4x4 Mart May Preview

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MAY 2011 • £2.50

JOIN THE CLUB! OVER 100 4x4 CLUBS TO CHOOSE FROM INSIDE

BUYING • SELLING • OWNING

4x4 EVENTS

EVOQUE FIRST DRIVE THE ULTIMATE COMPACT 4x4?

BIG BRIT BARGAIN PROFILED SERIES I DISCOVERY

WHAT · WHERE · WHEN

SUZUKI JIMNY

BUYING ADVICE INFINITI FX30d

FULL ROAD TEST RANGE ROVER

PLUS ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR OVERLANDING HUNDREDS OF 4x4s FOR SALE FIND YOUR NEXT VEHICLE HERE

V8 OWNER’S VIEW 4x4 Mart • May 2011 • £2.50

£10,990 PUBLISHING EXCELLENCE THROUGH EXPERIENCE

£12,995

£7,995

£2,495

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4x4 MART | MAY 2011

MAY 2011

4x4 NEWS

WHAT’S IN YOUR GREAT NEW ISSUE…

NEW-LOOK COMPASS GOES ON SALE

2 4x4 NEWS All the latest updates – including the imminent UK re-launch of the Jeep Compass

5 4x4 EVENTS Where to go and what to do over the next few weeks

5 FROM THE TRADE Adam Weaver offers us his views of the 4x4 scene from his trader’s perspective

7 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE We get behind the wheel of the crucial new ‘mini’ Range Rover – and it’s all good

8 BUYING USED: LAND ROVER DISCOVERY Fancy a 1989-98 first-generation Disco?

Here’s all the buying advice you’ll need

13 OVERLANDING: THE ESSENTIAL KIT

44 BUYER’S QUICK-CHECK All you need to know at a glance when buying a secondhand Suzuki Jimny

72 ROAD TEST: INFINITI FX30d Can this luxury crossover from Japan beat the biggest British and German stars?

75 OWNING: RANGE ROVER L322 Is it sensible to buy and run a secondhand supercharged Rangie? We find out…

78 QUAD NEWS The latest news from the world of quads and ATVs – including a Suzuki winner

85 CLUB LIST

Tempted to go overlanding? We take a look at some of the gear you’re likely to need

Got a 4x4? Into off-roading?

Looking for a social life? Join the club!

17 NEW PRODUCTS

86 YOUR SHOUT

A round-up of the latest goodies to hit the market – including a new car care range

4x4 Mart readers have their say – as well as pondering how to cut fuel costs

19 4x4s FOR SALE

87 NEXT ISSUE

Our bumper ‘4x4s For Sale’ section starts here – your chance to grab a bargain

Buying a used Nissan Navara – plus a full test of the updated Suzuki Grand Vitara

THE 4x4 MART TEAM Editor Paul Guinness editor@4x4mart.co.uk Advertising Manager Claire Broadmore claire@cslpublishing.com Advertising Sales Ann Balcombe Managing Director Sue Baggaley Creative Director Richard Olsen rolsen@cslpublishing.com

Designer Flo Terentjev

As this issue of 4x4 Mart goes to print, Chrysler is busy re-launching its Jeep Compass here in the UK – a model that the company hopes will provide a useful boost to its overall sales in 2011.

While the bulk of its extra sales this year are likely to be via the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee that has yet to be launched in Britain, the Compass is a useful contender in the compactSUV market. Based on the same platform as the Jeep Patriot, it offers a less boxy, arguably more stylish model in what is a rapidly expanding sector of the market.

The previous Compass wasn’t a huge success in the UK, but Chrysler is confident that this thoroughly revised 2011 model will be a bigger seller – aided by prices that start

from as little as £16,995 on the road, rising to £23,995 for the top-of-therange version. Four trim levels will be offered, with 4x4 Limited and 70th Anniversary versions on sale right now, to be joined in August by the entry-level Sport and Sport+ models.

Most popular engine choice in the UK will be the 2.2 CRD, an exMercedes four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing either 134 or 161bhp, depending on which spec you opt for. However, customers who prefer petrol engines can choose 2.0- or 2.4-litre versions of a Chrysler twincam unit. A choice of two- and fourwheel drive will also be available to Compass buyers.

Customers who go the 4x4 route will find their Compass equipped with

Freedom Drive I, a full-time active four-wheel drive system featuring a locking mode for low-traction conditions. For normal driving, power is sent to the front wheels in order to save fuel, but the system automatically shifts torque towards the back when wheel slippage is detected, using an Electronically Controlled Clutch.

Jeep describes its latest Compass as ‘off-road, not soft-road’ – a claim that should give it added appeal to 4x4 Mart readers. It may not be as sophisticated or as refined as a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V in day-to-day driving, but at least the Jeep offers genuine off-road capability. Combine that with its highly competitive pricing and we reckon Chrysler has a tempting new model in its line-up.

