Pick-up & 4x4 Pro - July 2019 by Assignment Media Ltd

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Amarok Aventura High-spec nameplate returns to luxury market

JULY 2019

TRAINING

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CONSERVATION OF POWER APB import National Luna’s smart charging system for the UK market IF YOU’RE PLANNING a trip out into the wilderness and don’t intend to come back for a while, you and your 4x4 need to remain self-sufficient during the expedition. You’ll likely have loaded up the truck with numerous essentials, and some bigger essentials, too, like a shower, fridge and/or kitchen sink. It’s a lot of additional clobber for your 4x4 to contend with, but National Luna can ease any potential power problems. If you’re taking overlanding seriously, you may well have incorporated a split-charge system in your battery setup, helping you power your vehicle and all the extras you’ve placed

on board. And with the DC-DC Converter from National Luna, your dual-battery system will be in good hands. The converter is a DC-to-DC battery charger and isolator, meaning it will charge an auxiliary battery from a vehicle alternator or solar panel up to a 25A output current. Not only that, but your vehicle’s original alternator, whether that be 12V or 24V, along with variable voltage alternators can be charged, too. If we’re talking purely solar power, then the integrated MPPT solar regulator can churn out 375W of maximum power, although it should be noted that the regulator can support solar

output voltage is optimised to the panels of a higher output. You can current surroundings, meaning also connect up solar panels with you should never be caught short. a maximum voltage of 42V if you so wish. The NLDC-25 is waterproof and Don’t worry about your battery protects against the possibility type, either. Whether you have of over-voltage and over-current, an old-school lead-acid battery but over-temperature and reverse or you’re harnessing from polarity, too. A remote monitor The AT3power combines high off-road performance a lithium-ion unit, the converter displays useful information with superior on-road capabilities. Developed (codenamed NLDC-25) is complete regarding the system and the to enhance of working pick-up with a six-stage charging the potential current status of your setup, and and 4x4 vehicles. algorithm,trucks alongside a three-stage if that wasn’t enough, everything safety analysis function, which can you need to set up the NLDC-25 determine if aProvides battery has suffered and instructions on its operation a robust compound for improved tread any damage or is ill-equipped to is included in the box when life on rugged terrain receive charging. purchased, too. Features an aggressivePick pattern to work on Another useful feature is the up your DC-DC Converter multiple surfaces with enhanced temperature compensation. now at the pricegrip of just £432.00 Designed for a smoother, comfortable Seeing as you’ll be using your Inc. VAT. Available fromand www. 4x4 in a variety of conditions, expedition-equipment.com quieter drive the

WORKS EXCEPTIONALLY ON ALL-TERRAINS

Safe handling in all-seasons, indicated by the M+S mark and the snowflake symbol General Tire. A brand of Continental.

GRABBER 3 AT YOUR ACCESS TO ANY ADVENTURE

Visit our website for further technical information and details of your nearest 4X4 stockist

WWW.4SITE4X4TYRES.CO.UK | 0870 112 9401

MARCH 2019

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THIS MONTH JULY 2019 News 2 2 3

Mercedes-Benz Special edition X-Class revelaed Mitsubishi Gaming pick-up concept gets public debut Rivian All-electric R1T pick-up appears in overland spec

Products 28 29 30 31 32

General Tire All-new Grabber hits the UK shelves Alpine Booming beats for any budget Gstove Stoke the fire with these mega accessories Cooper Tires Latest Discoveres model out now Pedders Make work easier for your coil-sprung Navara

Features 6 12 18 24

VW Amarok Aventura name returns to claim top spot Polaris Ranger Behind the wheel of the diesel ORV Davanti We finally try the new Terratoura all-terrain 4x4 Adventures Proof that practice can indeed be fun

Tel: 01283 553243 Email: enquiries@assignmentmedia.co.uk Web: www.pickupand4x4pro.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ pickupand4x4pro Instagram: @pickup4x4pro Editorial Supervisor Alan Kidd Editor George Dove Art Editor Samantha D’Souza Contributors Mike Trott, Paul Looe, Dan Fenn Group Advertising Manager Ian Argent Tel: 01283 553242 Advertising Manager Colin Ashworth Tel: 01283 553244 Advertising Sales Manager Gary Simpkins Tel: 01283 553245 Advertising and Exhibition Sales Executive Abigail Cooper Tel: 01283 553246 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.

