Professional Pickup & 4x4 Magazine: Summer 2018 #07

The UK’s first & only dedicated pickup & commercial 4x4 magazine WWW.PICKUPAND4X4.CO.UK

Q2 2018

TESTED! We put the

new Musso

How safe is your trailer?

Facebook.com/pro.pickup.4x4

New entry-level amarok

...& more

Plus...

to the test in the Alps

@propickup4x4

New 161bhp power rating on VW Amarok A new 161bhp power output is now available on the Volkswagen Amarok 3.0TDi V6; undercutting the already-available 201bhp and 221bhp versions. Priced at £24,510 plus VAT, the new Amarok is more affordable but still packs plenty of punch with up to 450Nm on offer.

Performance Volkswagen launched the 3.0-litre V6 Amarok in the summer of 2016, but it was only initially available in the Highline or special-edition Aventura trim levels, the 221bhp/550Nm engine and a parttime 4WD system.

Over time, as the initial demand has fallen, Volkswagen has introduced more derivatives like the midpowered 201bhp/500Nm engine, a manual transmission and the Trendline trim level.

While 161bhp may sound a little disappointing given the 2.2t unladen weight, the engine is incredibly torquey – peaking at 450Nm – which means 62mph can be reached from standstill in less than 10 seconds (9.8s). Fuel economy, surprisingly, stays the same at 32.5mpg on the combined cycle, despite the reduced power and part-time 4WD system.

Loading and towing A downside to the lower power is the lower towing limit. Rated at 3

tonnes, the 161bhp Amarok falls 100kg short of the higher outputs and 500kg less than most of its competitors. The payload, however, is up to 1,073kg.

Specification The 161bhp output is only available with the entry-level Trendline trimlevel, but still includes all the basics including: ● 17-inch ‘Posadas’ alloys ● Front and rear fog lights ● Air conditioning ● 3-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Bluetooth and App Connect

● Cruise control ● Three 12v sockets Pricing and availability The VW Amarok 161bhp Trendline is expected to arrive into Volkswagen’s 72-strong Van Centres by May 2018, and prices are expected to start from a very competitive £24,510 plus VAT. The Amarok is backed by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ three-years, 100,000 mile manufacturer warranty and service intervals are set at every 25,000 miles or every two years.

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INVESTIGATION

How safe is your trailer?

Following a number of deaths attributed to faulty light trailers, the NTTA (National Trailer and Towing Association) is leading a campaign to clamp down on faulty and dangerous trailers on the UK’s roads. All NTTA members are now offering a free ‘Trailer Safety Check’ to inform operators whether or not their trailer is at risk of causing harm or danger.

It’s estimated that almost two-thirds of pickup truck and commercial 4x4 operators will tow at some point during their ownership, which is significantly higher than other vehicle types. A recent survey carried out worryingly revealed that over 92% of light trailers failed basic safety checks, such as functioning brakes and working lights.

This is largely due to light trailers under 3,500kg gross weight (the O1 and O2 categories) not being required by law to be registered or even to have a mandatory annual roadworthiness checks or inspections. As there is no legal obligation, operators don’t tend to service or maintain their trailers to the

same degree as their vehicles or equipment.

The NTTA, however, plans to change this. Found in 1975, the organisation is the industry body for light trailer manufacturers and distributors and boasts almost 240 members nationwide.

Last year, the organisation was invited to a National Towing Forum, hosted by Karin Smyth MP (MP for Bristol South).

The NTTA was introduced to Donna and Scott Hussey, parents of 3-year-old Freddie, who was tragically killed by a runaway trailer in January 2014. Shortly afterwards, the NTTA launched the free ‘Trailer Safety Check’ with the aim of improving trailer safety.

“The overall standard of light trailers on the UK’s road really is quite poor”, explains James Nunn, chief executive of the NTTA. “An exception to this would be caravans, where the owners have invested a significant amount of money and as a rule, take reasonably good care of them. Agricultural and plant trailers, however, are simply seen as a ‘workhorse’ and just don’t seem to be

thought about when it comes to servicing or routine maintenance”.

Taking just 15 minutes, the check comes with a written report will then be given to the customer advising them on the general condition of the trailer. At best, the customer drives away with a trailer that has a clean bill of health that needs no work; at worst, it will need some remedial action. Either way, both scenarios result in every trailer inspected leaving the centre being safe, road-legal and fit for purpose.

An online database has been set up where Members are asked upload their findings from the checks. NTTA can use the data to see trends in why trailers have failed any part of the check (for example brake or tyre related issues).

These statistics are then shared with major stakeholders such as Highways England, DVLA, DVSA and the police.

