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d-max workman+ Special edition has only work on its mind
E V I S U EXCL
AUGUST 2019
TRAINING
ROAD TESTS
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“This trial comprised of more challenging terrain, with mud pools, rocky paths, side slopes, and generally sharper changes in elevation. But you know what...
Davanti’s newcomer took it all in its stride.” Mike Trott Pick-up & 4x4 Pro For further information or to find your local retailer, please visit
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Tel: 01283 553243 Email: enquiries@assignmentmedia.co.uk Web: www.pickupand4x4pro.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ pickupand4x4pro Instagram: @pickup4x4pro Editorial Supervisor Alan Kidd
THIS MONTH AUGUST 2019
Editor George Dove Art Editor Samantha D’Souza
News
Contributors Mike Trott, Paul Looe, Dan Fenn
2 Nissan Navara gets updated for new model year 3 Yamaha Kodiak receives 2020 spec updates 4 Corvus A new name is hitting the UK UTV market 4 Mitsubishi A special-edition to see the current truck out 6 Skoda Apprentice-built concept is what we want
Group Advertising Manager Ian Argent Tel: 01283 553242
Products
Advertising Manager Colin Ashworth Tel: 01283 553244
27 Bilstein Getting the dampers right is top priority 28 Alpine Set your truck up to hit the right notes 28 Active 4x4 Adventures Take your truck on an adventure
Advertising Sales Manager Gary Simpkins Tel: 01283 553245 Advertising and Exhibition Sales Executive Abigail Cooper Tel: 01283 553246
Features 8 14 20 22
Isuzu D-Max EXCLUSIVE feedback on new limited truck Ford Ranger Still on sale, but it’s a great used buy Yorkshire Outdoors How to train with a smile Navara AT32 APB work their magic on overland project
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Publisher and Head of Marketing Sarah Lowe Email: sarah.lowe@assignmentmedia.co.uk To subscribe to Pickup & 4x4 Pro for FREE: just fill in the form on page 2.
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NEWS
NISSAN ANNOUNCE 2019 NAVARA UPDATES
The popular truck gets more tech, more turbo and more stopping power
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here’s a new name entering the off-road utility sector – and Corvus side-by-side models will hit the UK market later this year. Uniform suspension, a new manual gearbox, bigger brakes, engine upgrades and more tech
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are the headlines with the updated Nissan Navara, which will go on sale on the turn of July. King Cab models will now feature the same multi-link suspension as used in the double cab models, which in turn has provided a 46kg increase in the payload of two-door trucks, with the rear also sitting
25mm higher. The 163bhp engine is now fitted with two turbochargers, matching the tally of the 190bhp version, which has upped torque to 313lbf.ft, a digit increased by 16. An all-new six-speed transmission is joining the revised powertrain, with linger ratios and a shorter throw, meaning changes are less frequently required but more pleasant to enact. Braking should be more assured in the updated Navara, with rear drums replaced for discs and callipers whilst the front discs are 4mm bigger. The results? a claimed 40% reduction in braking force. Standard level equipment has increased with the update, N-Connecta models and above getting an eight-inch touchscreen to communicate the Nissan Connect entertainment system, with Apple CarPlay and mobile integration, whilst all models also get Trailer Sway Assist as standard. Styling upgrades are limited on the new model, with new black bezel inlays for the LED headlights, plus new 17 and 18″ alloy designs.
But to our eyes, if any truck justifies such a light redesign the Navara is it. Updated models go on sale from the 1st July, with the range kicking off with the manual King Chassis Cab Visia at £21,850 as a CV and topping out at £31,125 for the N-Guard double cab, again as a CV.
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NEWS
YAMAHA KODIAK UPDATED 2020 model year sees more gadgets as standard, here by October
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or the 2020 model year, Yamaha has updated the Kodiak 450, with the utility quad getting a higher standard specification and more capability. The new, factory-fitted Warn VRx25 winch is more powerful than before by 25%, now possessing the power to pull 1,134kg. Not only is it more powerful, but the assembly
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also features a mechanical brake to give better control when dragging heavy loads. With the 15-metres of steel rope the winch is, needless to say, a very useful addition to the Kodiak 450 indeed. For 2020 the model is also available in a new Olive Green colour and will feature the same spacious ride space, the 421cc punchy engine, long travel
suspension and On Command button switchable 4WD system. The Kodiak 450 EPS and ESP SE models have also been mildly refreshed, with the SE gaining deluxe paint and polished aluminium wheels, whilst both models too get the uprated winch and the On Command 4WD system which they didn’t before – and a locking diff.