Distributed by Marketforce; www.marketforce. co.uk Every effort is made to ensure the contents of Pickup & 4x4 Pro 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 Pickup & 4x4 Pro, 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

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NEWS

X-CLASS SPECIAL EDITION A limited number of high-spec trucks available with added kit and decals

he second special edition for the Mercedes-Benz X-Class has been released, with the Element Edition X 250d 4MATIC powertrain. Based on the Progressive model, the posh pick-up comes with an enhanced equipment list along with custom graphics along the rear quarter. This means that the truck comes with painted bumpers, a simulated underguard in matte black, aluminium door sills with Mercedes-Benz inscription, a matte silver finish grille, chromed door handles and the useful load securing rail system in the bed and heated side mirrors. The added kit on the Element Edition includes a black roof-liner, the Comfort Pack that includes Artico leather upholstery, a set of 19” multi-

spoke alloys, LED lights all around which, along with roof rails, privacy glass and running boards come as part of the Style Pack, a bed liner and sports bar along with the aforementioned special edition livery.

The options for paint include Chisana White, or a metallic finish in Diamond Silver or Kabara Black. As with all X-Class models, standard equipment is of a high level. It includes Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist,

Hill Start Assist, a reversing camera and stop/start function. You can get your name down for an Element Edition at your local Mercedes-Benz Vans centre, with business users able to get behind the wheel for just £459 per month.

L200 CONCEPT IS GAME

Winner of internal design competition brought to life by coachbuilders itsubishi recently held their first Truck King Battle – where there were extreme show truck designs that employees entered internally. All of the entrants were judged on the level of traction they received on social media, with the eSports Concept winning the online arms race. Dreamt up by Joanne Tulloch of Livery Dole Mitsubishi, the show truck features a chassis extension by 800mm and sits 80mm wider. This is to allow the space for the two full racing simulators in the back. These consist of Logitech G920 racing wheels connected to pedals and a gear shifter with Forza Horizon 4 played via Xbox one consoles and displayed on curved 24-inch LED screens. To allow access to the gaming suite, the tsilgate has been modified to incorporate the required steps.

2 JULY 2019

The gaming area itself is covered by a bespoke construction, allowing competitors necessary headroom, whilst there is also space inside for a refreshment and coffee bar. A duo of 22-inch screens are also located on the exterior of the truck so those passing by don’t have to miss out on the action, whilst the whole setup is powered by a combination of batteries and solar panels. The 150w roof-mounted solar cell can charge the four 105Ah deep cycle batteries to offer up to eight hours of gaming time off the grid. All of these modifications were undertaken by Mitsubishi in collaboration with Ralph Hosier Engineering, and the truck made its debut at the 2019 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Trials. The new L200 model is soon to be released, expected in the UK later this summer, and is already on the market in Thailand.

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NEWS

RIVIAN TRUCK SHOWN WITH ONBOARD KITCHEN The upcoming electric pick-up truck appeared in overland spec at a show

emember the Rivian R1T – the electric pickup that was revelaed a couple of months ago? Well, recently at a show in the US, it appeared with an innovative inclusion of an electric kitchen as part of an overland spec. As you can see, the rear features a bed-mounted tent. There’s a ladder on the back for access to the raised sleeping area. It also featured a roof-rack for extra storage.

