,000kms later Rene and Andrea pose at Cape Agulhas. Where next, then?

50  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

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4X4 ANNIVERSARY 

20 years of RAV RAV4 4

52  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

A GREEK ODY SSEY Twenty years have passed since the modern compact SUV was born, courtesy of the Toyota RAV4. That is some milestone, so in fitting tribute to the granddaddy of 4x4 SUVs, we joined Toyota for the birthday bash in the Greek mountains, which happened to include a couple of classic WRC Rally Stages Words: Hils Everitt

W

e had only hit 60kph, but in a Toyota RAV4, on winding gravel tracks high up in the Greek mountains, it felt like we were haring along considerably faster. Thrashing compact SUVs, on what had been a World Rally Championship stage a couple of months previously, could be deemed inherently wrong. In Sport mode, however, however, with the assistance of the Dynamic Torque Control all-wheeldrive system, the whole experience didn’t conjure up any feelings of outrageous inappropriateness. Far from

Photograph y: Hils Everitt, Toyota

it: the RAV4 Club model was clearly enjoying itself as it ‘semi’ drifted around the hairpin bends and bombed along the straights, kicking up dust and sending stones hurtling into the trees.  This is not a normal activity for what what is, in essence, a family-sized SUV built mainly for on-road comfort, albeit with adequate off-road ability to tackle incongruous terrain at a more sedate pace. We wouldn’t expect to find regular RAV4 owners behaving quite like this, but we were taking part in a special event to mark the Recreational  Active Vehicle Vehicle 4’s 4’s 20th birthday. birthday. It’s It’s hard

Main: Vroom

with a view - the final leg of an incredible journey in the Ziria mountains overlooking the Gulf of Corinth

to believe the 4x4 that broke the mould and spawned a host of what we now term compact SUVs has been around for 20 years. It’ It’s s quite a milestone and, therefore, fitting that Toyota wanted to mark the occasion in some way. And what better than to organise a driving adventure in the Greek mountains over a few days, taking in some spectacular scenery (not to mention some local driving habits that left us wide-eyed in amazement and giggling with incredulity...)?  Arriving at Athens airport, located almost at the southeast corner of the

www.4x4i.com  • August 2014

53

4X4 ANNIVERSARY 

20 years of RAV RAV4 4

Greek mainland, we were given the keys to a small fleet of three RAV4s for the UK contingent. They were French, Belgium and Italian registered diesel models, two Club and one 20th  Anniversary Special Edition – sadly neither are available in the UK. The most noticeable feature of 4x4 Magazine’s French-registered ‘Club’ was a rather smart, tan leather trim to the dashboard and other bits of animal hide dotted about. The satnav was programmed to get us from the airport to Keratea, to the south. We cruised along the 89 route until we hit the first of our off-road forays into the hills, where the road book kicked in to lead us to Akroyiali. Our gravel track adventure started with a moderate climb. Like most of the ‘gravel’ tracks we encountered, this was littered with sharp stones of varying sizes, which had the potential to cause havoc with the 18in Bridgestone Duller rubber wear, so care was needed throughout. The sun was shining in the brilliant blue sky, although a pretty vicious swirling wind was whipping up into a frenzy as we gained height. Our French, manual automobile rarely managed to get into third gear, gear, but who cared? We were sauntering along an easy route, savouring the beautiful views offered by the Sounion National Park while avoiding the larger sharp stones and small rocks on the firm dusty track. It was plain sailing, apart

54  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

from a section of steeper descent that included an awkward step that needed some spotting to make sure the low-slung RAV4 didn’t scrape its belly or bodywork on the unfriendly rocks. Our ultimate aim on the second leg of the day’s day’s journey was a fodder stop at a small, but perfectly formed, old fish restaurant that sat right on the beach at  Akroyiali. Trouble Trouble was, the wind was so ferocious that the waves were riding very high; a surfer’ surfer’s s paradise, but encroaching well onto the beach. The water was lapping at the restaurant’s restaurant’s foundations. In the distance on the headland we could see the Temple of Poseidon, a 44BC ruin dedicated to the Greek god of the sea – very appropriate and well positioned on its rocky outcrop on Cape Sounion. We leapt back in the RAVs – finding it quite tricky, thanks to the wind, to keep the doors open to  jump in – and drove on tarmac tarmac to the temple car park. A short walk led to the temple, high above the crashing waves below. It seemed Poseidon was having a bit of a thrash about, and making his presence well and truly felt. Our drive back to the overnight stop was on tarmac, along the twisting west coast road overlooking the deep blue  Aegean Sea. That continued continued for some time, until our polite satnav lady informed us that we should prepare to turn off right and head inland towards the ancient city of Athens. And this was

 Above: Greek

off-roading was mostly gravel tracks, but beware those sharp stones littered everywhere It wasn't just abandoned, rusty old trucks encountered on the mountain passes Below:

where the fun started. Here in the UK we have pretty strict rules about what you can and can’t do in or on a vehicle while on public roads. It seems the Greeks have no such boring or restrictive practices. Hearts in mouths, we finally came into the centre of Athens to be confronted by motorcyclists happily chatting away on their mobiles, stuck to their ears, with no helmets, weaving about in front of us. We even saw people with children on the back of the bikes with no helmets on either. Unbelievable, and fairly disconcerting to drive behind! We were also surprised to find how easily it was to get onto roundabouts until we realised that it seemed the rule was to give way to those coming on, which in

itself caused some congestion chaos on the roundabout. We made it, finally, to the central  Athens hotel in one piece and rather in need of some refreshment to calm the nerves. A local restaurant provided dinner underneath the floodlight Parthenon temple sitting on the  Athenian Acropolis, a hill overlooking  Athens, and it was stunning. Dedicated Dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena (she is the patroness of Athens) it was designed by the famous sculptor Phidias, who was commissioned by Pericles, a Greek politician who, it is said, founded Athens itself. Built from 447-438BC it is, of course, far from intact, but retains an unearthly presence up there on its perch. Our route back to the hotel took in some stunning ancient buildings mixed with terrible decay and grubbiness that reminded us of Greece’s dire economic situation. We hardly saw a new car; in fact, everywhere we went, over the duration of the trip, it was amazing to see so many vehicles obviously well over 20 years old, battered and bruised, but still on four wheels.  Those vehicles included dozens dozens of rusty of old pick-ups, parked outside tired homes or just abandoned in the bushes at the side of the road during day two, our long day in the mountains.  A lengthy drive west from Athens, Athens, along the E94, led us to Kamareta in the Peloponnese. This is a beautiful mountainous region that includes famous archaeological sites, such as ancient Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenas and Byzantine churches. But we weren’t here to revel in the history of the region, we were here to drive up into the mountains and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. We were headed for the Semeli Winery for lunch, but before that we needed to negotiate just shy of 80km on off-road tracks, and these would include our first taste of driving the WRC Stage from Klenia to Mycenae, that formed part of the Rally  Acropolis. We were led by the Toyota French team up into the mountains, with a superb 20-year-old Land Cruiser on

large tyres and fitted with a snorkel bringing up the rear to mine sweep and cope with any problems that our RAV4s might encounter; unlikely, but just in case.  As it happens, one of our UK team did require some assistance as literally only about a third of a mile from the coffee stop at a sweet little church about seven miles from Aginorio, their RAV suffered a puncture on the front nearside Bridgestone Dueller. The track had been littered with loose rocks of all shapes and sizes. Many of them li ned the track and so it was probably inevitable that somebody would get caught out. We waited for the support behind to join us and the Toyota team  jacked up the RAV RAV and swapped the tyre in a few minutes, while we soaked up the sunshine and admired the incredible view of the valley below and soaring mountains in the distance. Until then, the 26km journey had been straightforward, at times picking up speed as the track flattened out and at others crawling round steep hairpins that occasionally required two manoeuvres to negotiate: couldn’t help thinking the original three-door RAV would have taken those without a second thought.  After our refresher refresher stop it was time to drive some tarmac for a few miles and then we hit the start of the WRC Stage. My driving companion was Richard Seymour, Toyota’s technical and product PR man. He owns a beloved 20-year-old Hilux; and Toyota’s own modded Hilux that he built featured in this very magazine back in the September 1996 issue – cover story, no less. Despite our love of Hiluxes and trundling along off-road, we were exhilarated by the rally drive that covered 18km of fast, gravel, twisting tracks. The professionals had driven it in late March and the deep grooves that the rally cars create as they drift around the bends were very evident. We strived to avoid them; and, although we couldn’t quite emulate the expert drifting of the pros in our SUVs, we had a lot of fun trying. It was over all too soon, and we

Top: Poseidon Temple with a commanding spot on the blustery headland at Akroyiali  Above: After three  Above: After arid days the water splash finally appeared; on flooded tarmac by the beach! Left: Admiring Left: Admiring stunning views while constantly mindful of vicious rocks and sharp stones

arrived at the Mycenae archaeological site in a cloud of dust; the RAV now an impressive shade of dust-effect grey. We followed tarmac, passing signs to Korinthos, Tripoli and Nemea before hitting the vineyards. Turning off towards the winery, we drove on gravel tracks again, criss-crossing the green, lush vineyards and enjoying the Greek sunshine. We were passing what felt like deserted hamlets with lovely little chapels and churches everywhere and wildly barking dogs on the loose, running into the track ahead. They always darted safely away, but it was unnerving, as we couldn’t see them most of the time. Our post lunch adventure was very different. The landscape became more rugged and remote as our convoy sauntered up the mountain on a far trickier track that required more care and attention – no obstacles as such but plenty of large rocks and a steep track punctuated by some very sharp hairpins. We were in the Ziria Mountains and, as we climbed, the temperature dropped heavily and the sunshine was blocked out by overcast skies. Our RAVs ticked off the miles with no tyre problems, despite the rather more treacherous nature of the terrain beneath. We eventually reached the top to come across a couple of areas marked ‘technical’ in the road book.  The instructions suggested a short cut to avoid some very deep and boggy www.4x4i.com  • August 2014

55

4X4 ANNIVERSARY 

20 years of RAV RAV4 4

TOYOTA’S 20 YEARS OF THE RAV4 In 1994 Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna was tragically killed at Imola during the San Marino Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher won his first F1 Championship, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first black president and the Cold War is finally over as the last Russian troops leave Germany. Quite a momentous year, then, and yet there was another notable landmark as the Toyota RAV4 (Recreational Active  Vehicle with permanent four-wheel four-wheel drive) began a new era for the 4x4 market. The Geneva Motor Show was the launch pad for the first ever ‘Urban 4WD’; a compact three-door with permanent 4WD, a centre diff option for those wanting to have fun off tarmac, a small 2.0-litre 129bhp petrol engine, mounted transversally with a monocoque bodyshell and all-round independent suspension, as opposed to traditional separate body and chassis and solid axles. It was a revolution and very nearly didn’t get built. In 1989 the Tokyo Motor Show featured the RAV-FOUR concept, but with no real detail and just a design idea. But it was very well received and got the green light in 1991. At the time, however, Chief engineer Masakatsu Nonaka struggled to convince other Toyota Toyota design departments that i t would be possible to create a mass production car that would be sold in a segment that didn’t actually exist. The ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ was still unknown and many didn’t believe a compact 4x4 was viable. The car’s development did actually stall due to internal resistance, and the whole project was looking doomed until the Japanese and European Sales Division came to the rescue stating that the time was right for this vehicle. There was a gap between traditional off-roaders and conventional saloon cars to be bridged. It took components from the Corolla, Camry, Carina and Celica GT-Four.  And so a whole new genre of 4x4 was born and now we have 19 different models in the compact SUV segment. Initial production

The pioneering first generation Toyota RAV4; still looking good... Small, fun, SUVs are rare today

56  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

 A fine display of four generations of Toyota Toyota RAV4s, RAV4s, high up in the the Greek mountains. Total sales have busted five million units in 20 years - which is certainly impressive. The model has evolved significantly over that timeline

estimates were 4500 a month, but 8000 orders were received in the first month. Toyota Toyota sold 53,000 units of its permanent 4WD in its first year; it was a real winner and a trendsetter trendsetter.. Sales doubled in the next year when the five door was launched and tripled in 1996 with front-wheel drive versions. A three-door soft top followed (Cabrio in ’98) and the first RAV4 EV, EV, electrically powered (to comply with California’ California’s s need for zero emissions vehicles) was produced from 1997 10 2000. A facelift came in ‘98 with more equipment, improved safety, more engine power and a fresher face with crystal style headlights.  After six years, the model required updating and its radical design tempered into something more akin to the modern trend of smoother and curvier lines as rivals such as Suzuki Grand Vitara, Hon da CR-V, Subaru Forester and Land Rover Freelander had emerged onto the scene. In 2000 the new-look RAV4 emerged in three and five-door, with both models 5.5cm and 4cm longer than the first generation. Two engines were now available, a 1.8-litre 123bhp and a 2.0-litre 150bhp. Full-time 4WD was still featured but now with a centre differential Limited Slip diff viscous coupling and the Torsen rear diff was offered as a factory option. This generation also saw the first diesel introduced, the 2.0D-4D 116bhp.  Another six years on and in 2006 2006 the third generation was introduced with a new platform. The three door was dropped, meeting the needs of the ballooning family SUV market. The USA and Russia were also given a longer wheelbase version, but the standard five-door for us here in Europe and the Far East was already 19cm longer than the previous model and stamped the RAV’s new look. Its engine line-up was also extended to include 2.0, 2.4, 2.5 and 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines plus a 2.2-litre diesel. This model also dispensed with permanent 4WD and featured a new system with electronically controlled coupling that was based on speed, throttle

information, steering angle, longitudinal acceleration or g-force. The era of hi-tech 4WD systems was in full swing by now and it also offered Downhill-Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control plus an AWD Lock. It also, radically radically,, lost the rear-mounted spare wheel. Subtle revisions to grille and rear end came in 2008 and 11 to keep it fresh before the next model appeared. Last year heralded the fourth generation with only one wheelbase for all countries.  The model-up included included two petrol engines, 2.0 and 2.5-lite and two diesels 2.0 and 2.2-litre and a new four-wh four-wheel eel drive system was introduced. Dynamic Torque Control  AWD offered two two new functions with cornering control and sport mode, plus Downhill-Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control were also available. More cabin room, increased load carrying, fewer emissions and retuned front and rear suspension were also on the improvements list. The overall look of the RAV4 has morphed into a butcher, more muscular car yet with a very angular and aggressive front-end stance with the rising door line towards the rear end, which is the modern trend. From the quirky and fun fun walking boot look of ’94, it now resembles competitors in the bursting SUV market.  The first generation was a cracking little off-roader and on-road cruiser, which we loved, but now the off-road credentials have been lowered to suit the market. It’s a family-sized SUV that has sold 5.2 million, 1.3 million in Europe. Toyota Toyota reckons more than 90 per cent are still on the road today which is impressive. The compact SUV segment is one of the few stil l growing in Europe with sales increasing by about 36 per cent between 2008 and 2013. That’s some accolade, and it’s all thanks to that pioneering, wacky-looking, highly capable and fun little 4x4 that took everyone by surprise 20 years ago.  HE 

ruts; it was tempting to have a go, but we thought better of it as it did look extremely gloopy and our ground clearance and rubber wear didn’t really augur well for a clean and trouble-free passage.  At the very top, the landscape landscape flattened out into what resembled, essentially,, a wide valley floor essentially floor.. We were amazed to find some cattle quietly grazing there. They were unmoved by our presence as we continued on the now easy, flat track before beginning our descent. That continued with the use of some braking (no low range to take advantage of) until, after about 17km, we reached the second of our WRC Stages. This one was Goura to Ziria and, once again, was a mix of fast, wide gravel tracks with narrow tight corners, avoiding the deep trenches carved out by the rally cars, yet trying to emulate their prowess. We also had to avoid a rather slow, massive truck that appeared out of nowhere, much to our astonishment.