AMAROK OFFERS LOWEST CO2 FIGURES

Studio Manager Sal Law Private Advertising Lindsey Close lindsey@cslpublishing.com Contributors Tom Phillips Adam Weaver Frank Westworth

Published every four weeks by: CSL Publishing Ltd, Alliance House, 49 Sidney Street, Cambridge CB2 3HX Tel: 01223 460490 Fax: 01223 315960 Subscriptions: 01442 820580

PUBLISHING EXCELLENCE THROUGH EXPERIENCE

The views and opinions of the contributors of this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Accordingly, the publisher disclaims any responsibility for such views and opinions.

Printed in Cambridge by Cambridge Newspapers Ltd. Distributed by Comag Specialist, Tavistock Road, West Drayton UB7 7QE. © 2011 CSL Publishing Ltd 4x4 Mart is copyright of CSL Publishing Ltd 2011 and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. Every care is taken in compiling the contents, but the proprietors assume no responsibility for any effect arising therefrom. We welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs, but accept no responsibility for their loss, damage or total disappearance.

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The new Volkswagen Amarok doublecab pick-up will boast the lowest CO2 emissions figures in its class when it goes on sale shortly, according to VW – and is the first pick-up to break the 200g/km barrier, thanks to a CO2 rating of 199g/km when specified in

122bhp Startline trim.

Even the higher-powered (161bhp) bi-turbo version of the same 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine offers a CO2 rating of just 209g/km. All models come as standard with sixspeed manual transmission.

Volkswagen has also announced low insurance groups for the Amarok, with ratings of 7E and 8E depending on the exact specification – making it potentially cheaper to insure than most of its rivals. For details visit www. volkswagen-vans.co.uk/amarok

8

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4x4 MART | MAY 2011

BUYING USED: DISCOVERY SERIES I (1989-98)

BUYING USED

CUT-PRICE

CHAMPION? One of the most important models ever launched by Land Rover, the first-generation Discovery can be a steal these days. But as Tom Philips explains, there’s plenty you should be aware of before you take the plunge

T

he Land Rover Discovery is a car that owes its entire existence to the Range Rover. From the beginning of the Discovery’s design process in the mid-1980s, the Solihull firm dictated that it would use the 100-inch chassis of the Range Rover, immediately ensuring cut-above motoring. But it also had a ready-made marketplace to enter into, thanks to the increasingly upmarket approach of the Range Rover.

By the late Eighties, the Range Rover had become something of a luxury icon, way above its ‘workingluxury’ origins. The Discovery came to

market to fill the gap, which Japanese brands like Isuzu and Mitsubishi were increasingly making their own with the successful Trooper and firstgeneration Shogun respectively.

The Discovery was proudly unveiled in November 1989, and wowed the nation from the off. Although it shared plenty with the Range Rover, including its permanent four-wheel drive running gear and 100-inch wheelbase, it was very much a model in its own right. Traditional-posh was traded for modern-lifestyle, in an entirely contemporary model that even boasted an interior finished off by Habitat

customers’ favourite, Conran Design.

The Discovery was first offered only as a three-door, but even this had the trademark alpine rear windows, seven-seat flexibility (albeit for £375 extra) and tenacious off-road ability that blended well with its high-class Range Rover-style driving manners.

Complete with 145bhp and 192lb. ft. of carb-fed 3.5-litre V8, it really was impressive, particularly given the bargain prices it sold for. No wonder the Japanese competition was suddenly rather worried.

As an alternative to that mighty petrol engine, Land Rover offered

a four-cylinder diesel: the 200 Tdi, a much-revised version of its longrunning oil-burner, featuring a 2.5-litre capacity, aluminium head and newto-market direct fuel-injection. It also had a belt-driven overhead camshaft and intercooler, the latter helping it to 111bhp at 4000rpm and a muscular 195lb.ft. of torque at 1800rpm.

The Discovery employed the (somewhat truculent) old LT five-speed transmission from the Range Rover, complete with dual-range transfer box, while the box-section separate chassis had beam axle front suspension with coils and Panhard rod arms at the

front, live rear axle with coil springs and an A-bracket at the back. Steering?

Recirculating ball, naturally, which was power assisted – although the all-disc brakes didn’t have ABS. The multiple nets, boxes and bags of the Conran interior were standard (the side body graphic stickers were distinctive and cost £44), but other extras weren’t over-generous. The Range Rover was the luxury model, with the price tag to match; the Discovery was a new mid-range model for the brand, so was launched in relatively mainstream V8 and 200Tdi guise only. Options were available, albeit at a price: £450 for

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MAY 2011 | 4x4 MART

13

OVERLANDING

OVERLANDING: THE ESSENTIAL KIT Before you even think about heading off on an overlanding expedition, there are essential items of kit that you need to consider – and budget for. Paul Guinness takes a look

G

iven its popularity these days among adventure-seeking 4x4 owners, you could be forgiven for thinking that overlanding is a fairly new activity. But, in fact, overlanding has a long and rather heroic history that dates back almost as far as the invention of the car; as soon as the world became mobile via the internal combustion engine, there was a desire for adventure.