The new Olive Green paint is also available on the EPS range, and the 120kg rack capacity and 600kg towing capacity are shared right across the range, just like the CVT transmission. For more details on the 2020 Yamaha Kodiak range get in touch with your local Yamaha ATV dealer. Updated models are expected to be here by October this year.
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NEWS
NEW UTV HEADING TO UK MARKET Spanish brand Corvus will bring their new model to the UK later this year
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here’s a new name entering the off-road utility sector – and Corvus side-by-side models will hit the UK market later this year. Three versions of the Terrain will be available on these shores from the outset, with the TerrainDX4 EPS, Terrain DX4 Pro EPS and the TerrainDX4 Cab EPS on offer – all of which come with four-wheel drive. With its main production base located in Murcia, Spain, the 25,000m² plant will produce all of the Corvus components – including the gearbox, transmission, chassis and the onboard technology systems, too. The Terrain, in all of its forms, will utilise the Yanmar diesel
engine (Corvus is part of the Tuxton-Yanmar family) which is Euro 6 compliant, with the 993cc 3-cylinder unit offering up 24bhp and 38lbf.ft. In terms of haulage, Terrain models will be able to tow up to 907kg and have a payload of 720kg and all models are homologated to T1b tractor regulation criteria. In the UK, all Corvus models will be sold by BOSS ORV – a network set up especially for selling and distributing the UTV brand throughout Britain. Corvus Terrain debuted at the Royal Three Counties Show on the 14th-16th June and also made a public appearance at the Royal Highland Show on 20th-23rd June.
L200 CHALLENGER BOLSTERS RANKS
Special edition truck will see out current model and bring the new one in
M
itsubishi have thrown down the L200 Challenger – a special edition of the fifth-generation model. Using the L200 Warrior as a start point, the new Challenger will be available in three body colours – white, grey and black – the latter of which match the finish of its 17-inch alloys and the detailing of the front grille and much of the exterior furnishings. It will also match the black leather interior, which comprises electric driving seat, which is heated along with that for the front passenger. Other aspects include a 7-inch screen which is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, as well as having Mitsubishi’s Smartphone
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Link Display Audio system and a DAB radio. As with the Warrior models, standard equipment is high with reversing camera, LED DRLs and xenon headlights, automatic wipers plus lane departure warning, hill start assist and trailer stability assistance all as standard on Challenger trucks. It also utilises Mitsubishi’s 180bhp diesel unit with SuperSelect 4WD system and a towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes. It too retains the one-tonne payload, so can be registered as a commercial vehicle, whether the six-speed manual or the automatic transmission is optioned. To get a Challenger onto the road as a commercial haunt, the
manual will cost £27,705, with the automatic available for £29,105. The L200 Challanger’s run will
continue beyond the arrival of the sixth-generation truck, which is expected in the UK come autumn.
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BIG BRAKING PERFORMANCE!
WITH PEDDERS TRAKRYDER EXTREME BRAKE KITS BRAKE KITS
ADJUSTABLE 4X4 SUSPENSION
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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.
NEWS
PICKING IT UP QUICKLY
Skoda’s team of apprentices were given a Kodiaq and a workshop, and the results are positively dreamy…
I
n a rather surprising turn of events, Skoda have revealed a pickup truck. Well, sort of… The Mountiaq concept is a Kodiaq-based pick-up that is the culmination of this year’s work from the class of the Skoda Vocational School based in Boleslav. A team of 35 Skoda apprentices envisaged the truck, from the light bar on the roof, down to the winch and even the specific Sunset Orange paintwork. It has taken the team of apprentices in excess of 2,000 hours over the last eight months to build the Mountiaq, with its production starting in January. After the sketching phase was completed, the body was reinforced before the roof of the Kodiaq was removed and the tough work began. A new rear panel was then fashioned, along with new windows for the new body type. Another key component of such a shape is the truck-bed, which had to be designed and fabricated and took the overall length of the truck to a whisker under five metres. The bed includes a hidden storage compartment beneath the surface, and the longer and wider stance means that the doors were redesigned to fit, whilst both front
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and rear bumpers were modified – clearly, as the Kodiaq doesn’t come with a winch… Ground clearance has been improved, tallying 29cm to the Kodiaq Scout’s 19, with the upsized 17” Rockstar alloys and more aggressive tyres playing a part. The overall wheelbase is now 2.79-metres, whilst vehicle width is a touch over two metres and it stands at 1.71-metres tall. A 190bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol powers the Mountiaq, which also has a snorkel, bullbar and specifically designed winch mount.