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Both of these are things that are not uncommon on trucks you see not just at shows, but on the road, too. What is a bit more out of the ordinary, though, is the slide out kitchen unit. Yep, sliding out from the storage cubby between the truck bed and the cabin, there is a sliding unit that has storage for food and utensils, as well as plenty of counter space and an electric stove – powered by the R1Ts 180kWh

battery. it has also been said that to use the stove for a week’s worth of cooking, it would drain the truck’s battery by 11%. As well as the mammoth battery, the Rivian is set to utilise fourmotors – one for each wheel – and is proposed to have a range of 400-miles. The American company are currently developing the truck with over 750bhp and are aiming to have it on the production line by 2020,

with a base spec version coming a year later. It is poised to be a suprisingly dab-hand on the tools, too. Versatility and capability are evident throughout the specifications, with up to 14.2-inches of ground clearance, a load bed measuring 1.4 by 1.39-metres, over 900-litres of storage and, most impressively, a towing capacity of 5,000kg. We’re sure it won’t be cheap, but it sounds like one hell of a product either way.

JULY 2019

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Friday 28th June 2019 COMMERCIAL USERS DAY

panels of a higher output. You can also connect up solar panels with a maximum voltage of 42V if you so wish. Don’t worry about your battery type, either. Whether you have an old-school lead-acid battery or you’re harnessing power from a lithium-ion unit, the converter (codenamed NLDC-25) is complete with a six-stage charging algorithm, alongside a three-stage safety analysis function, which can determine if a battery has suffered any damage or is ill-equipped to receive charging. Another useful feature is the temperature compensation. Seeing as you’ll be using your 4x4 in a variety of conditions, the

output voltage is optimised to the current surroundings, meaning you should never be caught short. The NLDC-25 is waterproof and protects against the possibility of over-voltage and over-current, but over-temperature and reverse polarity, too. A remote monitor displays useful information regarding the system and the current status of your setup, and if that wasn’t enough, everything you need to set up the NLDC-25 and instructions on its operation is included in the box when purchased, too. Pick up your DC-DC Converter now at the price of just £432.00 Inc. VAT. Available from www. expedition-equipment.com

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ON TEST

VW AMAROK AVENTURA It was this nameplate that launched the now ever-present V6 into the Amarok range, but on its return as a high-end special edition, is the Aventura as bang on the money second time around? Words and pictures: Alan Kidd

he Amarok has always been towards the top end of the pick-up market, and Volkswagen shifted it further in that direction when it introduced the new 3.0 TDI engine a couple of years or so back as part of a major mid-life upgrade. The facelifted double-cab was initially introduced with just one high-spec launch model, called the Aventura, which came with a

ON TEST 224bhp version of the engine and cost £39,381 plus VAT. Since then, the range has expanded downwards to include a variety of drivetrains and spec levels designed for work as well as play. The original Aventura came with an automatic gearbox, which in the Amarok’s world means fulltime four-wheel drive but no dualratio transfer case. You can now get low range if you opt for a manual

model with the entry-level 204bhp version of the engine (a 163bhp unit came and went), but it would appear that for Volkswagen’s target audience, making the most of the vehicle’s prodigious off-road potential matters less than not having to change gear yourself. Make no mistake, this is a premium pick-up. And now it’s more premium than ever. As well as expanding downwards from

that original 224bhp model, the engine range also grew up the way to include a high-performance 258bhp unit which was initially available on the everyday rangetopping Highline model. More recently, however, the Amarok has gained a new topspeccer. And it’s called… Aventura again. Like the launch model, it chucks in pretty much everything Volkswagen has to offer, though as

ON TEST well as the higher-output engine it goes further still. Perhaps goaded by the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, which arrived in between times, VW has made this Aventura more luxurious than ever – and now it comes with a price tag of £47,931. That’s after VAT, but still. Not cheap. We’ve become enormous fans of the Amarok thanks to the quality and fitness-for-purpose of its lower-spec models – so does this new pinnacle of pick-up premium-ness ring as true as those more modest trucks?