 After about 11 miles, miles, our big grins grins and laughter were transformed into smiles of self-satisfied content as the stage ended and we took a sharp left back onto tarmac. Our overnight stop in the mountains at the Pliadon GI Resort at Trikala afforded some stunning views as the sun went down behind the peaks. Day three consisted of more climbing into the mountains in the morning, but this time on muddy tracks, often very slippery. A few of the more technical sections found our RAVs waggling their wheels in the air and splashing through the puddles. Once again, the vistas were absolutely stunning as we wound our way below some sheer craggy walls and around tight bends over sheer drops festooned with vibrant yellow gorse bushes. After an hour or two we turned a sharp left-hander and suddenly there was the brilliantly blue sea before us. Our adventure was near its end.  The track sauntered sauntered down to sea

 Above: Punctures

high in mountains on narrow track are always good fun. Last spare called into action Left: Anniversary

adventure included WRC Rally Stages. Way too much fun in a RAV4 Tight hairpins dominated much of Day 2 - a few manoeuvres required at times Below:

level at Kato Pitsa. The last section included a deep-water drive on a flooded concrete road that gave the RAV4s a much-needed wash and brush-up. We’d had a superb drive over three days, discovered some of Greece’s hidden delights and found plenty of lovely, old, rusty Nissan,  Toyota  T oyota and Mitsubishi pick-up trucks trucks – and some with badges we couldn’t place – and gaped, open-mouthed at the lack of road safety that appears to be practised in this beautiful but troubled country.  This trip had been a perfect perfect way to pay homage to the granddaddy of the SUV world, and the sight; finally finally,, of the first generation RAV basking in the late evening sunshine outside our retreat in the mountain was a real sight for s ore eyes and prompted much nodding of heads in appreciation. Now, with some modifications the original RAV could make a great little rally car...  4x4

www.4x4i.com  • August 2014

57

DRIVE FORW FORWARD WITH THE THE NEW TUNIT ADV ADVANT ANTAGE AGE

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THE 4X4 STAR TEST

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

 Afte r 35  After 3 5 year y ears s of hand hand-bui -built lt produ productio ction, n, the t he Merced M ercedes-B es-Benz enz G-Cl G-Class ass remains an iconic off-roader. We get our hands on the 2014 G 350 BlueTEC both, on and off the road Words: Nigel Fryatt and Bob Cooke 

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f you visit the Natural History Museum this summer, there’s an exhibition called Mammoths, and the promotional poster shows a small inquisitive child standing before the massive, imperious beast, wide-eyed in wonder, wonder, but with just a touch of cautious apprehension. Standing on my drive beside our test Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC, I too felt that child-like awe. It’s It’s hard to really understand quite why this thing isn’t extinct. And with an on the road price of a staggering £106,150 for a vehicle we intended taking off the road, there was a cautious nature to control my natural enthusiasm as well.  The first G model rolled off off the production line in Graz, Austria back i n 1979. That first model was effectively

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Photography: Nigel Fryatt

hand-built, and despite all the high tech production developments that have hit the motor industry over the past 35 years, that remains the case. Equally surprising is the fact that more G-Class models were hand built in 2013 than ever before, with a total of 10,000 being registered. Only 160 were sold in the UK, but the machine is a global icon, with the US its biggest market. At present, some 60 are produced daily in  Austria. Here, the base model model starts at £83,830, but there is also a more powerful AMG 5.5-litre V8 engined version, which has a starting on the road price of £124,000. So, taking our test vehicle as an average price, multiply that by 10,000 models sold and this venerable off-roader is still worth well over £1m in sales to

Main: Our

off-road test arena was courtesy of John Morgan's excellent Slindon site. It's a regular Pay 'n' Play venue. Check out: www.4x4driving.co.uk 

Mercedes-Benz each year Mercedes-Benz year.. Extinction is not likely any time soon, especially as the company has announced a significantly revised model will be launched in 2017 (see News, July 2014). Blip the central locking key fob (something that wasn’t available in 1979), pull on the door handle and you remember that the door mechanism is the same, and nothing happens until you press the door button with your thumb. Opening the door is like swinging open the door of a bank vault, heavy and solid. Our G 350 was finished in a pleasing Mystic Blue paint (a cool £2370 extra), but the interior was something of a shock with the cream coloured designo leather. The seats have a baffling display of

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THE 4X4 STAR TEST Mercedes-Benz G-Class

adjustments, that in the short time with the car, we never quite mastered. The seats had that firm Teutonic Teutonic stature that have you perched on rather than sunk into, but that was not really on my mind when engaging Drive and easing this mammoth off my drive and into the Surrey traffic.  This is one big beast and it feels feels like it from behind the wheel. It’s It’s an occasion driving this, not just an experience. The 208bhp V6 turbodiesel engine is anything but refined, compared to similar 2014 units; it’s

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noisy, agricultural and has the military feel from which the vehicle was conceived. In this format power isn’t that high, but with a torque of 398lb ft, despite the 3200kg gross vehicle weight, the G 350 can be hustled along, thanks in part to what is probably the most ‘up to date’ part of the package, the 7G-Tronic seven speed automatic gearbox. The steering is unexpectedly heavy and imprecise, which means some care is needed as rather too much enthusiasm entering onto a large roundabout induced a

 Above: The G will

wade through 600mm of standing water, which is more than a Defender Below:  For

regular simple off-roading, the G copes contempuously

large dose of understeer; ploughing straight on is not what was expected.  The trailing link and Panhard Panhard rod suspension on both front and rear axle, and the imprecise power steering, are due for change in 2017 and it should significantly improve road manners. The ride is choppy on our roads, exaggerated at times thanks to the pot-holed craters that litter the tarmac in supposedly affluent Surrey. This is not really a vehicle that you would enjoy driving that quickly through the countryside, yet since the ride is far less

sophisticated to other prestige SUVs, it’s it’ s not a vehicle for a leisurely limousine ride either. There remains a firmness, a military nature, to the G 350’s progress, progress, which we might question when comparing to other similar priced quality off-roaders, but there’s a solid indestructible character to the thing that is undoubtedly appealing. Make no mistake, odd steering and lumpy ride maybe, but it’s a great deal of fun driving something the size of a small house, while looking down on other motorists, both physically and philosophically. Our route to John Morgan’s excellent off-road site at Slindon, near Arundel, took us down the M23 motorway and it was surprising that at motorway speeds the brick box design appeared remarkably quiet. There are no attempts to aerodynamic efficiency here, so much credit has to go to the soundproofing, sealing and vibration damping, but even at a fair lick of speed, there was no need to increase the volume of the stereo system. Much credit has to go here to the excellent sounding DAB stereo with its superb retro ‘radio style’ tuning where you don’t press touch screen buttons, but twist a massive tuning wheel to watch a red line cross the screen and select a channel. Excellent. It takes a very short time to settle into the position of being a G driver driver.. During my first period as Editor of this publication, I had a G-Wagen, non-turbo 3-litre diesel for a long-term six-month loan. Compared to this beast, it was remarkably Spartan, but there’s there’ s no mistaking that underneath the exclusive designer upholstery, fancy carpets and spaceship-like centre console of controls, little has really changed.  The fascia and switchgear switchgear is an interesting point. My original G had a very basic collection of dials and switches, while this latest G 350 has

In this format, power isn't high but with 398lb ft of torque and despite its 3200kg bulk, the Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC can certainly be hustled along certainly taken inspiration from vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne to have a plethora of beautifully crafted buttons and dials. There seem to be hundreds of them, and you suspect that really appeals to the sort of person that owns a modern G; you are not going to be a shrinking violet and you are going to enjoy having lots of things to press, turn and click once behind the wheel. Most prominent, of course, are the three diff-lock buttons that take pride of place in the centre. The switches are properly engineered and from left to right lock

 Above: Our test G

was powered by the 208bhp, 3.0-litre V6 Below: This

is a big vehicle, and it pays to take some care where you are about to plant it!

the front, centre and rear diffs. However, they are numbered from left to right 3, 1, 2 indicating clearly which order they are to be used (explained in more detail in Bob Cooke’ Cooke’s s technical appreciation at the end of this feature). They look so good, you just want to go off-road, and get stuck, just to be able to use them!  Anyone who looks at a G will agree agree it is a big vehicle. Strange, therefore, that it should be so cramped in the rear. rear. With the driver’s seat in what would be an average position, rear legroom is limited for any six-foot passenger. passenger. The

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THE 4X4 STAR TEST Mercedes-Benz G-Class

rear seats are very upright in stance, which emphasises this, and also makes the superb quality DVD screens on the headrests very difficult to watch. For a vehicle in this price range, taking passengers for a long drive is certainly no Range Rover-like experience. This fact has been acknowledged by Mercedes and will be addressed with the new 2017 model. Given that the basic slab sided, boxy nature of the G will remain, it will be interesting to see how they improve rear seat comfort.

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One thing they will not need to improve is headroom, as there certainly seems to be ample space above, but get three average sized adults in the rear and i t would be cosy. Far better, perhaps, to be the Golden Retriever gun dog in the vast rear luggage space. You would get a couple of adult dogs in the back without any trouble at all; it appears quite cavernous when you open the massive rear door. It’s a very open and square space, unencumbered by wheel arches, or

Below and right: The G's cockpit is a delight for those who like lots of buttons and dials to play with! Surprisngly, perhaps, given the number, it is all quite logical. The electric seat adjustment did baffle us and the designo seat trim was hardly practical off-road

modern SUV mouldings. As a load carrier,, this is hard to beat and offers an carrier impressive 630kg payload. The G 350 also has a towing weight of 3500kg. Our short time with the G 350 included on and off-road driving and at the end, the vehicle’s computer showed an average mpg of 18.3mpg, which given the weight and spritely progress is not too ridiculous; the Combined Cycle is claimed to be 25mpg. Taking off-roading out of our progress and that would seem achievable. None of which matters to a person able to afford £100k+ for this off-roader perhaps, but it does show the modern efficiency of the Mercedes-Benz power unit. Some vehicles are a triumph of style over substance and flatter yet fail to achieve. Some vehicles, like the latest Range Rover, are today the zenith of both style and substance when it comes to a prestige off-road off-road capable SUV. SUV. The Mercedes-Benz G completely ignores style, trends and fashion yet has a substance that is only achieved from stubbornly refusing to change significantly and sticking to original principles. It is loaded with idiosyncrasies, and it is stubbornly out-dated. It is also an almighty off-roader, off-roader, which as far as you can tell, is as close to indestructible as a 4x4 can be. Mind you, early man probably said the same about the mammoth…  NF 

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THE 4X4 STAR TEST Mercedes-Benz G-Class

TALKI ALKING NG TECH TECHNIC NICALL ALLY Y It’s an awkward mix of old-style truck and modern luxury limousine that allows the revitalised G-Class to blend massive on-road presence with true off-road capability 

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ooking back at our road test of a 280 GE in the April 1986 issue is a clear reminder of why we’ve always had mixed feelings about the Mercedes-Be Mercedes-Benz nz G-Class. It was patently a military vehicle, shaped for practicality rather than style, upholstered in wipe-clean fabric with painted metal doors bearing minimal cladding, hard plastic for the functional dashboard, a chunky truck-like centre console with mushroom-topped levers to operate the locking axle differentials. The lightweight seats and door panels were trimmed in gaudy check-pattern cloth, there were big sliding levers operating the heating and ventilation and the handbrake cables stretched up through the floor as you hauled on the lever. It looked and felt like a sparsely trimmed but better-built alternative to a Land Rover. We could not fault the quality of the engineering and the enhanced off-road specification, but at what extra cost?  The 5-door 280 GE automatic automatic with its slot-in Pioneer tape deck and no air conditioning was priced at £18,175 at a time when you could buy a One Ten Ten County with a smarter interior for £12,399, or with V8 power for just £400 more. The G-Wagen cost £250 more than a Range Rover. Not much has changed – the current G-Class has a choice of more powerful, more efficient engines and transmissions, and a veneer of luxury in the form of leather upholstery and dashboard trim plus modern electronic communications, traction and stability aids, but the £83,830 price tag of the 350 BlueTEC compares interestingly with the £77,920 being asked for a Range Rover Vogue TDV6 and with the optional extras taking the price of our test vehicle to over £100,000 it’s in seriously luxurious Range Rover  Autobiography territory. territory.  Yet  Y et behind the sheen of of opulence the G-Class has changed very little – it’ it’s s still the same military truck that first rolled off the Steyr-Puch production line in Graz, Austria, more than three decades ago. It is the longest-serving passenger car model in the Mercedes-Benz range, and it’s hard to escape the conclusion that it remains in production on the back of anticipated large-scale military orders, the luxurious civilian versions being very much a profitable sideline. Where all its key luxury rivals – including its supposed replacement, the truly luxurious GL - have long adopted sleek aerodynamic styling, lightweight monocoque construction, all-

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independent suspension and hands-off auto-engaging four-wheel four-wheel drive systems with auto locking axle differentials, the G-Class stubbornly retains its strong, separate steel chassis with beam axles, so it’s nearly half a tonne heavier than the Range Rover.  A major selling point has always been been that the G-Wagen has proper locking front and rear axle differentials, marking it as a potentially excellent hard-core off-roader.. Our main gripe with early off-roader examples – the petrol-engined 230 GE and 280 GE and the normally-aspirated 300 GD – is that they were seriously underpowered – not just in terms of on-road performance, but off-road, where low-revving high torque is

 Above: It was difficult to edge the G over bumps slowly with one wheel in the air, unless the centre diff is locked Right: Getting a wheel to spin in the Slindon dirt wasn't difficult, but we did at least have three diff locks to sort this out!

