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19785 Allmakes Ltd 4x4 Magazine - 3 page advert - Discovery.indd 1
21/08/2020 10:39
The World’s best accessories for Land Rover Discovery
At Terrafirma we stand behind every product we sell, we believe that quality is the definition of something superior, more than fit for purpose and that meets customer’s expectations. Terrafirma Serious 4x4 Accessories now come with a Certificate of Conformity, the ultimate statement of quality and an industry first!
19785 Allmakes Ltd 4x4 Magazine - 3 page advert - Discovery.indd 2
21/08/2020 10:39
Terrafirma accessories are available from over 100 distributors worldwide Wheels, Brakes and Drivetrain
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19785 Allmakes Ltd 4x4 Magazine - 3 page advert - Discovery.indd 3
21/08/2020 10:43
three generations of automotive passion
LICHFIELD
Land Rover Defender Accessories /masai4x4
Folios Classifieds 2020.indd 53
Always original quality
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03/11/2020 18:18:03
Issue 87: May 2021
ebook: www.facebook.com/thelandyuk
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19
DEFENDER RESTORATIONS
Sound Deadening & Insulation
Defender Accessories & Upgrades
Full Vehicle LED Light Kits
Driving & Work Lights
Headlinings for 90, 110 & Crew Cab
Aluminium Styling Upgrades
Full Body Resprays
LED LIGHT UPGRADES
LED Headlights
s
INTERIOR TRIMS
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10
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Replacement Seat Covers EXPEDITION ACCESSORIES
by
ge.
Lockable Sporting / Storage Box
Roof Racks for 90, 110 & Crew Cab
Bumpers & Steering Guards
WINDOWS
Side Steps
Spare Wheel Carriers
Lamp Guards
Light Mounting Bars
Wheels
Tree Sliders
Bonnets & Scoops
NAS Rear Steps
Chequer Plates
Rear Ladders
Heated Windscreens
Snorkels FoliosClassifieds Classifieds2020.indd 2020.indd 53 53 Folios
26/03/2021 03/11/2020 11:23:30 18:16:17
May 2021
CONTENTS
50
“The trail is simply breathtaking, with spectacular hardcore sweaty-palm action behind the wheel”
34
4 | MAY 2021
4-5 Contents May.indd 4
42 38
4x4 26/03/2021 17:59
78 12 MAGAZINES FOR THE PRICE OF 3! Subscribe to Britain’s only 4x4 magazine and save a massive 75% by getting it delivered to your door every month. What’s not to love? 4x4 Scene: News, Products and More… 8 10 12 12 14 14 15 16 17 17 18 18 19 22 24 25 27
Jeep Grand Cherokee Major leap upmarket for next-gen premium SUV Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Blistering crossover wagon goes on sale Land Rover Defender Off-road wins Women’s Car of the Year award Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid power for high-performance new Touareg R SsangYong Rexton Facelift brings revised engine, new gearbox and more Jeep Renegade 4xe model alerts you remotely when it’s being stolen Nissan Qashqai Prices announced for launch model Breasthigh Road Repairs completed at last on unsurfaced mountain pass NW Leics GLASS steps in to combat official-level abuse of 4x4 drivers Bomber Lane Water erosion leads to call for one-way use only Odyssey Challenge Dates announced at last for A-list winch series ALRC National Premier Land Rover event falls victim to Covid restrictions PB Customs Plum vacancy for a skilled technician at a leading 4x4 garage ARB Accessory range unveiled for newly revised Toyota Hilux Acayx Arventures brings in premium range of bumpers and roof racks Old Man Emu Defender handling kits arrive in Britpart range Machine Mart New air compressors join Clarke range of workshop kit
Driven 28
Land Rover Discovery Updated model gets new engines – and a lot more
Every Month 6 15 20 64 78 80
Alan Kidd Why do off-roaders always want people to think they’re suffering? Coming Soon Trucks and SUVs set to be launched in 2021 and beyond Calendar Whisper it… things are starting to happen again, at last! Roadbook Back on the lanes with a long route in the Cotswolds Subscribe Stay at home and get 4x4 delivered – and save a huge 75%! Next Month Total epicness from every corner of the off-road world
Features 34 38 42
Jeep Magneto All-electric Wrangler leads this year’s Easter Safari concepts Knowing Your Towing Why a 3500kg trailer weight is not as simple as all that Original V8 90 A classic Defender rebuilt as a classy off-road street machine
Travel 50
views your reward for
16
4x4 4-5 Contents May.indd 5
Alpine Cruising Mighty adventure on one of the world’s coolest toll roads
Our 4x4s 58
Isuzu D-Max GO2 Choosing the right tyres – and building a truck around them
64 Cotswolds Roadbook
MAY 2021 | 5
26/03/2021 17:59
4x4 Tel: 01283 553243 Email: enquiries@assignment-media.co.uk
Alan Kidd Editor
L
et me describe an expedition to you. It involves driving a nearly new 4x4, eating in restaurants, staying in hotels and not venturing beyond the borders of France, Spain and Italy. It involves stops to visit museums, swim in rivers and ride on rack railways, and it involves paying a toll to explore a privately owned trail. It involves hot showers and comfortable beds. It involves mussels, for heaven’s sake. You may well be reading this while a loud siren blasts away inside your head, going HOLIDAY! HOLIDAY! HOLIDAY! In which case, what you’re thinking can roughly be summed up thus: ‘THAT’S not an expedition! They didn’t SUFFER!’ I’ve been doing off-roading, at the same time as writing about people who also do it, only better than me, for worryingly close to three decades. When I started, the author of this month’s travel story had just about figured out how to walk. During that time, I’ve learned a lot. Not just about how to do my job, but also about the people whose vehicles, whose hobby and whose way of life I’m writing about. Of course, you lot are a wonderfully varied bunch, from different backgrounds and with different ideas about how the off-road game should be played. I’ve written about, hung out with and been recovered by some of the smartest, wisest and most intelligent people I’ve ever met, and some of the thickest, crassest and most offensive. I’ve had my vehicles fixed or modified by people who I would now trust with my life, and by downright criminals. I’ve been given rock-solid advice, and told things I now know were the wan-eyed ramblings of dreamers or idiots. But some things have been constant. The camaraderie among off-roaders. The willingness always to help out – whether it’s another 4x4 driver, a lost rambler or the emergency services. And, in particular, the love of a good, miserable time. We off-roaders like nothing more than telling the tale of how we battled the elements, fought the terrain and survived attacks by anything from swarms of mosquitoes to herds of lions. Or ramblers. Or zombies, for that matter.
6 | MAY 2021
CHECK PAGE NUMBER Edline May.indd 4
If you’re not suffering, the theory goes, it’s not off-roading We love endurance. We don’t look at ten days of leeches and foot rot while winching our crippled 4x4 out of the jungle and think Sod That: we think about how heroic we’ll feel at the end of it. We love camping. Camping can be great, but we love it even when there’s ice on our tents or it rains so much we wake up floating next to a frog. (This has actually happened to me.) We love it because it’s sociable, but also because it’s cheap and because we feel like we ought to. The SAS don’t stay in hotels, do they, and I do offroading so I’m just like them, etc etc… I’m not having a pop at anyone here. But I’ve definitely noticed a spirit that says if you’re not suffering, it’s not off-roading. We’re cold, we’re wet and muddy, we’ve not slept for two days, our truck lets in water, we’ve still got 200 miles of ruts to get through and we’ve just done a halfshaft… now we’re having fun! For sure, when you’re back home telling the story of how you made it out alive, people will be regarding you with wide-eyed admiration. They might be thinking ‘what a moron,’ but they’ll make the right noises. They guy next to you telling the story of how he spent a fortnight enjoying the sights, trails, culture and local delicacies won’t sound like as much of a grizzled adventurer. But here’s a secret. The bloke listening to both your tales will be thinking that that guy’s expedition sounds like one he might actually enjoy. Which brings me back to this month’s travel story. The author is that guy, and the expedition he went on last summer sounds pretty damn good to me. I’ve chased enough scorpions out of my bed in my time, and eaten enough plates of boiled crap, to know that paying for a comfortable bed and a good meal is nothing to be ashamed of. Travelling in a state of permanent dirt, hunger and exhaustion is nothing to be proud of. After all, you’re doing it because you want to see the world – and to do that, you must first have your eyes open.
Web: www.totaloffroad.co.uk www.4x4i.com Online Shop: www.toronline.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/totaloffroad www.facebook.com/4x4Mag Editor Alan Kidd Art Editor Samantha D’Souza Contributors Dan Fenn, Paul Looe, Olly Sack, Gary Martin, Gary Noskill, Tom Alderney, Redmond Neale, Kaziyoshi Sasazaki Photographers Harry Hamm, Steve Taylor, Richard Hair, Vic Peel, Becky Woodcock Group Advertising Manager Ian Argent Tel: 01283 553242 Advertising Manager Colin Ashworth Tel: 01283 553244 Advertising Production Sarah Moss Tel: 01283 553242 Subscriptions Sarah Moss Tel: 01283 553242 Publisher and Head of Marketing Sarah Moss Email: sarah.moss@assignment-media.co.uk To subscribe to 4x4, or renew a subscription, call 01283 742970. Prices for 12 issues: UK £42 (24 issues £76); Europe Airmail/ROW Surface £54; ROW Airmail £78 Distributed by Marketforce; www.marketforce.co.uk Every effort is made to ensure the contents of 4x4 are accurate, but Assignment Media accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions nor the consequences of actions made as a result of these. When responding to any advert in 4x4, you should make appropriate enquiries before sending money or entering into a contract. The publishers take reasonable care to ensure advertisers’ probity, but will not be liable for loss or damage incurred from responding to adverts Where a photo credit includes the note ‘CC BY 2.0’ or similar, the image is made available under that Creative Commons licence: details at www.creativecommons.org 4x4 is published by Assignment Media Ltd, Repton House 1.08, Bretby Business Park, Ashby Road, Bretby, Derbyshire DE15 0YZ
© Assignment Media Ltd, 2021
4x4 25/03/2021 23:27
Classics live forever
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NEW 4X4S
NEW GRAND CHEROKEE ON SHOW AS JEEP FLAGSHIP MOVES UPMARKET
US-only L model • New platform • High-spec cabin • Standard model due in UK next year
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his is the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Well, sort of. On sale in America this spring, the Grand Cherokee L is a production-ready take on the recent Grand Wagoneer concept with a 121-inch wheelbase and a choice of six or seven seats. It won’t be coming to the UK – but a more traditionally proportioned five-seat Grand Cherokee will, with a likely arrival date of mid-2022. Based on an all-new platform, the vehicle is the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee. Its styling has subtle cues linking it back to the original ZJ model, which first came to the UK in 1994, but the overall theme is more car-like than retro. In particular, there’s a strong horizontal theme in its lights and grille – which, combined with a massive open
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vent in the front air dam, creates an aggressive ‘face’ reminiscent of Volvos from back in the day. This new styling is combined with a step up in luxury which will see top versions of the Grand Cherokee L offering what Jeep calls ‘world-class craftsmanship.’ It will be available in the US in Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit trims, the latter also available with a Reserve Package including quilted Palermo leather and waxed open-pore walnut trim in a cabin designed to move the vehicle significantly upmarket. As before, the UK is likely to take the Limited, Overland and Summit when the smaller Grand Cherokee arrives. And while American vehicles will offer a choice of 3.6-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 petrol engines, we’ll get
smaller units. A 4xe plug-in hybrid will launch in the US later this year, indeed, and it’s possible that this will be the only option on offer on this side of the Atlantic. With increased use of aluminium in its construction, Jeep says the vehicle will be much lighter than
before – and that this will contribute to what it says will be ‘world-class driving dynamics.’ The new platform features extensively revised suspension architecture, with the front axle bolted directly to the engine for better management of noise, vibration and harshness.
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NEW 4X4S
Above left: Top-spec Summit model looks sumptuous when combined with the Reserve option pack and comes with an equally spectacular list of premium equipment. It’s certainly setting out to ask questions of SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery and Mercedes-Benz GLS Above right: Overland model is likely to be the mid-range option in the UK. Judging by this, it won’t feel much like settling for second best, though it’s the one with the most extreme ability off-road and quite how these seats would look after a session in a wet Welsh forest is open to question. One thing that’s definite is that the Grand Cherokee we get will only have five seats – the three-row layout you see here is reserved for the America-only L model Off-road, the Grand Cherokee L has a choice of three 4x4 systems. All have an active transfer case designed to send torque to the wheels with the greatest grip, and the top Quadra-Drive II option comes with an electronic limited slip-differential in the rear axle. Vehicles with the base-spec Quadra-Trac I transmission don’t have low range, however it’s unlikely this will feature in the UK line-up. Quadra-Trac II adds low range, while Quadra-Drive II also features an electronic limited slip-differential in the rear axle. Available on Overland models with the optional Off-Road Group and standard on the Summit, this provides ‘industry-leading tractive capability’; it can be combined with Quadra-Lift air suspension, allowing the vehicle to be raised by up to 60mm over its standard ride height. On the Grand Cherokee L, this allows Jeep to quote ground clearance of 276.8mm and a wading depth of up to 609mm. Approach, departure and breakover angles with the vehicle at full height are 30.1°, 23.6° and 22.6° respectively, however these will be affected by the shorter wheelbase and rear overhang of the smaller UK model.
As before, the Grand Cherokee will come with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system, whose Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand drive modes optimise the vehicle’s controls, power delivery, transmission, brakes, steering and suspension to help it perform the way a Jeep should offroad. Thus equipped, Jeep says the Grand Cherokee L has ‘class-leading traction, ground clearance, manoeuvrability, articulation and improved water fording.’ Inside, while the Summit Reserve Pack seen in Jeep’s pictures is clearly the halo offering, all UK models
can be expected to combine premium materials with high levels of comfort, space and equipment. The latter includes Jeep’s latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system with over-the-air updates, a wi-fi hotspot for up to eight devices and a choice of 8.4” and 10.1” touch-screens. The range of safety equipment on the vehicle will be similarly cutting-edge, and the new Grand Cherokee L will also be the first vehicle to feature a sound system created by high-end audio specialist McIntosh. In the US, this is offered as an option on Overland and Summit models; its
availability in the UK is a long way from being confirmed, however we’d expect it to be included as standard equipment on both. Something else we won’t know about for some time is what the Grand Cherokee will cost over here. However prices hovered in the £50-60,000 range for most models before the current version went off sale here – so there’s plenty of latitude for Jeep’s importer to increase them significantly while still undercutting the vehicle’s most obvious competitors in the premium SUV market.
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26/03/2021 14:11
NEW 4X4S
PORSCHE ENTERS CROSSOVER ESTATE MARKET WITH ELECTRIC ALL-TERRAIN SUPERCAR
Taycan Cross Turismo • 283-mile range, 0-62 in 2.9 secs • On sale now from £79,340
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orsche has launched its way into the crossover estate market with the Taycan Cross Turismo – an all-wheel drive station wagon with raised ground clearance, lower body protection and special transmission modes designed to let to tackle what Porsche describes as ‘a variety of mixed surfaces and uneven tracks.’ As part of the Taycan range, the vehicle’s headline story is that it’s 100% electric. The vehicle’s 800-volt
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architecture, in combination with a standard 93.4kWh battery, supports a variety of outputs, with four models on sale from launch – all of them combining strong acceleration with a usable driving range. The latter climbs as high as 242283 miles for the standard Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, whose 380bhp output is supported by a 476bhp overboost function in Launch Control mode. This means a 5.1-second 0-62 time and, should it matter to you, a top speed of 137mph.
At the top of the range, the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo has an output of 625bhp with a 761bhp Launch Control overboost – giving it a shattering 0-62 time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. The cost in terms of range is only slight, with a WLTP-certified figure of 241-260 miles. In between these two extremes, the 4S and Turbo models deliver 0-62 times of 4.1 and 3.3 seconds, with ranges of 241-281 and 245281 miles respectively. Standard features on all models include Porsche Active Suspension Management with electronic damper control and three-chamber adaptive air suspension. An optional Off-Road Design Package provides an extra 10mm of ground clearance, and the drive mode palette has an additional Gravel position which adapts the chassis, traction and throttle settings to optimise control on loose surfaces and muddy roads. While the vehicle is clearly not intended for extreme off-road use,
its lower body styling is intended to protect it against damage from flying stones and light brushes with the terrain. The wheelarches have a pronounced black edging and the bumpers and sill ends are moulded with protective vanes which, needless to say, were also created with styling in mind. The Cross Turismo has 47mm more headroom for rear-seat passengers compared to the existing Taycan saloon and its boot is capable of carrying more than 1200 litres of cargo. This makes it a genuinely practical crossover estate – albeit not a cheap one, even by the standards of a market that’s already loaded with premium brands. If 5.1 seconds is quick enough to keep you happy, the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo is priced from £79,340. Moving up the range, the 4S will cost you £87,820, then there’s a leap to £116,950 for the Turbo. Finally, a Turbo S will set you back £139,910. All four versions are on sale now, with first deliveries due this summer.