CABIN AND PRACTICALITY

Inside, the Aventura is set apart from the rest of the Amarok range by 14-way electrically adjusted ErgoComfort front seats and allround nappa leather upholstery. We’ve previously criticised the mid-range Highline model, which itself is not cheap, saying that for so much money you’ve got a right to expect adjustable lumbar support as standard; well, this is even more money so you have more of a right, but at least this time you do get it. Volkswagen says that with these seats in the Aventura, ‘even the longest of journeys can be completed in total comfort.’ We’ve no reason to doubt that, despite not having driven it on the actual longest of journeys – it’s certainly very plush and extremely

JULY 2019

comfortable, and the leather does feel like a cut above the rest of the range. Which is commendable, because the rest of the range is pretty good too. There’s more leather on the steering wheel, which comes as standard with paddle shifts for controlling the eight-speed auto box. It has many more functions besides, needless to say – and, as you’d expect, you get an extensive list of standard kit. Not that you don’t on other Amaroks too (all models have climate and cruise control, and the Highline adds heated seats trimmed in very stylish leather), but here you get the top-spec Discover Media nav system with a 6.33-inch touch screen and premium colour multifunction display. Not that it takes any of this to make the Amarok’s cabin feel classy, stylish and very well made. Overall quality is top-notch, with good materials and a totally convincing level of build, and the seating position is excellent. There’s plenty of space in all directions and a commanding view all around. In the rear, on the other hand, it’s pretty cramped. Legroom in particular is very limited if you’re any bigger than a child – certainly, trying to fit a crew of five strapping six-footers on board will provoke a lot of swearing. You could probably do it, just about, for short-hop journeys, but for anything more

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ON TEST than that the back if for kids only. There are worse pick-ups in this area, but at this money you’d expect the Amarok to be one of the best – and it’s not. Another area in which it’s a bit less than generous is in oddment stowage. This is okay, but there’s not a lot of surprise and delight to it – unless you count some underseat stowage up front, or a rear bench which drops flat for carrying items you wouldn’t want to put into the rear bed. The cubby, glovebox and door pockets are all rather small and awkward to get into, so you’re likely to end up leaving things like your phone, wallet and house keys in the bin and cup holders in the floor console. None of this changes the fact that climbing aboard the Aventura makes you feel special. This is definitely the most sumptuous and elegant example of a vehicle which already had a premium feel to it. The Ford Ranger gives it a bloody nose for interior space, but not a lot else in the pick-up market can live with the Aventura as the sort of truck you’d order because the taxman will break your face if you get a conventional SUV.

DRIVING

We’re talking about a doublecab with 258bhp at 3250rpm and 428lbf.ft from a barely-abovetickover 1400rpm. It doesn’t matter what you pile on board or lash to the back of it – the Aventura is going to pull. That’s in spite of its towing weight being limited to 3100kg. Almost all the Amarok’s rivals can haul the legal maximum of 3500kg, and there are plenty of pick-up buyers (many of them Land Rover refugees) who won’t even look at a vehicle if it doesn’t have that golden ticket in its spec sheet. With so much power and torque at its arm, the Aventura surely ought to be able to monster the opposition – for the sake of 400kg, Volkswagen is missing a trick by not doing whatever is necessary to bring the vehicle up to standard. Unladen, no surprise, it’s epic. There’s no such thing as a slow Amarok, but with this engine it surges up to speed without any apparent effort. It hardly raises its voice at all in the process, and there’s not even a hint of harshness

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or vibration as it whisks the vehicle forward. It leaps ahead when kicked down and pulls in gear with amazing flexibility, and in terms of outright pace it’s on a different level to any other pick-up we’ve driven. The eight-speed auto box is lovely and smooth, and with so much power and torque going through it it’s reassuring to know you’re being looked after by fulltime four-wheel drive. The Amarok grips superbly even on wet roads and stays stable and planted in corners, with body control that’s excellent by 4x4 standards in general and particularly considering its rear springs have to be able to hold up a tonne of cargo in addition to the vehicle’s own weight. Ride-wise, all things considered it’s very good – though the 255/50R20 tyres that are standard on this model add a fussiness that’s not present in Highline models with their 255/60R18s. The first 258 we tested was on the smaller alloys, and we found it beautifully composed, whereas this one trades a bit of that for the extra handling bite (and, far more to the point, cool looks) you get from a lower-profile tyre. It’s still a nice, quiet cruiser, however, soaking up the worst of the thumps from the road and sitting in its lane without needing constant adjustments to its steering. At the other end of the scale, it’s easy to drive around