paramount; those road car derived petrol engines don’t achieve peak torque until over 4000rpm, even the thumping diesel didn’t peak until 2400 rpm; Land Rover engines peaked at between 1800 and 2000rpm. In its latest incarnation the G-Class does significantly better with its 208bhp 3.0-litre turbodiesel, giving it livelier livelier,, smoother performance, and with a beefy 397lb ft of torque developed at a low 1600rpm it’s turned the tables since the 3.0 TDV6 Range Rover peaks with  just 325lb ft at 2000rpm. With the outward appearance of hi-tech modernity it’s easy to miss the point that the G-Class is basically an old-style truck, and the add-on

electronic wizardry doesn’t always meld happily with the hard-core drive train. For instance, it’s easy to forget that ‘permanent’ four-wheel four-wheel drive – as on the original Range Rover and coilsprung Defender – doesn’t stay ‘permanent’ when you’re off-road and tackling slippery or tortuous terrain. On any modern 4x4 worthy of the name the centre differential – which in many cases takes the form of some sort of clutch arrangement – locks automatically if a wheel loses traction.  Traction  Tra ction control, which works works by applying the brakes to a wheel that’ that’s s spinning, ought to take over when the centre differential isn’t locked, but in the case of the G-Class it just doesn’t seem to be sensitive enough to operate effectively when trying to edge the car carefully over an angled hump with a wheel or two in the air – and with its suspension tautly controlled to ensure stable on-road behaviour at speed, it

 The front diff lock needs to be used sparingly. Because it forces the front sparingly. wheels to turn at the same speed it becomes difficult to steer the car, and in some cases – such as if trying to steer up a slippery slope – the fact that both wheels are forced to turn at the same speed can result in both tyres losing traction sending the car lurching in the wrong direction. That’s one reason why other off-roaders that have included locking axle differentials in their standard specification, for instance the Mitsubishi Shogun, Nissan Patrol and  Toyota  T oyota Land Cruiser, Cruiser, have generally limited this feature to the rear axle. It’s It’ s also questionable whether the seven-speed automatic is the best choice for tricky off-road action. Off-road traditionalists tend to favour cars like the early G-Wagen with its proper manual lever to engage low range, and a gear selector that clearly shows what gear you’re in, not only so

On a steep downhill slope, as you ease off the brakes expecting the car to creep gently forward, it stays put for a few heart stopping moments, then lurches forward gets cross-axled quite easily. On paper it has good ground clearance, but we found it all too easy to bring the sills into contact with the ground over quite mild terrain.  The traction control control would appear to be there mainly to cope with on-road conditions, where it’s wired in as part of the stability and trailer steadying controls. Off-road the answer is simple, even though it means taking manual control. Just push the first of the three diff-lock buttons on the dash, which locks the centre differential, and if the terrain still has the car floundering engage the other locks in sequence. Rear first – the front locker won’t engage unless the rear has been selected.

you know exactly where you are but also so that you can trust the mechanism to stay that way until you deliberately select another configuration. With the modern seven-speeder the gear selector is a simple knob with Drive, Neutral and Reverse positions; the transmission has a choice of Sport, Manual or Comfort modes, selectable by means of a small multifunction switch beside the lever, and a separate button nearby to select low range, though this only works at speeds below 25mph. In the Manual mode specific gears may be selected by shifting the main lever forwards or backwards or by flicking the paddle controls on the steering wheel, all very

Specifications Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 350 BlueTEC Engine:

Six cyl/2987cc

Power:  Torque: G 63 AMG Engine: Power: Torque: Transmission: 4WD: Suspension: Front: Rear: Brakes: Tyres: Length:  Width:   Height:  Weight: Towing capacity:

208bhp@3400rpm 397lb ft@1600rpm Eight cyl/5461cc 536bhp@5500rpm 560lb ft@2000rpm Seven-speed automatic Permanent, dual range

Live axle, coil springs Live axle, coil springs Ventilated discs front, discs rear 265/60R18 (AMG 275/50 R20) 4662mm 1760mm 1951mm 2570kg (AMG 2550kg) 3500kg

Off-road data: Ground clearance:   Approach angle: angle:  Departure angle:  Ramp angle:  Side slope:  Wading depth: 

Below:  While

on paper ground clearance was good, it became a concern when the sills caught on some seemingly minor humps

210mm 36deg 27deg 24deg 54deg 600mm

effective and simple to use, but care is needed off-road where the only way you can tell what gear you’re actually in is to watch the display on the dash and it’s all too easy in a moment of excitement (or panic) to flick a paddle control and accidentally select a higher gear than you need. The adaptive braking is another clever arrangement which includes an anti-creep function, which means you don’t have to stay on the brakes while waiting for traffic lights to change, and a hill start feature which is marvellous when having to pull away uphill with a heavy trailer on the back. Slightly less intuitive is the way it holds the car on a steep downhill slope as you ease off the brakes expecting the car to creep away gently and controllably… only for it to stay put for a few heart stopping moments, then lurch forwards suddenly. A minor problem,  just a feature the off-road driver needs needs to get used to, along with where and when to use the differential locks and which mode to use on the auto transmission.  The sales material has has a cute way of of describing this enigmatic hybrid of old and new: ‘some cars have long memories.’  The 30-year 30-year-old -old hard-cor hard-core e memories es of the G-Class may today be somewhat clouded by the softening luxuries of leather and gimmicky electronics, but we can’t help saluting Mercedes-Benz for having the gall to make such a fashionable modern class act out of its nails-hard old army truck.  BC www.4x4i.com  • August 2014

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THE 4X4 VISIT  Alders Automatic Transmissions Transmissions

GET INTO GEAR Own a 4x4 with an automatic transmission? Then at some point you may need the services of a gearbox specialist; we visit Alders to find out more... Words and photography: Sarah Harrington-James

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his must be the place. I feast my eyes on a letterbox red 1959 American classic Chevy GMC pick-up, and a quick glance around reveals it is in good company, surrounded by a bevy of other classic American stalwarts like the Dodge Charger and Pontiac Firebird. However, although I am happy to admire such cool looking models, it is actually the 4x4 side of Alders  Automatic Transmissions Transmissions that we have come to explore. When business owner Dave Alder was a schoolboy, he often admired a neighbour’s neighbour’ s Chevy Camaro and it was this that started his passion for  American vehicles. An apprenticeship apprenticeship with Ford followed – and Dave would often stop off on his way home and help the guy out with his American classic. After seven years with Ford, Dave moved on to a gearbox specialist

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 Above and right: Not the obvious entry to a 4x4 specialist. Once inside, however, things get a lot more familiar...

where he learnt the trade of reconditioning units. Even there he never lost his interest in the American car scene and after building up several contacts, decided to break out on his own at the tender age of 27 and focus on rebuilding automatic gearboxes. “I got a little workshop on a farm and as word got around, Len Wright who I used to work with came and joined me full-time,” explains Dave. “By this point we had to move to bigger premises where we’ve been now for 10 years.”  Although Alders’ mainstay is mostly Ford F150 pick-ups, Dodge Rams and Hummers, the team of three also see in plenty of Jeep Cherokees and a few Wranglers, not just for gearbox rebuilds but also for servicing, repairs and upgrades. “We went through a spell last year where we did a lot of competition off-road ‘boxes for people doing comp safari racing and then we had a run of Range Rover and BMW X5 jobs that had come to us on recommendation

from local garages,” says Dave. In fact the competition gearboxes were for  V8-powered space frame frame racing buggies, built by local firm Off-Road  Armoury.. To  Armoury To boost the ‘boxes internals, Dave stripped the units and then built them up using uprated clutches, heavy-duty steel hubs and upgraded torque converters. Soon he’ll be doing some differential rebuilds for the same company, too. Dave’s Dave’ s latest project is sitting in the workshop on the day of my visit – a left-hand drive Jeep Wrangler – a model he has a soft spot for for.. I wonder what his plans are for that. “I’ll use it as a daily driver and smoke around in it really!” he laughs. “It was in a mess when I bought it – it had been sat in someone’s someone’s field for about five years and had no engine or gearbox. I’ve ended up putting in an Isuzu 3.1-litre turbo diesel and I’ve just got to finish the wiring and buy some new tyres for it.” Through this, Dave became a dealer for Rough Country

Below middle: There is a vast array of spare gearbox parts at Alders, including these internal transmission clutches Below right: Len right: Len Wright getting stuck into the latest gearbox rebuild

after fitting one of its lift kits to the Wrangler and has already sold a few of these kits to customers. So what can go wrong with 4x4 gearboxes then? “A lot of the Jeep ‘boxes are of the A500 type and it’s quite common for the governor pressure control solenoids to block up with debris, which is often caused by a clutch failing internally,” Dave explains. “As a result, we often see J eeps and Dodge Rams with ratchet shift problems, where the vehicle can’t decide what gear it wants to be in.”  As well as rebuilds, Dave does a lot of gearbox oil and filter changes too.  This can be done on the majority of vehicles, but the Land Rover Freelander is renowned for having a filter, which is hard to access. Dave adds: “It is inside the gearbox casing, which is bolted together,, so you’ve got to strip down together the transmission to get to it. Aside from the Freelander, Freelander, most vehicles have a sump pan on the bottom that can be removed to gain access to the filter.” Of course this also makes the Jaguar Land Rover ‘Sealed for Life’ statement rather nonsensical... saying that, Chrysler Jeep is at it too, as some gearboxes fitted to the Chrysler Voyager and Jeeps have an external solenoid pack with a metal covering which has ‘do not under any circumstances remove this cover’ stamped on it, even though a gasket and seal servicing kit is available from the manufacture manufacturer! r!  The advanced 45RFE 45RFE transmission, which was fitted to the 4.7-litre Jeep Grand Cherokee has its own special trait. The transmission control module times how long it takes to change gear between the input and output speed sensor,, so as the gearbox wears out, sensor the module speeds the oil flow up into the clutches to maintain a smooth gear change – even then Dave tells me you won’t notice any deterioration in shift quality.. He says: “If you recondition one quality

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THE 4X4 VISIT  Alders Automatic Transmissions Transmissions of these gearboxes without doing an ‘adaptive learn’ process with a scan tool afterwards, the computer still thinks the ‘box is worn out and will continue to feed the oil in quickly. This will feel like someone’s someone’ s slamming the brakes on hard between gears and can result in transmission damage.” Gearbox rebuilds at Alders can cost around £1800 (plus VAT) if the team has the vehicle on site and completes the whole job, but if the customer removes the transmission and torque converter themselves it can cost £500 less, depending on the model. Earlier three-speed auto ‘boxes are a lot simpler to rebuild and so start off from about £800 (plus VAT). “We always cover all internal electrical components – the warranty is 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes sooner – and we can do a six-month or 6000 mile extension after the first year and then complete a transmission flush,” says Dave. The transmission flush machine on site cleans through the entire system, whereas I’m told that some companies who service transmissions will drop the sump off and only change half the oil. “We do rebuild some manual transmissions as well, but normally only on more obscure stuff that manual gearbox specialists don’t want to touch,” he adds.  Already Alders is bursting at the seams and at some point a new site will have to be found as business is booming and will be for a long time to come. It is unlikely that Brits will get bored anytime soon of the big, brash  V8-powered American American machines!  4x4

CONTACT  Alders Automatic Transmissions Transmissions Units 4-5, Northfield Business Park  Lower Dicker Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 4BZ Tel: 01323 848448 nfo Web: www.automaticgearboxes.info

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 Above: Dave Alder  Above: Dave with his latest Jeep Wrangler soft-top project Right: A big fan of Right: A Jeep Wranglers, Dave is using this one for spares Bottom right: If you’re not impressed by this stunning 1959 GMC pick-up, then you don’t have a pulse! Below left: It’s

amazing what you can find tucked away in  Alders’ yard; modified L200 Warrior, Warrior, next to a classic Dodge Charger

Phone: 01323 848448 www.aldersautomotive.co.uk ➤  All

Automatic Transmissions Reconditioned We recondition transmissions &  torque converters for all 4x4’s IncludingJeep, Range Rover, Land Rover, BMW & Mercedes We have the latest diagnostics equipment and full workshop facility's for installing your transmission

Off Road Transmissions & Torque Converters. ➤

Custom built racing transmissions, For all applications from 4x4 Play  Days to Full Comp Safari Race Cars

Derale Coolin Cooling g Products ➤

Transmission & Engine oil coolers &  Transmission Cooling fans Available

➤

Transmission Service.

•  Flushes the entire system. •  Restores Shift Quality Quality.. •   Extends Transmission Life

 Alders Automotive, Units 4 & 5 Northfield Business Park, Lower Dicker, East Sussex, England, BN27 4BZ

Qualified BORDA  Qualified Instruc Inst ructor tors, s, and app approv roved ed off-Ro off -Road ad ven venue ue off offeri ering ng comple com plete te eve event nt supp support. ort. • Driver Tuition and Recognised Qualification to help satisfy PUWER legislation • Challenging Off-Road Experience for all levels • 4x4 Vehicle familiarisation, Learn the potential of your vehicle! • + Many More Exciting Events and Training Opportunities

Website Websi te www.no www.notting ttinghamoff hamoffroadev roadevents.c ents.co.uk o.uk Tel Tel0800 0800 999 8865

www.BloodRedOffroad .com  www.BloodRedOffroad  .com 

Suppliers of High Quality off road products.

Fourtrak lift kits, Bumpers, Rock sliders, Snorkels, Heavy duty trailing arms, Skidplates, One off fabrication and tube work, fitting available.

Ring for details. 01484 711344/07796401187

 WORKSHOP

Daihatsu Fourtrak

ROCKY  FOUR  FOUR Daihatsu’s Fourtrak and Sportrak are fast Daihatsu’s f ast becoming popular as off-road toys. We visit Blood Red Off Road to discover their favoured top ten modifications Words and photography:  Rob Hawkins

T

he Daihatsu Fourtrak and Sportrak are unsung heroes within off-road circles and the demand for them as a capable alternative to SWB Land Rovers and similarly competent vehicles is growing. Production commenced in 1984 and spanned across three decades when the model was eventually axed in 2002.  These vehicles were sold around the world, but often with different names, including the Lovibond Rocky Rocky,, Feroza and Rugger (there was even a Toyota equivalent called the Blizzard, which was sold in Japan). SWB, LWB and convertible variants have all been manufactured. Whilst the Sportrak had a shorter production life and was equipped with a smaller 1.6-litre petrol engine, the rugged Fourtrak was a more serious off-roader and work vehicle. At first, it was powered by a 2-litre petrol engine, which was replaced by a 2.2 fuel injected unit between 1990 and 1992. However,, the 2.8-litre diesel engine in However naturally aspirated or turbocharged form is the more common engine and whilst the turbo diesel was available from the start of production, it was the only

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engine fitted to the Fourtrak after 1992. With all engines mated to a five speed manual gearbox, live axles were fitted at first to the front and rear, but in 1992, the front was changed to an independent suspension set up incorporating a transfer box with driveshafts. Suspension was based around leaf springs at the front and rear on the Fourtrak, but the Sportrak had torsion bars at the front. From 1992, the Fourtrak adopted torsion bars at the front and coil springs were fitted at the rear.  The braking system remained remained the same throughout production with single piston calipers and discs at the front and drums at the rear. Nowadays, expect to pay at least £1200 for a tatty Fourtrak or Sportrak, but if you want a low mileage vehicle that has been maintained, budget for over £2000. Common problems to look out for appear to concern corrosion, especially on later models instead of the earlier variants that were built to withstand agricultural use and abuse. Rear wheel arches, sills and rear suspension mounting points can corrode, along with the rear trailing arms, which are weak and can break.