4x4 26/03/2021 14:11
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24/03/2021 16:59
NEW 4X4S
Victory for Defender in Women’s World Car of the Year awards THE LAND ROVER DEFENDER has won more than 50 international awards since its launch last year. These include the overall title in our 2021 4x4 of the Year awards – as well, now, as that of Supreme Winner in Women’s World Car of the Year. Chosen by an all-female panel of 50 motoring journalists from 38 countries spanning every continent, Women’s World Car of the Year is a major international award recognising the best new models available globally. It was created in 2009 and its reputation has been growing ever since. Past winners include the Volvo XC40 and XC90, Jaguar F-Pace and Range Rover Evoque, though this is the first time a vehicle badged as a Land Rover rather than a Range Rover has won the title. ‘The legend has been updated,’ comments Marta García, Executive President of Women’s World Car of the Year. ‘The Land Rover Defender is no longer just an SUV to cross the Amazon or go into the desert. Its latest reinvention invites you to travel by road in the same comfort as a luxury saloon. For this reason, and for its technology and comfort, it has been chosen as the Best Car of the Year by the Women’s World Car of the Year.’ Women’s World Car of the Year describes the brief it gives its voting panel as being simply to choose the best cars of the year. ‘The voting criteria is based on the same principles that guide any driver when choosing a car,’ the organisation explains. ‘It is not a “woman’s car”. Aspects such as safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, benefits and environmental footprint, among others, are taken into account when casting the vote.’
The Defender had already won the Best Medium SUV award before being announced as the overall winner – appropriately, on International Women’s Day. Other class winners included the new Peugeot (Urban SUV), Kia Sorento (Large SUV) and Ford F-150 (4x4 and Pick-Up). ‘This is a huge honour for the whole team and a reward for the hard work that has gone into creating such a capable vehicle,’ said JLR director Nick Collins. ‘Defender has won more than 50 international awards already, which tells us that our original vision for a 21st Century Defender was the right one. New Defender combines an unmistakable silhouette with stateof-the-art technology in a design that respects its heritage and delivers authentic Land Rover capability. The result is a family of 4x4s that lives up to the Defender name.’ ‘Cars have no gender and are not subject to stereotypes,’ adds WWCOTY’s Marta García. So the winners of these awards are, quite simply, the best cars in the world.’
Order book now open for fastest-ever Touareg R VOLKSWAGEN HAS OPENED THE ORDER BOOK on its new Touareg R. Powered by a 3.0-litre V6 TSI eHybrid plug-in powertrain, this has 462bhp and 516lbf.ft, giving it a 5.1-second 0-62 time – along with combined-cycle figures of 94.2mpg and 67g/km and an electric-only range of 28 miles. As well as being the fastest Touareg ever, the new R is also the best equipped. Its kit list is based on that of the existing Black Edition model, meaning air suspension, 360-degree Area View monitoring, LED matrix headlamps and the sensational Innovision Cockpit are all standard. So too are ergoComfort seats with heating and cooling functions and diamond-quilted black leather trim.
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The cabin is also highlighted by an ambient lighting package with a choice of 30 different colours. On the outside, meanwhile, the Touareg R gets its own front and rear bumpers, darkened tail-light lenses, a black grille and 22-inch diamond-turned alloys shod with 285/35R22 tyres. The new model is the second Touareg to get the R treatment, after the R50 of 2008 – which was powered by a tuned version of Volkswagen’s legendary 5.0-litre V10 diesel. Prices start at £71,995 on the road.
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• Frame - Powder Coated UV Stable Dark Grey Hammerite Finish • Doors - Powder Coated UV Stable Light Grey Smooth Textured Finish • Other Colours Available to Order • Locks - Black • Solid Side Doors • Front Panel - Fixed Clear Glass • Rear Door - 4mm Toughened Glass • Roof Rails come as standard • Pressure Equalizer Vent Load Bearing to 2500kgs
CANOPY ACCESSORIES • LED Lights • Aluminium Cupboard/Sidelockers • Wolf Box Holder • Jerry Can Holder • Brushed Stainless Steel Table • Table Storage Roof Bracket • Insulation - Roof & Doors • Tailgate Dust Kit • Drop Down Shelf • Eye Hooks • Sliding Windows In Side Doors • Air Vents/Dog Vents • Roof Cross Bars
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PHONE: 01299 250174
E-mail: enquiries@apbtrading.co.uk
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NEW 4X4S
IMPROVED ENGINE AND NEW GEARBOX THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR REVISED SSANGYONG REXTON
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asangYong has unveiled a facelifted version of the Rexton – with a revised powertrain, refined handling and improved interior electronics to go with an imposing new look. The overall winner in our 2018 4x4 of the Year awards, the Rexton continues to be powered by SsangYong’s 2.2-litre e-XDi 220 turbo-diesel engine. This, however, has been upgraded to produce 202bhp and 325lbf.ft while returning 32.9mpg and 225g/km. The engine is now mated to a completely new eight-speed automatic gearbox which promises greater efficiency, smoother operation and less noise, vibration and harshness. Elsewhere, a revised suspension package promises ‘even better handling’ and, potentially of greater relevance to most Rexton buyers, Trailer Sway Control becomes standard. As before, the vehicle is plated to haul up to 3500kg and lowrange gearing is standard – meaning this is a vehicle with formidable off-road ability. The revised Rexton range includes two models, called Ventura and Ultimate. Both are very well equipped, in classic SsangYong fashion, with
LED headlamps, dual-zone climate, heated and cooled front seats, faux-leather trim, all-round parking sensors and a rear-view camera. A wide range of safety kit is standard, with autonomous emergency braking a key feature. On top of the above, the Ultimate model adds premium leather trim, power seats, smart tailgate, mood lighting and surround-view monitor-
ing. Both models have a 12.3” digital instrument console; the Ventura also has an 8” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while on the Ultimate this becomes a 9.2” high-definition screen and also gains TomTom navigation. With a striking new octagonal grille to go with its LED headlamps, the Rexton looks more upmarket than the old model – which is
completely appropriate, because we’ve always believed that it bears comparison with SUVs costing twice as much. On that subject, the real budget models are no longer around. But at £37,995 for the Ventura and £40,665 for the Ultimate, in each case with SsangYong’s massive 7-year/150,000-mile warranty, it’s still a huge amount of 4x4 for your money.
Jeep Renegade 4xe gains app-based theft recovery software WE’RE BIG FANS of the recently launched Jeep Renegade 4xe. So much so, in fact, that the new plug-in hybrid hybrid system propelled the vehicle to victory in the Small SUV class of our 2021 4x4 of the Year awards. Unfortunately, some less pleasant people than us might be similarly taken by the vehicle. Which is why
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it’s good that the package of connected services on the Renegade 4xe has been expanded to include My Theft Assistance. The way this works is that if the vehicle detects that someone is trying to break in, tow it away without authorisation or disconnect the battery, the owner will be receive an instant Theft Alarm Notification text message. Depending on how you choose to set it up, this can also be backed up by an email, a phone call or a push notification in the My Uconnect mobile app, a connected vehicle platform that’s available to all Jeep customers. If you’re nearby when this happens and you happen to have a baseball bat about your person, you may well consider that you know what to do next. However, as that old Army recruiting adused to say, you don’t need to decide whether to hide or fight. You can do both. It works like this. If the wrong ‘uns manage to get away with your pride and joy, you can request immediate assistance through the My Uconnect app. Once the theft is confirmed through the Uconnect contact centre and
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NEW 4X4S
COMING SOON Forthcoming 4x4s due on sale in the near and medium-term future
Nissan announces prices for launch-edition Qashqai NISSAN’S NEW THIRD-GENERATION QASHQAI will cost from £29,270 when it arrives in Britain this summer. That’s the price for the highly equipped Premiere Edition, which will be available in limited numbers before the rest of the range goes on sale. The vehicle is powered by a 1.3-litre DiG-T Mild Hybrid petrol engine developing 140bhp in manual form or 158bhp with Nissan’s Xtronic auto. The price for the latter is £31,790.
Hyundai’s all-new Santa Fe will cost from £42,520 in four-wheel drive form when it arrives in Britain. Powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine as part of either a 230bhp Hybrid or 265bhp Plug-in Hybrid system, this comes with a six-speed auto box as standard. There are two trim levels, called Premium and Ultimate; the latter pushes the price to £49,010. a police report, a vehicle tracking function is triggered – and, to make it easier for the cops and harder for the scumbags, the vehicle’s ignition is disabled. We’d love to think that it would also be able to lock the doors, imprisoning the nefarious ne’er-do-wells to wait for their date with the boys in blue, but that would probably be a it dangerous. Serves them right, you might say, but we couldn’t possibly comment. The latest version of My Uconnect also features functions allowing owners to check the status of the vehicle’s battery and schedule a charging session, remotely lock and unlock its doors, activate its lights and send the results of points of interest searches on a smartphone directly to the sat-nav. It also provides a wi-fi network allowing a total of up to eight devices to be connected. ‘The increase in car thefts across the UK is cause for concern and an experience that owners will be looking to avoid at all costs,’ says Jeep’s UK manager Damien Dally. ‘The innovative theft assistance technology will undoubtedly give Jeep owners, and future buyers, peace of mind that their car and possessions are in the safest possible hands.’
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Alfa Romeo Tonale Alpina XB7 Audi Q4 e-tron BMW iX BMW iX3 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid Bollinger B1 Bollinger B2 Dacia Ford Mustang Mach-E Ford Ranger MR-ST Ford Ranger Hyundai Tucson PHEV INEOS Grenadier Isuzu D-Max Jaguar F-Pace PHEV Jeep Jeep Cherokee Desert Hawk Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Compass 4xe Jeep Wagoneer Jeep Wrangler 4xe Honda HR-V Hyundai Kona N Kia Sportage Land Rover Defender EV Maserati Grecale Mercedes-Benz EQA Nissan Ariya Nissan Qashqai Nissan Qashqai e-Power Nissan X-Trail Pininfarina Pininfarina Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo Range Rover Range Rover Sport Renault Arkana Rivian R1T Rivian R1s Seat Tarraco PHEV Skoda Enyaq iV SsangYong Korando EV Suzuki Jimny Van Tesla Cybertruck Tesla Model X Tri-Motor Tesla Model Y Torsus Overlander Toyota Yaris Cross Vauxhall Mokka Volkswagen Amarok Volkswagen ID.4 Volkswagen Touareg R Volvo XC40 P8 EV
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26/03/2021 14:12
RIGHTS OF WAY
Repairs completed on Breasthigh Road – but that’s not the end of the story…
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emedial repair work has been completed on Breasthigh Road, a magnificent mountain pass east of the Lake District in Cumbria. Green Lane Association Cumbria Rep Peter Apps reports that a good quantity of stone has been laid over the old concrete-covered drains which have also been cleared. In addition, new
drains have also been dug to take water off the right of way in a bid to prevent further erosion. The good news is that none of this has destroyed the lane’s character. ‘It has not lost any of its interest,’ says Peter. ‘It’s still rough as anything and no work has been done to the west side as yet. It will need to settle for as long as possi-
ble so please drive carefully if you really need to use the route. ‘The work is very good considering they could not remove all the concrete covering the drains, which need setting deeper as they would have needed to replace drain pipes.’ There’s a warning, however, for 4x4 drivers planning to use Breasthigh – a lane which, in addition to
being a brilliant drive, has among the very best views you’ll see anywhere on the rights of way network. ‘We are not sure how well the work will stand up to heavy use and/ or if we get another storm ridden winter,’ says Peter. ‘If you are travelling over from either side, please try and keep things right. It is up to us to keep the route from being lost.’
THE GREEN LANE ASSOCIATION has formally objected to plans by Staffordshire County Council to reclassify Swan Rake and Limer’s Rake in Hollinsclough as bridleways. Both lanes, which are steep and rocky in places, have been closed for several years for what the authority calls ‘the safety of all users,’ but GLASS has submitted evidence showing that they are public carriageways which have been used by motor vehicles at least since the 1920s. ‘Evidence shows that the condition of the routes today is little different to their condition a hundred years ago, and there are no particular “special qualities” or reasons that would justify a ban on MPVs,’ says Derbyshire Rep Chris Mitchell. There have, however, been many reports of anti-4x4 activity by local residents, and both lanes are on the list of ‘Priority Routes’ created by the Peak District National Park Authority as part of a campaign that has already seen a slew of closures blighting many of the area’s best-loved rights of way.
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RIGHTS OF WAY
Green Lane Association fights back with charm offensive after bigots launch bullying campaign in north-west Leicestershire LEICESTERSHIRE HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN one of England’s most enlightened and forward-looking counties in its management of rights of way. However towards the end of last year, green lane users began to encounter a number of major issues. These have been concentrated largely in the north-west of the county, where a number of green lanes have been obstructed illegally over a long period of time with landowners often appearing able to do this with complete impunity. More recently, the Green Lane Association reports, ‘legitimate vehicular users have become caught up in a politically biased rural crime initiative launched to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.’ While any decent 4x4 driver would support anything aimed at stopping genuine anti-social behaviour (which of course includes harassing legitimate right of way users), these recent problems were caused by what the Green Lane Association describes as ‘locals pushing complaints and the usual misconceptions regarding green laning, but on a grand scale.’ This came to a head when a GLASS member was wrongly issued with a Section 59 Notice while driving legally on Spring Lane, a byway between the villages of Ravenstone and Packington with a long history of illegal obstructions (see picture) and harassment of 4x4 drivers – provoked, it has to be said, by persistent
criminal damage caused by vandals taking vehicles off-piste . Following contact from the Association’s Rights of Way officer, this was rescinded, however this is an example of the level of threat under which people are now attempting to enjoy their hobby in the area. The seriousness of these events led GLASS Rep Steve Wild to escalate the problem to the Association’s Executive, and in turn to the local authorities. Joined by Assistant Rep Jason Gul-
liver and Communications Officer Lauren Eaton, the team managed to make some headway after an initially frosty reception – to the point where Leicestershire Police asked if GLASS could provide some training for its officers going forward. An excellent example of the results that can come from the Association’s policy of building bridges rather than being provoked into confrontation – even in the face of sometimes outrageous behaviour.
The first example of GLASS’ new relationships in north-west Leicestershire is a campaign to tackle a range of problems on Spring Lane. This route has two distinct parts. One is very firm and well surfaced, however the other is soft and prone to damage. In addition, off-piste driving in the woods adjoining the lane has been a problem for many years, and drivers have also been known to detour off the right of way via the adjoining School Lane – a well surfaced track which, despite its appearance, is only a bridleway. The relationship between users and landowners has been strained at best, with illegal obstructions making a regular appearance on the rutted part of the lane. ‘Along with the level of surface damage present on one section of the route,’ say GLASS Reps Steve Wild and Jason Gulliver, ‘the main issue became very apparent which was the lack of understanding, ownership and responsibility by various bodies to protect our rights of way, and hold those responsible to account for their legal duty to maintain our byways. We now have a far more positive outlook on the whole situation, with local authorities now possessing a level of accountability and looking to the Green Lane Association for support and ideas relating to our precious unsurfaced rights of way. The discussion involved surface repairs to Spring Lane, a social media campaign led by GLASS but involving all agencies, public and police education days, signage and other preventative measures to reduce off-piste activity in the area, all of which have been well received, and should start to be seen in the coming months. We are hopeful this approach for Spring Lane will bring success.’
One-way only on Bomber Lane after surface suffers erosion damage in wake of winter storms THE LONG AND GLORIOUSLY SCENIC Bomber Lane in Gwynedd has become rutted in parts, and the Green Lane Association is in discussion with the local highway authority regarding repairs. The damaged section is passable with care when travelling downhill, but the lane should not currently be used west-east to avoid making things worse. ‘The highway inspector is local and cycles the route so is familiar with the issues,’ says GLASS Rep Paolo Bavaresco. ‘He is also ex-REME, so no stranger to alternative road building such as green lane challenges!’