Inside, the Mountiaq features plenty of cool features. There’s a glowing Skoda logo in the headlining, a fridge, uniquely embroidered seats and a set of walkie talkies. interior highlights also match the exterior’s striking and unique Sunset Orange hue. Being students, they’ve also whacked a bigger sound system in there, adding 4,000 watts split evenly between an amplifier and subwoofer, whilst numerous facets
of the car are suavely underlit to give it a real edge. The Skoda badge, engine bay, bed sills and radiator grille are all lit, whilst there’s Skoda branded puddle lights, too. One thing is for sure: we wouldn’t mind a jot if this entered production for real…
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AUGUST 2019
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SIVE U L C X E
ON TEST
ISUZU D-MAX WORKMAN+ This truck is a special edition that is ready to get to work – it does what a pick-up was made to do. Words and pictures: George Dove
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SIVE U L C X E
I
n the beginning, pick-up trucks were made for work, with a recipe comprising of a load-bearing rear suspension beneath a storage bed, all pulled along by a torquey agricultural motor up front. But, as with any and every vehicle in the modern era, manufacturers
ON TEST have poured over trying to add more strings to their truck’s bow. The result? Some absolutely fantastic vehicles that could put in impressive shifts both on the work site and on the open road. However, with these glitzy onetonners, whilst you know they could put their money where their
mouth is, there’s often a reluctance to drive them into the firing line. Being the self-professed Pick-up Professionals, though, Isuzu are bucking this trend with a pick-up for the professionals. Their latest limited-run special edition is aimed at farmers and urban trade customers, and as such is spec’d
with a delicate balance to offer allround usability. The Workman+ (enunciated plus, not add, FYI) is based on the D-Max in hardy Utility spec. Not much comes as standard on that model, with an old-school RDS radio being one of the highlights. Accompanying that are features
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such as electric windows, remote central locking, height adjustable steering, a pair of 12-volt sockets and manual air-con. On the safety front, it comes with electronic stability control, Trailer Sway Control, ABS, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and, proving the D-Max is a capable family steed, it also has child locks on the rear doors and ISOFIX fittings, too. In becoming the Workman+, the specification has swelled modestly. The radio has been upgraded with digital capabilities, whilst a bed liner (over- or under-rail), side steps, tow bar, 13-pin socket, 18-inch alloys plus a full-size spare
and an ever-useful reversing camera are all fitted as standard on the special edition.
CABIN AND PRACTICALITY
Very little inside the Workman+ differs from the Utility models, with vinyl flooring, cloth seating, the same plethora of stowage pockets and the same dash and steering wheel. This means there’s still a double glovebox, a shelf beneath the single DIN radio unit and a steering wheel free of controls. Out on the road, this means that there’s a little
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ON TEST more tyre noise coming in as a result of losing rubber in the move from 16-inch steelies to the bigger alloys. But, that said, the level of refinement is still commendable for a pick-up – and an intentionally rudimentary one at that. None of the add-ons elevate the legroom in the Workman+ to be any more than adequate, just as in the rest of the double-cab D-Max family (and most of the sector, for that matter), whilst the side steps not only add an element of polish to the visual side of things but clambering in and out of the truck is made that bit easier, too.
DRIVING
As with all D-Max models, there are a few idiosyncrasies to the driving experience that are all part of what gives the truck its charm. The chunky gear change, steering that keeps you busy and the first gear that never lets you forget that the D-Max is a commercial vehicle first and foremost. But despite how that sounds, the Workman+ is, like all D-Max models, an enjoyable truck to drive. There’s that raw honesty about its purpose that many can and will find endearing. A
large part of that is down to the 1.9-litre turbodiesel unit beneath the bonnet. It’s the smallest engine on the market so should seem breathless, but once you’ve got past the short first gear – which can often be bypassed – the unit does all it can to present you with all of its 164 horses and 226lbf.ft in a smooth yet prompt manner. The result is as good as can be expected from such a tool, with a not unruly increase in volume accompanied by the desired grunt in most situations on the road. Possibly the most important addition for many prospective buyers – particularly the more urban cohort – will be the reversing camera. Displayed intuitively on the rear-view mirror it’s a clever way of incorporating a tool that will always be useful on a truck. Whilst the lower profile tyres are a touch noisier than those fitted with the 16-inch steel wheels, the 255/60s fitted here still offer enough spring for a ride that remains comfortable on the road. And in that size there will be plentiful opportunity to change them for a more aggressive tread, should it be required.