Fourtraks and Sportraks are relatively simple vehicles when it comes to construction. There are only 10 mounts that secure the body to the chassis and most models have a removable GRP rear roof section, although it isn’t a five-minute job to unbolt it. Specialists such as Blood Red Off Road appear to have become well known for modifying the Fourtrak and Sportrak and developing a number of products ranging from lift kits and snorkels to pick-up conversions. Behind the scenes, there’s engineer David Kerr, who has been operating from his  Yorkshire  Y orkshire based premises since since 2007.  The following pages outline his 10 most popular upgrades.

Contacts Blood Red Off Road Tel: 01484 711344 Mobile: 07796 401187 Website: www.bloodredoffroad.com Email: dave@bloodredof [email protected] froad.com Facebook: bloodredoffroad.com

REAR TRAILING ARMS Standard trailing arms can fracture, especially if polyurethane bushes have been fitted to the front most mounts, which are only spot welded in three places. Blood Red’s Red’ s uprated trailing arms have a more substantial rose  jointed link, which fits into the original original mounting point on the chassis. The tubing for the trailing arm has a 7mm wall made from CDS steel with a 6mm thick spring plate and they recommend using Superpro polyurethane bushes for the rear mount. A pair of trailing arms costs £239.95. Right: Standard trailing arm on left is weak and prone to fractures. Uprated replacements from Blood Red cost £239.95 for a pair

SKID PLATE  A crossmember underneath the centre of the vehicle is commonly caught when driving off-road, leaving the vehicle perched or anchored. The best solution to this problem is to fit a series of skid an d protection plates underneath, which result

in a smooth underbelly and less risk of catching the ground and stopping the vehicle. Prices start at £69.95 for a centre skid plate that covers the crossmember. A full-length skid plate is also available from £199.

 Above: Blood Red have found Bearmach’s snorkel for the Mk1 Discovery can be made to fit onto the Fourtrak and Sportrak. The standard air filter box needs to welded and sealed, but a riveted conversion will be available soon.  Above: Chassis crossmember shown in the centre of the image is low and susceptible to grounding the vehicle. Fitting skid plates is the solution

 Above: Substantial steel skid plate helps to cover the central crossmember that can catch the ground

SNORKEL  A Bearmach snorkel for for the Land Rover Discovery Mk1 can be fitted to the Fourtrak and Sportrak and Blood Red have developed a kit, which includes mounting brackets and will be soon stocking blanking plates for the standard air box (at present, the air box needs to be welded). The work involved in fitting the snorkel

is quite extensive, requiring the inner wheel arch trim to be removed, so set aside a full day to complete the conversion. Blood Red charge £135 for the snorkel, another £70 for the air box modifications and a snorkel kit supplied and fitted costs £295.  A full fitting guide is is available on Blood Red’s website.

 Above: Blood Red’s full-length skid plates help to protect the underneath of the vehicle when driving off-road

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75

 WORKSHOP Daihatsu Fourtrak

 WINCHES AND BUMPERS  The standard front front bumper on the Fourtrak and Sportrak is insufficient for mounting a winch, so Blood Red have modified the Land Rover Discovery Mk1 tubular winch bumper and manufactured new mounts that are welded onto the front of the chassis. A new Disco bumper costs £399, but Blood Red can supply the mounts for £30, allowing you to source a

second-hand bumper and adapt it to fit. They charge £60 to weld the mounts in position on the chassis and fit the bumper.  Alternatively,, Blood Red  Alternatively manufacture a folded steel front bumper that mounts to the chassis with no welding required.  This costs £360 unpainted, unpainted, or £400 powder coated. A winch can be mounted onto this bumper.

Top right: Modified Mk1 Disco bumper can be fitted onto the front of the Fourtrak and Sportrak with a £30 set of mounts that need to be welded to the chassis Right: Folded steel front bumper can be fitted onto the chassis without any welding and includes a mounting panel for a winch

LIFT KIT COIL SPRINGS Coil sprung suspension was fitted to the rear of the Fourtrak from 1992 onwards, with torsion bars being fitted at the front. The front can be lifted by around one and a half inches through adjusting the torsion bar, but the amount of lift is limited by the clearance between the upper wishbone and bump stop. At the rear,, taller s prings are available, which rear produce a two-inch lift without altering the spring rating. Heavy-duty springs are also available along with custom specifications. Prices start at £144.95 for a pair of spri ngs. Longer Pro Comp shock absorbers can be fitted on the rear (Blood Red haven’t found much improvement with these on the front) to avoid over-stretching the standard units. Just like the shock absorbers fitted to leaf sprung vehicles, Pro Comp’s Comp’s are two or three inches longer than standard and cost £104 a pair including dust boots. Left: Taller coil springs can be fitted at the rear on vehicles made during 1992 and later

ROCK SLIDERS  The underneath of the the sills can be protected with lengths of powder coated steel rock sliders that are bolted to the main chassis legs. Additional holes do not need to be drilled into the chassis legs (existing holes are used instead), and no welding is required. A pair of rock sliders cost £240.

 Above: Rock Sliders provide protection for the sills and are bolted to the chassis legs

BODY LIFT KITS New mounts are available to help raise the Fourtrak and Sportrak’s Sportrak’s body by two i nches.  The original mounts are retained, but all other fittings are replaced with new components. Nylon mounts are used to raise the body and will take most people a full day to fit. Additional work includes raising the height of the front and rear bumpers as these are mounted to the chassis. A full kit costs £108. Blood Red charge £340 to supply and fit the kit, including raising the height of the bumpers.

76  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

 Above: Lift kit retains the original body mounts, but replaces all other fittings

 Above: Blood Red’s lift kit will raise a Fourtrak or Sportrak’s body by two inches

 WORKSHOP Daihatsu Fourtrak

PICK-UP CONVERSION  The rear roof roof section on the Fourtrak Fourtrak is made from GRP, takes a few hours to unbolt and is quite heavy at around 70kg. Once removed, Blood Red can covert the vehicle into a pick-up. The rear door needs to be cut down to form a tailgate and the glass section is moved to the back of the cab.  Additional steel is used to strengthen strengthen and construct the rear load area. Conversion prices start at £960.

Left: Thanks to a GRP rear roof, a pick-up conversion is a little easier easier,, but fabrication is still very time consuming

LEAF SPRING LIFTERS Early Fourtraks featured leaf springs at the front and rear, whereas whereas Sportraks only had leaf springs at the rear with torsion bars at the front. With shackles mounted at the rear of each leaf spring, extended ones can be fitted, which help to r aise the height of the body by one inch. A pair of shackles costs £79.95. Longer shock absorbers are worth fitting to avoid over-stretching the standard units. Pro Comp’ Comp’s s shock absorbers are two or three inches longer than standard and cost £104 a pair including dust boots.

 Above: Extended

CUSTOM TUBE WORK  Roll bar hoops, custom bumpers and a variety of custom tubing can be fitted to the Fourtrak and Sportrak. Popular products include a rear roll hoop on Blood Red’s pick-up conversion and custom one-off box section for mounting winches with a s tandard bumper. bumper. However,, Blood Red is more than just a fabrication specialist. They However have also gained a reputation for being able to tackle obscure projects and one-off designs.

leaf spring shackles help to raise the height of the vehicle by one inch

 WHAT  WHA T DOESN’T WORK?  Above: Custom roll bars and other bespoke tubing is made to order

 The guys at Blood Red Off Road have discovered through trial and error that some upgrades don’t work and some standard parts are useless, especially under extreme conditions such as driving off-road. For instance, they remove the anti-roll bars when driving off-road as they

don’t seem to help, but stress they must be fitted when the vehicle is used on the road.  The rear drum brakes become next to useless off-road, especially when water is involved, so one of Blood Red’s next projects is to develop a rear disc brake conversion.

Right: Blood Red recommend removing the anti-roll bars for off-road work, but fitting them when the vehicle is being driven on the road

78  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

 Above: Blood Red is well known for its custom fabrication and one-off projects. This customer’s vehicle started as an NCF Blitz

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COMPETITION

King of the Glens

Bravehearts The European Ultra4 Challenge championship makes its first appearance in Scotland, and lived up to its name. We were there to catch the truck breaking action Words Wor ds and photography: Alan Coutts

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he first ever Maxxis Ultra 4 Europe King of the Glens race took place in the vast Griffin forest complex in Perthshire, with more off-road opportunities than you could shake a stick at, set among thousands of acres. These included fast, dusty Category A forest tracks, slippery gravel spewing climbs, hectares of open moorland, tight tree sections and car sucking swamplands of awesome glistening bog. Some 22 competitors from nine countries pitched up on a Thursday afternoon for the 4km prologue stage, a fast and furious course that decided the running order for the main event on Friday.. It all looked easy enough on the Friday map, but multiple punctures and broken steering told a different story. Take

Graveyard Gulley for example, a lonely place of bleached deer skulls, weathered bones bones and loose rocks. A distant buzz grew into the sound of  Team  T eam LetZroll in an ESAB-sponsored Defender Trayback Trayback special, clawing its way up the crumbling gulley. Driven by Mike Robertson and supported by dad Colin, spannering in the pits, it was one of several new or heavily repurposed cars debuting for the season. A ripple of excitement signalled the arrival of the faster cars such as Axel Burmann of  Team  T eam Offroadterror Offroadterror,, Jaap Betsema of  Team  T eam Fireant, and and the two cars from  Team  T eam Gigglepin bouncing, bouncing, bucking and forcing their way over the 4km long section. The result? Jim Marsden snatched pole position for Friday by a mere four seconds from hard-charging

 Above: Off-Road  Armoury Eurofighter mid-engined V8 buggy debuts at King of the Glens. Builder and driver Rob Butler had to quit (left) when he bogged out! Below right: Wrex Racing with Dan Elias and Ross Wotherspoon Below left: Jim Marsden and Mark Birch thundering to first place overall

Belgian Axel Burmann. Team Team Gigglepin debuted Jim’s Jim’s new GP Defender Evo2 at King of the Glens, a car with a host of improvements designed to place it back at the top of European off-road racing. “The prologue’s prologue’s been lively for us as we were getting used to everything from the lighter honeycomb Richards race chassis, to the Spidertrax axles, Fox shocks, and a 525bhp LS3 engine driving through a Quaife QBE86G six speed sequential 4x4 gearbox. The new car’ car’s s a Monster!” exclaimed Jim, clearly stoked with the cars performance.  The long dusty trails on Friday threw up clouds of choking dust as the cars raced hard on the dirt roads, the big engined Ultra 4-style buggies really getting the hammer down; almost half the Griffin circuit was thrilling, undulating gravel surfaces, but the other half was a world of pain. Out on the piste, a determined Axel Burmann began to eat into the times set by Marsden and Birch, until he destroyed the offside front wheel on a rock. Axel had decided to save weight by leaving the spare wheel back at the start, so it was a slow run back to base where the race engineers found a leaking brake caliper that couldn’t be replaced before time ran out.  Ahead of them, Jaap Betsema Betsema wrangled his Superswamper Boggersshod car to a well-deserved fifth spot, a placing that inspired him to turn up the wick on Fire Ant, his Land Rover inspired spaceframed D&G racer racer.. Powered by its original LS2 Chevy engine and serviced by a crew that believed it has a winner on its hands, team Fireant thrived in the punishing conditions, blasting through the final lap until the front winch broke, but gentle giant Jaap was clearly delighted to bring Holland a podium two place. He said: “I’ve totally enjoyed the whole Ultra 4 experience in Scotland; it's been well organised and full of surprises with some awesome sections that demanded total concentration. I’d like to thank my great support team and co-driver Dieter Duytschaever from

www.4x4i.com  • August 2014

81

COMPETITION

King of the Glens

D&G tuning for making it happen”.  At this latitude, the high desolate peaks in the distance were still white with snow, something not totally appreciated by furthest travelled competitors USA team Lucky Dog from Kansas, a city that averages 83degF in June. Lucky Dog driver Levi Shirley and co-pilot Terry Terry Madden, started their European challenge in a US inspired Eurofighter mid-engined V8 racer from the stable of Off Road Armoury Racing at Laughton, East Sussex (featured in our July issue). Shirley and Madden had a torrid time in the fearsome sloping

peat bogs of section 10 along with ORA builder and driver Rob Butler; I watched them recover Rob’s half-buried car from a fearsome mud filled trench beside high voltage lines. Walter Philippo and super-fit co-driver Tom Ramaekers started a high fifth on the Friday i n their Jeep style JHF special buggy, but after seven miles, it sheared all six bolts on the offside front hub coming down a long boggy run. Hours later later,, parts sourced and hub rebuilt in the deep mud, they made it back to base. Then on Saturday, Saturday, they literally flamed into life at checkpoint six when their steering

Top: Team WSR muscles passed Walter Philippo and Tom Ramaekers in their stricken Jeep style JHF special buggy  Above: WSR buggy picks up speed through a forest section Left: Off-Road Racing's Bruiser, with a 502bhp Ram Jet Chevrolet engine, TH400 transmission,  Advance Adapters Adapters  Atlas II gearbox, and Corporate 14 bolt axles threads through the stump fields

82  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

hose hit the exhaust and up it went in flames, but got it fixed to finish stage three in a solid seventh spot. The King of the Glens was pitiless on components, so Team Buzz Sweets repurposed steroid sized Land Rover and Wrex Racing’s radical Defender built by Dan Elias retired due to minor issues. They’ll be back!  The French tricolour tricolour was flying high after a podium winning performance from team WSR’s beautifully constructed, Rover V8 powered, radically designed buggy, driven by WSR boss Nicolas Montador Montador.. I asked Nic on Friday night how the car was going and he replied: “Really well. It’s reliable enough to take on properly tough conditions like this, and we have developed it to take the punishment that Ultra 4 competitions are famous for.” for .” They started second on Saturday after two great runs but were in third

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COMPETITION

King of the Glens

KING OF THE GLENS TOP TEN spot by the tree stump section at 14, overtaken by Fireant. Team WSR suffered alternator problems on lap three, leading to dead batteries from winching, and were assisted out of the section by Axel Burmann, himself retiring with a holed front winch housing. Fourth spot went to the always competitive Jerry Hunt from Team Gigglepin, who overcame trailing arm bush problems and a roll to fight his way back into contention for a top five finish. It was clear even on the Prologue that the King of the Glens was going to be fearsomely tough even by Ultra 4

standards, so much so that only one car completed the last lap on the final day – Jim Marsden and Mark Birch of  Team  T eam Gigglepin 4x4. They drove drove it like they stole it from start to finish, to take podium one by over four hours, a massive achievement with a new untested car. Interesting fact? Thom Kingston, co-founder and owner of ace axle engineers Spidertrax from Colorado, told me that their Spider 9 axles were on the top three finishers, Jim Marsden, Jaap Betsema and Nicolas Montador. Montador. Maxxis K ing of the Glens? Ultra tough, ultra good.  4x4

Driver

Total time

1.