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MOTORSPORT
Dates announced for 2021 Odyssey Challenge as organisers respond to lockdown easing
Pics: Pawel Frackowiak
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ith the Government’s roadmap to the end of anti-Covid restrictions now well underway, the organisers of the Odyssey Batteries Winch Challenge have announced a schedule of dates for the 2021 season. As we reported last month, the Viking 4x4 Club has been following a wait-and-see
strategy rather than publishing a calendar in the knowledge that it would probably have to change – and even now, it’s being careful to stress that its plans remain subject to any further changes in the guidelines. The proposed dates, which have been set to avoid other events and shows, are 18 April, 2 May, 11 July, 15 August, 3 October and 31 Octo-
ber. The club is also keeping November in reserve for an additional event should the season opener have to be postponed. The first round will be open to a maximum of 30 teams, with a reserve list in operation should it be over-subscribed. ‘We are doing all we can to be Covid compliant,’ says the club. ‘This
means that Round 1 and probably Round 2 will be closed events. This means that it will be driver, winchman and officials only. No partners, no family, no friends and no service crew – only essential personnel.’ All vehicles will be required to carry a bottle of sanitiser while Covid conditions remain, and everyone present at the events will
ALRC National Rally postponed for second year running IN LAST MONTH’S ISSUE, we carried an article about the ways in which off-road motorsport organisers are trying to arrange the 2021 season around the roadmap for ending lockdown restrictions. As if to reflect the relentless pace of change that’s been evident throughout the crisis, no sooner had we gone to print than some of the facts went out of date. In particular, at the time of writing the 2021 ALRC National Rally was still scheduled to go ahead. However the Association’s Council, in consultation with Event Director Charles Darby, has now concluded that is has no choice but to cancel for the second year running. The venue at Bilsington Priory in Kent will now be used in 2022 instead, with dates to be confirmed. These are likely to include the now traditional follow-on rally, allowing visitors to make a holiday of it, and the ALRC is also looking at opening the site early to coincide with half-term week across Britain’s schools.
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NEWS be required to wear face masks and observe social distancing. Winchmen will not be allowed to sit in the same vehicle as their driver unless they are in the same social bubble, and everyone will have to bring their own pen to signing-on to avoid cross contamination. Away from the Covid implications, Viking 4x4 Club has made a number of other changes for this year. In particular, the issue of tyre size has been widely discussed – the outcome being that vehicles in Class 3 are now allowed to run sizes of up to 40” in diameter. Classes 1 and 2 will remain limited to 37”; if anyone in these classes turns up on a larger size, they will be moved into Class 3. Other rule changes include a new requirement that drivers must have 360-degree vision in their truck. This can be achieved via clear rearward vision through a window, using mirrors or by means of a reversing camera – however for safety, if the only way of seeing behind you when backing up is to crane out of the window, that will no longer be permitted.
In addition, vehicles must have two rear-facing red lights. First aid kits must be waterproof and include two eyewash bottles, and vehicles’ occupants are strongly advised to use window nets and wear a neck brace and flame-retardant overalls. Finally, the Viking 4x4 Club has also been in touch with its competitors to poll them over a move of governing bodies from MSUK to NORA. ‘Amazingly,’ it reports, ‘everyone who voted was in favour of moving to NORA. So if you want to compete with us in future, you will need a NORA license. The basic license is £25 but if you wish, you can pay extra to get full personal insurance cover.’ The move to NORA, which specialises in off-road motorsport, puts the Odyssey Challenge under the same umbrella as Ultra4Europe, the Welsh Xtrem, Challenge South West and many others. It means that all Odyssey competitors will need to be NORA licence holders prior to competing in the first round of the series – which, at long last, is now coming round fast!
Making the announcement in a statement issued during February, the ALRC Committee said: ‘We, like all of you, are very disappointed that this decision has had to be made but know you will all agree that it would be both foolhardy and irresponsible for the event to run, in light of the ongoing situation throughout the country. We were hoping that things would improve and that restrictions would be lifted early this year however, with the new variants of COVID-19 appearing all over the country, we do not feel that any events should run that involve bringing together people from the different area tiers. ‘Obviously we cannot predict where we will be by the end of May but feel it is prudent to make this decision now, especially as it is still not possible to start work on preparing the site for use, which will take several weeks if not months. ‘The landowner is still very keen for us to hold our event there in 2022, when it can be a full blown celebration! On a positive note, it has been proposed to try to include a Time Trial competition at the 2022 event, as these are proving to be very popular with both competitors and spectators alike.’
4x4 15 Scene May.indd 19
Opportunity arises for qualified technician as 4x4 specialist PB Customs seeks to fill vacancy
ARE YOU AN AMBITIOUS WORKSHOP TECHNICIAN with the desire to work for a 4x4 specialist whose standards are as high as your own? PB Customs is a familiar name on these pages, thanks to the quality of the vehicles it builds – which we’ve featured on several occasions over the last few years. And now it’s looking to recruit a new team member. This new position, which has been created by an expansion in the company, involves ‘predominantly working on 4x4 vehicles carrying out general servicing and repairs.’ PB Customs says that experience of Mig welding is essential, and that Tig welding, metalwork fabrication and spray painting skills ‘will give applicants a distinct advantage.’ Key duties will include servicing and repair to main dealer standards, welding, auto-electrical work including diagnostics, fault finding, and making bespoke wiring harnesses, modifying vehicles, applying Dinitrol underbody wax treatments and preparation and repair of bodywork to the primer stage. Applications are invited from fully qualified motor vehicle technicians, preferably with experience of working on 4x4 vehicles, who have ‘a positive can-do attitude’ and ‘high levels of integrity.’ The ability to work on your own initiative with minimal supervision is required, as is being open to trying new methods of work designed to improve efficiency. In return, the company says, ‘the successful candidate will be rewarded with a competitive salary, optional pension and an excellent working environment.’ Seeing your handiwork featured in 4x4 magazine is another benefit of the job, because we’ve become quite regular visitors to the PB Customs workshop. It’s located near Oundle, about halfway between Peterborough and Kettering, and since we first went there it’s more or less doubled in size – which says something about how the company has grown in that time. ‘This is your chance to work for a 4x4 specialist garage with an excellent reputation for quality work and service,’ says PB Customs, and indeed it is. If you’ve got the right stuff, send your CV to info@ pb-customs.co.uk or call for a chat on 01832 358948.
MAY 2021 | 19
26/03/2021 14:12
CALENDAR KEY
P Off-Road Playday
G Green Lane Convoy Tour
A Overseas Adventure Travel
S 4x4 Show
IMPORTANT: In the wake of the Covid crisis, most green laning and adventure travel companies have redrawn their calendars from scratch. As a result, some of the information on these pages will inevitably be out of date. In addition, some dates are for rearranged tours which had to be cancelled this year and which may already be full. Most operators are still prioritising existing clients over new business; some are yet to start accepting new bookings. While we do go to great lengths to ensure that our 4x4 Calendar is accurate and up to date, it is essential to check with the site, operator and/or organiser that events are still going ahead. Even without a pandemic to deal with, events are always prone to being rearranged, sometimes at very short notice, so this advice will always apply – we accept no liability for the consequences of any inaccuracies in this information.
10 April
30 April
Events G UKDalesLandrover and Eden
Events G UKEdenLandrover District
11 April
1 May
Rochford and District 4x4 P Essex, Rayleigh, Essex P Protrax Tixover, Northamptonshire Safari P Slindon Slindon, West Sussex
Landrover Events G UKTynedale
1-14 May
17-18 April
2 May
G Protrax Wiltshire
Bottom P Muddy Minstead, Hampshire 4x4 P Parkwood Tong, Bradford Wood P Picadilly Bolney, West Sussex Landrover Events G UKDurham Dales
18 April British Land Rover Show S Great Newark, Nottinghamshire Off Road P Explore Silverdale, Stoke-on-Trent Bottom P Muddy Minstead, Hampshire
Overland A Atlas Portugal
3 May
19 April – 3 May
P Hill’n’Ditch Mouldsworth, Cheshire
A Trailmasters Morocco Marrakesh
3-12 May
22 April – 6 May
4x4 Adventures A Active Portugal
Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
8-9 May
24 April
Landrover Events G UKWiltshire
Off Road Centre P Kirton Kirton Lindsey, North Lincs
9 May
24-25 April
G Protrax Wales 25 April
P Hill’n’Ditch Mouldsworth, Cheshire Off Road Centre P Kirton Kirton Lindsey, North Lincs Safari P Slindon Slindon, West Sussex Landrover Events G UKLincoln and Belvoir 20 | MAY 2021
15 Scene May.indd 20
Rochford and District 4x4 P Essex, Rayleigh, Essex P Protrax Tixover, Northamptonshire Safari P Slindon Slindon, West Sussex
15-29 May Overland A Atlas Portugal
16 May Off Road P Explore Silverdale, Stoke-on-Trent
P Hill’n’Ditch Mouldsworth, Cheshire Bottom P Muddy Minstead, Hampshire 20 May – 2 June
A Trailmasters Morocco Extreme 22-23 May Land Rover Gathering S Classic Wansford, Peterborough G Protrax Wiltshire
23 May Safari P Slindon Slindon, West Sussex
24-28 May 4x4 Adventures A Active Provence
25 May – 5 June
A Landtreks Portugal 27 May – 1 June National S ALRC Bilsington Priory, Kent
28 May – 11 June Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
29 May Off Road Centre P Kirton Kirton Lindsey, North Lincs
29-30 May
G Protrax Wales 30 May Leisure P Cowm Whitworth, Lancashire Off Road Centre P Kirton Kirton Lindsey, North Lincs
31 May Landrover Events G UKNorthumberland
1-4 June National Follow-On Rally A ALRC Bilsington Priory, Kent
3-4 June Events A UKEdenLandrover and Tynedale
6 June Events A UKNorthLandrover York Moors
6-20 June Adventure Tours A 4x4 Albania
7 June Events A UKLakeLandrover District
7-16 June 4x4 Adventures S Active Pyrenees
9-23 June
A Protrax Pyrenees 12-13 June
A Protrax Wales 12-27 June
A Ardventures Pyrenees 16 June Landrover Events A UKYorkshire Dales
19 June – 4 July Safari A Peru Jaguar Tracks Tour
4x4 26/03/2021 14:13
CALENDAR 21-27 June
16-22 August
3-21 October
25 May – 8 June 2022
A Landtreks French Pyrenees
A Landtreks Pyrenees
A Protrax Morocco
A Protrax Pyrenees
21 June – 1 July
16-25 August
11-16 October
28 May – 11 June 2022
A Corsica
4x4 Adventures A Active Pyrenees
A Landtreks Pyrenees
Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
22-23 June
24 August – 4 September
15-31 October
18 June – 2 July 2022
G Protrax Wiltshire
A Trailmasters Morocco
A Morocco
Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
26-27 June
31 August – 12 September
16-30 October
9-23 July 2022
A Pyrenees
A Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
11-12 September
17 October – 4 November
8-27 August 2022
A Morocco
4x4 Adventures A Active Botswana
Atlas Overland
Off-Road Show S Billing Billing, Northamptonshire
9-23 July Adventure Tours A 4x4 Pyrenees
Landtreks
Show S LRO Peterborough
Ardventures
Peru Safari
Protrax
9-24 July
11-19 September
18 October – 1 November
20 August – 3 September 2022
A Ardventures Balkans
Landrover Events A UKPyrenees
A Sahara
Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
10-24 July
13-22 September
25 October – 8 November
10-24 September 2022
Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
4x4 Adventures A Active Southern France
A Morocco Atlantic Sahara
Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
12-18 July
13-27 September
29 October – 14 November
1-15 October 2022
A Landtreks Pyrenees
Overland A Atlas Morocco
A Ardventures Morocco
A Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
19-28 July
15-29 September
13-27 November
22 October – 5 November 2022
4x4 Adventures A Active Alps
A Protrax Pyrenees
Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
A Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
27 July – 8 August
16-29 September
21 November
23 October – 10 November 2022
A Landtreks Pyrenees Coast-to-Coast
A Trailmasters Morocco Marrakesh
31 July – 14 August
18 September – 2 October
3-17 December
6-24 November 2022
Overland A Atlas Italian Alps
Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
A Protrax Morocco
31 July – 15 August
21 September – 2 October
5-24 March 2022
12-26 November 2022
World Overland A Lost Sardinia
A Corsica
A Morocco
A Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
2-6 August
30 September – 13 October
16 April – 3 May 2022
3-17 December 2022
4x4 Adventures A Active Provence
A Morocco
A Kuelap / Cloud Warrior Tour
Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
7-27 August
2-10 October
7-21 May 2022
7-26 August 2023
A Ardventures Galicia
Landrover Events A UKPyrenees
A Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
4x4 Adventures A Active Namibia
10-24 August
3-16 October
11-25 May 2022
Safari A Peru Peru Inca Tracks / Macchu Picchu
A Trailmasters Morocco Draa Valley
A Protrax Pyrenees
4x4 15 Scene May.indd 21
Landtreks
Atlas Overland
Active 4x4 Adventures
Trailmasters
British Land Rover Show S Great Stoneleigh, Warwickshire
Protrax
Peru Safari
Peru Safari
Peru Safari
Peru Safari
A Morocco Protrax
Peru Safari
MAY 2021 | 21
26/03/2021 14:13
PRODUCTS
ARB introduces off-road accessory range for revised Toyota Hilux
T
he revised Toyota Hilux, complete with its thumping new 2.8-litre engine, is still very fresh on to the market. But if you know anything about off-road products, it’s that ARB doesn’t hang about when it comes to making them – and sure enough, the Australian giant has already got not one but two bull bars ready for the revised vehicle. These are from ARB’s Summit and Commercial ranges, both of which are likely to be familiar to you if you’ve read this far. The former is, in ARB’s words, ‘engineered and designed not only to complement the vehicle’s overall appearance but also to work with safety features such as Toyota Safety Sense, airbag deployment and parking sensors.’ As you’d expect, the bar is designed with a built-in winch mount whose bolt pattern will accept all
the main brands and models up to 10,000lb, as well as brackets for driving lights and CB aerials. It comes as standard in a matt black powder coat, though if you’re feeling adventurous there’s also the option of getting it colour-coded. The bar can be used on its own or in conjunction with ARB’s Summit Side Rails and Protection Steps, which the company has confirmed are compatible with the new-look Hilux. It’s also compatible with the company’s front recovery points – something it doesn’t come with as standard, though, so don’t go making the common mistake of assuming a huge metal structure will automatically give you somewhere to lash on a strap. If the full-on Summit bar isn’t necessary for your needs, ARB’s Commercial bull bar has also been redesigned to fit the new Hilux. This
too can be used to mount a winch, though in this case a separate installation kit needs to be ordered. The company says its Summit and Summit Raw rear step tow bars are currently being redeveloped, too. So it won’t be long before both ends of the vehicle can be afforded the same level of protection. On top of these products, ARB has also been testing its existing Hilux range for compatibility with the revised model. And the good news is that in addition to the side rails and steps mentioned above, its canopies, Sportlid, Tailgate Assist,
Ute Liner, Sportguard, Air-Lockers, Recovery Points, UVP, Outback Solutions drawers, Frontier tank, Safari snorkels and Old Man Emu suspension, including the range-topping BP-51 Bypass Shock Absorbers, all get the nod. Everything in this list that was already compatible with the Hilux in 2020 still is in 2021. ARB’s products are, as they say, reassuringly expensive, and the company’s reputation is as bombproof as the stuff it makes. It’s all available in the UK through Britpart dealers – you can track them down by visiting www.britpart.com.
4x4 15 Scene May.indd 22
26/03/2021 14:13
Land Rover Defender Upgrades & Accessories
www.masai4x4.com
HEADLININGS & WINDOW TRIMS
/masai4x4
Hand crafted and covered in ten different colours. Made from GRP & lined with a plush suede-like finish.