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ON TEST VERDICT
The Workman+ is a very honest truck that offers capability and value in equal measure. Its spec list offers much more than the mere £700 price hike would suggest, with each of the additions being practical. Except the Sapphire Blue Mica paint, which is usually reserved for more premium D-Max variations, but in our eyes is the best colour on the Isuzu palette. The Workman+ is also available in Cosmic Black Mica (again a premium colour), Obsidian Grey Mica, Titanium Silver Metallic and Splash White. Whereas the D-Max AT35 is a truck with undeniable presence, the fact that it is made to smash over ice planes in Iceland means that using one pretty much anywhere in the UK is like taking a big red button to a knife fight. The Workman+ however is fantastically judged for its target market. It has a spec that doesn’t overindulge, it merely makes using it easier. The radio isn’t sophisticated, nor the fittings in the cabin, but they work – which is exactly what this truck was made to do. We’re confident that if you use this truck on a daily grind, you’ll have no qualms with it whatsoever. That isn’t to say it’s perfect. If you used it off-road regularly you may well be more at ease riding on steelies, and if you often find yourself on faster roads it may not be long before you find yourself yearning for cruise control. Put those small things aside, though, and the Workman+ has nailed the brief it set out to fill. On some levels there’s a juxtaposition to the notion of a special edition that isn’t leatherclad and fully tricked out, but our expectations have been preconditioned by those that have come before. Truly great special editions are designed to serve a niche, and let’s be honest, showing off isn’t that much of a niche anymore. It’s refreshing that the Workman+ isn’t about that – it’s a special edition that is still a true pick-up. It costs £21,495 as a CV and is available to order as of the start of July for 150 shrewd – and lucky – customers. At such a small margin over the basic Utility model, frankly you’d be silly not to be in the queue.
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SIVE EXCLU
ON TEST Tyres to fit the Isuzu D-Max
AT A GLANCE
The General AT3 has been developed to meet the needs of SUV and pick-up owners who want a combination of exceptional off-road capabilities and confident on-road manners.
Base price £21,495 + VAT Fuel consumption 40.4mpg combined Emissions 183g/km Payload 1,161kg Braked trailer 3,500kg Gross vehicle weight 3,050kg Service interval 24 months / 12,000 miles Warranty 60 months /125,000 miles
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BUYING USED
BUYING USED
FORD RANGER: 2011-2019 It’s the little brother of the best-selling vehicle on the planet, but the Ford Ranger is a hit in it’s own right – with the third generation being a truck that has really made its mark in the UK Words: George Dove
BUYING USED
The Ranger’s interior was of a clear and logical layout from launch (below), whilst the update (bottom) saw the Wildtrak model get a touchscreen and the latest Ford SYNC 3 system, which was leaps and bounds ahead of the system before it.
T
he Ford Ranger is a pick-up truck that many drivers choose to live with day-to-day, and as such is arguably the poster boy for the lifestyle truck segment. And it is very much this thirdgeneration model that has carved its domineering presence in the current market. Whilst the model that came to the UK around the turn of the Millennium was perfect for application in the Southern States, the workhorse with a rudimentary interior wasn’t the truck that got Brits enamoured with the prospect of driving a pick-up. However, when the Mk3 model emerged, glances started to be thrown – especially towards the now prevalent Wildtrak trim and versions with that dazzling orange hue. Not to mention the two new engines that brought about more refinement and more grunt, too.
INTERIOR
Four trim levels were on offer with the third-gen model, with even the entry XL feeling more welcoming than previous namesakes. This wasn’t necessarily down to the equipment levels involved, as they weren’t entirely dissimilar, but the overall design was much
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BUYING USED more like that of an SUV. The centre console was like that from across the Ford range of the time, with a CD player radio sitting proud and centre above the controls for the air-con. This model also comprised of cloth seats, electric windows and, being a Ford, the heated front windscreen – something you’ll never fully appreciate until you’ve had it. Upwards of the XL model, there were XLT, Limited and rangetopping Wildtrak versions to choose from. With each step up comes a bigger spec, culminating in the Wildtrak having leather clad seating, sat-nav, cruise control, parking sensors with a rear camera and heated seats, too. Plus, it was the only trim available with the bigger 3.2-litre diesel unit.