JULY 2019

ON TEST town, steering with reassuring ease and never feeling its size. The auto box is seamless at all speeds, hardly ever interrupting the steady flow of torque whether you’re taking it steady or pressing on. Now, being a pick-up there is a chance that this truck could be asked to go off-road.Low-profile tyres on big alloys are not the way to make an impression off-road. Unless it’s the impression of a newborn foal on ice. Nonetheless, the Amarok has one of the most agile designs in the pick-up market. And this allows it to look after itself, even in this form with an auto box and no low range. For some people, the transmission will be an instant deal-breaker. The aforementioned

Land Rover refugees, for example, have grown up on the Defender, so even the kind of low range you engage with a switch rather than a lever is anathema to them. Those tyres, too, are not what you want in rocky or muddy conditions, on wet grass or over uneven ground in general. The Amarok can be a genuinely athletic performer, but by stripping away the tall rubber and low-range box you get on entry-level models, Volkswagen has shorn this one of its best weapons, unfortunately. It’s still capable enough, with VW’s usual Off-Road button there to engage a special drive mode which makes it easier to handle in the rough. With this engaged, the Amarok’s

steering lightens up nicely and hill descent control comes in to keep on top of things on long, steep hills. It still doesn’t allow you to crawl over the terrain the way you want to be able to in tight or technical situations, however, and even with the box kept in first using the paddles it still runs away too easily to be considered a proper off-road machine. Constantly using your brakes to hold back an eager, high-powered diesel engine is not what off-roading is all about – if you want that from an Amarok, the 3.0 TDI 204 manual model is the only answer.

VERDICT

With loads of styling kit on the

outside and a few well-chosen upgrades inside, this version of the Amarok can put on a show. But it’s got plenty of go, too, thanks to the most powerful version of an engine whose torque output in this form is overwhelming. With this engine on board, the Amarok feels more like an SUV than any other truck we’ve driven – and in Aventura form, it has the luxuries and equipment to match. It’s not as settled on the road as models with higher-profile tyres, and the lack of low-range strips it of the off-road ability that’s a highlight of lower-spec manual models, but despite this it’s as convincing a premium pick-up as we’ve ever driven. It’s expensive, but is probably the definitive Amarok.

ON TEST AT A GLANCE Base price Fuel consumption Emissions Payload Braked trailer Gross vehicle weight Service interval Warranty

ÂŁ39,040 + VAT 33.6mpg combined (WLTP) 220g/km 1,030kg 3,100kg 3,290kg 24 months / 24,855 miles 36 months /100,000 miles

Tyres to fit the Amarok 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.

POLARIS RANGER DIESEL ON TEST

Polaris has been making the Ranger for over two decades, and in that time it has become the best-selling UTV of all time. But now theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve introduced the Ranger Diesel, a side-by-side that promises to break new ground for the company. So, is the newbie up to the task? Words: Mike Trott; Pictures: Polaris

ON TEST

t’s April Fools’ Day and I’m currently travelling up to the picturesque setting of Lake Windermere on anything but a fool’s errand. I’ve been summoned to this wonderful part of the world by the news of a fresh Polaris vehicle breaking cover and, while I don’t usually need an excuse to visit the Lake District, this seems as good a reason as any. The vehicle in question is Polaris’ new Ranger Diesel, a side-byside off-road vehicle that aims to be the ultimate partner for farmers and those in need of an agricultural workhorse. I happen to be making tracks up to Cumbria in a pick-up truck, although as my speed reduces and roads increase in bendiness, my eyes can’t disguise the obvious