Alston (Black)
Stornaway (Dark Grey)
Defender 90 PUMA Silver (Light Grey)
r1 10
Honey Biege (Tan)
Defender 90
De
fen
de
Sandbank Biege (Sand)
Defender 90 TD5
Luna White (Ivory)
Coffee (Dark Brown)
Cocoa (Medium Brown)
Hazel (Light Brown)
REPLACEMENT SEAT COVERS
Untitled-1 1
01/03/2021 16:21:57
PRODUCTS
Adrventures brings in Acayx range of bumpers and
A
rdventures is best known for its off-road driver training and adventure tours. But the
company also sells a range of equipment to help you get your vehicle ready for those adventures – and it has recently become the
JOB VACANCY
place to go in the UK for bumpers and roof racks made by Spanish specialist Acayx. The company has built its reputation by designing and making racks for Toyota, Nissan, Jeep and Suzuki vehicles. But at the time of writing, Ardventures was about to receive a stock of new units to suit the Land Rover Defender 90 and 110 – adding a very stylish and extremely usable option to what’s already on the market. The slimline racks are based on twin 3mm laser-cut stainless steel beams, between which are three to eight (depending on the vehicle) aluminium crossmembers. The se can be specced with a section
Vehicle Wiring Products
profile of either 90x20mm or 45x30mm, and their ribbed T-slot profile allows a wide variety of accessories to be attached in an almost infinite choice of positions and combinations. These accessories include a wind deflector, which can be ordered with or without integrated LED lights, a 3mm aluminium cargo tray and a range of brackets allowing you to fit anything from a spare wheel or side awning to pioneer tools and a high-lift jack. ‘Our slim roof racks are characterised by their great versatility, robustness and low profile on the roof line of the vehicle,’ says Acayx. ‘The cargo tray allows the placement of plastic or metal boxes as low as
We supply a comprehensive range of wiring products for repair, modification or complete rewire to your vehicle
PB Customs are expanding and looking to recruit a new member of the team. This is your chance to work for a 4x4 specialist garage with an excellent reputation for quality work and service. The successful candidates will be rewarded with a competitive salary, optional pension and an excellent working environment.
WORKSHOP/BODY WORK TECHNICIAN We are looking for a vehicle /bodywork technician to join our busy workshop, predominantly working on 4x4 vehicles carrying out general servicing and repairs. Experience of welding with Mig essential whilst Tig welding, metal work fabrication and spray painting will give applicants a distinct advantage. Key duties will be: Servicing and repair to main dealer standards. Automotive Repair and Welding with Mig. Auto-electrical work including diagnostics, fault finding, ability of making bespoke wiring harnesses. Modifying of 4x4 vehicles. Applying Dinitrol underbody wax treatments. Preparation and repair of bodywork to primer stage. Applicants must have the following qualities: A positive can-do attitude. A fully qualified motor vehicle technician, preferably with experience of working on 4x4 vehicles. Ability to work on your own initiative with minimal supervision. Be open to trying new methods of work designed to improve efficiency. Be honest with high levels of integrity. If you want to know more about us and what we do, visit our website at www.pb-customs.co.uk.
If you think you fit the requirements for the role and would like to join us, please send your CV to info@pb-customs.co.uk. Or if you would like to have a chat with us first, please feel free to call on 01832 358948.
24 | MAY 2021
15 Scene May.indd 24
ca F ta re lo e gu
e Visit our website, phone or email for a free catalogue
www.vehicleproducts.co.uk
Tel No: 0115 9305454 and email: sales@vehicleproducts.co.uk
Vehicle Wiring Products 9 Buxton Court, Manners Ind Est, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 8EF
4x4 26/03/2021 16:49
PRODUCTS
roof racks
possible to improve aerodynamics and therefore fuel consumption. The design (is) able to offer a tailored product for each customer and use.’ You’d need to have been living on Mars not to know that there are already lots of roof racks available for the 90 and 110. But you’d also need to be that far off the ground not to notice that this is seriously nice looking kit. Nice looking and, thanks to Ardventures, now available at a friendly importer near you. You’ll find them at ardventures.co.uk.
4x4 15 Scene May.indd 25
ALL-TERRAIN PERFORMANCE, COMFORT AND CONTROL FROM OLD MAN EMU’S DEFENDER HANDLING KITS OLD MAN EMU’S HANDLING KITS for the Land Rover Defender, which are now available through Britpart dealers, promise ‘superior performance across all terrain.’ Designed and tested in Australia, these come as a spring and shock combo for improved control and greater comfort and high and low speeds. The fully integrated kits are available for the 90 and 110, in each case in medium-duty and heavy-duty form. It’s not the cheapest solution you’ll find – once the VAT man has had his share, you won’t get that much change out of £200 per corner – but spend it once, spend it right. You’ll find a stockist at www. britpart.com.
MAY 2021 | 25
26/03/2021 14:13
Ford Ranger Big Brake Kit Ad - Jan 2020 - UK.pdf
1
28/01/2020
PRODUCTS
17:31
BIG BRAKING PERFORMANCE!
WITH PEDDERS TRAKRYDER EXTREME BRAKE KITS
LATEST ARB ALUMINIUM ENCASED AWNING IN STOCK AT BRITPART DEALERS
BRAKE KITS
ADJUSTABLE 4X4 SUSPENSION
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Stainless steel abutments.
For the discerning driver who is particular about how eXtreme Brake Kit. The braking results are staggering with the inclusion of a larger 6 pot caliper design, high tech TrakRyder eXtreme kevlar ceramic pads mated with a 10 slot dimpled and geomet coated larger diameter rotor. Bigger braking surface means bigger stopping power. With the fitment of the all new Pedders TrakRyder eXtreme brake kit, independent Australian Engineering tests reflected an average improvement in braking distance by up to 14%.
Features: • Stainless steel braided hoses. • 10 slot and dimpled TrakRyder geomet coated rotors 14”/356mm diameter (OE 11.85”/301mm). • TrakRyder eXtreme Kevlar Ceramic low dust brake pads. • TrakRyder eXtreme 6 pot design caliper brackets and bolts. • 6 Pot, 2 piece aluminium forged calipers. • High grade alloy steel brake pad insulators. • Stainless steel pistons.
Specialising in Suspension solutions since 1950 For further information go to www.pedders.co.uk or please contact your local Pedders experts.
01296 711 044 info@pedders.co.uk
* Independent Australian engineering test results proved that at 100kmh the TrakRyder eXtreme Brake Kit system upgrade stopped on average 11m sooner than original distances are reduced by 21%. This kit is suited for 18” wheels or larger. Further details available in store and on our website. Suits Ford Ranger PX & PXII Models.
RLG Tyres
NOW IN STOCK at Britpart’s range of UK dealers, ARB’s latest Aluminium Encased Awning ‘offers a sleek and contemporary alternative to traditional awning covers while adding improved functionality.’ It’s made using ripstop canvas and is supported by anodised , heavy-duty 1.2mm gauge, 25mm diameter poles to help keep it sturdy in poor weather conditions. Measuring 2500 x 2500mm when extended, the awning uses ARB’s tried and tested PU coated, fully waterproofed and UV protected canvas. This is also now enhanced with an added layer of abrasion-resistant material for still greater protection when it’s stowed and you’re on the move, and an aluminium housing means your investment won’t be totalled the moment your off-road travels take you through some undergrowth. When deploying the awning, a flip-up lid and three quick-release bungee cords mean you don’t need to mess about with zips, making the process an exercise in simplicity. As of course is the process of buying it – you just track down a Britpart stockist, which you can do at www.britpart.com.
Tyres cheap. Not cheap tyres!!
OFFICIAL STOCKIST
Main supplier of and all major 4x4 tyres
Groundcare • Car • ATV • Tubes • Mobile Tyre Fitting Puncture Equipment & Repairs • Four Wheel Alignment Durrants Farm, Rushlake Green, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9QB
Workshop: 01435 830664 Mobile: 07710 372672 Email: chris@rlgtyres.co.uk
www.rlgtyres.co.uk
26 | MAY 2021
15 Scene May.indd 26
ALSO NEW TO THE BRITPART RANGE is ARB’s Track Tie-Down System. This comes in a kit containing a pair of 45mm tracks and load rings, with chamfered ends on the tracks so there are no sharp edges trying to rip your cargo to bits while you’re loading it up. Anodised and powder coated for strong protection against the elements, the kit is designed to be ideal for internal or external use. Prices vary, but it shouldn’t owe you more than an enthusiastic round of drinks.
4x4 26/03/2021 14:13
PRODUCTS
High-performance air compressors join Clarke range of workshop machines for top-end DIY use
SPECIALIST 4X4 VEHICLE DISMANTERS JEEP - LAND ROVER SPECIALIST 4X4 VEHICLE DISMANTERS AND MOST MAKES AND MODELS JEEP LAND ROVER QUALITY GUARANTEED USED PARTS AND MOST MAKES AND MODELS QUALITY GUARANTEED PARTS SOME OF THE VEHICLESUSED WE HAVE RECENTLY DISMANTLED: SOME OF THE VEHICLES WE HAVE RECENTLY DISMANTLED:
CLARKE’S RAIDER RANGE of air compressors aren’t the sort you bolt in the back of your vehicle. But if you’re wanting to take your DIY workshop armoury to the next level these units look like just the sort of tools you want for the job. The Raider 15/550 is a 3hp V-twin compressor with a 50-litre air receiver and a 14.5cfm flow rate. Its 2.2kW output and 116psi maximum operating pressure make it ideal for general workshop applications such as spraying, shotblasting and running air tools, and it comes with twin outlets to make it twice as versatile. Measuring 710 x 360 x 650mm, the 15/550 weighs in at 38.5kg but comes wheel-mounted to let you haul it around your workshop. If that doesn’t sound like enough oomph, the Raider 15/1050 has double the air receiver capacity at 100 litres. It’s otherwise similar to the smaller unit, with the same 3hp V-twin motor giving it a 2.2kW output, 14.5cfm displacement and maximum operating pressure of 116psi. Once again there are two outputs, one regulated and one direct from the tank, and both units come with safety valves for fully automatic on/off control. The 15/1050 does of course differ in terms of size and weight; it measures 1030 x 350 x 750mm and tips the scales at 52.5kg, but once again comes wheel mounted and features a transport handle for portability. Prices for the two units are £251.98 for the 15/550 and £311.98 for the 15/1050, in each case including VAT. As usual with Clarke kit, a visit to www. machinemart.co.uk will see you right. ALSO FROM CLARKE, and available via Machine Mart, is the dualpurpose MIG 145 No-Gas/Gas MIG Welder. Suitable for use on mild steel up to 4mm thick, this ‘offers the advantages of standard MIG welding without the need for gas bottles, producing excellent results in various conditions.’ The unit has a non-live torch which can be put down without sparking, as well as electronic wire speed control and thermal overload protection with auto reset. Power settings can be adjusted from 35-135amps. The MIG 145 costs £227.98, also from www.machinemart.co.uk.
4x4 15 Scene May.indd 27
20012015 JEEPJEEP WRANGLER JK CHEROKEE XJ 2.8CRD
2015 JEEP WRANGLER JK 2.8CRD
2007 DODGE 2018 JEEP NITRO 2.8CRD RENEGADE 2007 DODGE NITRO 2.8CRD
2014 RANGE 2016 2006 JEEP 2011 ISUZU ISUZU ROVER SPORT 4.4 D-MAX 2.5 DIESEL WRANGLER TJ RODEO V8 DIESEL 2014 RANGE 2016 ISUZU ROVER SPORT 4.4 D-MAX 2.5 DIESEL V8 DIESEL
2016 RANGE 2008 NISSAN ROVER EVOQUE PATHFINDER 2.0 TD4 2016 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE 2.0 TD4
2014 2010 JEEP CHEROKEE MK5 MITSUBISHI L200 KL 2.0 MULTIJET 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE MK5 KL 2.0 MULTIJET
JEEP 2007 LAND HONDA 20152010 RANGE 2012ROVER 2008 2013 TOYOTA CHEROKEE MK4 DISCOVERY 3 2.7 CRV 2.2 CDTI ROVER EVOQUE MITSUBISHI ASX HILUX KK 2.8JEEP CRD 2007 LAND TDV6ROVER 2010 CHEROKEE MK4 DISCOVERY 3 2.7 KK 2.8 CRD TDV6
2008 HONDA CRV 2.2 CDTI
2006 NISSAN 2006 JEEP 2006 JEEP GRAND 2015 LAND 2004 JEEP CHEROKEE WK PATHFINDER 2.5 GRAND GRAND 5.7 V8 HEMI ROVER DCI 2006 JEEP GRAND 2006 NISSAN DISCOVERY CHEROKEE WK CHEROKEE WJ CHEROKEE WK PATHFINDER 2.5 Charlton Recycled Auto Parts SPORT DCI 5.7 V8 HEMI Vehicle Recycling Centre, Gravel Pit Hill, Thriplow, Cambridge, SG8 7HZParts Charlton Recycled Auto Tel 01223Gravel 832656Pit Hill, Thriplow, Vehicle Recycling Centre, Email parts@charltonautoparts.co.uk Cambridge, SG8 7HZ PLEASE VISIT WWW.CHARLTONAUTOPARTS.CO.UK Tel 01223 832656 Email parts@charltonautoparts.co.uk PLEASE VISIT WWW.CHARLTONAUTOPARTS.CO.UK
MAY 2021 | 27
26/03/2021 14:13
DRIVEN
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY New six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines lead the list of improvements as our reigning Large SUV of the Year gets a major mid-life update
TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR, Land Rover gave the Discovery what will be the most significant relaunch of its model life. The word ‘facelift’ is often used in these situations, but that doesn’t seem quite right here – because while the vehicle’s styling details have indeed been revised, the big stories are to be found beneath the surface. The biggest of the lot lurks beneath the Discovery’s bonnet. Here, there’s a whole range of new engine options, all of them six-cylinder 48volt mild hybrids. These join the existing P300 fourpot to offer a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. The P360 now tops the gas range, while both oil-burners are new; the D250 is the
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entry-level unit here, while the D300 is too all intents and purposes as fast as its petrol counterpart. We drove the P360 and D300 on the launch event, which included a good range of roads as well as a lengthy section of off-road work in the woods of the Eastnor estate. If you’re old enough to remember the days of the 200Tdi and 3.9 V8, you’ll know that back then, the two different versions of the Discovery were like chalk and cheese – by contrast, one of the big things we took away from a day behind the wheel of the range-topping petrol and diesel models today is how extraordinarily similar they are. The new P360 and D300 engines displace 2995cc and 2996cc
respectively. Aided by both a twinscroll turbocharger and a 48-volt electric supercharger, the former produces 360bhp and 369lbf.ft, the latter from an impressively low 1750rpm. The D300, meanwhile, delivers 300bhp, backed up by 479lbf.ft – this time from an even more flexible 1500rpm. The result is outstanding performance – done two different ways but, when it comes down to it, so good in each case that it’s more or less a dead heat. The figures say 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds for the P360 and 6.8 seconds for the D300, and top speed is 130mph in each case, but we’re struggling to think of any real-world driving scenario in which you’d notice a difference.
Certainly, neither will feel slow. Ever. The Discovery is a heavy beast, but it pulls away effortlessly and gathers pace with a near-ethereal smoothness. Refinement is a big part of the story for its new engines, and both are remarkable in this way – noise, vibration and harshness are almost completely absent in each case. As you might expect, the petrol engine is the quieter of the two, but the difference is tiny – we’re talking about tenths of a percent. If there’s one really noticeable difference between the two engines, it’s in what happens when you’re on the motorway and you kick it down for a brisk lane change. The D300 gathers pace promptly, for sure – but the P360 responds with a snarl
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Much is new in the Discovery’s interior. Land Rover’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system gets the lion’s share of the attention here – and deservedly so, because it’s a huge improvement on the previous set-up – but the vehicle has also gained a soft-touch floor console and, more obviously, a revised steering wheel. The previous model is shown to the right – it was already good, but the difference in cabin atmosphere really is remarkable. It also feels unique within the Land Rover family – it’s easy to dismiss the Discovery as being too much like a Range Rover, and both do share many virtues, but they feel wholly distinct from each other
as it leaps into action. It’s not an everyday situation, but as a demonstration of what the engine’s got it’s really very impressive.