DRIVING
Out went the old 2.5-litre diesel unit, and in came the dynamic duo – the 2.2- and 3.2-litre TDCi powerplants. These offered much more refinement and at 158 and 197bhp respectively, plenty of power with it. Neither are particularly fast, but out on the road they can make decent enough progress – particularly the bigger 3.2 unit. Rather unsurprisingly it’s the notably torquier model with 347lbf.ft playing 284. This not only gives it an on-road demeanour in which everything feels rather effortless, but when it comes to towing capacities, it’s 3.5-tonne limit is only 100kgs short of being double that of the 2.2. The downside to the bigger unit only comes into play when you look at the economic side of things – you’ll be aiming for 34mpg with the 3.2 but combine the bigger engine and the automatic ‘box and that figure will drop to 31.7mpg. The smaller engine is more economical, reaching 39.8 or 35.3mpg with an auto. However, when facing the dilemma of whether to prioritise capability or economy, the large 80-litre fuel tank means that you could reasonably expect to cover north of 500 miles between fuel stops. Despite its appeal shifting more towards the everyday driver, there is still a solidity to the way the Ranger feels and behaves on the road. With its 1,137kg payload it is still classified as a commercial vehicle,
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after all. Neither transmission is a stellar gearbox, although the manual is easy-going and pleasant whilst the automatic could be smoother and is occasionally a touch jumpy. Despite its size, the Ranger isn’t dreadful to captain around town. This is in part down to the friendly power steering and also the parking aids that come with the higher trim levels. All models ride well on the road, too, however those with bigger
BUYING USED them was mechanically serious. The earlier problem was with the rear seat latch that could fail, resulting in the seats falling forward under braking. Secondly, 2.2-litre engines made between October 2014 and January the year after suffered with faulty fuel-injector rails which brought about the possibility of stalling and not being able to restart the engine. Obviously, this was the much bigger problem, so it’s worth checking that the recall has been actioned if you’re looking at a 2.2 TDCi of this era.
VERDICT
alloys (XL starts with 16-inch steelies, Wildtrak gets 18-inch alloys) do hamper comfort a tad. It’s not by a huge amount, but tyre to alloy ratio favouring the rubber will always trump the opposite for comfort.
RELIABILITY
Being a fairly recent model, there isn’t too much in the way of things
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to look out for. Due to the purpose of the truck and the nature of the new-to-truck owners it may well have attracted previously, the main thing to look out for are signs of wear and mistreatment. One of the first places to look out for harm is the transmission, as whilst the drive modes are simply navigated via button controls, that doesn’t mean they haven’t
been damaged. In many cases, this generation Ranger may well have replaced a Land Rover and been used to tow horseboxes and the like, so they could well have seen action. However, this is what they are made to do, so as long as there are no issues switching drive mode there is no major reason for alarm. There have been a pair of recalls for this truck, although only one of
In many ways, this iteration of the Ford Ranger is still appealing now in the same way it was at launch – not just because it is only to be replaced later this year. It was one of the pioneering models in the new wave of lifestyle pick-ups, but it stuck to its roots as a working truck. It promised a blend of capability and comfort that was made unique by its outright desirability – especially after the 2015 facelift. If you look on the market, you’ll find a high number of Wildtrak models floating about. This is in part down to the fact that Ford had a masterstroke in pairing the more
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BUYING USED
capable 3.2-litre engine with the range-topping spec list, capturing a portion of the commercial users with the towing capacity as well as the lifestyle buyers. Were you looking for a basic XL to take a bit of a battering, then you’d be able to grab an example for less than £10,000. You’d probably be looking at a mileage around 120,000 and with only part service history, whereas for lower mileage and more receipts you could pay closer to £12,000. But that figure could also get you a higher mileage 3.2-litre Wildtrak model. For XLT and Limited models, they seem to command figures in between, but there’s plenty of overlap so as long as it’s a smart truck that fulfils your criteria, either trim with service history below £14,000 is something you’d have every right to be pleased with. Facelifted models are advertised with surprising abundance, but still demand a premium. It perhaps isn’t as big as you’d think, as we found a ’15 plate 3.2 Wildtrak that had done less than 60,000-miles and had full
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Ford service history for £15,750. We understand that this is a large wad to spend on a second-hand truck, but it was smart and had clearly been looked after so we’d definitely consider it money well spent. Even over a brand-new end-of-run model sold at a hefty discount. We’d love to meet the punter who could haggle a saving of twenty grand! As with any second-hand truck, signs of misuse and a lack of paperwork are more concerning than mileage, so our pick of the bunch would be a post-facelift with 3.2-litres of TDCi under the hood. It’s not the cheapest used truck, but you get the bigger navigation screen, all of the mod-cons fitted to a Fiesta and the leisurely nature that comes with the copious torque from the engine. It isn’t great on fuel, but few trucks are, and it won’t sting you at the pumps too often given the fuel capacity. This model has been the best-selling truck in the UK since its update, so be patient if needed, and you’ll be in with every chance of finding the right truck for you.