08.54.57 12.23.22 12.28.33 13.35.16 13.53.48 14.20.19 14.51.16 14.51.16 14.52.20 14.54.08

Jim Marsden Jaap Betsema 3. Nicolas Montador 4. Jerry Hunt 5. Henrik De Nijs 6. Axel Burmann 7. Walter Philippo 8. Sylvain Bessiere 9. Mike Robertson 10. Philon Parpottas 2.

Top: Reborn Gigglepin GP Defender powers its way over a moorland sideslope Right: Philon Parpottas puts his TD5 proto down a forest slope Left: Team Gigglepin take first place. Jim Marsden (left) with Mark Birch (right)

 WANT  W ANT TO KNOW KNOW MORE? MORE? Check out the Ultra 4 Europe website at ultra4europe. com for details on the race series, how to enter, what’s what’s on, rules and regulations. Don’t forget the King of the  Valleys is in August and the Walters Walters Arena, near near Neath, is very spectator friendly

84  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

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PJ59 XBZ 2009 (59) LAND ROVER 90 Tdci DEFENDER PICK-UP, PICK-UP,  PAS, TOWBAR & ELECTRICS, 38,000 38,000 MILES, TAMAR BLUE £12,750 + VAT

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Our 4x4s Monthly reports on the exploits of our personal fleet of 4x4s SUZUKI GRAND VITARA  Nigel Fryatt, Editor Spec: 3-door Spec:  3-door SZ4 Mileage: 9756 Mileage:  9756 MPG: 29.56 MPG:  29.56 Recent Costs: None Costs: None  Arrived: July  Arrived:  July 2013

SUBARU FORESTER Hils Everitt, Editor at Large Spec: XD Spec:  XD Premium Mileage: 2963 Mileage:  2963 MPG: 48.6 Recent costs: None costs: None  Arrived: June 2014  Arrived:

JEEP CHEROKEE Bob Cooke The going here is too soft for my Cherokee...

Spec: 4.0 Limited Mileage: 75,359 MPG: 20.2 Recent costs: None  Arrived: July 2011

SUZUKI GRAND VITARA Louise Limb

GET STUCK IN Jeep Cherokee Bob Cooke

Spec: 2.0 TD 3DR Mileage: 76,388 MPG:   36-40 MPG: Recent costs: None  Arrived: Oct  Arrived:  Oct 2008

TOYOTA RAV4 XT-R Sue Loy  Spec: 2-litre Spec:  2-litre Mileage: 53,902 MPG: 34 MPG:  34 Recent costs: Service costs: Service and MOT   Arrived: June  Arrived:  June 2012

LR DISCOVERY 3, 110 Robert Pepper Spec: Discovery 3 Spec: Discovery Mileage: 83,567 MPG: 23.3 MPG:  23.3 Recent costs: None costs: None  Arrived: March 2012  Arrived: March

86 August 2014 2014 •  • www.4x4i.com

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here are places I wouldn’t take my Cherokee, and that includes some of the holes at John Morgan’s Morgan’s Slindon off-road site. I go there quite often because it’s it’s not that far – I reckon  just over half a tank’s tank’s drive there and back, and but for the price of petrol I’d go more often – and there’s such a good variety of off-road terrain that anything from standard 4x4s to heavily modified specials can find terrain that’s challenging enough to excite without damaging the vehicle. Of course if you don’t mind a bit of damage there’s plenty of suitable terrain for that as well, such as when a couple of over-exc over-excited ited lads sent their Discovery sideways down a serious slope or when an overconfident chap drove his Range Rover into a puddle without thinking to check how soft the bottom was… I admit that I don’t punish the Cherokee anything like that much,

because I still use it as a road car, but even treading lightly the three-inch suspension lift and Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs give it enough extra clearance and traction to tackle terrain at Slindon that’s exciting enough to get the adrenaline going and without getting stuck. Meanwhile my town car – the black 1998 Cherokee – has also had a brief spell of off-roading.  You’ll  Yo u’ll probably laugh when you hear that I haven’t dared put it into four-wheel drive yet, but would you blame me? I’ve heard so many fright stories of how the transfer box on Cherokees can seize or even destruct if not used regularly and this car was one of those legendary one lady owner cars, and London-based at that, so I really can’t be sure that i t’ t’s s ever been in four-wh four-wheel eel drive. I’m waiting for a nice warm sunny day before attempting it, and only when I’ve got a recovery crew around to help me limp it back

home if it all goes badly wrong. In spite of that I chose to give it a drive down to Slindon, not to do any tough off-roading, but because John Morgan was hosting a clay pigeon outing and I was eager to show him what a crack shot I am. Even though the access road to the site is rough loose-surfaced gravel and quite steep in places the Cherokee coped perfectly well in rear rear-wheel -wheel drive, but it wasn’t the traction that suddenly worried me – it was the tyres. Driving the older Cherokee on rugged Goodyear Wranglers meant I’ve pretty much forgotten about punctures, but as I launched the newer Cherokee over some sharp rocky outcrops I remembered it’s running on Bridgestone Dueler H/T road tyres, lots of tread but with sidewalls probably significantly less well protected than the off-road Wranglers. I crept gently from then on, because I didn’t fancy changing a wheel in such rough and slippery conditions.  The spare in the Cherokee is bolted to the side of the luggage compartment, and in the smart black car was hidden under an upholstery-matching cover. Back at home I decided I’d better check the condition of the spare,  just in case… and discovered to

my horror (and amusement) that the spare was a puny 155/90D16 space saver – how much good would that have been off-road, even at crawling pace? Needless to say I immediately replaced it with one of the spare road wheels from the other Cherokee, fitted with a Goodyear Eagle road tyre.  The black Cherokee Cherokee will be back at Slindon – with off-road tyres – later in the summer, but in the meantime I’d like to remind anyone interested that the Slindon site is open for off-road fun on the fourth Sunday of every month; if that’s not enough the nearby Boxgrove Boxgrov e site is open on the second Sunday of every month.  To  T o avoid any confusion, confusion, and to to check location, not to mention viewing some of the off-road action taking place there, check John’s website, the aptly-named www.4x4driving.co.uk.  4x4

PRECIOUS CARGO Naturally, I have switched the space saver for a real tyre before off-roading!

Suzuki Grand Vitara SZ4 Nigel Fryatt

W

...and I wouldn't take this slope sideways...

hen you get quizzed by those ‘other’ motorists who don’t just ‘get’ why we own 4x4s, one word usually ends the argument. Even for those who don’t want to go off-road, or don’t have the ability to understand how good a 4x4 is during inclement weather conditions, one thing they can never argue against is – versatility versatility.. If you own a 4x4, then you have the ability to do just about anything. Our little three door Grand Vitara is a perfect example of this. Provided you are happy to use just a little more fuel than absolutely necessary, then the thing is like a hot hatch and can be hustled about with aplomb. Great fun, and it does surprise people at times with its ability to launch itself down the road. When off-road, we have found that once ground clearance and that vulnerable-looking (and massive) rear exhaust silencer box are accounted for, the little truck’s ability to be slotted into Low range does make it a surprisingly competent mud-plugger. The light steering and a good all round visibility helps here as well, but it performs better than many think.  You  Y ou can get people in the back, although to be fair fair,, the five-door version is probably a more sensible option should you regularly carry extra passengers. Granny won’t thank you for having to climb in the rear that’s for sure, and some people do find it a li ttle claustrophobic. Fold the seats back, however, however, and the thing’ thing’s s an ideal load carrier as we found this month when one day it was a case of transporting my daughter’s daughter’s Springer Spaniel, Pip. I was surprised to discover that Pip’ Pip’s s cage fitted perfectly. Surprised and relieved, because Pip has a tendency to want to help with the driving if she’ she’s s loose in the car! Then the next day day,, we were off sailing and the rear was full of assorted sailing gear gear,, sleeping bags, pillows, food, and lots of drink. We also had assorted coats for all weathers; oh, and did I mention the drink? It may be small, but the Suzuki Grand Vitara is more than capable of coping with a lot of different challenges. Even Pip was happy in the back!  4x4

 ...but there's still enough rough going for my trusty Jeep Cherokee

www.4x4i.com •  August 2014 87

OUR 4X4S

Running reports

FUEL FOR THOUGHT Subaru Forester XD Premium Hils Everitt

L

ong journeys in pursuit of features was never a problem in the good old days when fuel cost a few pence per gallon. We didn’t bat an eyelid at driving big old petrol 4.0-litre engines for several hundred miles in more traditional 4x4s that ate up the miles and, therefore, the gallons. Returning less than 20mpg, and in some cases 10-15mpg didn’t really figure on the radar. Oh how times have changed. Now, we hardly ever drive big petrol engines. ‘Big’ diesels, like in Discovery 4s and its rivals, now return over 30-plus and we are pleased with that. The big luxury 4x4 manufacturers still strive to bring those figures into the more palatable zone towards the 40mpg mark, but it is in the mid-sized SUV market where you’ll find the most impressive mileage returns for your hard-earned cash. Our long-term Subaru Forester boasts a combined figure of 49.4mpg, with 40.4mpg on the Urban cycle. In its first few weeks buzzing around town and shorter

local trips the computer told me that I had averaged 39.6mpg, which is pretty pleasing and almost on the button. On a few long trips lately if has not failed to meet its target and has impressed. In fact, it has exceeded them on occasion. A drive from Kent to Exmoor,, as the fi rst real test, I was Exmoor clocking up to 47.5mpg. That trip included quite a number of miles overworking the manual six-speed gearbox on steep, winding narrow Exmoor lanes. That was actually quite disconcerting seeing the display to my left constantly updating consumption, and on those beautifully scenic and hazardous lanes it was dropping from the mid 40s.

88  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

 The Exmoor trip (some fruits of which you would have read about in last month’s issue) consisted of a mix of motorway motorway,, the inevitable crawling traffic around Stonehenge on the A303, some lovely fast cruising on an empty  A30 and those pesky, pesky, but fun, country routes. All in all, the best my Forester and I registered was 48.6mpg; impressive I reckon, considering the variety of road and traffic conditions.  A recent trip to Wales Wales (you’ll read about the RSPCA’s trucks in Snowdonia next month) involved motorway driving, nearly all the way from Kent to Colwyn Bay on the northern Welsh coast. On the way back the Subaru and I wound our way along the glorious, but often slow and gearbox-wr gearbox-wrenching enching Welsh lanes to Ledbury in Herefordshire Herefords hire before heading back to Kent via Cirencester and the M4/25. But during that round trip

the screen readout actually peaked at 50.1mpg along the remarkably free-flowing M4. Unfortunately, I couldn’t produce photographic evidence as I was driving at the time, but was impressed that the magic 50 was breached. Watching the sectors on the fuel gauge going down very slowly is a highly pleasing sight and makes these long trips so much less hassle as I didn’t constantly have to think about available fuel stops. I have yet to test its fumes threshold by running it down to the ‘E’ level and see how much I can push it before chickening out and bolting to the fuel station. I have managed another magic 50 miles on the redline in my Jeep Grand Cherokee and would love to bust that in our Forester Forester.. The price of fuel is a pig, but I am loving the economy our modern mid-sized SUV is producing.  4x4

PRODUCT TESTING Land Rover Discovery 3 Robert Pepper

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he last update covered the sale of our muchloved Discovery 3, and a wrap-up of its performance. But only the car’s performance, and any overlanding vehicle is more than  just the base car. car. So it’s it’s time to look at some of the accessories we fitted, and how they fared over the years of use and thousands of miles of off-roading. First up is the bull bar. In countries with kangaroos and other large idiot animals, it’s a lifesaver.. Doesn’t really affect the lifesaver handling or performance, but it does increase front suspension wear.. Also handy is a winch, sand wear flag and spotlight mount. Speaking of which, the Warn 9500XP is a top-end winch and has performed faultlessly on demand, and demand seemed to be nothing for a few months then a flurry of recoveries. Quality is always worth paying that little bit extra for.  The roof rack is the standard Land Rover unit, light and stylish, but the crossbars are way too widely spaced, so I added a metal mesh floor. That fixed it, and made a useable load space, although one not as wide or long as the car’s roof is capable of handling. No real complaints, although the paint job isn’t the best. The rear ladder has worked fine and not appeared to stress the door, although a bit of anti-slip on the rails isn’t a bad idea .  The Brown Davis long-range long-range

tank has been superb, carrying another 100-litres of fuel, which is transferred by pump to the main tank. Can’t fault it, and the extra range is a welcome boost when travelling in remote areas. What has been a problem is the 4x4 Design rear carrier carrier.. The clever latch system failed, so I cut it off and replaced it with a simpler system from Rrijidij Offroad. Innovation is good, but it needs to be tested first.

 Another problem was that that the  ARB compressor mounted mounted under the bonnet worked very well for a couple of years, then the pressure sensor failed. The local ARB outlet gave me a new, better one for free, it was easily replaced and it’s it’ s been faultless since, although the air hose mating mechanism needs the occasional spray of WD-40.  The second battery is an Optima Yellowtop and that’s been

NEXT MONTH: Full details of why Robert sold his beloved Land Rover Discovery D3 and replaced it with a Ford Ranger pick-up! Traditionalists might be horrified, but we run a more secular off-road church on this magazine. You have to admit, both these trucks look great. Find out why Robert chose the pick-up route in next month’s issue.

good for around three years of use each time, not bad considering it runs a 47-litre fridge and various other electrical loads. It’s about the same lifetime as the main Land Rover battery, something important to keep in good order for a trouble-free vehicle. For the last few years we ran the standard Land Rover 17x7 alloy rims, and they’ve been superb. Last set of tyres were Cooper AT3s in 245/70/17 light-truck construction. These have worn from 12mm to 8mm over 34000km, giving a projected life of 54,000km to 4mm (a good replacement tread depth for off-road tyres) which given their road-biased tread is not great, I’d want around 80,000km. What is great is their general quietness, and combined with the D3’s fantastic traction control, I’ve never wanted for more grip off-road, even in slippery mud. So, that proves the point that the newest vehicles can make do with less grippy off-road tyres than older ones. But regardless of age, our relatively trouble-free experience with the D3’s accessories has proven that once again, quality is worth it or as a mate likes to say say,, ‘poor people can’t afford to buy cheap’.  4x4

www.4x4i.com • August 2014 89

Marketwatch MONTHLY 4 X 4 PRICE REVIEW of sale, but it’s always a bit of a gamble. But while on the subject of problems with cars, anyone handy with a spanner – okay okay,, anyone who has a tooled-up garage big enough to work on a car – should take note of what quite often happens at the other extreme of a car auction – the non-runners.  These can be older older cars that frankly are worth only scrap value, but often they’re relatively good vehicles that have suffered some mechanical failure that the owner considers uneconomical to repair. Yet these cars sometimes go for a pittance.