With an equally refined eightspeed auto box behind them, neither engine ever feels as if it needs to be held back. They’re docile at low
speeds, delivering power with a quiet smoothness that makes the Discovery tremendously pleasant around town and on country lanes – both feel like its natural habitat, as does the motorway, though the almost complete lack of engine noise here means you notice the road that much more. Thumps come through from seams and other imperfections in the surface, and you also hear an element of buffeting from around the door mirrors. Ride-wise, too, it’s not a magic carpet the way a Range Rover is. You could very happily cover hundreds of miles in one sitting, however, and you certainly wouldn’t feel jaded afterwards. In this respect, we found the D300 we drove slightly better than the P360 – we’d put that down to the vehicles’ differing spec levels, with the D300 being an SE model on 275/45R21 tyres and the P360 being an R-Dynamic S on 285/40R22s. Another difference between these two models is that the R-Dynamic S has a leather interior that doesn’t feel quite as nice as it looks. The SE, on the other hand, has Miko suede
– an eco-friendly material made from recycled plastic bottles which looked wonderful in the Light Oyster finish of our test vehicle and feels superb to touch and sit in. The big story in the Discovery’s interior, though, is the arrival of Land Rover’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessed via an 11.4” touchscreen. It looks classy and makes sense, with quick responses and intuitive controls making it easy to use. The way it’s integrated into the facia is very stylish, too, though you don’t have anywhere to rest your hand while you’re operating it, which can make it tricky to get your aim straight without taking your eyes off the road to concentrate. The revised Discovery also now has features like wireless charging, one-touch tablet integration and wi-fi connectivity for up to eight devices, as well as an enhanced range of driver aids and, no small thing, cabin air ionisation that filters out allergens, toxins and harmful particulates. Potentially more to the point, the second-row seats have been revised for greater comfort and the cabin environment is
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DRIVEN
The Discovery has been revised in many ways – including the way it looks, though this is one of the more subtle changes to previous models.The front grille is new, and all-LED lights are adopted all-round, while a full-width darkened graphic sits above a redesigned rear bumper. As before, there are two distinct model ranges – Discovery and Discovery R-Design. The latter (right) is distinguished by splitters in its front air intakes, while the standard model (left) has a metallic steering guard beneath its bumper enhanced still further by features like ambient lighting, a soft-wrapped floor console and a new design of steering wheel. Land Rover’s business aim with of all this is to keep the Discovery cemented firmly in people’s minds as the definitive premium SUV for families. High-tech equipment is a critical part of the offering here, and the vehicle aims to look after everyone on board – even though something like one in five sales go to the Commercial model, whose second and third rows of seats come straight back out again to make way for a van conversion.
As it is, you can stow the Discovery’s seats to free up an immense 2391 litres of cargo space. That’s the stuff of epic-level practicality, and those seats are also among the few to be able to accommodate seven adults when they’re in place. Few vehicles of any kind can match that level of flexibility – and when you consider that the Disco’s masterful performance on the road is only the beginning, with segment-leading offroad ability and mighty trailer towing skills on top, you have an all-rounder of serious note. Of course, what you do also have into the bargain is a Land Rover
that’s very much premium in its price as well as its personality. The models we drove, a Discovery SE and an R-Dynamic S, don’t actually exist as far as the price list on Land Rover’s website at the time of writing was concerned; this is presumably something to do with the launch vehicles being left-hand drive models, but either way the D300 starts at £56,440 and the P360 at £57,200. Equipment levels will always be appropriately high, of course, but if you want the levels of luxury we enjoyed on the launch you can expect to be spending well into the sixties.
This points up an interesting footnote about the new Discovery, though. People often say that it as moved on from what those 200Tdis used to be like and is now basically the same as a Range Rover – however it’s only when you sit in one that you notice how distinct from that vehicle it is. Both are exceptionally nice, of course, but everything from the Discovery’s cabin styling and layout to the way it rides distinguish it both from the Range Rover and, equally importantly, from the Defender. They’re clearly all part of the same family, but the differences that make each of them unique become
Ever since the Discovery 3 rewrote the rule book on interior flexibility, Land Rover’s family wagon has featured market-leading seat-folding arrangements. In the current model, the second and third rows are both capable of carrying adults – and also of dropping flat to create a truly van-like load area whose capacity in this configuation is a massive 2391 litres
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The Pivi Pro system is very powerful, easy to navigate around and pleasingly quick in its responses to inputs. It’s attractively housed within the Discovery’s facia, too – though we found that with nowhere to support your hand while operating it, hitting the right part of the screen can take more concentration that you want to be giving to anything that’s not the road ahead
more apparent the closer you get. It’s a very, very clever bit of design whose subtleties go way over many heads – or, to be more charitable, that works on you without you even realising it’s there. In this way, we’d argue that the Discovery is actually LESS like the Range Rover than those old Tdis used to be. Back then, the two vehicles were almost identical beneath their bodywork, which is something Land Rover traditionalists tend to
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forget when they’re having a moan about the new models. That could be the jumping off point for an essay (or a diatribe), but we’re meant to be reviewing the new Discovery here. And our verdict would be that with its new engines, equipment and styling both inside and out, they’ve taken a great vehicle and made it better. It continues to be a practicality monster, a superb premium SUV and a masterpiece of high-tech ability both off-road and in
front of a trailer. It does everything, and it does it well – and with the P360 and D300 engines, it has a new-found brilliance on the road. Our choice would be the D300. Its performance and refinement at speed are incredibly close to those of the P360, and with so much torque at little more than tickover it’s capable of hauling you around off-road in the sort of silence you associate with electric vehicles. That torque will have your back
when towing heavy loads, too – and fuel consumption of up to 33.9mpg sounds more palatable than the petrol motor’s 26.7mpg. There’s no denying that the P360 is a fabulous vehicle, though, and it’s well suited to the more purposeful styling of the R-Dynamic model range. For Land Rover’s oft quoted breadth of capability, though, the D300 as tested here is close to perfect. If you changed your mind about the Discovery when the current
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New Polaris RZR Trail S 1000 Premium 27-inch, 8-ply GBC Dirt Commander tyres for puncture resistance.
ALL-DAY COMFORT Boasting 31.1cm of suspension travel on the front and 33.5cm on the rear, as well as adjustable Walker Evans Needle Shocks, the RZR S 1000 absorbs impacts with ease. For rider comfort, there is an adjustable steering wheel position, more legroom, a customisable seat position and improved cut-and-sew seats that reposition rider posture. Store more gear with the new in-cab storage places and see vehicle diagnostics with the digital gauge. The wrap-around roll cage and sturdy full doors – included as standard – give riders more protection by keeping branches out of the cab and providing better protection from the elements and dirt.
MODERN STYLE
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rail Agility. Endless Comfort. For 2021, Polaris Off-Road introduces its brand-new, 60 inches wide, RZR Trail S 1000 Premium, optimised for next-level performance for your best trail ride yet. Featuring the powerful ProStar 999cc, DOHC twin-cylinder engine, and weighing only 651-kilograms*, the RZR Trail S blends its class-leading power-to-weight ratio with real trail versatility, thanks to a new narrower track width of just 60 inches. The new machine also has an engine braking system (EBS) and high performance true on-demand all-wheel drive that kicks in when
more forward traction is needed. The premium trim features LED headlights as well as electronic power steering (EPS) with a 2.0 turn point-to-point to stay nimble on the trails and provide easy handling. There is also premium two-inch Walker Evans Needle Shocks, which are fully adjustable with 16-position adjustable clickers.
BUILT FOR THE TRAILS At just 60-inches wide, the RZR Trail S 1000 has the narrowest stance and the shortest wheelbase seen across the RZR line-up, making it easier to manoeuvre in tight trails
and giving riders unrestricted access to the outdoors. Paired with its small turning radius, fast-engaging all-wheel-drive on-demand, and class-leading ground clearance of 31.8-centimetres, the new RZR gives every rider confidence to tackle the toughest terrain. For its size, the RZR Trail S 1000 has a class-leading power-to-weight ratio, delivering quick acceleration that closes the gap between corners faster than ever before. Combining performance and perseverance, the RZR Trail features a more durable clutch and longer belt life for worry-free riding with smooth engagement, in addition to stronger,
Stand out on the trails with the modern and clean style of the new RZR Trail S in Polaris Blue colourway, featuring bold graphics and red details including contrast red springs. The 2021 RZR Trail S boasts the striking LED lights seen on the Xtreme Performance models, as well as a host of new design features including the front and hood design, new fender flairs, aluminium wheels, back side panels, one-piece full doors and new roll cage. Inside, the cockpit has been redesigned featuring updated seat styling, a new steering wheel, and updated C4 display gauge. *651kg curb weight for EU homologation – 656kg curb weight for T1a/ T1b homologations.
POLARIS RZR PIONEERED THE PERFORMANCE SIDE-BY-SIDE CATEGORY. Known for its unmatched performance, and rider-centric vehicle design, RZR has established itself as the top choice for recreational enthusiasts for more than a decade. Today, the No.1-selling performance side-by-side has launched a new and striking colour and additional trim upgrades to the line-up for 2021. New to the line-up, the 2021 RZR XP 1000 EPS, both two- and four-seat versions, feature half doors as standard to boost comfort and protection. Beyond this, the model also gets a fresh, new colour option – Stealth Grey – to help riders stand out on the trails. All model year 2021 RZR models come standard with a new in-dash trickle charge port adapter. This allows a trickle charger to be connected to the vehicle, creating an easier, safer and more reliable way to maintain each battery while in storage, during the off-season or during long periods of inactivity.
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Club Polaris UK and Ireland has landed! CALLING ALL POLARIS SPORT AND LEISURE OWNERS! Club Polaris has officially landed in the UK and Ireland, bringing eligible Polaris customers the opportunity to join the club and receive unique benefits.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Polaris GENERAL – the leading choice in the crossover segment SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION IN 2016, the Polaris GENERAL has established itself as the leader of the crossover segment. With its unstoppable performance, unmatched comfort and unrivalled versatility, GENERAL is the perfect no-compromise solution for work, play and everything in between. For 2021, the No.1-selling crossover side-by-side has added to its line-up with all-new premium paint designs to the GENERAL 1000 Deluxe across both two and four seat models. Additionally, the 2021 2-seater General 1000 EPS Deluxe with ABS and the 2021 4-seater General 4 1000 EPS Deluxe now come with a Poly Sport Roof as standard.
IT’S FREE! Membership is free* for existing Polaris customers with a vehicle in warranty STAY IN THE KNOW. A dedicated, members-only content hub available on Polaris Basecamp, including the latest news and useful information for riding off-road in the UK FREEBIES! Club members will receive a special gift to welcome them to the Polaris family, including their very own Club Polaris membership card and exclusive Club Polaris-branded lanyard and snood. JOIN THE COMMUNITY. Members get access to the private Facebook group where like-minded riders can socialise and discuss all things off-road EXPERT ADVICE. Access to Polaris experts via the private Facebook group for vehicle advice and top tips GET INVOLVED. Polaris invites members to submit their own stories and content for the chance to feature across Polaris social media channels EXCLUSIVE EVENTS. As Club Polaris grows, Polaris plans to organise group ride events on
a national level, as well as smaller, local dealer events, with plans to bring the international-recognised and successful Polaris Camp event to the UK in the future.
HOW DO I JOIN? If you’re eligible for Club Polaris, you can join by visiting the Club Polaris section of our Polaris Basecamp website here – once you’re logged in, this will be a whole new section of the website, dedicated to Club Polaris content.
ELIGIBILITY Club Polaris is available for Polaris sport and leisure owners only with the following Polaris vehicles: • Polaris RZR (all models excluding youth) • Polaris General (all models) • Polaris Scrambler (all models) • Polaris Sportsman (XP 1000 / XP 1000 S / Touring 570 / Touring XP 1000 / 570 SP / 570 Öhlins Special Edition) Note: Customers will need their VIN number to register, and the vehicle must be warranty registered. * Membership is free for Polaris owners where their vehicle is within its manufacturer warranty period. For owners who would like to join with expired warranty, please contact your local dealer to sign up.
RZR 170 EFI – THE INDUSTRY’S ONLY YOUTH SPORT SIDE-BY-SIDE IF YOU WANT TO GIVE YOUR FAMILY THE ULTIMATE TREAT, the Polaris RZR 170 EFI is engineered to give kids 10 years and up the thrill of driving – while providing crucial safety features parents will love. With a 169cc engine, automatic transmission and two-wheel drive, it has 6” of ground clearance and 5” of suspension travel front and rear – as well as safety equipment including a roll cage, seat belts, window nets, LED running lights and, you’ll be pleased to hear, a parent-adjustable speed limiter. The RZR 170 EFI is also supplied with two youth helmets and a training DVD. Homologated exclusively for off-road use, it’s priced in the UK from £3699 plus VAT.
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SPARKS WILL FLY Jeep’s Magneto concept is an all-electric rock-crawler with extreme off-road skills and Words: Kaziyoshi Sasazaki Pictures: Jeep
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a unique manual transmission
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mong the seven vehicles Jeep presented at this year’s Easter Safari in Moab, the Magneto concept was arguably the highlight. It’s not the most extreme Wrangler ever to have come to light in the mountains of Utah, nor perhaps even the most eye-catching. But seldom has a Moab concept been more significant. That’s because the Wrangler Magneto is allelectric. Based on a Rubicon 2-door, it’s powered by a custom-built axial flux motor which operates up to 6000rpm – delivering a similar 285bhp and 273lbf.ft to the Pentastar V6 petrol engine commonly seen in Jeeps sold in North America. That’s no accident, either. ‘Intentional calibrations developed during testing help the Magneto’s powertrain emulate the driving experience of the V6,’ says Jeep. ‘During moderate driving, the performance difference between the V6 and the Magneto’s unique manual-electric powertrain is negligible except for near-silent operation.’ Manual-electric? Yes. We’ve become accustomed to hybrids and EV’s running auto boxes by default, but the Magneto is equipped with a six-speed manual – complete with a clutch, which operates as it would with an internal combustion engine. ‘In quick-shift scenarios,’ explains Jeep, ‘the e-motor engages regen upon clutch engagement to prevent rev-hang.’ Being electric, all the Magneto’s torque is available from zero rpm. The result is a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds – which sounds reassuringly normal in a world of concept EVs that all claim to out-accelerate a top fuel dragster. The electric motor is part of an 800-volt system powered by four lithium-ion battery packs with a combined output of 70kWh. These are distributed around the Wrangler to aid its overall weight balance; two are mounted in the middle of the vehicle, where its fuel tank would be, a third sits above the motor in the engine bay and the fourth is in the space where you’d normally expect to find the business end of the exhaust.
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Being based on a Rubicon model, the Wrangler Magneto was already a serious off-roader before Jeep’s engineers even started work on it. With kit including a +2” suspension lift, 35' Falken mud-terrains, a custom roll cage and a Warn winch on a heavy-duty bumper, this is big, bold off-road machine – though it still manages to look quite petite and demure when you see it next to the other vehicles Jeep introduced at this year’s Easter Safari
The batteries’ power is converted to AC by an inverter derived from those used on racing cars. Along with the batteries themselves, a vehicle interface box and the battery control module are all housed within waterproof enclosures – meaning the Wrangler’s 30” wading capacity is retained. There’s also a traditional 12-volt system to look after things like the stereo and lights – as well as an auxiliary 12-volt battery to look after the Warn winch that’s housed within a heavy-duty front bumper. These two batteries are charged by a DC-to-DC converter, allowing long-term operation of accessories to power a campsite or an unexpectedly long recovery. Another accessory, which
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seems very necessary given that the vehicle has no roof or doors, is a 10kw high-voltage heater for the passenger compartment. All the batteries sit on unique heavy-duty mountings to keep them secure when the Jeep is being battered over rough ground. For much the same reason, custom skid plates are in place beneath the vehicle to protect them from any terrain strikes that make it past the Wrangler’s famously high ground clearance. This is aided by a +2” suspension kit from Jeep Performance Parts and a set of 35” Falken Wildpeak Mud-Terrains mounted on 17” Lights Out black alloys. Further protection comes from
a custom roll cage, Mopar rock rails, heavy-duty bumpers and steel underbody protection. As we’ve already mentioned, the Magneto might not be the most eye-catching Jeep ever to have made its debut at Moab. Put it alongside the Orange Peelz, Jeepster Beach and Gladiator Red Bare concepts also unveiled at Moan this year, indeed, and it looks positively dinky. But it’s still a looker in its Bright White finish wit Surf Blue accents – and on the inside, custom royal blue and black leather seats with sapphire inserts and straps mean it definitely won’t be mistaken for anything else. Another bit of off-road kit that looks absolutely sensational is an array of LED lights incorporated into the vertical slats in Jeep’s trademark grille. Positioned at the same height as the centre line of the headlamps, these continue out into the leading edge of the vehicle’s wings to create a full-width line of eleven individual lights – a solution that’s both powerful and extremely cool. ‘The Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept is a fully capable BEV that is stealthy, quiet, quick and an unmistakable rock-climbing force,’ says Jeep. ‘Jeep brand engineers and designers have created a zero-emission vehicle that provides new levels of efficiency, environmental responsibility and performance on and off-road.’ What you’re looking at here is the future – and as the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid nears production in right-hand drive form, it’s getting closer all the time.