A drum brake that was completely corroded

The trailer check ● Electrics & Lighting (are cables damaged or light lenses broken?) ● Tyres (wear, signs of damage or age-related issues) ● Brakes (if applicable – handbrake function, linkages/cables operation) ● Wheel Alignment (a sign of bent axles) ● Drawbar (is it secure, straight, free to move on tipping trailers) ● Wheel bearings (a simple rock/rotation-test to check for play) ● Coupling / Hitch (connection to towball, brake operation where applicable) ● Secondary coupling cable / breakaway cable (depending on type of trailer)

A very rusty suspension unit but more importantly the brake drums have no brake cables attached 8

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Q2 2018

● Chassis, Body & Bed condition (signs of corrosion or rot in timber beds)

WITH EACH ORDER OVER £500 QUOTE PU0418

SET OF FRONT SEAT COVERS

ROAD TEST

musso In the

mountains

The new SsangYong Musso has a lot going for it on paper; competitive pricing, a 3.5t towing capacity and a one tonne payload, and it looks the part inside and out. Too good to be true? Liam Campbell puts it to the test on the unforgiving terrain of the Swiss Alps.

SsangYong has long been a small player in the UK pickup market but with huge cash investments from new owners Mahindra & Mahindra, this looks likely to change. The first fruits of this new relationship – the Tivoli and Rexton – have won international acclaim, and the South Koreans now have their targets set on the pickup sector.

The Musso is the only SUV-derived pickup (based on the Rexton) and, as a result, benefits

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from much higher levels of comfort and refinement.

The new SsangYong Musso is a lot more appealing than its predecessor, with a more rugged yet stylish appearance emphasised by stretched headlights, a high front-end and chrome highlighting. All three trim levels come with colour-coded bumpers and top-level specs will be the only models in the sector to come with 20-inch alloy wheels.

ROAD TEST

which is one tonne more than its next nearest rival. This allows the Musso to tow 3.5 tonnes and carry a one tonne payload at the same time – the only pickup able to do so.

The Musso will also be the only pickup to be available in two wheelbases; although SsangYong UK has stated they will discontinue the less popular version after the first year for simplicity purposes. The load bed measures 1,570mm wide and the two wheelbases correspond to load lengths of 1,300mm and 1,700mm – which would make it by far the longest in the segment.

Specs have yet to be announced, but there is a durable load bed liner and a 12v socket available to charge tools and machinery.

Pricing and costs Prices haven’t been confirmed, but its believed they will be ranging between £20,000 and £25,000 plus VAT, dependant on spec, and this is backed by the sector-leading five years, unlimited mileage warranty.

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The Musso’s official fuel economy is rated at 35.8mpg, however SsangYong says this may improve when further tests are carried out nearer to the launch. Currently, SsangYong only has 60 UK dealerships although the management plans to increase this to 90 in the next 18 months.

The Verdict From what we’ve experienced so far, it seems SsangYong could well have a winner on its hands. It’s a pleasure to drive, competitively priced and possesses a number of class-leading features in terms of loading and towing. This is certainly the pickup to look out for in 2018.

Technical Data Engine: 2.2-litre (2,157cc) e-XDi 220, 4-cylinder diesel Outputs: 181PS and 400Nm (420Nm with the auto) Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 6-speed Aisin automatic Suspension (F/R): Double wishbone with coils / live axle with five-spring coils Overall dimensions (LxWxH): 5,085mm / 1,950mm / 1,840mm Payload: 1,050kg Towing capacity: 3,500kg Ground clearance: 215mm Pin weight: 112kg (M)/120kg (AT)

NT E R R U C SSO MroUm £15,995 F

+ VAT

TWO GREAT MODELS, ONE GREAT DEALER

EN G T X E N O

ONLY PICKU

P able to tow 3.5t & carry a 1t p ayload at the sam e time

MUiviSngSJune Arr

2018

PLENTY OF KIT

Introdu cin technolo g new gy to th e pickup s ector

“VERY ” RTABLE COMFO rear

Book a test drive NOW!

to Thanks k coil lin ilt u m sion s u s pe n

Barkers SsangYong

Both vehicles are backed by the industry-leading 5 YEARS, UNLIMITED MILEAGE warranty.

256-280 Ribbleton Lane Preston PR1 5EB 01772 704704 www.barkers-ssangyong.co.uk

OPERATOR PROFILE

The

moggies are

buzzing at

woldgate honey Commercial bee-keeper Woldgate Honey took delivery of three Mercedes-Benz Unimogs U4023 two years ago from specialist dealer South Cave Tractors. After two seasons of hard graft, we speak to business owner Mark Avemy to see if the new recruits are hitting the sweet spot.

During this busy period teams of Woldgate Honey’s bee-keepers travel daily to remote spots on the North York Moors, where the insects feed on heather. It’s a job that requires vehicles with a diverse set of capabilities, and most come up short in one respect or another. The multi-role Mercedes-Benz Unimog, however, takes all in its stride.

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OPERATOR PROFILE

Twelve years ago, Woldgate Honey managing director realised his Land Rover Defender 110s and Nissan Navara D22 just weren’t big enough to cope his expanding business and made the bold switch to the Unimogs.