THE FIGURES Target price (high mileage) £9,000/£15,000 Target price (low mileage) £12,500/£18,000 Fuel consumption 31.7-39.8mpg (combined) Power 158-197bhp Torque 284-347lbf.ft Payload 1,137kg Braked trailer 1,800-3,500kg
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TRAINING
LEARN FROM THE BEST With versatile instructors and fantastic facilities, why wouldn't you?
LIKE MANY THINGS, when it comes to learning how to handle not just yourself, but a vehicle offroad, there are numerous different things you have to learn and remember. But how's best to learn the ropes? ‘The basic training is really
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just an intro into off-roading,’ says Vince Murray, who leads on Yorkshire Outdoors’ LANTRA accredited off-road driver training program. ‘It’s teaching about general awareness, a bit on the technology involved and covering basic obstacles.’
The logic behind this is that the drivers will not only be experiencing driving across tough and challenging conditions, but understanding how they are. This will all take place while being monitored by Vince, who keeps stock of the pupil’s confidence and ability as things progress so he can adjust the angle of his delivery to suit each and every individual that gets behind the wheel. ‘One of the key things to learn is that you have to work out whether A the vehicle can do it, and B if you can do it,’ explains Vince. ‘This is something that you learn through practice and understanding that I try to pass on.’ From an introductory day, the training offered by Yorkshire Outdoors progresses through four levels – each of them lasting a day longer than the last – giving more time for the instructor’s expertise to be absorbed and put into practice out on the wonderful course, whilst the pupil receives a LANTRA qualification when they've finished the syllabus. With many of the trainees and pupils that come through the door work in agriculture and forestry, there is plenty of call for training on quadbikes, too. Again, this is something that Vince has experience with from his military background. The quad training at Yorkshire Outdoors comprises of six stages. ‘We’ve got six phases to the quadbike training,’ details Vince. ‘You see, riding a quad on different surfaces really changes the way it handles. So to get used to that, we have six phases over all kinds of ground – because driving a quad on tarmac is completely different to driving it on the mud.’ All of the packages offered by Yorkshire Outdoors also includes a refresher course for drivers, redeemable at six or twelve months – whichever the company’s safety policy states. If that still isn’t enough, the fourth and final stage offered by Vince includes another full day on-site, recapping and really locking in
everything you’ve learned – plus an additional half-day spent training a new driver to gain your own full instructor status. ‘Once someone has completed the training – on quad on in a 4x4 – the idea is that I’ve taught them everything I know,’ states Vince. ‘They won’t be as experienced, obviously, but they’ve had full LANTRA approved training and they’re well set to start building that experience.’ For companies that require widespread training for multiple colleagues, the team at Yorkshire Outdoors also offer Large Group Training. Be it for a large fleet of servicers or required for a full team before securing an all-important contract, they are equipped with a fleet of knowledgeable and experienced training staff. For those of you who are already schooled in the art of off-road driving, the recreational activities offered at Yorkshire Outdoors pose an ideal company day out. Aside from their Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler – which you can take for a spin – they also offer the chance to get down and dirty on Segways or quad bikes and also try your hand at clay pigeon shooting and archery. Plus, they’ve just begun their latest activity, something Vince is quite proud of. ‘There was a stag do booked in that wanted to do quad biking and paintballing – so I suggested we combine the two into Quadballing. So, we split the party and half rode through on the quads whilst the others gave them hell. We set smoke off and then swapped over for the guys to get revenge, and it went down a treat. I don’t think anywhere else does that.’ Add into the mix that, as well as the invention of Quadballing, there is a new workshop being built on site to take care of all of the vehicles, it’s safe to say that Yorkshire Outdoors are moving forward – just like you’ll be able to if you undertake training with them.