 A rare appearance, with a top price to suit

PROBLEM, OR OPPORTUNITY?  There’s good and bad  There’ bad to be be found found at car car auctions, auctions, but but it’s it’s not always easy to tell which is the better value, as Bob Cooke explains, problem cars could be a better buy if the price is right

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t’s not often that a nearly new car turns up t’s on an auction floor, and the gleaming 2013 Land Rover Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 GS with 26,000 miles that went under the hammer at a recent Brightwells auction looked like a particularly attractive proposition. There are two possible reasons why it didn’t sell, the most likely being that bidders, seeking a bargain, didn’t offer enough to reach the seller’s seller’ s reserve. Which leads smoothly to the second reason, which is the tangible air of suspicion that falls over the sales floor when such a seemingly desirable car is wheeled in – if the owner can’t sell such beautiful car retail, the feeling is that there has to be something wrong with it. That’ That’s s not necessarily true – perhaps the owner, having got fed up with the massive Discovery after a year year,, took it back to the dealer that sold it to him and was offered a poor trade-in value. Luxury cars do take a particularly hard initial depreciation hit, and that remains true for premium brands

even though car valuation experts CAP report that dealers around the country are offering higher-than-average higherthan-average trade-in values on good mainstream used cars taken in part exchange to secure a new car sale. The trouble at auctions is that most bidders are used car dealers and aren’t going to offer much more than the going trade-in value, even of a very desirable nearly new car car.. One of the problems of buying at auction is that you don’t get much of a chance to check a car over in detail. You can generally watch and listen as the driver starts it, so you can listen for unexpected rattles and watch for excessive exhaust smoke, if you’re lucky you can pop the bonnet and have a quick l ook at the state of the engine, you can possibly open a passenger door and have a look inside to see if any warning lamps are showing on the dash. Reputable auction houses insist that sellers disclose any faults with the car, car, and the auctioneer will make these known at the time

Nearly new and desirable with it

Too good to be true, or just too expensive?

90  August 2014 •   www.4x4i.com

TO FIX OR NOT TO FIX   An example that might have have interested a Land Land Rover enthusiast is the 2010 Defender 110 pick-up, 77,405 miles and MOT to March 2015, it’s it’s the sort of car that could be yours for £2000-£3000, even allowing for the subsequent cost of repairs good value for a car which, in good condition, would retail for around £11,000. We also spotted a 2005 Nissan Navara King Cab with 68,000 miles, canopy, load liner and tow bar – a car that in good shape would retail for around £5000, so as a non-runner would go for a few hundred. Even if it needed a £1000 replacement engine it would be a bargain for a DIY mechanic. Similarly a 2006 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 D-ID GL with 144,000 miles sold for £1500, less than a third of the value of a good-condition example. And before shrugging these off as too much of a gamble, the auctioneer will almost always detail what the problems are, and we’ve seen cars sold for peanuts simply because they wouldn’t start. Meanwhile demand remains good for slightly older premium off-roaders. A relative rarity at auction is the Volkswagen Touareg, but the 2009 3.0 V6 TDi Altitude auto that came up at a recent Brightwells auction, 78,000 miles, leather upholstery, satnav and MOT to February next year, sold for £13,600, pretty much at the top end of its trade value. A Mercedes-Benzz GL 320 auto from 2007, with Mercedes-Ben 71,000 miles, was something of a bargain at £13,700, only 92 per cent of trade value, while a pair of 2007 Range Rover Sports sold for top trade value, an S with just 80,000 miles going for £12,800 and a 128,000-mile HSE fetching £11,200, in each case a good £2000 less than you’d pay retail.

Posh bargain - a luxurious GL for an under-par price

FOCUS ON: Mitsubishi Outlander GO FOR: GX4  AIM TO TO PA PAY: £24,000 One of the Outlander’s Outlander’s claims to fame is that the car was designed at the outset to be a plug-in hybrid, an aim that has come to fruition in the PHEV which, thanks to the government’s government’ s aid package for such vehicles, doesn’t cost much more to buy than the straightforward diesel-powered version. It’s It’s too early to tell how popular the hybrid version will be, but its arrival has led to competitive pricing of the standard car, with nearly new and ex-demonstrator examples being offered at particularly attractive prices. Mitsubishi see the Outlander as a fairly unique vehicle, suggesting that the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe come closest in concept to this boldly-styled crossover which more than ever biases the crossover concept towards tarmac use in the way it blends some of the practicality of a sports utility with high levels of family-car luxury.  All versions are well-equipped, even even the entry-level GX2 has has air conditioning, cruise control and hill start assist, as well as high-tech features such as automatic headlamps and the City Crash Provision feature which helps to avoid fender-benders. fender-benders. Note that the GX2 is a five-seater – the extra row of seats comes as part of the GX3 trim and above. Key extras in the GX3 include dual-zone air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, powerfolding door mirrors and Bluetooth. The GX4 adds leather upholstery wi th heated and electrically adjustable front seats, rear-parking sensor with rear view camera that uses the colour satnav screen, electric sunroof, xenon headlamps and paddle-shift auto transmission as an option. The top model is the GX5 with adaptive cruise control with its collision mitigation feature, lane departure warning, DAB radio and a powered tailgate.  The seven seater version offers offers better-than-average better-than-average comfort comfort for the rearmost passengers; the individual seats are easy to flip up when needed yet are supportively shaped and sprung for comfort. The centre row of seats not only folds down when necessary but also has good fore-aft adjustment so passengers can optimise legroom when driving seven-up. Power is provided by a 2.2-litre ‘clean diesel’ engine producing a useful 147bhp and good low-rev torque while offering low CO2 emissions and consumption better than 50mpg. Transmission is a six-speed manual or the paddle-shift six-speed automatic on higherspecification models. Four-wheel Four-whe el drive i s an auto-engaging type, with an ‘eco’ mode that drives the front wheels only and a ‘lock’ mode that engages four-wheel drive permanently; in the default mode four-whe four-wheel el drive is engaged electronically when it’s needed and includes a ‘yaw rate feedback’ feature that sharpens the steering when driving in a more sporting style. While the GX5 has a retail price tag of £33,999 many dealers are offering low-mileage examples with worthwhile reductions. Fownhope Mitsubishi (01432 273791), for example, was offering a pristine white 2014 example with just 10 miles on it for £3000 less. While the £31,000 being asked for a 2000-mile 2014 GX4 by Unity Automotive (01733 737104) for a GX4 seems eye-wateringly high even if it is packed with extras, other dealers are being more sensible; Gallaghers of Warrington (01925 859040) were offering a 4000-mile GX4 ex-demonstrator for £26,490, while Smithy Garage (01341 247799) were offering a GX3 with just 33 miles, plus the optional extras of full black leather interior and white pearlescent paint for £24,995, £4469 under the normal list price.

Buying Guide Archive What are you looking for? We have run a number of detailed Buyers’ Guides, useful if you are thinking of changing your 4x4, or buying for the first time. Back Issues are available by calling 0845 872 7385 or online at: www.4x4i.com BMW X5 2000-2007 X5 2000-2007 Issue July 2011 Daihatsu Terios 1997-2005 Terios 1997-2005 Issue May 2011 Ford Maverick 1993-1996 Maverick 1993-1996 Issue August 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 2001-2005 Fe 2001-2005 Issue March 2011 Jeep Cherokee 1993-2001 Issue November 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 1999-2004 Issue July 2013 Kia Sorento 2003-2009 Sorento 2003-2009 Issue June 2011 Land Rover Discovery 4 Issue September 2013 Land Rover Freelander Issue February 2013 Land Rover Freelander 2 Issue April 2014 Range Rover 1970-1995 Rover 1970-1995 Issue January 2013 Range Rover Sport 2005-2012 Sport 2005-2012 Issue June 2013 Suzuki Jimny  Issue January 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser 1998-2006 Cruiser 1998-2006 Issue January 2012

GROUP BUYERS’ GUIDES Buying a budget 4x4 (under £3000) Issue October 2011 Pick-up Buyers’ Guide Issue November 2013

COMPARISON BUYERS’ GUIDES BMW X5 v Volvo XC90 Issue May 2013 Honda CR-V v Nissan X-Trail Issue April 2012 Mitsubishi Shogun v Grand Cherokee Issue May 2012 Toyota RAV4 v Suzuki Grand Vitara Issue June 2012 LR Discovery v Toyota Land Cruiser Issue July 2012 LR Defender v Jeep Wrangler Issue August 2012 Porsche Cayenne v VW Touareg Issue April 2013 Suzuki Jimny v Mitsubishi Pinin Issue September 2012 Range Rover v Mercedes-Benz ML Issue November 2012 Seven-seater SUVS Seven-seater Issue March 2014 www.4x4i.com • August 2014

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Let’s Go Off-Road WHERE TO GO TO ENJOY YOUR 4X4 Pay and Play Sites Here are some of the best places to go off-road in the UK. We would always advise that you call to check dates and times. If you have a site that ought to be included, email us on [email protected] and mark your email 4x4 PAY AND PLAY 

UK EVENTS DIARY  JULY  JEEP  JEEP BEGINNER’S DAY  If you are a Jeep owner and always fancied driving off-road, but never quite known where to start, this could be the day for you. The Jeep Owners Club has booked the MOD’s MOD’s Bagshot training base for a special beginner’s driving day. The Club is teaming up with All Road Training to offer training by a fully qualified LANTRA instructor.. Space is limited, which instructor means you’ll get a lot of time behind the wheel, but also means you ought to book up quickly. Camping is an option onsite for Friday and Saturday evening. Site facilities are limited but there are places to stay in Camberley,, a couple of miles away Camberley from the site. To find out more, you can contact Stewart Harding on:

4X4 SAFARI Green laning trips from one day to two weeks. Start and finish close to Penrith (access from M6 Jct. 40). A day long tour of the lanes and tracks in and around the Lake District National Park. Standard vehicles with road tyres will be able to complete this whole day. £45 per vehicle. Contact for details or to book. Email: Lakes@4x4Safari. co.uk or call: 07711 231417. Check our Facebook page: 4x4Safari.

 ASH 4X4  Ash 4x4 Ltd have have a Pay and and Play site at Chirk Quarry Quarry,, LL14 5AH, near near Shrewsbury. Check the website as the venue may vary between Hawkstone Park and Chirk Quarry. There are no toilets, food or other amenities, just very good off-roading. Call Billy Hilton on 07581 030331 or go to the website on: www.ash4x4.com

stewart.harding@jeep-owners-club. co.uk or call 0773 4014598. More details of the club can be found on: www.jeep-owners-club.co.uk. www.jeep-own ers-club.co.uk. If you are a beginner and decide to attend, do make sure that you take some photographs and send them in to let us know how you got on.

 AVALANCHE  AV ALANCHE ADVENTURE Run by Avalanche Adventure, this venue is at Sibbercroft, near Market Harborough. Pay and Play days and other 4x4/off-road activities. Give them a call on 01858 880613 or look for more details on: www.avalancheadventure.co.uk 

JUNE

13

28/29

PAY AND PLAY DAYS

PAY AND PLAY DAYS

BALA OFFROAD LLANNERCH YR ERYR  The Llannerch yr Eryr farm and off-road si te is a very popular and well-known pay and play site. Spectacular views over Bala lake and surrounding mountains. Always ring to check the weather in the winter months. £30 a day, £20 after 1pm. Call: 07850 800709. www.balaoffroad.co.uk 

BLUE LIGHT OFF ROAD CLUB  This off-road off-road club club operates operates in southern southern England, England, and is open to all 4x4s. Prices vary, but usually £45 per vehicle and the Pay and Play site is often at the Army Training area at Bagshot, Surrey. Go to: www.bluelightoffroadclub.co.uk or contact John Amos on 07805 656947 or email: [email protected]

BOXGROVE 4X4 Boxgrove 4x4, Tinwood Lane, Boxgrove, near Chichester, West Sussex. Huge 80-acre site of mud, gravel tracks and woodland. Catering and toilets. £25 per vehicle. Quads are welcome, £15 per rider, all riders must be 16+ and there’s a 10mph speed limit. Call: 01903 812195 or 07802 582826. Email: [email protected] www.4x4driving.co.uk 

DEVIL’S PIT Devil’s Pit is 60 acres of different courses (novice, experienced and expert) at Barton-Le-Clay, Nr Luton, MK45 4LG (A6) Bedfordshire (OS Grid ref:  TL0782  TL0 78297) 97).. £26 £26 per per vehicl vehicle. e. Childr Children en (und (under er 16) 16) are are free free.. Toile oilets ts and and catering, first aid and recovery facilities. Tel: 01582 883349 Email: [email protected] www.devilspit.co.uk 

ESSEX, ROCHFORD & DISTRICT 4X4 Essex, Rochford Rochford & District 4x4 Club have a 4x4 site located on Creeksea Ferry Road, Canewdon, Essex, open on the second Sunday of every month for both members and non-members, check out: www.4x4er.co.uk 

96 August 2014 •   www.4x4i.com

DERBYSHIRE  DERBYSHIRE  TPORE COUNTY DURHAM Kirton Off Road Centre

JULY  5/6 ORGANISED DRIVES

 YORKSHIRE  YORKSHIR E  Yorkshire  York shire 4x4 Specialists. Specialists. Fully escorted trip Westmoorland Run. Not suitable for soft-roaders, Low box essential. £60 per vehicle. Trip is run on the Saturday and Sunday,, only £100 for both days. For Sunday more details call 01757 638479. www.yorkshire4x4specialists.com

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WEST SUSSEX   Boxgrove ESSEX  Essex, Rochford and District BERKSHIRE Harbour Hill ORGANISED DRIVES

NORTH WALES Landcraft 4x4 Snowdonia Adventure Drives. Call David Mitchell of Landcraft 4x4 on 01678 520820 or check out www.landcraft4x4.co.uk 

19 ORGANISED DRIVES

JEEP OFF-ROAD DRIVER INSTRUCTION DAY  SURREY  See details in separate panel

19/20 ORGANISED DRIVES

PAY AND PLAY DAYS

HAMPSHIRE Muddy Bottom 4x4 GWYNEDD Bala Off Road Llannerch yr Eyr

12/18 ORGANISED DRIVES

EXPLORER TOURS Landtreks Pyrenean Explorer Tour. Seven days exploring the Spanish Pyrenees. Heading eastwards the tour finishes in France. Call +33(0)631288936 or check out: www.landtreks.com

 YORKSHIRE  YORKSHIR E  Yorkshire  York shire 4x4 Specialists. Specialists. Fully escorted trip for Freelander Freelander-type, -type, soft-roaders. Only £50 per vehicle driving over the  Yorkshire  York shire Wolds on the Saturday Saturday,, with a more difficult drive on the Sunday for £60 per vehicle. For more details call 01757 638479. www.yorkshire4x4specialists.com

20 PAY AND PLAY DAYS

HAMPSHIRE

Muddy Bottom 4x4

We aim to make this feature the most comprehensive off-road events’ calendar published, and you have to admit, there are a lot of events listed here! However, we know we ca n do better, but need to hear from you, your club, association or travel company. If you are planning something, send us the details and a couple of pictures and we will highlight your event, off-road day, expedition or weekend jolly in these pages. Just send to [email protected]  mark the subject of the email: 4x4 CALENDAR