JULY 2019

fact that there are more ways for a farmer to cross his or her land than ever before. Gone are the days where fields would only be marked by the footprints of a Series Land Rover or its successor, the Defender. Pick-ups have become much more prevalent in recent times as well as a whole array of 4x4s, ATVs and UTVs. But in the last two decades, it’s the Polaris Ranger that has been the most successful UTV. The one millionth Ranger was built in 2017 and it has grown to be such a success that there are now seemingly endless configurations of the Ranger available for prospective buyers. Nevertheless, Polaris has been busy for the last two years, listening to feedback from existing

customers all over the world, including right here in the UK, and come up with one more contender: the Ranger Diesel. The new headlining acts are the all-new diesel engine, an increase in payload and towing capacity, there’s more ground clearance when off-road, better in-cab ergonomics and longer intervals between those all-important services. That’s a lot to digest and on paper a lot for Polaris to have achieved. But if one place can show just how good – or bad – the Ranger Diesel is, then the Graythwaite Estate in the Lakes is the perfect proving ground. The terrain and conditions here are just like any other rural backdrop (except with better views) and will certainly give the new Polaris machine a thorough examination.

CABIN AND PRACTICALITY

Practicality is at the forefront of the cabin’s design, but even so, Polaris has taken the liberty of enlarging the ingress by 13cm and providing an extra 2.5cm of padding on the seats just for your behind, and the latter flips up on the passenger side to make room for extra storage or even a fourlegged friend. Everywhere you look you’ll find useful pockets of storage, from the two glove boxes to the six cupholders dotted about the vehicle. In the driver’s seat you now have a height adjustable steering wheel, which is never a bad thing, and a digital readout to easily keep an eye on speed and the selected driving mode.

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ON TEST

OFF-ROAD

So, as with any UTV, any two Ranger Diesels can be very different, but some things are set in stone. The new engine, for instance, is a three-cylinder 898cc Kubota diesel unit developing 25bhp and a crucial 41lbf.ft of torque. When the engine is idling, a number of vibrations come through into the cabin, although these dissipate once you’re up and running. This is a purely utilitarian vehicle that has nets for doors as standard, so you need to judge it by the relevant yardstick. Around a farmyard, the engine will work just fine. Its top speed may only be 40mph, but it’s the highest in class and it will do that speed across virtually any terrain. Only on the steepest inclines would the Diesel’s momentum start to waive, but otherwise just point, squirt and watch as it clambers to your destination regardless of obstacles in its way. The new automatic transmission has a 55% larger belt and gearing that’s 26% lower than on other Ranger models, resulting in a machine that seemingly never gets flustered by what lies ahead. When you’re out in the rough stuff, it’s not just the gearing that aids your progress. The new 27” Maxxis tyres find traction anywhere, while the 33cm of

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ground clearance and 27.9cm of suspension travel really come into action when hobbling over ruts and other obstructions. Perhaps the only downside to the driving experience is that the accelerator pedal is positioned deep into the footwell, which can make fullthrottle inputs – a necessity most of the time – difficult to achieve without paying considerable attention to your foot placement. However, despite this the Ranger Diesel never feels anything other than stable whilst on the move. Its low centre of gravity and adept suspension keeps the vehicle nice and level, leaving the wheels and travel to do the hard work while you can stay relaxed in the improved cabin. There are three driving modes to choose from in total, consisting of the one-wheel drive Turf Mode, a two-wheel drive setting propelling the rear wheels, and an on-demand all-wheel drive mode that delivers additional torque to the front wheels when required. The Polaris Engine Braking System is useful, too, which works with the Active Descent Control to bring maximum control when tackling downhill sections. With the new, larger 43.5-litre fuel tank and improved intervals between services now at 200 hours – twice as long as before – Polaris is making sure you can keep going

for longer. And the Ranger Diesel will keep going, because it’s a robust and extremely capable machine. It uses a heavy-duty one-piece chassis, combined with equally tough bushes, bearings and steering rack, while the drivelines are all sealed for maximum protection. There’s further protection in the way of a full-length skid plate running underneath the UTV, along with a huge new front bumper that now features

an integrated winch mount and thanks to the harness and wiring already being assembled, it’s more of a plug and play affair than ever. There’s further technology at the front with the Polaris Pulse electrical system located under the bonnet. Essentially this is made up of a selection of ports, which can be used for various Polaris accessories you may need to attach to your Ranger Diesel, from light bars to snow ploughs or even a fridge.