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FEATURES
A PROPERLY BUILT TRUCK Versatility is at the heart of what a pick-up is. But that doesn't mean you can just bolt any old accessories to them and drive off into the sunset Words and pictures: George Dove
FEATURES
I
f you decide you’re going to turn your pick-up truck into the ultimate adventure wagon, you’re probably going to require a hefty arsenal of addition to go from factory-spec world beater. Many people will simply find somewhere to buy a number of items found on an online forum and then take them to a garage and get them bolted on. But, in all honesty, that isn’t going to be your ideal setup. By going to an expert, such as APB, what you’ll get is not only their extensive library of highquality adventure gear, but you’ll be able to rack the brains of Phill Bond and have him and his team cherry pick that stock and build you the perfect truck. ‘Our customers can come to us and just talk about what it is they want to do with their pick-up,’ says Phill. ‘I’ve worked with overland vehicles for a long time, so I know how to put them together properly – to a greater extent than just a tent and some tyres.’ This particular customer here, after sending his Navara to Nissan to get the AT32 treatment, brought it to APB with the brief of turning it into an adventure vehicle that would allow him and his family to comfortably set up camp with everything they need wherever they stopped. One of the most important additions to the Navara was a Bushtech Canopy – a strong and reliable addition imported direct from South Africa. Why is this so important? Well, because it plays home to a plethora of Bushtech accessories including side locker, jerry can holder, a wolf side box plus much more. But, one of the most outwardly notable things the Bushtech Canopy does is house the second roof tent. Yes, second. The Eezi Awn (another company exclusively imported by APB) 1.2 Series tent is fitted to the roof of the truck, whilst the Eezi Awn 1.6 T Top Xclusive tent is mounted on the K9 platform roof rack – again from Eezi Awn. As is the K9 Bat 270 awning, which will offer shelter and shade from the sun, should the happy campers happen to be out should Britain decide we deserve any… So, with the two tents, especially
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FEATURES with the enclosed entrance area and of the 1.6 T Xclusive and the awning, there’s no issues with the structure of the campsite. Thanks to a few select inclusions from National Luna – more South African adventure specialists imported exclusively by APB – there’s power and civility in this mobile sanctuary. A National Luna auxiliary power distribution box, complemented by a 125amp AGM deep cycle battery, is neatly fitted into the rear of the truck. This powers a 60-litre National Luna fridge freezer – on a sliding rack for ease of access. There is also a network of National Luna LED lighting throughout the truck’s interior, but most important is their DC to DC charger system to ensure that power is always available. Plus, for peace of mind out on the adventure trek, there’s a dashmounted monitor so you know exactly what power reserve is available at any given time.
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‘It’s this side of things that people don’t often think about,’ adds Phill. ‘Not many people realise how important the electrics can be. You never know when you’re going to need them if you’re out in the thick of it.’ The beauty with this build, aside from the fact that the truck could scarcely be better equipped, is that it doesn’t have to be fully kitted out the whole time. Everything on the truck can be removed easily enough, so to save on fuel economy or increase practicality the heavy gear can be removed. With the Rhino Lining in the load bed, this would open the possibility of filling the truck with cargo and using it as a workhorse instead of a mobile home. If you want to get the most out of your truck, it’s one thing to accessorise, but getting the help of those who deal with that sort of thing every day, really does pay dividends as evidenced by this here Navara.