25

SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF 4X4 MAGAZINE ON SALE! In our next issue, we have lots of helpful advice on tyres, we also look at a new Jeep suspension option, plus uprating Land Rover brakes and we report on why one serious off-roader ditched his Land Rover Discovery for a Ford Ranger pick-up. To ensure you never miss an issue,why not take out a subscription, check out the special offers on page 58

4x4 Centre (Tong) near Leeds. This excellent event is also raising money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, so a worthy cause as well as a great event.  To learn more, go to: www.jeepe y.com

26/27  YORKSHIR  YORK SHIRE E

JEEPEY JAMBOREE  Annual ga thering for Jeep enthusia sts, for all models from military right up to the latest Grand Cherokee. The event includes off-roading off-roading for the novice to advanced, guided tours, show and shine, camping and trade stands. The event is held at the Parkwood Off-Road

Frickley Off-road Centre is near Doncaster in South Yorkshire, Yorkshire, DN5 7BU and includes climbs, hollows, woodland and rock climbs suitable for the novice to the experienced off-roader. off-roader. £25 per vehicle, al l road-legal 4x4s welcome. Call Charlie: 07836 544335 Email: [email protected] [email protected] k www.frickley4x4.co.uk 

PAY AND PLAY DAYS

COUNTY DURHAM Kirton Off Road Centre

27 PAY AND PLAY DAYS

WEST SUSSEX 

Slindon Safari

25/27 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Billing LR Show Billing Land Rover Fest Billing  Aquadrome, Northamptonshire NN3 9DA  www.billinglandroverfest.com. If you are looking to camp, call 01524 781453

FRICKLEY OFF-ROAD CENTRE

 AUGUST  3 PAY AND PLAY DAYS

GWYNEDD Bala Off Road Llannerch yr Eyr

HARBOUR HILL Harbour Hill, near Aldermaston A340. Non-members £30 (£10 membership, £20 for the day). Wheel washing, catering and toilets available. Call: 07887 533168 Email: [email protected]  www.4x4-withoutaclub.co.uk 

MUDDY BOTTOM 4X4  The Muddy Bottom 4x4 site is located in the heart of the New Forest (postcode SO43 7FL). All pay and play days have an entry fee of £25, and you need to be a member (day membership is only £1, or annual membership £10). The site has a jet wash, burger van, picnic area and free recovery, recovery, Please note that no kinetic ropes are permitted on site, and that you will have to jet wash you vehicle before you leave to avoid leaving any mud on the roads. To find out more contact Carla 07754 940783 or 07801 088203. Email: [email protected] www.muddybottom4x4.com

LANDCRAFT 10 PAY AND PLAY DAYS

WEST SUSSEX  BERKSHIRE

Boxgrove 4x4 Harbour Hill

23/24 PAY AND PLAY DAYS

COUNTY DURHAM Kirtson Off Road Centre

Offering the chance to get to some superb parts of Snowdonia, David Mitchell’ss experienced outfit offer some great Adventure drives, and for Mitchell’ those more adventurous, there’s always Adventure Plus. Paying on the day is £60 (inc VA VAT), T), pre-book and save £10. Call 07831 258864 Email: [email protected] www.landcraft4x4.co.uk 

KIRTON OFF ROAD CENTRE Kirton Off Road Centre is a massive 600 acre site near Kirton Lyndsey,, Lincolnshire, DN21 4JH. Standard days are £40, and there Lyndsey are often camping weekends at £75 inclusive. Check website or call for more details. Call Paul: 07907 450974 Email: [email protected] www.kirtonoffroadcentre.co.uk 

PARKWOOD 4X4 (TONG) Parkwood is at Tong village, Bradford, West Yo Yorkshire, rkshire, BD4 0RR. Open 10-4pm, catering, toilets, first aid, vehicle wash, £35.00 per vehicle including passengers - providing that there are correct fitting seatbelts. Call: 0113 285 4356 Email: [email protected] www.parkwood4x4.co.uk 

SILVERDALE

2014 YORKSHIRE 4X4 OPTIONS We have reported before on the Yorkshire 4x4 Specialists organised drives and so were interested to hear about the latest developments. It seems that the tours will continue (dates included on these pages each issue) but there are also now some special 4x4 days. These include a ‘Get to know your 4x4 day’ which includes instruction and off-road driving and costs £125 (with your own vehicle) or £175 if you use a 4x4 provided. There is also a Ladies Only version of this that could well appeal. There is also a one-day RoSPA winching day, which is highly recommended if you have a 4x4 with a winch, but have never really learnt how to use it properly! You can learn a lot more by going to the website: http://www.yorkshire4x4specialists.com or email Russell Dykes on [email protected]. The guys also organise very successful trips to the Pyrenees (pictured above) if you need to take your 4x4 further than  Yorkshire! Do let him know that you are a regular  4x4 Magazine reader, and let us know how you get on should you take a course or organised drive.

Explore this site at Haying Wood, Silverdale, Stoke-on-T Stoke-on-Trent, rent, ST5 6QQ has 53 acres of steep wooded tracks, water holes and mud! £25 per vehicle. Open from 10am until 4pm, road taxed vehicles only. Tel Tel 07970 286881. Email: exploreoffroad@h [email protected] otmail.com www.exploreoffroad.com

SLINDON SAFARI Slindon Safari, near Arundel, West Sussex, 10.00-16.00 hours; £30 per vehicle, £3 spectators, Quads welcome, £10, all riders 16+ and there’ss a 10mph speed limit. Routes for beginners and more advanced. there’ Call: 01903 812195 or 07802 582826 Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.4x4driving.co.u www.4x4driving.co.uk k

TRANS PENNINE OFF ROAD EVENTS Club runs Pay and Play sites at various venues in Derbyshire including Holymoorside, near Chesterfield, S42 7EG; Biggin Quarry Quarry,, Ashborne, DE6 1QU and Padley Wood Farm, S45 8EL. Gates open at 9.00am and costs are £20 per vehicle. Catering and toilet facilities. Email: [email protected] Check out: www.tpore.co www.tpore.co.uk .uk

www.4x4i.com • August 2014

97

BUYING USED

Toyota RAV4

GENERATION GAME Once upon a time the reason for buying a RAV4 RAV4 was to bring a grin to your face. The current model is a much more serious affair, but more spacious, refined and efficient with it. Which version you want depends on your mood

 TARGET  T ARGET RANGE: £500 - £29,000

I

n 20 years the Toyota RAV4 has developed from a playful motor show concept fun car to a mainstream mid-range SUV. SUV. So complete i s the transformation that it’s hard to see how the current model can justify retaining the Recreational Activity Vehicle nomenclature – indeed the last generation RAV4 was badged  Vanguard in Japan. RAV4 RAV4 is a title that suited the original car very well, because considering Toyota’s Toyota’s generally very conservative approach to styling the original was remarkably funky, funky, patently aimed at rivalling the staggeringly successful Suzuki Vitara as a high-fun runabout for the young at heart who liked the idea of a four-wheel drive but didn’t need it to be a serious hard-core off-roader or a practical

98  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

family estate. The RAV4 is slightly larger than the Vitara, with a more comfortable interior, more power from its 130bhp 2.0-litre twin-cam petrol engine and more ride comfort from its all-independent suspension; it raised eyebrows in off-roading circles because the body is of monocoque construction, rare for an off-roader at the time, and whil e four-wheel drive is permanent there is no low-range gearing. Nevertheless it has enough off-road ability to satisfy anyone who wants to leave the tarmac to access a picnic spot, and the recreational intention is highlighted in the cabriolet version. It soon became obvious that the RAV4’s RAV4’ s appeal outstretched the capabilities of a two-door funster, funster,

 Above: The original

RAV4 was quite obviously built for ‘Recreational  Activities’

resulting in the launch of a five-door version, which may have lost some of the funkiness but added enough practicality to start Toyota’s Toyota’s new compact SUV on a rollercoaster ride to the big league.  The first major change of direction came for the 2000 model year with an all-new and slightly more conservatively styled range. Any off-road appeal the original may have had is also reduced, with a lower ride height, tauter suspension and more powerful engines aimed at better tarmac performance and handling. There’ There’s s also a more distinctive styling difference between the three-door, three-door, which is all about youthful roadster appeal, and the five-door,, which h as much more of an five-door air of the serious family estate. The

five-door has added practicality in the way the rear seats can be easily removed to increase luggage space.  The 2.0-litre petrol engine delivers 148bhp, but from September 2001 there was also a D-4D turbodiesel offering nearly 40mpg economy. economy. By 2006 the RAV4 had shrugged off its frivolous origins, the all-new model for that year taking on a refined mainstream family estate persona, longer, wider and taller than its predecessor with more power and a new auto-engaging four-wheel drive system. Choose between a 156bhp

2.0-litre petrol or smooth new 2.2-litre D-4D turbodiesel engine, which could be specified in 138bhp or 174bhp form. The transformation from funster to family estate was complete, and although a three-door variant was available it was offered almost exclusively in the UK as a practical five-door.. By thi s time the RAV4 was five-door competing against some serious rivals, including the Land Rover Freelander and the Honda CR-V CR-V,, so naturally the levels of equipment and technology are a match with features like six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission,

 Above: The very

latest RAV4 is a very different beast. Refined certainly, but now somewhat ‘soft’ in nature One aspect of the RAV4 that continued for some years is the spare wheel on the rear door - it’s not a hatch Below:

electronic stability controls, traction controls and hill start assist included in the specification.  The constant drive for efficiency meant an engine upgrade including a new Optimal Drive 2.2-litre turbodiesel combining a hefty 148bhp with frugal 48.7mpg and reduced CO2 emissions.  The petrol engine was switched for the revised Valvematic type with 156 horsepower.  A facelift for 2010 improved aerodynamic efficiency with a new grille and headlamp design while the quality of interior materials and equipment was also enhanced. Note that this generation also included two-wheel drive derivatives, and some variants, such as the T180, have no spare wheel, opting instead for run-flat tyres or temporary repair systems, hence the lack of a door-m door-mounted ounted spare.  The all-new fourth generation RAV4 of 2013 further blurs the line between crossover and full-sized SUV. It’s roomier than its predecessor with easy-fold rear seats and a capacious boot, a wider engine choice and excellent equipment in the topspecification Invincible. With a 20-year history to look back on, your choice of which RAV4 to buy depends on how much you admire the funky styling of the original compared with the improved driveability and practicality of the newer generations. www.4x4i.com • August 2014

99

BUYING USED

Toyota RAV4

OUR VERDICTS We naturally approached the original RAV4 with some scepticism. At a time when we still weren’t really sure about the role of the Suzuki Vitara – it seemed too much of a low-riding boy racers’ street rod to appeal as a proper off-roader – the cheeky new Toyota with its monocoque body, lack of low range and its all-independent suspension struck us as being too much of a compromise to please anyone; it was too sluggish to be a sports car, not hard enough to be a full-on off-roader and not practical enough to serve as an everyday family estate. The buying public didn’t seem to mind, so we compromised our own opinion. Typical was this comment from one of our team: “It’s “It’s a clever concept, a lifestyle off-roader worth considering. It isn’t for

everyone, but it is a soft roader with a useful edge on the black stuff, stylish transport for those who don’t need a full-on full-sized 4x4.” 4x4.” We were even grudgingly appreciative of its off-road ability,, noting the effectiveness of the ability auto-locking centre differential and the  Torsen-type  T orsen-type limited slip rear axle axle differential. We were a bit more upbeat about the second generation RAV4 for 2000, perhaps having become a bit more accustomed to the growing trend for road-only SUVs. We said of the new model: “Still recognisable as Toyota’s off-road funster, the new RAV4 has been unashamedly tweaked to give it better on-road performance and handling and more high-street posing appeal. The striking new body styles bring the RAV4 right up to date.” Noting

 Above: The 2006  XT-R model is the one to look for as it’s well spec’d. It has, however, moved closer to the ubiquitous ‘SUV-look’ but does still have some prescence Left: The

interior is true Toyota Toyota in that it is logical, neat and unfussy in its design

100  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

that the base 1.8-litre engine is only available in 2-wheel drive variants, we skipped quickly to the punchier 2.0-litre unit: “This engine gets closer to GTi-type performance with a 10-second 0-60mph time and a 115mph top speed, the efficiency of the variable valve timing engine returning excellent fuel consumption of 32.1mpg.” That seemed excellent at the time… We did, however, conclude that the RAV4 was a superbly refined car, but with very little rugged off-road appeal.  That trend continued, continued, along with an inexorable increase in pricing. Our first report on the new model for 2006 commented that not only did the Rav4 come only in five-door form: “…but with prices from £18,995 to £26,995 the cost is sizeable too, but in a sector now awash with Korean pretenders Toyota sees the RAV4 as a rival to the BMW  X3. Build quality is up to the BMW’ BMW’s s

Specifications Toyota Rav4 2.0 16v  Engine:  Power:   Torque:

Toyota Rav4

standards, better in places, while space is excellent for both occupants and luggage.” We were less impressed with the car’s car’s dynamic abilities. Of the 2.0  VVT-i  VVT -i we commented: “The “The RAV4 feels feels like a big front-drive MPV. MPV. The handling is stodgy and it will understeer excessively when pushed, despite impressive levels of grip. With low ground clearance, moderate wheel travel and conservative approach and departure angles the RAV4 is no great off-roader either, either, disappointing in a car that arguably defined this sector sector.” .” Our own view hasn’t prevented the driving populace at large from taking to the RAV4 in large enough numbers to rank it as one of the most popular SUVs, in spite of the relatively high price – at least the equipment specification of high-end versions make the price seem easier to swallow, not to mention a tendency to hold its value well second-hand.  The mutation from from funster to family car has reached its conclusion with the new generation introduced in 2013. Of our first driving experience our correspondent wrote: “The RAV4 has morphed into an aggressive-looking sharp-cookie that disappointingly blends all too well with the rest of the 19-strong mid-size crossover SUV pack.” That’s That’s not to deny the quality and practicality of the latest model, which is also faster and more poised on the road than the earlier models, attributes that combined so well with the smart auto transmission and improved ride quality to earn the latest RAV4 a highly recommended accolade in our latest 4x4 of the Year contest. WHICH ONE TO BUY   The original RAV4 RAV4 has classic value, and even though you shouldn’t have to pay much more than £500 for one in good condition some dealers are asking close to £2000 for high-specification examples with well over 100,000 miles.  The range included base, base, EX, midrange GX and range-topping VX trim

levels, but here were also special editions worth looking for including Edge, Freesport, Heat, Reebok and Giant. One of the more attractive deals we saw was for a red three-door GS from 1996 with just 70,000 miles on it with an MOT and full Toyota service history going for £525 at Huzaifa Cars (07815 945949). The first RAV4 was funky,, but with £1500 to spend we’d funky rather look at one of the neater, better performing second-generation which has less classic value but is a more engaging car to drive. These were originally badged NV, NRG, GX and VX, this changing from 2004 to XT2, XT3 and XT4 trim levels. Even the base model has air conditioning and electric front windows, mid-range includes electric sunroof and alloy wheels, high-end models include a CD auto-changer and leather upholstery upholstery.. For £1500 you will be looking at a relatively low-specification version, but be aware that the base 1.8-litre NV was two-wheel drive. Keenest offer we spotted was the 2000 NRG 3-door, silver with air conditioning, 16-inch alloys and one-touch electric windows for £1500 at VTG Vehicle Supermarket of Nuneaton (01163 664066). Expect to pay £2000-£3000 for a high-mileage run-out 2.2 D-4D XT3, £3500 for a leather-upholstered leatherupholstered XT4. For family users most interest will focus on the third generation from 2006, featuring better performance, economy and safety features through the range. Badging ranged from a base LE through XT3 and XT4 to XT5, but with T180, XT-R and SR180 offering extra value equipment levels. The XT3 and XT4 were the most popular and therefore most numerous second-hand, you’ll pay £4000 for a reasonable mileage early example, more like £5000 for a well-maintained one with low mileage. Note that the T180 has no spare wheel, check that the one you buy has a get-you-home or tyre repair kit. We spotted a smart green 2006 model with a long MOT and 84,000