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ON TEST There are now over 200 accessories available, all designed for perfect integration with the Ranger. But even without these, the Ranger Diesel is a versatile thing. The rear loadspace tips up and every part of the box can be accessed, no matter which angle you’re reaching in from. The box capacity stands at 435kg while payload now totals at 720kg, plus if you need to tow something behind, you can haul up to 1134kg, too.

VERDICT

Time for some housekeeping: the new Ranger Diesel starts from £12,999 excluding VAT and for that you won’t have a roof or any doors on your wagon. Most accessories are all optional extras, but you can’t treat this like you would the specification of a pickup, for example. With the Ranger Diesel, you have the opportunity to build your ideal UTV, which includes choosing what type of doors of roof you have – if any at all. For instance, base models are equipped with netting either side of the cabin, but you can opt for doors with an opaque bottom or a clear lower half that could prove useful for visibility when off-roading.

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The Ranger Diesel is a truly practical and versatile machine that would also perfectly integrate itself into your work life. There’s no question of it being a brilliant off-road machine, rarely breaking traction and able to uphold progress through mud, sand, water and anything in its way. And in this new Diesel format, the Ranger has become evermore the Swiss Army knife, meaning there’s even more reasons why this could be your perfect work companion.

AT A GLANCE Base price Fuel capacity Max power Max torque Payload Braked trailer Gross vehicle weight Service interval Warranty

£12,999 + VAT 43.5-litres 24.8bhp 40.8lbf.ft 720kg 1,134kg 766kg 200 hours 24 months /8,000 miles

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BREAKING NEW GROUND FEATURES

FEATURES

Launching a new all-terrain tyre is no mean feat. The market is already awash with capable and established brands, so how on earth do you squeeze in another contender? Well, if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t join them, beat them... Words: Mike Trott, Pictures: Davanti

FEATURES

aking choices can be difficult. ‘Do I choose the rump steak, or do I opt for the full rack of ribs?’ It can be a tough decision. But the same conundrums can be found in all walks of life. Choosing the right pick-up truck or 4x4 to be your daily wingman is no small matter. It’s a decision that will take time and thorough research, but in that time, one option will usually keep cropping up more favourably than the rest. It’s the workhorse that has cantered ahead of the field and stretched to cross the line and thus claim your approval. However, even after you’ve chosen the right steed, there is another matter on the agenda that is arguably more important than

choosing the vehicle itself. Anyone with sense will agree that tyres are the most essential component on any vehicle. And there’s a whole list of reasons why this is the case. For starters, the tyres are the only part of the vehicle that maintains contact with the ground underneath your truck. From a safety point of view, then, it is imperative they are properly maintained and a quality product in the first place. You also need to have the right tyre for the job, because a slick tyre may work wonders on a racetrack, but on a wet, grassy field – I’m not so sure. You wouldn’t climb up Mount Everest in your slippers, would you? Nor would you turn up to Wimbledon and play in a pair of Timberlands. Whether it’s your shoes or your truck’s, having the correct footwear is crucial. So you can imagine just how difficult it must be for a tyre manufacturer to bring a brandnew all-terrain option to the market. Not only are you trying to develop rubber capable of working on the baking hot tarmac of summer, but you must also find a way of making a tyre that can operate efficiently across mud, sand, grass, gravel, snow and ice. And then on top of that, you have to try and ensure your tyre is better than anyone else’s! It sounds like a quest few would be willing to embark on, however, Davanti Tyres has decided to pick up the baton and designed a tyre that brings itself right to the forefront of contention. It’s called

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the Terratoura and even before we put the newcomer to the sword, it’s making all the right noises. Davanti itself is a relative newcomer to the tyre market in general, but don’t let that be a reason to believe they aren’t taking this game seriously. The company has already established a range of tyres, from rubber suited to small passenger cars to their Wintoura winter tyre and now the Terrartoura, their tyres are designed in Europe before being ridiculed to the most extreme and punishing of regimes right across the globe, all in the pursuit of perfection. The Terratoura all-terrain in particular needs to excel in all environments. So not only did Davanti take the Terratoura to the famous Millbrook Proving Ground near Bedford, for evaluation on the road and around the comprehensive off-road course, but the new all-terrain also had to prove itself in the 40-degree Mediterranean heat at Applus Idiada, located near Barcelona. Handling, braking and stability have all been scrutinised in both wet and dry conditions at this colossus of a venue to bring the Terratoura to the limits of what is possible for an all-terrain tyre – and if that wasn’t enough, Davanti also put the Terratoura through its paces in the Arctic Circle, over in Finland.