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FIRST THINGS FIRST
It’s impossible to underestimate the importance of the right dampers
IF YOU WANT to get the best from your off-roader, then making sure you have the right dampers is absolutely critical. For most of us, however, the chief concern is just how far our suspension can travel. But having long-travel suspension and being able to match the extra height of your new springs shouldn’t be your only consideration. As you traverse the landscape, undulating ground causes the shocks to extend and contract – and when you have a vehicle with lifted suspension and oversized tyres, you want to make sure you’re always in full control. When it comes to suspension, Bilstein is a name you’re bound to have encountered – if not necessarily from the world of off-roading. But the German company has been a pioneer in damping technology for more than 50 years, in which time the company has developed a host of accessories for some of the most popular off-road vehicles on the
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market. All this means they know exactly how to put a competent suspension setup together. ‘One of the most important considerations when choosing uprated suspension for an off-road vehicle is where you plan on using it,’ says Bilstein. ‘Articulation really is key. It’s essential to ensure that the wheel (and therefore the tyre, your only source of traction) remains in contact with the ground as much as possible, and your choice of damper plays a huge role in this. ‘Too soft and the damper will “bottom out” when placed under compression (the “bump” stroke), leading to a loss of control. Too firm, and the damper will be unable to deal effectively with smaller bumps. ‘The flip-side of the above is “rebound,” the term used when discussing the rate of damper extension when no longer under full load. This is dictated by the relationship between the damper and the spring and as such is harder to fine tune. The ideal
set-up is the one that’s best able to control the release of builtup energy created by the initial “bump” stroke. This release of energy needs to be done in such a way so as to not impact the relationship between the tyre and the wheel.’ The majority of Bilstein’s dampers have a monotube construction. This, the company says, makes them ideally suited to operate in the most adverse of conditions by allowing the nitrogen within to be placed under direct, consistent pressure at all times. This vastly reduces cavitation, the terminology used to denote the separation (foaming) of gas and oil molecules when placed under load. Should cavitation occur, then damper performance is significantly diminished, reducing the potential amount of suspension articulation and, as a result, a loss of traction. Bilstein states its monotube dampers are also able to disperse heat faster than twin-tube
designs, due to the lack of layers between the pressure tube and the atmosphere. And then what happens when you want to head home? Well, perhaps this is where Bilstein’s extensive reputation as a motorsport supplier comes into its own. ‘Our engineering team goes to staggering lengths to ensure that all our dampers are every bit as suited to the hustle and bustle of the public highway as they are to the rigours of off-road competition,’ it says. The firm promises a broad range of fitments, too, including the subtly uprated B8 range of OEMstyle dampers. It has applications for the majority of makes and models, including the Land Rover Defender, Discovery and Range Rover and smaller vehicles like the Suzuki Jimny and Vitara, as well as a wide range of one-tonne pick-ups and double-cabs. Want to find out more? Head for www. bilstein.de.
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WOO FER THE SUB
Don’t worry about your sound system and run for the hills, just go to Alpine GETTING THE BASS right on your pick-up or 4x4 can mean the difference between an unforgettable drive, or one that sinks into the distant memory never to be recalled. Picture this: you hop in the truck, head off down the road, and then your favourite tune comes on the radio. You turn up the volume, settle into your seat and bask in the knowledge that you’ve got your Alpine PWE-S8 amplified subwoofer working at peak performance to deliver that bassline to perfection. You remember now why you fell for its compact design; the shallow mount that helps minimise the 3” depth of the subwoofer. You give a glance back knowing that it’s perched neatly behind your seat, although the other week you moved it from under the seat and you still can’t decide which position is more brilliant. Aside from that sleek and nifty design, the subwoofer box features
an auto-sensing speaker and 240W amplifier, ensuring that you can keep jammin’ all the way. The 8-inch sub is within the sealed unit, although the side panel offers easy access to the RCA and auto-sensing speaker inputs. And to top it all off, that same panel also gives you the access point to Gain, Phase, LP Crossover and Remote Sub Levels to help during installation. But let’s forget all that – crank up the volume, and drum the air like there’s no tomorrow.
IF YOU USE a 4x4 every day of the week, you’ll quickly earn respect for their capabilities. But, have you ever thought of exploiting those attributes on a family holiday? That is exactly what Active 4x4 Adventures can help you experience. They have eight different tours, which span from the African savanna to the mountains of the Alps, all on which you can take your esteemed colleague (the truck, not Simon from accounts) and exploit the full
range of talents. Suitable for all owners of an SUV, 4x4 or pick-up truck, the locations on offer include European trips to Portugal, the Alps, Sardinia and the Pyrenees, whilst there is also the option to spread your wings further and venture to Morocco, Massif, the Western Sahara, Botswana and Namibia. To enquire about or book onto any of those fine trips, contact Barrie Dunbar or head over to the Active 4x4 Adventures website and browse away.
unique fully catered 4X4 tours including outdoor adventure activities
Barrie Dunbar 07739 530124
active4x4adventures.com 28
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Amazing components to suit any budget
FOR THE OFFROAD.
BILSTEIN B8 5100. A higher level of performance: The ideal shock absorber when you need more clearance and ultimate traction. Thanks to its longer design, the BILSTEIN B8 5100 perfectly fi ts lifting kits for SUVs and light trucks. Enjoy the perfect BILSTEIN driving experience, even off the road.
bilstein.com