1994 – 2000 4cyl/1998cc 129bhp@5600rpm 129lb ft@4600rpm

2000-2006

2.0 VVT-i Engine:  Power:   Torque:

4cyl/1998cc 147bhp@6000rpm 141lb ft@4000rpm

2.0 D-4D Engine:  Power:   Torque:

4cyl/1995cc 116bhp@4000rpm 184lb ft@1800rpm

Toyota Rav4

2006-2013

2.0 VVT-i Engine:  Power:   Torque:

4cyl/1998cc 152bhp@6000rpm 143lb ft@4000rpm

2.0 V-matic Engine:  Power:   Torque:

4cyl/1987cc 158bhp@6200rpm 146lb ft@4000rpm

2.2 D-4D (140) Engine:  Power:   Torque:

4cyl/2231cc 136bhp@3600rpm 229lb ft@2000rpm

2.2 D-4D (180) Engine:  Power:   Torque: 2.2 D-CAT Engine:  Power:   Torque: Transmission: 4WD:  Suspension: Front: Rear: Brakes: Tyres:  Length:  Width:   Height:  Weight:  Towing capacity: 

4cyl/2231cc 177bhp@3600rpm 295lb ft@2000rpm 4cyl/2231cc 150bhp@3600rpm 251lb ft@2800rpm Five/six-speed manual, four-speed/ CVT/six-speed automatic Permanent Independent, coil springs Independent, coil springs Ventilated discs front, discs rear 225/65R17 4395mm 1815mm 1685mm 1465kg 1500kg

miles going for £4995 at SW Trailers (07999 511732), full leather interior, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and privacy glass.  The XT-R XT-R from 2008 is one one to look for,, the specification including electric for sunroof, privacy glass, dual zone climate control, plus Bluetooth connectivity,, cruise control, parking connectivity sensors and 17-inch alloys. Park Road Garage of Bedford (01234 843272) was www.4x4i.com • August 2014

101

BUYING USED

Toyota RAV4

offering a 95,000 mile example for £6490, silver with a full Toyota service history and a long MOT. MOT. Alternatively the sports-themed SR-180 with the higher-performance higher-pe rformance 2.2 D-4D engine has18-inch alloys, extended wheelarches, run-flat tyres and dark-tinted headlamps, Rycote Motor Company,, Oxfordshire (01844 279000) Company had a smart grey 2009 model with electric sunroof, 99,000 miles but with a full service history on offer at £7990. Naturally facelifted models for the 2010 model year are more desirable, these had the more efficient Optimal Drive turbodiesel and Valvematic petrol engines. The high-specification XT-R was also available in Style and Premium Nav form. There’s There’s a good selection of all of these around, Cargiant (08444 824110) were asking £11,000 for an  XT-R  XT -R in Decuma Grey Grey with leather upholstery and a CD multichanger. multichanger. Pay up to £17,000 for a run-out example of 2013, though this should be a pristine low-mileage example, like the silver 2.2 D-4D at Motorpoint of Peterborough (01733 737096) priced at £16,999 with 7000 miles, equipment including rain sensing wipers, auto headlamps, dual-zone air conditioning and  Alcantare leather upholstery upholstery.. Meanwhile there’s already a good selection of nearly-new examples of the

current model on offer at Toyota dealerships around the country country,, some offering remarkable savings over the new list price – for example Oakmere  Toyota  T oyota were offering offering a top-specification Invincible 2.2 D in mahogany metallic with 3000 miles on it for £24,450, comparing well with the £28,500 showroom price on a new example. LOOK OUT FOR ENGINE Petrol engines on early models need a cam belt change every 60,000 miles, so be wary when buying anything with 120,000 miles showing, check if the work has been done and if you’re not sure argue £250 or so off the price to allow for the cost of replacement. Check the state of radiator hoses, split hoses aren’t uncommon and a sudden loss of water can lead to overheating and a failed head gasket. Even on later models with the VVT-i or Valvematic engines check for signs of leakage from the water pump, which can also lead to sudden overheating; even if there are no signs of leaks, listen for squeaks or shrieks from the pump pulley indicating bearing wear. With the VVT-i and  Valvematic engines engines listen for rattles or clicking sounds that could indicate problems with the high-tech valve train. Check that the engine runs sweetly and

Top and above: 2008 models, now only four door. Fully folding rear seats offers a large and completely flat load area Left: Later models have the spare wheel inside the vehicle, but it remains with its rear door, rather than hatch option

102  August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

all dashboard indicator lamps go out after start-up, exhaust sensor failures are not unknown leading to erratic running. The turbodiesels are generally reliable but water pump failures can lead to head gasket failure, so check for water leaks, also check for oil leaks around the timing chain cover. The D-4D consumes a lot of oil, check the level before you buy and also frequently thereafter.. Clogged diesel particulate thereafter filters can cause problems on later models, excessive fuelling during the burn-off phase can lead to excessive engine wear. DRIVETRAIN  Transmissions are generally  Transmissions generally trouble free, reject any manual with a notchy or baulky shift quality. The clutch action should be lights and progressive, if it’s snatchy or there’s too much pedal movement pick another car car.. Any  juddering or shuddering from from the clutch

cornering sloppiness. Steering column  joints and track rod ends ends can wear leading to a vagueness in the steering, though knocking or clicking noises can also indicate worn CV joints. Check that the car brakes smoothly smoothly,, especially on later models, where discs are known to warp after heavy braking and may need to be replaced.

could point to impending failure of the dual-mass flywheel. The CVT transmission takes some getting used to, check on a test drive that it doesn’t seem to allow the engine to over rev too much. Wheel bearing failure is not unknown, listen for a distant drumming or groaning noise, if you’re not sure jack the car up and check that there’s no excess sideways play on any of the wheels. Check for kerbing damage on the alloy wheels, not only from an aesthetic viewpoint but also to be aware that tracking might have been put out, leading to excess tyre wear.

see it there have been attempts to hide sill damage under filler and paint. Make sure the car rides stably and doesn’t wobble about too much in corners, suggesting excessive wear to the springs and dampers; anti-roll bar bushes can wear leading to similar

This 2010 interior shows the integral satnav and a neat ‘squashed’ steering wheel Below:

CHASSIS Rust isn’t unknown on the floorpans of early examples, or on bodywork under the plastic cladding panels. Don’t buy an older car unless it has an MOT. MOT. Few RAV4s will have been used off-road, but it’s it’ s worth having a look underneath to

BODY AND INTERIOR Corrosion shouldn’t be a serious problem on later models. One aspect to check on the third generation car is that the tailgate operates smoothly and hasn’t sagged from the weight of the spare wheel. Note that the rear door on cars with door-moun door-mounted ted spares won’t open fully; a checkstrap prevents the door opening far enough for the spare wheel to obscure the taillights. Many owners removed the checkstrap or replaced it with the one from the T180, which does not have a rear-mounted rear-mounted spare. Some will even have changed the entire door for one without a spare carrier, if so check that there’s a tyre repair kit, or if the car was specified with run-flat tyres check that such tyres are still fitted. Electrical problems aren’t unknown, so check that all electrical items, such as electric windows, stereo and, on premium models, the satnav satnav,, work properly.  4x4

Or you could consider…

SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 

KIA SPORTAGE

NISSAN QASHQAI

Suzuki was quick to follow Toyota’s lead as the RAV4 developed into a family estate, launching the Grand Vitara in 1998 as a comfortable and road-friendly expanded derivative of the original Vitara. The Grand  Vitara may be a little more more compact than the RAV4 but it has an edge in off-road ability by sporting a dual range transfer gearbox, marking it as a better bet than a Toyota if you intend to do some off-road adventuring – the short-wheelbase version is ideal for that role. Engine options in the early five-door version include a 2.0-litre Peugeot diesel, a 2.0-litre petrol four or a lively 2.5-litre petrol V6. If you need more space the XL-7 offers sevenseater versatility. The new model from 2005 offers better ride from its all-independent suspension and more refinement from smoother and more efficient engines. Expect to pay around £7000 for an average-mileage 1.9DDiS from 2009.

Originally something of a rough-edged budget plaything, the Sportage has grown into a serious competitor for the likes of the RAV4 with its smooth and powerful petrol and diesel engines, all-independent suspension and good-value equipment specifications. Even the rather dumpylooking 2005 model is worth considering as a reliable low-cost family runabout, since the interior is well-appointed, comfortable and practical, and a highspecification run-out 2010 XE shouldn’t cost more than £8500. The latest version launched in 2010 is a much smarter proposition all round, with striking modern looks and refined 2.0-litre common-rail turbodiesel, pay around £12,000 for a KX-2 of 2010 with part leather and a panoramic roof to £25,000 for a nearlynew 2014 top-specification KX-4 with just 400 miles on it.

 The Qashqai may well be an SUV in name only,, shifting the off-road on-road crossover only compromise almost entirely on to tarmac, but that’s that’s unlikely to be a concern for anyone considering a modern RAV4 either, so we can only point to the remarkable popularity of the Nissan as a reason to consider it. The styling isn’t particularly striking and the interior a bit on the bland side, but equipment is good through the range and the 2.0-litre engines are smooth and responsive whether mated to manual or CVT automatic transmissions. Most buyers chose two-wheel drive versions, so make sure the one you’re planning to buy does have the All-Mode 4-wheel drive system; note that from 2011 the 1.6dCi turbodiesel was made available with 4ED and stop-start technology for ultimate economy economy.. Pay around £7000 for a four-ye four-year-old ar-old Visia or five-year-old Tekna.

www.4x4i.com • August 2014

103

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W E  B  D  I   R  E   C  T   O  R  Y 

BOB COOKE

Squaring up It was almost as if a virtual mirror had appeared from out of the greenery – only the re flection was  bigger  big ger,, blu bluer er and a whol wholee lot lot mo more re exp expens ensive ive

W

hen my Jeep Cherokee unexpectedly encountered a Mercedes-Benz G-Class on an off-road outing, I couldn’t help marvelling at how closely the Steyr Daimler Puch designers had referred to the Jeep’s classic squared-up shape when styling the bodywork of their new off-roader… Oh, all right, the G-Wagen came first, and the designers wouldn’t have taken their styling cues from the Cherokee of the time, which was a much bolder and more rounded truck than the compact and boxy XJ. It did get me thinking about roots, however. It seems the name of the man who designed the G-Wagen is lost in history history,, which is a pity because the  Austrian firm that builds the G-Class G-Class – now Magna Steyr but originally Steyr A utomobiles – did have some classy individuals in their employ,, for instance Hans Ledwinka who employ designed the beautifully aerodynamic Tatra  T77 of 1933 (and came came up with the air-cooledair-cooledengined backbone chassis design that inspired the first Volkswagens) and none other than Ferdinand Porsche, who designed the hilariously-named Raupenschlepper Ost (actually,, it j ust means caterpillar tractor) to get (actually German artillery to otherwise inaccessible parts of the Eastern Front. Armed with this mix of sheer automotive artistry and unstoppable off-road practicality, practicality, you’d think they’d come up with something a little more appealing than a Tonka Tonka truck that actually isn’t as unstoppable as G-Wagen enthusiasts keep insisting. insisting.  The XJ Jeep may have come later, later, but oddly enough its classic shape – which one  American writer says is ‘possibly the best SUV shape of all time, it is the paradigmatic model to which other designers have since aspired’ – came largely from a man whose previous efforts include a car probably most famous for being driven by Brendan Fraser in ‘Looney  Tunes:  Tu nes: Back in Action’, the AMC Gremlin,

which may have been an innovative design but can hardly be considered a styling icon. He apparently wasn’t involved in creating an AMC car that deserves much more credit than it ever enjoyed, because it predated the current maelstrom of models that don’t really know what they are – 4x4s that are more at home on the road than off, more like saloons than estates, in other words the crossovers. The original crossover was the AMC Eagle of 1980, which incidentally used the Britishdesigned Formula Ferguson permanent four-wheel four-whe el drive s ystem. It was remarkably stylish for an American car, and popular enough to see AMC through the rough patch when its Jeep commercial truck business suffered a downturn. It was Richard A. Teague, AMC’s vice president of design, who headed work on the  XJ Cherokee, which started started back in 1978, at a time when AMC was tied financially with Renault, and it’s quite possible that the Eagle concept helped shape the eventual mechanical make-up of the XJ Cherokee. Since the Steyr Daimler Puch team were tasked with creating a rock-hard military off-roader it’s hardly surprising that they went

for a box with maximum capacity for the body and a beam-axle on separate chassis layout for a car that didn’t demand aesthetic appeal. The  AMC team, however however,, were looking looking for good good handling, compact comfort, fuel economy and European appeal, hence the decision to make it a monocoque – albeit with a reinforced floorpan – to save weight and a body style that basically shrunk the curves out of the previous generation Cherokee, ending up with the same sort of box that features on the G-Class, only a little longer and a little leaner leaner..  The G-Class has a reputation reputation for being excellent off-road and tougher than old boots.  Yett it’s  Ye it’s the Cherokee XJ that’ that’s s been described as one of the 20 greatest cars of all time, and due to its toughness and reliability was also selected in 2011 as one of ‘10 cars that refuse to die’ by US-based business adviser Kiplinger,, in there along with rear Kiplinger rear-wheel -wheel drive  Volvos, Subaru estates estates and the MercedesMercedesBenz 300D. And, on reflection, you can take it from me that the Jeep Cherokee is a lot lighter and more comfortable than a Mercedes-Be Mercedes-Benz nz G-Wagen on the road, and almost as good off-road. In fact, when I think about it, dollar for dollar, it’s a whole lot better.  Bob

From left to right: Mechanical megasnail - Ferdinand Porche’s Porche’s Raupenschlepper. Raupenschlepper. Aptly named Gremlin - daffy as Daffy Duck. Duck. The original crossover crossover - the AMC Eagle

114 August 2014 • www.4x4i.com

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