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VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS
01452 309983 07816 889905 • • • •
Parts Repairs Service 134a and 1234 yf gas
UNIT 2, LLANTHONY BUSINESS PARK, GLOUCESTER, GL2 5QT www.ac-automotive.co.uk
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A tow in the water When you’re pulling a trailer, knowing your vehicle’s official towing weight can be very comforting. But there’s more to it than that – because the more you’ve got out back, the less you’re allowed to have on board. Welcome to the world of payload sacrifice… Words: Dan Fenn Pictures: Steve Taylor
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eople choose different vehicles for all sorts of varying reasons. But one of the very biggest is towing capacity. This has been seen in recent years with more and more pick-up manufacturers modifying their trucks in one way or another to achieve the legal maximum of 3500kg. Many 4x4 buyers, particularly in the agricultural sector, simply refuse to touch anything that doesn’t have that ability. But a significant number of them fail to realise, or conveniently ignore, that towing capacity comes at the expense of payload. ‘So many people buy a vehicle and believe they can tow a full 3500kg when they’re already loaded up in the pick-up bed,’ says Richard Drinkwater of SvTech, which specialises in vehicle re-rating and type approval work for clients ranging from vehicle manufacturers to individual owners. ‘We call this true towing and payload sacrifice – when a 4x4 manufacturer states a towing allowance of 3500kg but fails to mention that this is by the loss of the payload you can carry on board.’ It’s simple enough. You can tow up to a certain limit and you can carry up to a certain limit – but you can’t do both at once. The closer you get to one limit, the lower the other one drops. So if you’ve got a tonne of pea shingle in the back of your truck, you might still be able to tow a caravan – but if you’re towing a triple-axle trailer with another truck on it, you might only be able to carry a tow rope and a few tools. Easy, right? Yes – But as always, it’s not quite that easy. There are details, and you need to know them inside out. ‘First, you should find your vehicle chassis VIN sticker,’ says Richard. ‘This may be on or around the driver’s door area or, in some cases, in the engine bay. ‘This plate should show your full 17-digit VIN number along with four weights. An example of these is shown above, though yours may differ. ‘In this example, the top line (3050kg) refers to the vehicle’s GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight). That is
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Modern 4x4s have all sorts of high-tech aids to help you hitch up your trailer, manoeuvre it accurately and so on. But none of them will calculate how much payload you’ve got left when towing – that’s all down to you, a weighbridge and a careful set of sums
the all-in weight that your vehicle can be loaded up to with all people, goods and so on. ‘The second line (6000kg) is for towing. This is known as GTW (Gross Train Weight) – the complete combined weight, when fully loaded, for the vehicle and its trailer. It’s referred t as GCW in this example. ‘The third and fourth lines refer to your designated axle weights for the front (1) and rear (2). This is the maximum weight each axle is allowed to put down on the road surface – you mustn’t load it so as to exceed either of them. Note also that you can’t load both axles to maximum capacity at the same time if doing so would (as in this case) exceed your Gross Vehicle Weight.’ So that’s what the VIN plate has to say for itself. But how does it affect you? What you always have to remember is that the figures in the brochure only tell part of the story. Or, to put it another way, those numbers on the VIN plate need to be read properly, all together – you can’t just cherry-pick the information to suit yourself. ‘Back to our figures above,’ continues Richard. ‘If you subtract the GVW from the GTW/GCW, you’re left with a difference of 2950kg, not 3500kg. So how do you get a 3500kg towing capacity? ‘The answer is that this is where payload sacrifice comes in. To achieve the maximum towing capacity, you have to give up a portion of your load carrying allowance.
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‘So if you had a 3500kg trailer attached, you would need to deduct this amount from your combined GTW/GCW. The result of this calculation is the maximum all-up weight which your towing vehicle must not exceed. In this case, 6000kg minus 3500kg equals 2500kg, so the laden weight of your truck must not exceed that figure. ‘This means the weight of your truck, including people, fuel, goods etc, can’t be any heavier than 2500kg. So now you need to know what it weighs unladen – only then will you be able to work out how much you have left for load-carrying. ‘In the brochure, you will see this weight published as either kerb weight or unladen weight. These two terms are often assumed to mean the same thing, though in fact they don’t: kerb weight is that of the vehicle with a full tank of fuel but without a driver, whereas unladen weight is with a 75kg driver and a fuel tank that’s around 90% full. ‘It is worth noting here that these figures have a tolerance of ±3%. In addition, they may not include the dealer extras you need – such as a towbar, side steps, tonneau cover, roof bars and so on. ‘You must appreciate that everything you add to a vehicle is going to add weight. So it is always better to actually weigh your vehicle, rather than to work to any published figure. ‘In the case of the example plate shown, this vehicle has a published kerb weight of 1944kg. That is the figure without a driver but with a full tank of fuel.
‘Now we know the empty weight, and we’ve already worked out that when we tow a trailer of 3500kg, we can’t have a total vehicle weight of any more than 2500kg. Subtracting your 1944kg leaves 556kg for the driver, passengers and anything else you carry.’ Just over half a tonne, then, which sounds reassuring. But a crew of four big blokes in full kit and steel toecaps will take a huge bite out of that, and if each of them comes with a bag of tools you’re going to be playing with fire. It’s a sobering thought that you can so easily break the rules when towing a heavy trailer. In practice, almost nobody who does it really knows for sure what their weights are – but should you get pulled over or, worse, be involved in an accident, the consequences of being overloaded will be horrendous. ‘To know exactly what your 4x4 weighs,’ says Richard, ‘take it to a weighbridge. It sounds like a faff, but they’re easy to find – every local authority maintains a list on its website of certified operators in its area, and with prices varying from about £5-30 for a test it’s not expensive. Take your vehicle along with a full tank of fuel and get three weights – the overall GVW, the front axle weight and the rear axle weight. Rather than going by the published figure, it always pays to know how much your truck truly weighs – and if you’re going to be towing heavy loads, this is definitely the first place to start.’
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www.quickhitchtowing.co.uk 07768 900762 eurolinehire@outlook.com
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PIECES OF Of all the many various Defenders Land Rover made during the vehicle’s lifespan, It was certainly rare – so if you can find a factory V8 today, it’s like treasure. Not Words: Paul Looe Pictures: Vic Peel
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F EIGHT the 3.5-litre V8 was arguably the most charismatic. something to cut up for off-roading, then… or is it?
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f you want to modify a Land Rover Defender, there’s no shortage of them around. You might need a few quid to buy one in the first place, with prices the way they are, but finding a suitable vehicle is not normally a problem. It’s when the vehicle you find is a rare and special one that you need to stop and think twice. Once upon a time, people thought nothing of cutting up an 80” Series I to make a trials motor, but these days that would be like switching off the central heating and keeping your house warm by setting fire to a suitcase full of £20 notes. Even in the relatively modern world of 90s and 110s, there are models whose rarity makes them very special and worth preserving. Obviously, Land Rover started knocking out special editions as the decades rolled by, and some of these like the SVX, Tomb Raider and 50th Anniversary are highly sought-after now, but there’s still probably nothing with more of a mystique to it than a factory-original 3.5-litre V8. Perhaps it’s because so many 90s and 110s from the pre-Defender era went on to have their 2.5-litre engines hauled out and replaced by old 3.5s from the SD1 or Range Rover. Or perhaps it’s because so many of these repower jobs were done badly. Either way, genuine V8s have long been numbered among the most cherished examples of the breed. The vehicle you see here may bear out the above, or indeed it may confound it. It’s a factory V8 with its original engine still in place, however it has been modified more than most – yet despite this, if anything it’s even more desirable than a standard one. Only showing 77,000 miles, it’s a 90 which, in the hands of a previous owner, was quite extensively modified for off-roading. Some of those mods still remain – most notably, it has ARB Air-Lockers installed in both axles. There’s also a Warn 9.5XP up front, mounted on a Masai winch bumper, and the vehicle sits on a set of ZU alloys shod with BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tyres. Given the fairly hardcore theme of what went before, it won’t surprise you to learn that the 90 looks a whole lot different now to how it did then. The man to thank for this is Luke Ogden, who picked it up around three years ago and wasted no time whatsoever in getting stuck in. ‘I bought it, rolled it off the trailer and immediately set about stripping it down,’ he says, which kind of creates an image of the tow vehicle sitting there with its engine still running while Luke
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Above: Up front, a Masai winch bumper is home to a Warn 9.5 XP wound with Dynalead rope. You wouldn’t expect anything less, really, given the rest of the 90’s off-road spec Below left: Rock sliders in box and tube manage to improve the 90’s off-road spec and its street-machine value at the same time Below right: Two tempting opportunities for any vehicle builder to mess it up are provided by the many purveyors of cheap tat in the snorkel field. And as for the LED bar market… well, Luke points out that this 54” monster is a genuine Cree unit and not the work of that proud nation you’ve come to know as the home of rubbish and fakes. He notes also that this is held in place by ‘beautiful aluminium mounts.’ The breather, meanwhile, is a proper Safari Snorkel
Below left: Luke has rebuilt a lot of Land Rovers, and in recent times this has meant that he’s used a lot of Raptor. For this 90, he coloured it grey to create a subtle two-tone image with the gloss black of the wheelarches, door mirrors and so on Below right: So many restored Defenders end up on either ludicrous Tonka-style meat or ghastly low-profile rubber on alloys that are obviously trying to compensate, so it’s nice to see a set of good old 265/75R16 BFGoodrich Mud-Terrains. They’re mounted on genuine ZU alloys whose colour matches the rest of the vehicle’s theme
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Above: Both axles are original to the vehicle – which, this being a factory V8, means they contain the always sought-after four-pin diffs. The front unit seen here is located by Polybushed Qt radius arms, and ahead of it are heavy-duty steering components and a Terrafirma Return-to-Centre damper Right: Rather than lifting the Defender’s suspension, Luke chose simply to fit heavy-duty springs and shocks along with tubular towers. His reasoning? ‘It’s so that the vehicle can still fit in my garage’ starts going for it with the spanners. We tend to favour the ‘kettle before everything’ approach to workshop time, but that could reasonably be seen as why we’re writing about his Land Rover and not the other way round. Anyway, when he says he stripped it down he’s not joking. He took it all the way to a bare chassis, which needed a few repairs (all done by Luke himself) before it went off to be galvanised. Most people would be happy to leave it at that, but before the rebuild commenced he also sprayed the whole frame with Buzzweld chassis paint. The result is that this is now a 90 that’s got another thirtysomething years ahead of it before anything more in the way of major metalwork ought to be necessary.
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With that done, the axles could go back on. They’re still more or less as they were, though they’ve been uprated in the stopping department with AP calipers, stainless steel pistons and braided lines throughout. The handbrake, meanwhile is an X-Eng disc job, which is a favourite mod among off-roaders but also very useful on any Defender if you want to be able to leave it parked on a hill. Also uprated is the suspension – though not in terms of height or flex. Luke used heavy-duty springs and shocks, as well as Polybushes all round, but kept the height standard for the simple reason that he needed it to be able to fit in his garage. See, these are the things that really matter when you’re building a truck to take on the world…
Under the bonnet, happily the V8 engine has never had anything brutal done to it during the course of its thirty-plus years. Needless to say, Luke wasn’t about to change that. It breathes in through a Safari Snorkel and out through a stainless steel sports exhaust, all of which helps it sound nice, but the main thing is that it continues to purr away like an unmolested V8 should. It has the correct LT85 gearbox, with a heavy-duty clutch and arm installed to protect it from what is one of the very few things to be seen as a common problem in these units, but this is a classic case of not fixing what ain’t broke – and indeed of not doing anything you can’t undo later. The 90’s body, on the other hand, has definitely been taken down a one-way street. Not a huge
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The 90’s cabin has been pimped up without making it look like the recovery room in a sex dungeon. The floor has been fully carpeted and the dash lined in suede cloth, but the main attraction here is clearly the leather-trimmed Corbeau buckets. An extended cubby box, again clad in leather, lives between them, and next to the Momo steering wheel is a new dash panel holding a bank of dials and switches as well as a Pioneer stereo
Above: Now, this is definitely not something you see every day. The 90 has been fitted with a panoramic roof – something Luke bought commercially but which he says he’s never seen on any other Defender. Together with the panoramic side windows, it floods the cabin with light, giving it an ambience that’s nothing like any other 90 we’ve ever sat in Below: You can argue all day long about the merits of updating classic Defenders to a more modern spec, but given what we now know about the safety of side bench seats it’s very hard to argue against Exmoor Trim’s front-facing conversion. It turns a six-seater into a four-seater, but they’re seats you’d actually be willing to trust with your loved ones so that’s well worth it
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‘Welding, dismantling, engine rebuild, spraying. Everything on this vehicle was done by myself’ problem, of course, with panels being interchangeable the way they are, and this is where we get into the stuff that makes this Land Rover so unique. Where will we start? The two-tone colour scheme, let’s try that. This is more than twotone, actually, it’s two-texture – thanks to the use of grey Raptor all the way round down below. Famously strong and scratch-resistant, the Raptor finish has become increasingly popular over the last few years, both as a way of treating high-impact areas and finishing entire vehicles. There’s almost no limit to what you can do with the stuff in terms of tinting it – we’ve even seen vehicles on which it’s been successfully blended with glow-in-the-dark paint for astonishing signwritten finishes – and when it’s done right, there’s perhaps no other vehicle better suited than the Defender to its tough but sophisticated image. You don’t normally see Raptor being used to create a contrast with highly polished, smooth black surfaces, on the other hand. Though once more people have seen Luke’s handiwork here, you might. This 90 is an absolute show-stopper, and one look is enough to show you why. It’s not just the black painted roof, wheelarches and door tops that do it, either. The latter flow backwards into a pair of panoramic side windows
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– always guaranteed to look sensational, and the way they contrast with the texture of the Raptor-coated panels beneath them makes this 90 unique. Actually, that’s only partly true. There’s something else on the vehicle that makes it unique, too… at least, Luke says he’s never seen another one like it, and neither have we so there you are. It’s not very obvious from outside the vehicle (we tried taking a photograph, so we should know), but from inside the cabin it’s absolutely clear as day. Literally. A huge glass panel floods the interior with light, giving it an ambience that’s completely unlike that of any other 90 we’ve seen. Even on a relentlessly wet, grey afternoon, Luke’s Defender felt fresh and bright inside – look up, from your perch in one of the a la Puma forward-facing rear seats, and all you see is the sky. Ask Luke what he likes most about the vehicle, and the glazed sides and roof are what he’ll point to. He’ll express his doubts as to whether the 90 is still really suited to off-roading with so much glass surrounding its occupants (the manufacturer he used says it’s EU approved 4mm automotive-grade toughened safety glass, and the roof panel is both double-glazed and mounted in its own alloy frame, so he ought to be alright), but he’ll also tells you that he absolutely loves it.
His other favourite mod is the 54” LED bar mounted just ahead of the top of the windscreen surround. This is a proper Cree array, not the kind of cheap knock-off from you know where: Luke is very definitely not a man for doing things the wrong way. Interestingly, he is a man for getting someone else to fit his windscreens. That and the galvanising are the only two jobs he farmed out: ‘Welding, dismantling, engine rebuild, spraying,’ he says, ‘everything on this vehicle was completed by myself.’ Even though the build spec looks like a shopping list from your wildest dreams, then, this is a Land Rover that fits proudly into the ‘built not bought’ category. It’s a very well specced off-roader that comes on like a street machine and has the interior of a 90 you could drive all day. And being a low-mileage factory V8, a future owner could probably add value to it by doing a project of their own to take it back to standard. One day, perhaps. For now, it would be a crying shame to see this 90 as anything other than a world-class example of fun on four wheels. There’s no shortage of Defenders out there waiting to be modified, after all – but when you find a rare and special one, it deserves to be cherished the way a Defender should.
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HIGH ON LIFE One of the world’s greatest off-road trails is just a day away from Britain. And you could
Words: Redmond Neale Pictures: Redmond Neale and Becky Woodcock
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make it part of your next family holiday…
L
ast year, I turned thirty. There are various ways of celebrating something like this – but I’m pretty sure mine was the best. I’ve had a lot of different cars in the thirteen years since I was able to start driving. They’ve included all sorts of different makes and models and ranged from hot hatches to off-roaders, but one thing they’ve always had to be able to do is keep up with my sense of adventure. I used to own a Ford Puma, which I drove 4500 miles across the whole of Europe. And I drove to Milan and back in a 1992 Proton. Then in 2018, I went all round the Ruta Alpes 4x4 in southern France in a highly modified Suzuki Jimny I built myself with four-inch suspension, a Rock Lobster and so on. There’s something else that’s been a constant during all these trips, too. Over the last ten years, my fiancée Becky has shared my love of exploring and joined me on countless road trips – and that’s why I’m so confident my thirtieth birthday celebrations were the best. Because the day before, we had set off on a three-week expedition to explore the Alps and Pyrenees aboard my latest vehicle. Inspired by the success of my Jimny project, this is a three-door Toyota Landcruiser Utility. I loved the Jimny and was incredibly proud of having created the vehicle that took us on our previous journey, but we needed more space for equipment. And being more comfortable on our next adventure wasn’t going to go amiss, either.