Overlanding became much easier by the mid-part of the last century, not least because of the arrival of both Jeep and Land Rover. Suddenly, everywhere

was more accessible thanks to these lightweight, compact machines that could cope with the toughest, roughest off-road terrain. As early as 1949, one Colonel Leblanc successfully drove his 80-inch Series I Land Rover from Britain to Abyssinia, and by the 1950s overlanding was becoming increasingly popular in both Australia and the USA. Books began appearing on the subject, and overlanders became increasingly adventurous. In more recent times, the long-running and well publicised Camel Trophy series brought the whole concept of

overlanding to life and encouraged even more people to get involved.

So what’s this got to do with 21st century overlanding? Well, if nothing else, it proves at least one point: if those previous adventurers of sixty or more years ago could head off into the unknown, with far more basic vehicles and none of the specialist equipment we’ve now got at our disposal, then surely we can follow in the tracks?

The good news is, there’s no shortage of experts and organisations out there willing to help, no matter where your overlanding urge is likely to take you.

EXPERT HELP There’s no specific science to getting involved in overlanding, although the best initial advice is to talk to people who have already done it. And that’s not too difficult, as those involved with overlanding are usually a friendly bunch who like nothing more than explaining about their many adventures. And, of course, you can also talk to the companies involved in overlanding; when it comes to learning about the modifications and upgrades necessary for your 4x4, the experts at companies like Foley Overland (www.foleyoverland.com), Nene Overland (www.neneoverland. co.uk), Overland Cruisers (www.

overland-cruisers.co.uk)

and Overland (www. landcruisersoverland.com) will be able to help. Those four companies tend to concentrate on overlanding modifications for Land Rovers and/ or Land Cruisers, but their levels of expertise are impressive.

Your typical overlanding 4x4 will need to come equipped with such things as heavier-duty springs than standard (depending on your planned destination), a roof tent, an awning, two spare wheels, a fridge, a gas stove, a voltage inverter for charging iPods and so on, plenty of spare 12v sockets, a tough and reliable GPS system… and much more. Preparation is the key to success.

Land

Cruisers

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MAY 2011 | 4x4 MART

75

RANGE ROVER L322

SUPERCHARGED

SENSATION Chris Spaett likes fast cars. And he likes big cars. So it’s probably no surprise that he drives a supercharged V8 Range Rover. What is surprising, though, is that he also let Frank Westworth drive it…

Photos by Frank Westworth

T

his is the time to buy a Range Rover. Trust me on this. All over the western world fuel prices are soaring, which makes today – not next week, next month or next year – the day to buy that Range Rover. Why is this?

(I can picture our editor scratching his polished pate as he contemplates an onslaught of enraged email from readers convinced that this is the exact opposite: the time to sell that Range Rover). But the reasons are the same.

Folk want to sell them. In fact, more folk probably want to sell used Range Rovers than want to buy them right now. So if you fancy the unique combination of unbeatable style, effortless hard road performance and profound bog-trotting capability which is the L322-series Range Rover, then get out there and offer silly money.

Chris Spaett, the proud (and indeed he is) owner of the featured car, is a fascinating man to talk Range Rovers

with. Not only does he own this one, the latest in a long line of steadily evolving Solihull stump-pullers, but for a long time he was senior – as in Managing Director senior – at a very large Land Rover franchise. Something that makes a chap more aware of the faults and failings of the vehicles than most.

But more of Chris later. The crucial point here is that he runs a 2006 Range Rover 4.2 V8 Supercharged.

I wondered what made him go for

this particular example. ‘I was just looking for a high-spec Range Rover,’ he admitted. ‘I didn’t want the sixcylinder diesel because everyone says they’re a bit gutless and noisy. I was looking at possibly spending a bit more on the new V8 diesel but then spotted this car. It was a nice spec – only one owner and with a full Land Rover main dealer service history. The dealer also gave me a good price for my Jaguar.

‘The later Jaguar-engined V8s are nicer and more economical than the earlier BMW-engined L322s. I previously had a 2003 BMW-engined Range Rover V8 and it was no better on fuel – worse if anything – despite the fact that it wasn’t supercharged and therefore not as powerful. Oh, and the

advantage of my current Range Rover being an early 2006 model is that it falls into the cheaper VED bracket as well – slightly later models cost £425 instead of £235 to tax each year. It helps towards balancing the petrol prices…’

I bet. But why a Range Rover at all?

‘I worked directly with Land Rover on the retail side for the best part of twenty years,’ explains Chris, ‘and I drove new Range Rovers for much of that time as company cars. I always liked them, especially the high driving position and the fact that they seem to fit into any situation very comfortably.

I got so used to them that I really didn’t consider anything else, and I actually felt quite vulnerable driving a normal car. I like the commanding driving position and the ability to see so