“I didn’t know what to go for”, explained Mark. “I’ve known beekeepers who try to do the job with agricultural tractors, which are fine on rough ground but much slower and less efficient on the tarmac.

Others favour pick-up trucks with trailers, but these are nowhere near as good as a Unimog across rough ground.”

“The work takes us some distance from our headquarters, so we need trucks that can be driven comfortably and cost-effectively on roads at normal speeds but some of our more remote hive locations are up to five miles from the nearest piece of road, so genuine crosscountry ability is vital too. After testing out a couple of 4x4 trucks, I decided to go for the Unimog.”

Woldgate Honey produces upwards of 60 tonnes of honey each year, from more than 2,000 hives; in peak season, each can contain in excess of 50,000 bees. Hives are moved around a series of locations throughout the March-October production season, from arable fields in the spring to heather moorland in the autumn, to ensure they are always near a ready supply 18

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of pollen from flowering plants. The company sells its honey in bulk, as high-quality Yorkshire produce, to a wide range of packers and outlets.

Woldgate’s three Unimogs are powered by 230hp Euro VI engines which drive all four wheels.

Replacements for a trio of Unimogs of varying ages, they are fitted with galvanised steel platform bodies by DG Taylor, of Driffield, which are mounted on Unimog’s special, torsion-free, pivoting sub-frames to prevent them from interfering with the flexion of the chassis. Their Australian-built Ezyloader lifting arms are mounted at the rear but there’s still room for 160 hives.

“The only issue has been the AdBlue tank; it needs refilling every 1,000 miles and it can be quite loud at times but, other than that, it’s been perfect! Two of my trucks are fitted with specialist off-road tyres, which are limited to 84kph (52mph), but this isn’t a problem.

It’s great to have a vehicle that I’m completely happy with”.

The Unimog offers unrivalled traction thanks to its strong yet torsionally flexible frame and a thrust tube suspension system that provide extreme levels of axle articulation, while short overhangs allow it to tackle gradients of 100%, or 45 degrees. They’re also fitted with central tyre inflation systems which allow the driver to drop the pressures from the cab when the vehicle is off-road, thus minimising damage to the underlying soil and increasing levels of grip.

LIVING WITH IT

UPP

Stylish appearance Focusing firmly on the lifestyle sector, the Cross has been developed for those who want to stand out from the crowd. The Italian manufacturer has added quite a lot of extra kit to create this impressive look, including an aerodynamic black sport bar, which gives elegance to its silhouette and underlines its profile.

The model’s eye-catchingly sporty look is further enhanced by aggressive features such as front grille with black ingots, a satin silver skid plate, rear view mirrors, handles, wheel arches and 17-inch wheels with matte black finish, while the new, innovatively styled side steps are finished in black – which are all unique to the Cross.

Generously specced The low-lying cab of the Fiat Fullback means entering and exiting the cab is very easy, while having the longest cab in its class ensures there is ample legroom for occupants in the front and rear. The low dashboard provides a spacious feel and great visibility, and there are plenty of handy storage spaces dotted around the cab, including a large central cubby, glovebox and wide door pockets.

The Cross inherits a lot of kit from the LX, including Bi-Xenon headlights, LED DRLs, dualzone automatic climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, soft tailgate opening, and leather seats and steering wheel, however, there is no keyless entry like many top-spec pickups. The front seats are also heated, with electric adjustment on the driver’s side.

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Infotainment is provided by a DAB radio with seven-inch touchscreen display. Unlike some systems on the market, we found the Fullback’s system intuitive and responsive and it also came with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs and satellite navigation.

Ride and handling Under the bonnet is the newly-developed 2.4litre engine, which produces up to 180PS and 430Nm. Averaging 40.9mpg, the engine is not only fairly economical but, thanks to a lean NOx trap, achieves the Euro-6 emission standard without the need of AdBlue.

As the Fullback is one of the lightest pickups on the market, it’s very spritely and can reach 62mph in the same time as the 3.2-litre Ford Ranger. The engine is quiet and refined, the steering is light and accurate and the seats are very comfortable and offer commanding views of the road, although the narrow track and long axle articulation, which is a great help off-road, is a bit of a hinderance as there is a lot of body roll generated in the bends.

Off road, the Fiat Fullback is one of the best performers. The highly respectable 4WD-system from Mitsubishi has four settings; 2WD High, 4WD High, 4WD Low and 4WD Low with centre diff-lock and the ability to select 4Hi from 2Hi at speeds of up to 62mph.

The maximum approach and departure angles at 30 and 22-degrees respectively, with a ground clearance of 205mm. A slight criticism is that there is no hill descent control, and the first gear is quite fast so a lot of braking is required while travelling downhill.

PING OUR GAME

FULLBACK The Fiat Fullback is the ultimate lifestyle pickup, with a whole host of creature comforts and plenty of extra styling cues, but can it graft? Editor Liam Campbell puts it to work on his family fruit farm.

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