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When you’ve already visited the remains of an early grand prix circuit and the world’s biggest collection of fighter jets, and you’re still only on the way to where your expedition is going to start, you know it’s going to be a good one Whereas the Jimny needed a lot of work to make it suitable for overlanding, the great thing about the Landcruiser is how capable it is in standard form. I bought it new from SDM Toyota in Falkirk – there’s a guy there who’s known as The Hilux Man and he’s definitely not your average salesmen. The day before I set off for home in my new Landcruiser, he took me to Drumclog pay-and-play site, which is a legend of a place in Scotland, so I could properly get to grips with which it could do! Almost as soon as I got it home, I swapped the standard tyres for 265/65R17 BFGoodrich KO2 AllTerrains on Hilux steel rims. I also fitted limo tints on the rear windows, to keep my kit out of sight when I’m running laden. As time went by, I got the paintwork ceramic coated to help protect it from bush rash. But that was about as far as the fettling went. Like everyone, I wonder
sometimes about bigger tyres, but to be honest it’s perfectly capable for what I’m doing with it, so there’s no need to change. I carry a hand winch, ground anchor and Tracmats for emergencies, but I always figure that so long as my route planning and driving is good enough, I shouldn’t need them – and so far, after plenty of green laning and a lot of technical driving on Pyrenean mountain trails, I’ve been right! Now, most people who go exploring in these parts of Europe do it by paying to join an organised tour. There are certainly advantages to this, but I prefer to plan my own routes – mainly through Wikiloc, an app and website which allows people to share their own itineraries for others to follow. I’ve done it several times with great success, and I really think people should have more confidence and give it a go. It was through Wikiloc, for example, that we discovered the Alta Via Del Sale. An old military
road connecting the Piedmontese and French Alps to the Ligurian Sea, it winds its way through the mountains for around 24 miles at altitudes of between 1800 and 2100 metres. Motor vehicles have to pay a toll to use it (walkers and mountain bikers go free), but it’s worth it – the leaflet we picked up describes it as ‘the most beautiful dirt road in Europe, spanning from the Alps to the sea’, and it’s hard to argue with that. It’s a fantastic drive,
and it turned out to be the perfect introduction to our three weeks in the mountains.
Above left: Forte Colle Alto was built in 1881 to defend the upper Roia valley from the risk of a French attack. Its remains still stand, despite the sort of conditions you get at 1926 metres above sea level. It’s a place you hike to, rather than driving, but it made a great prelude to two days on the Via Del Sale Above right: Tête de Chien, a glorious viewpoint overlooking the principality of Monaco, finished things off in equally memorable style Inset: When you see a sign saying ‘4x4 recommended,’ you know you’re in a place where the authorities know what they’re on about. This is the commonsense equivalent of ‘unsuitable for motors’ – or, if you live in the Peak District, of blanket closures everywhere you look
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The Via Del Sale is a well signed, well maintained off-road route in a sensational landscape. It’s free for walkers and cyclists; motor vehicles are restricted to certain days of the week and can use it for a fee. What sort of insanity is this? Even by then, just a few days into our trip, we had already had some eye-opening experiences. Getting up at 4.40am to catch an early crossing on Le Shuttle was one of them, at least in a manner of speaking, but it was worth it. What better way to spend your birthday than by covering 400 miles en route to Burgundy, stopping on the way to visit the remains of the Reims-Gueux grand prix circuit and the Château
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de Savigny-lès-Beaune, home to the world’s largest private collection of fighter jets. We still had time to explore a few unsurfaced trails around the Bourgogne region before checking in to our hotel, where we were to enjoy the first of many superb meals. In case you’re wondering, we also had a camping trip in Wales booked for later in the year, but in the searing heat of August we were quite happy
to enjoy the air-conditioning in the Landcruiser and a combination of nice accommodation and authentic French cuisine at the end of each day, thank you! The next day, we covered another 200 miles to the winter sports paradise of Chamonix. From here, we took the rack railway up to the Mer de Glace, a vast glacier within the Mont Blanc massif where we explored a series of tunnels in the
ice before setting off for a hike back down to the town. The notes I made when planning the trip say I thought this would take two hours, but in true mountaineering style it turned out to be double that! Safe to say we worked up an appetite for that evening’s traditional Alpine fondue. Having stocked up with provisions for the next three day’s in-car lunches, the next morning we headed south through the
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‘When one vehicle has to get past another and there’s a sheer, unprotected drop off to one side, you come out of it happy just not to have died’ engineering masterpiece that is the Mont Blanc Tunnel – passing below the set of peaks in which we had disembarked from our rack railway carriage the previous day, at a rather incredible depth of around a mile and a half. What followed was a glorious 190-mile road route through the Italian Alps to the
village of Limone Piemonte, where we needed to use low range just to drive to our hotel! It was early enough for us to be able to hike to Forte Colle Alto, an old mountain fortress standing close to the French border at 1926 metres. There are good, firm tracks leading up to it, and signposts pointing the way to other forts in the
vicinity, but this part of the journey was strictly for walking only. Not a problem, with what we had in store the next morning… This was the first of two days on the Via Del Sale. We had booked our slots around six weeks in advance (the number of 4x4s they allow on each day is limited, and certain days of the week are kept vehiclefree) and, having fuelled up in anticipation of being nowhere near a source of diesel for quite some time to
come, we set off with an enormous sense of expectation. A landslide meant we had to miss out part of the route, but the detour took us right past a river that was perfect for swimming. Not a bad silver lining, that. And the trail itself is simply breathtaking, with non-stop spectacular views your reward for some hardcore sweaty-palm action behind the wheel. In particular, when one vehicle has to get past another and there’s a sheer, unprotected drop off to one side, you can come out of it happy just not to have died. The ultimate example of this came when we met a convoy of two 4x4s from the Netherlands coming the other way. It was very,
Hardcore expedition travellers and off-road warriors might sneer at the idea of eating in restaurants, especially when the quality of what you're being served doesn’t exactly count as roughing it. But overlanding is all about experiencing foreign cultures, and food is an intrinsic part of that. Go shopping for your own camp fire when you’re abroad, and you’ll inevitably end up trying to create British food out of foreign ingredients; let someone local do it for you, and you’ll learn how those ingredients are meant to be used
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very close indeed – we were literally millimetres from them as we eased past each other, and they were horrifically close to going over a cliff edge. The woman driving one of the trucks accidentally put it into first rather than reverse at one point, too which didn’t do anything to preserve a sense of calm. I’ve never been so tense!
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We did about ninety miles on our first day, then the following morning covered another seventy miles towards the coast. We were due to stay with a friend, which was great because he happened to be a friend with a swimming pool… somehow, we managed to tear ourselves away for long enough to drive to Tête de Chien, a viewpoint overlooking Monte Carlo, which was a pretty cool way to watch the sun go down. It was a perfect conclusion to the first part of our adventure, too. The
Via Del Sale is a little known gem, but a gem it most certainly is – and, as we proved, you don’t need a highly modified 4x4 to tackle it. You could incorporate it into a motoring holiday in one of the more capable SUVs, within reason – nobody’s pretending that the modern breed of soft-roaders was made for crossing the Sahara, but a trip like this is exactly what it takes to turn your vehicle into one of the family. For us, though, this was just the beginning. The Via Del Sale
was magnificent, but it was a taster of what was in store – from here, we were to head down the Mediterranean coast towards Catalunya, before setting off inland for an eleven-day coast-to-coast transit of the Pyrenees on nothing but unsurfaced trails. That’s a story we’ll tell in a future issue of 4x4. If you yearn for real, wild overland travel, it’s one that will have you reaching for your passport – and, just possibly, for the address of your nearest Toyota main dealer…
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The Sidings, Holdsworth Road, Halifax HX3 6SN
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OUR 4X4S Vehicle: Isuzu D-Max GO2 Year: 2018 Run by: Alan Kidd Last update: January 2021 On the fleet since: January 2020
Time to get a grip… ONE OF THE THINGS they always say about planning an off-road build is that you should start off with a tyre size and take it from there. If you want to run a certain diameter, choose your vehicle and all your other mods to suit it. It’s never as easy as all that, of course. But the principle is pretty sound. Don’t buy a truck, chuck on a load of mods then go shopping for tyres that fit. Most of us have to assume that somewhere along the line, we’ll have to make compromises, and one of them is likely to be that our choice of truck will be dictated by other factors besides just its projectworthiness (which is definitely a word,
58 | MAY 2021
4pp Our 4x4s May 21 D-Max.indd 58
absolutely, yes it is, of course), but having got that out of the way you should still be basing your build around the size of the tyres you want to fit. At the most basic level, if you’ve got yourself a shiny new Isuzu D-Max all you want to do is upgrade to an all-terrain or mud-terrain pattern but you don’t actually need your tyres to be bigger than standard, that’s easy. You don’t need to make any modifications. If, on the other hand, you did a bit of drunken browsing the other night and now there’s a set of 54” Vampo Mud-Humpers sitting on your driveway, your D-Max is going to look amazing on them – but not
4x4 25/03/2021 23:25
before you’ve basically pinned its panels to a custom spaceframe. Our Project GO2 D-Max falls between these two extremes. A great deal closer to the first than the second, obviously – though that’s saying something, because even just upgrading its tyres to a set of 285/75R16 General Grabber
X3 mud-terrains required a fair old bit of work. We looked at this in depth in previous issues, but to get it to where it is the D-Max needed a suspension lift. This came from Australian suspension specialist Pedders, who fitted an evolved version of the kit already used
on the D-Max XTR with remotereservoir shocks, multi-setting bump and rebound adjustability and forged upper wishbones designed to work at the angles required by taller springs and shocks. The latter are also shaped to provide clearance for the bigger tyres you can fit to go with them.
Which is no small matter because, even with another couple of 2-3” under the D-Max thanks to those springs, there’s still not as much space to play with as you might think. Our D-Max is based on the Utah model, which came as standard on 255/60R18 tyres. That’s 30” tall and
Above: The compound body mount has a second hole in it – this is only used on vehicles built for certain markets, but it’s present on every D-Max. It’s redundant here, meaning it can be cut away and the mounting plate reshaped to clear the bigger tyres Above right: The portion that needs to be removed is marked up. When you’re working this close to a body mount, the consequences of getting it wrong are unthinkable – definitely a case of measure twice, cut once Below: The body mount is then marked up for cutting using masking tape and the corner ground off
Left: The edges are smoothed off inside and out to ensure a clean edge and good contact when welding in the new piece, then a steel fillet is cut and prepped, ready to be welded in to fill the cut-out in the body mount Below left: The new piece is welded in to fill the cut-out, then once cool the area is smoothed off Below: Here’s the finished repair, all done and ready for painting
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OUR 4X4S
Above: With the wheel and tyre fitted, the suspension and steering are fully cycled – showing which parts of the vehicle’s bodywork will need to be trimmed to prevent them from fouling Above right: The wheel is seen here fouling on the inner arch and liner mounts, which means they’re going to have to go Below: The inner arch is marked up and trimmed away, using first the grinder then the air hacksaw, after which the edge is smoothed off Below right: This is the portion of the inner arch that needed to be removed – it’s not much, but it makes all the difference
10” wide, with a 6” sidewall – fine as far as it goes, but we’re meaning business with this build and that’s what the Grabber X3 is all about. At 285/75R16, the Grabbers stand 32.8” tall and 11.2” wide. So, not quite the same height as a 33x12.50R16, but usefully narrower – which means good things in terms of real-world off-road and, simply, getting them to fit. An 8.4” sidewall sounds far better than standard for moulding itself to the terrain, too – and on top of that, the X3 is engineered to shrug off the sort of damage tyres are prone
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to suffering off-road. So we were confident in our choice. Given that Isuzu manages to make a 35” tyre fit on the AT35 version of the D-Max, we were pretty sure we weren’t going to end up sending our 285s back to General’s UK distributor with a cringing note of apology attached. And we were right – though it wasn’t as easy as anyone expected. To give us as much chance as possible of fitting the tyres without losing any steering lock, we used a set of heavy-duty Mamba rims with a 0 offset. That sounds like,
well, none, but actually it’s a lot. And it worked – though as is so often the case, it did so while causing problems elsewhere. In particular, the wheelarches had to be flared slightly using an arch roller to keep them covering the tyres’ tread. Fail to do that and you’re illegal – our D-Max might not be up for its first MOT for a while yet, but that’s very definitely not the point. The inner arches and liner mounts needed to be trimmed back, too, to prevent them from fouling. Potentially the biggest obstacle, though, came when we were cycling the front wheels and found that they interfered with a chassis outrigger. This would normally be a backto-the-drawing-board job, but by a stroke of luck the offending metal was in fact an unused mounting point for body panels only fitted in some other markets but not here. That made it redundant, meaning it could be cut away and welded back up without compromising the vehicle’s structure – leaving just enough room for the tyres, whatever the combination of suspension movement and steering angle might throw at it.
So, all good. Our D-Max was built using a combination of aftermarket parts and Isuzu’s own accessories, but putting them all together is bound to involve an element of prototyping so these hurdles were always going to crop up and with a team of specialists from Isuzu’s own workshop at hand (not to mention the killer bodyshop next door), we had the best people on the job to make it right. Which brings us to the tyres. The General Grabber X3 is a strong performer in general British off-road conditions – we already knew that. Having a set on our D-Max will allow us to see what it’s like as a day-today all-rounder, too. We say that in the future tense, which must seem strange given that the D-Max has already appeared in a total of five of our roadbooks and those were all done last summer and autumn. But you know what’s coming, don’t you? The vehicle was completed last spring but couldn’t actually be delivered to us until after the first lockdown was lifted. So we finally got our hands on it and started getting out there but then bosh, a tier system. And
4x4 25/03/2021 23:25
Above: At 285/75R16, the new tyres are almost 3” taller and more than 1” wider than standard. This means they need to be on very well offset rims to keep them from fouling everything in sight – which in turn means they’re pushing the limits of legality in terms of how close their tread gets to overlapping the line of the wings. The solution is an arch roller, which bolts to a mounting plate on the hub and can then be used to gently push out the line of the arch Above right: Having flared out the arch, it’s minutely adjusted with a panel hammers and die to match it to the portion of the original bumper that was left behind as a trim panel when the heavy-duty ARB winch bumper was fitted (see June 20 issue) another lockdown. More tiers. More lockdown. And bingo, more than a year has passed since we took the pictures you see here and Project GO2 has become more like Can’t GO2 Anywhere. Yes, it’s had a few shakedown sessions on the lanes around Salisbury Plain, Thetford Forest and North Wales. And as far as they go, these have confirmed both that the truck itself is absolutely sorted and that its tyres are made of stern stuff. The Plain in particular has a knack of finding out weak rubber, and the Grabbers shrugged off everything it could throw at them. Of course, with it all having been summertime fun thus far, the lack of mud in the truck’s life has been verging on the ridiculous. That’s
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something you go looking for at playdays rather than on green lanes, of course, but lockdown hasn’t exactly been kind on those, either. So it’s not yet the full story. What we can say thus far is that the X3s are impressively smooth and quiet on the road. You get a mild hum from them on certain kinds of surface – but when we say this, we’re thinking specifically of one section of a road through an industrial estate near our office, which suggests to us that the fault lies with whoever laid it. They grip very well in the wet, too, to the extent that even with the ESP switched off, most of our efforts to provoke tail-out silliness are defeated before they start, and cruising on the motorway is no less
civilised than in any other modern double-cab. The extra height from the tyres and suspension also makes for a wonderfully relaxing driving position, too. All of this is what we feel about the D-Max after a fairly pitiful amount of driving. We’ve only put a couple of thousand or so on the clock since it came to us, which is a tremendously lame effort – but again, when the country’s in lockdown what are you supposed to so? So we’ve got even more reason to be excited about our rediscovered freedoms than we would have already. By the time you read this, all things going to plan we’ll be on the verge of haircut heaven and the ‘stay at home’ rule will have come to
an end. Things won’t be completely back to normal, but the country will be opening back up – this time, fingers crossed, for good. Which means everybody will be able to go green laning and off-roading again – and we’ll finally be able to start using our D-Max the way Isuzu intended. So those General Grabbers are at last going to get some action worthy of the name – like everyone else in the whole wide world, we’ve got some serious catching up to do. After all, one of the things they always say about planning an offroad build is that you should start off with a tyre size and take it from there. But they never say anything about not doing it on the eve of a pandemic. They will now, though.
25/03/2021 23:25
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ROADBOOK
SOUTH COTSWOLDS
A mixed bag of trails in one of the prettiest parts of England
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ROADBOOK The Cotswolds are famous for many things. Picturesque scenery and beautiful villages built of honey-coloured sandstone come to mind… as do rampant second-home ownership and stratospheric property prices. Leaving all that to one side, though, this hilly region staddling the border between Wiltshire and Gloucestershire is packed with rights of way, many of them extremely varied in character. This is an unusually long roadbook – but even it barely scratches the surface of what the Cotswolds have to offer
USING OUR ROADBOOKS Our roadbooks guide you through the countryside on a mixture of surfaced and unsurfaced roads. The tracks we use are public rights of way, either Byways Open to All Traffic or Unclassified County Roads, all commonly referred to as green lanes.
NAVIGATION
We’ve deliberately made it as easy as possible to follow the route, using a mixture of instructions, tulip diagrams and grid references. We normally only include junctions at which you have to make a turning or don’t have right of way, so stay on the main road or continue straight ahead unless we tell you otherwise. You’ll find a guide to using grid references on the legend of any OS map. Our aim is for you to be able to do the route without maps, whether paper or online, but you should certainly take a set with you.
SAFETY
The notes on thee pages advise you of how suitable the route is for your vehicle. These are just guidelines, however. We’ll warn you of any hazards or difficult sections, but the nature of any green lane can change quickly. Wet weather can make a huge difference to the conditions underfoot, and what’s wide open in winter can be tightly enclosed and scratchy in summer. The responsibility is yours! Our roadbooks are designed to be safe to drive in a solo vehicle. We do recommend travelling in tandem wherever possible, however. The risk of getting stuck can be greater than it appears – and even the most capable of vehicles can break down miles from anywhere.
RESPONSIBILITY
Irresponsible driving is a big issue on green lanes. In particular, you must always stay on the right of way. Never drive off it to ‘play’ on the verges or surrounding land, even if you can see that someone else has; doing so is illegal and can be tremendously damaging. This kind of illegal off-roading is a key reason why green lanes get closed. If you see others doing this, they are NOT your friends. They’re criminals, and you are their victim. If it’s safe to do so, film them in the act and pass it to the police.
4x4 13pp Roadbook May 21.indd 65
Elsewhere, let common sense and courtesy prevail. Keep your speed down, be ready to pull over for others and show the world that we are decent people just like them.
ANTIS
Anti-4x4 bigotry does exist, but it’s less common than you’d think. By and large, it’s limited to organisations who just want to get the countryside all to themselves. These organisations are beyond being reasoned with, but it’s rare to encounter real hostility even from their rank-and-file members. If you’re friendly towards the people with whom you share the countryside, the vast majority will respond in kind. There are always bad apples, but no more so than anywhere else. Likewise, most local residents will accept your presence if you’re driving sensibly. What suspicion you do encounter is likely to be from farmers worried that you’re there to steal from them, so be ready to offer a word of reassurance. Once satisfied that you’re not after their quad bikes, their mood will lighten.
DO…
• Keep your speed right down • Pull over to let walkers, bikers and horse riders pass
• Leave gates as you found them • Scrupulously obey all closure and voluntary restraint notices
• Ensure you have a right to be
there. We research the routes on our roadbooks very carefully, but the status of any route can change without notice Be prepared to turn back if the route is blocked, even illegally If you find an illegal obstruction, notify the local authority Stick absolutely scrupulously to the right of way Always remember that you are an ambassador for all 4x4 drivers
• • • •
DON’T…
• Go in large convoys: instead, split into smaller groups
• Drop litter. Why not carry a bin bag pick up other people’s instead?
• Go back to drive the fun bits, such as mud or fords, again
• Cause a noise nuisance, particularly after dark
• Get riled up if someone challenges you. Be firm but polite, stay calm and don’t let them turn it into a fight
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ROUTE GUIDE
is it suitable?
START FINISH HOW LONG? TERRAIN HAZARDS
TYRES
OS MAPS
Step
1
0.0
North Wraxhall (ST 817 750) Elkstone (SO 966 108) 49.1 miles / 5-6 hours Wooded hillsides and farmland Scratching and possible panel damage; slippy in places when wet; occasional ruts Landranger 163 (Cheltenham & Cirencester) Landranger 173 (Swindon & Devizes)
ST 817 750
Start outside St James Church in North Wraxhall. Pause to zero your trip with the church gate and notice board to your left, then set off following the road you’re on as it swings 90 degrees to the right
WEATHER LOW BOX SOFT-ROADERS SCRATCHING DRIVING DAMAGE
Step
5
1.4
Step
Step
0.15
1.6
2
Step
3
6 ST 822 747
The turning is immediately after the isolated house on your left and before the ‘Give Way 50 Yds’ sign
7
3.2
Step
Step
0.7
4.4
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Caution – this is a fast A-road
Step
0.4
4
Better on all-terrains. Road tyres may struggle in places when wet Avoid when ground is very wet Useful in places Mainly suitable, if recovery at hand One very scratchy section A few tricky sections. Care required where tracks pass close to homes Danger of panel damage from contact with trees
8
Yatton Keynell
ZERO TRIP
THE STREET
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Step
9
0.7 Step
10
ST 859 771
Just after the signs for Castle Combe circuit, turn right across the junction to go straight ahead on to the track. Slow down and indicate early, as traffic coming from behind won’t know what you’re doing but is guaranteed to be going too fast
Take it very easy past the house on the right as you approach the junction – watch out for kids and animals, and keep your revs to a minimum
1.15 Step
11 1.2
Step
ST 854 778
15 By-way
Step
1.3
4.15
Step
13
The turning is shortly after the bridge under the motorway, but after the gated access track immediately after it
2.9
Step
12
ST 841 796
LITTLETON DREW
16 Caution as you emerge – visibility on the left is pretty rubbish
Step
17
1.7
4.25
Step
Step
2.6
5.35
14
18
ST 862 829
The turning is immediately after the railway bridge
Step 15 (left): You’ll see the house just after emerging from the bridge under the motorway Step 18 (right): The byway entrance is quite well disguised, but the railway bridge as you approach makes a good landmark
4x4 13pp Roadbook May 21.indd 67
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Step
25
Caution –this is a fast road, and visibility is awkward at best as you turn
ZERO TRIP
8.3 Step
26
ST 842 848
It’s very easy to miss – there is a byway sign, but it’s on the opposite side of the road
0.2 Step
Step
6.35
0.4
Step
Step
7.05
0.7
19
27
20 Step
21
28 Follow ahead for Luckington and Chipping Sodbury
Step
29
7.15
1.4
Step
Step
8.1
2.2
Step
Step
8.2
3.7
22
24 8.25 68 | MAY 2021
13pp Roadbook May 21.indd 68
Sherston
30
23 Step
As you follow round to the right, to start with it will feel as if you’re driving into someone’s garden. Get out and walk it first if you want to check – either way, the route ahead will soon become obvious
31 This is immediately after Step 23
Step
32
Malmesbury Chippenham
Follow to the left of the building in (you’re staying on the same road, but don’t bank on the white lines being very clear), then turn left at the T-junction and immediately right again for Chippenham and Hullavington
3.9 4x4 25/03/2021 23:16
Step
33
ST 871 843
It’s opposite the road for Grittleton
5.5 Step
34 35
38 1.55
ZERO TRIP
Step
39 1.6
6.4 Step
Step
ST 882 857
Step
40
0.15
2.3
Step
Step
0.4
2.7
Step
Step
36
41
37 0.55 4x4 13pp Roadbook May 21.indd 69
ST 894 874
42 Tetbury Easton Grey
3.0 MAY 2021 | 69
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Step 45: Safe to say someone in Glos/Wilts County Councils wants you to know there’s a ford ahead. Safe also to say that someone who fancies themselves as a West Country graffiti legend was taking the whole “oi caan’t read and oi caan’t wroite” thing a bit too seriously Step
Step
3.1
3.6
Step
Step
3.4
3.7
43 44
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45
ST 906 896
46
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Step
Step
3.9
0.3
Step
Step
4.0
0.4
47
52
48 Step
49
53 Extreme caution – it’s a fast, busy road and visibility is terrible as you emerge
4.5 Step
50
54 0.8
ZERO TRIP
Step
55 2.1
Step
Step
0.1
2.8
4x4 13pp Roadbook May 21.indd 71
Another pair of gates
Step
5.0
51
Continue through two gates, taking great care – this is a farmyard
56
ST 946 952
Head through the gate then along the track across the field
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Step
Step
3.2
4.6
57 Step
58
60 Turn right then left again when you reach a metal gate, following the field edge towards another gate in the distance
Step
61
3.4
5.3
Step
Step
3.9
6.0
59
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13pp Roadbook May 21.indd 72
62
Read Step 61 before turning left here…
3 4 Hazelton Cherington 212
ST 931 975
This is the first of three tracks which are likely to damage your paintwork, wing mirrors, wheelarches and potentially even your body panels. Only venture in here if you’re up for that – to avoid these lanes, carry straight on at Step 60 and navigate by road to resume the route at Step 66 If the vegetation hasn’t already closed in on you, it will now
4x4 25/03/2021 23:16
Step
Step
6.1
0.1
63 Step
64
68 ST 940 996
This is likely to be the scratchiest of the three…
6.7 Step
65 66 8.25 Step
67 8.7
4x4 13pp Roadbook May 21.indd 73
69
SO 939 033
The turning is hard to spot – it’s immediately after the ‘road narrows’ sign
0.9 Extreme caution – this is a main road, and visibility is terrible in both directions. Taking the left fork as you approach will make it slightly less bad
8.2 Step
Step
Edgeworth 3 Bisley 4
Step
70
The stream bed was totally dry when we visited – if it’s full, the whole lane could be very interesting indeed…
1.1 SO 946 019
This is just after Step 65. If you’re following the route on a map, you’ll see that it’s just after a bridge over a railway – this isn’t visible from the road, however, so don’t use it as a landmark. NB this lane has been plagued by fly-tipping over the last year, so watch out for obstructions and tyre-killers on the surface
ZERO TRIP
Step
71
The surface gets bumpy and rutted for a short spell
1.4 Step
72 1.5
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Step
73
Caution past the houses – it’s a steep climb, which could be taking up all your attention, but the fact that there could be kids playing in the road or animals on the loose is much more important
Step
78
1.6
4.2
Step
Step
1.9
5.2
Step
Step
74
79
75 2.1
Oakridge Lynch Bisley Stroud
81 Bisley Stroud
Step
13pp Roadbook May 21.indd 74
5.6 Step
77
76 | MAY 2020
5.3 Step
76
3.8
This is at the top of a very steep hill and, with no visibility at all in any direction, you’ll have to lose all your momentum before pulling away (smell that clutch). If you’re travelling in convoy, it would be worth putting someone out to spot everyone through
80
Step
2.8
Take the road on the right of the war memorial, opposite the Stirrup Cup pub on the left (don’t troop in there like a mob of muddy idiots, but it’s anywhere close to time for lunch or dinner you should definitely check it out…)
82 Cheltenham Birdlip Stroud
SO 920 078
5.8
4x4 25/03/2021 23:17
Step
83
Dead slow past the houses
Step
91
6.7
2.9
Step
Step
7.0
3.0
84 Step
85
92 Straight on after the cattle grid shortly after the house on the left
7.1 Step
86 7.2 Step
87
Duntisbourne Leer 34 Sapperton 4
Duntisbourne Leer Middle Duntisbourne
Step
93 3.4
After the cattle grid at the top of the hill, turn sharply back over your shoulder. The track gets a little scratchy for a spell, then depending on the weather conditions there might be a ford at the bottom of the hill. Beyond this, there’s a lengthy climb which is well worth getting into low box for
Step
94 3.5
SO 975 075
Unsuitable for Motor Vehicles
Join the larger track at the top of the hill, then ignore the various smaller tracks going off into the woods
7.7 Step
88
Follow the road ahead for Edgeworth
ZERO TRIP
8.4 Step
89 1.4 Step
90
Duntisbourne Abbots 114 Winstone 212
SO 959 079
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25/03/2021 23:17
Step
95 3.6
This is a long, narrow ford which follows the bed of a small river. It’s right in the middle of a small village, with houses clustered around it – so keep your speed right down, don’t make lots of noise and avoid it when it’s deep enough for water to wash over the edge and into people’s houses and gardens
Step
100 6.0
Step
96
Step
3.7
6.5
Step
97
101 Dead slow through the village
Step
102
3.9
6.55
Step
Step
98 3.95
Birdlip Cirencester
13pp Roadbook May 21.indd 76
Caution past the house on the left
7.45 Step
99 76 | MAY 2021
SO 957 095
103
Step
4.8
Stick to the road you’re on as it winds its way through the village
104 Cirencester (A417) Woodmancote 3 Winstone 112
As you pass a gaggle of buildings on the left, look for the sign for the Highwayman Inn; turn left here and follow into the pub car park for the end of the route
7.9 4x4 25/03/2021 23:17
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West Sussex West Sussex West Sussex Sussex Slindon open second and fourth Sunday of every
Quad bikes - entry £15 £20 per per rider rider (all (all riders riders 14 14or orover) over) 4x4 4x4entry entry£32 £30per pervehicle vehicle
month from Sept 2015 onwards - BN18 0NB open second and fourth Sunday of every don dSlindon fourth openSunday second ofand every fourth Sunday of every month onwards - BN18 month 5 onwards from-from Sept BN18Sept 2015 0NB2015 onwards - BN18 0NB 0NB
or tel: 07802 826 For more information about Slindon Safari -582 West Sussex 4x4 PLAYDAYS EVERY MONTH (all riders 14 or over) or tel: 07802 582 826 advertising in 4x4 Magazine contact rr02 tel: 582 07802 826 582 826 Slindonopen opensecond secondand and fourth fourth Sunday Sunday of Slindon ofevery every monthfrom fromSept Sep 2015 2020 onwards onwards -- BN18 month BN18 0NB 0NB
see: www.4x4driving.co.uk or tel: 07802 582 826
Ian Argent on 01283 553242 or email nmorgan@4x4driving.co.uk rl (all riders 14over) or over) over) riders 14 or ian.argent@assignment-media.co.uk morgan@4x4driving.co.uk organ@4x4driving.co.uk driving.co.uk Quad bikes - entry £15 £20 per per rider rider (all (all riders riders 14 14or orover) over) 4x4 email:johnmorgan@4x4driving.co.uk johnmorgan@4x4driving.co.uk 4x4entry entry£32 £30per pervehicle vehicle email:
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4x4
NEXT MONTH IN…
A new rally in the footsteps of the Dakar, a high-flying challenge-spec Land Rover and a gold-standard locking diff for our Project D-Max
Tested: New-look Toyota Landcruiser and revised SsangYong Rexton Part 2 of our European travel tale – an 11-day traverse of the Pyrenees, off-road the whole way
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Newsagent This magazine is available to your wholesaler through Comag Magazine Marketing, Tavistock Rd, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QE. Tel: 01895 444055 Fax: 01895 433602
80 | MAY 2021
Next Month Apr.indd 80
202 0 | 89
4x4 23/03/2021 10:58
www.osram.co.uk/ledriving-lights
Light is Adventure OSRAM LEDriving® Working and Driving Lights The new range of intense LED lights are built to step up to the challenge when the going gets tough. Leave the tarmac behind and see clearly what lies ahead of you off the beat track. The new range of robust and stylish spotlights, reversing lights and lightbars can improve near- and far-field vision whilst enhancing driving performance, even under the most extreme conditions. Don’t let the darkness spoil your next adventure. For more information visit: www.osram.co.uk/ledriving-lights or email: automotive@osram.co.uk
Light is OSRAM
INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW ISUZU D-MAX
WHEN YOU’VE GOT TO BE NOWHERE
SMARTER. STRONGER. SAFER.
PICK-UP OF THE YEAR
2021
DRIVEN TO DO
VISIT ISUZU.CO.UK FOR MORE INFORMATION All fuel consumption and emission values are based on the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test cycle which uses real-world driving data. Official fuel economy for the standard Isuzu D-Max range in MPG (l/100km): Low 25.1–27.6 (10.2–11.2). Mid 31.4–36.4 (7.8–9.0). High 36.0–39.4 (7.2–7.8). Extra-High 29.0–30.8 (9.2–9.7). Combined 30.7–33.6 (8.4–9.2). CO2 emissions 220–241 g/km. The All-New Isuzu D-Max is Smarter Stronger Safer compared to previous model. Visit isuzu.co.uk for full details.
32457 Isuzu 4x4 Magazine Ad_1.indd 1
26/03/2021 11:19