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It’s the latter that has allowed the Terratoura to achieve the coveted Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification that reaffirms that even in hostile and sub-zero temperatures, Davanti’s all-terrain tyre continues to work. But that’s just one of the Terratoura’s many attributes. Alongside its excellent winter performance, the tyre is constructed with a five-rib design, using two longitudinal grooves to disperse water and maintain traction in all conditions. The grooves on the shoulder with its ‘block edge’ design helps work through different surfaces, sustaining momentum whatever the terrain and shedding excess deposits to keep the tyre clean and working effectively. Testing revealed the tread and its support bars to show promising results in longevity and minimising noise levels, while the carcass uses reinforced polyester cords, two wide steel belts and layers of nylon to build a tyre capable of withstanding the demands an allterrain tyre will face. But what does this translate to in the real world and more importantly when we got behind the wheel of a 4x4 to test if the tyre could live up to the headlines? To test the tyre ourselves, we were invited along to the East of England Land Rover Experience centre, situated in the grounds

of Rockingham Castle. We would be taking part in a couple of assessments with the opportunity to evaluate the Davanti Terratoura against one of the industry’s best: the BFGoodrich All-Terrain. Both tests were set up as a headto-head between the two tyres, using the same vehicles across the exact same course and route. Firstly, two Ford Ranger pick-up trucks, one fitted with the BFG and the other with the Terratoura. The course consisted of several ascents and descents, with tight ruts and slippery tree roots waiting in the wings to unsettle the respective rubber. You can always bank on lush

'to be the very best you have to compete against the best'

JULY 2019

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grass finding out those who don’t have the traction they thought they possessed. In the Ranger, heading out on the BFG tyre to start with, the pick-up instantly felt very capable. Of course, to be the very best you have to compete against the best, and the BFGoodrich All-Terrain set an admirable benchmark. It carefully navigated the course, holding itself in good stead, with traction generally undeterred.

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However, in this game it’s about spotting the differences. When it came to the Terratoura’s turn, the tyre performed just as impressively. But in the minute details, you could feel an arguably better ride, a little less noise coming through and also when starting to turn and ascend up one particular stretch of ground, it was the Terratoura tyre that felt like it was least likely to break traction when adding in the

doses of throttle. So, the tyre got off to a good start when applied to the Ranger, but seeing as this was a Land Rover Experience centre, the Terratoura would have to beat the BFG stalwart whilst fitted on a Defender, too. 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. Starting with a tricky descent on a challenging off-camber side slope, here the BFG maintained relative control on the way down, but was prone to the odd wheel slipping, even if only to a minor degree. The Davanti tyre didn’t slip once. Traction didn’t break, even when completing the route multiple times. It was the same story on the side slope and particularly towards the tail end of the section where the BFG would raise its wheel and give a slight over-rotation until it found grip. The Terratoura would edge the composure stakes and even when trying to provoke the tyre to break traction on some of the steepest hill climbs, the tyre would

minimise wheelspin, claw into the ground and drag the vehicle onwards and upwards. Through the water and over rocks, the tyre never felt stressed or like it was being overworked, plus on inspection, once driving was complete, the Terratoura looked the cleaner of the two tyres, illustrating its proficiency in shifting crud from within its own tread. The Davanti Terratoura is a very capable tyre. There’s no question it can hold its own off-road, and as it will be priced below some of the most premium offerings, Davanti is positioning itself cleverly to make a serious impact in the sector. The longevity and durability of the Terratoura will have to be assessed over time, but until then Davanti can be very satisfied with what they have created.

The Terratoura all-terrain tyre is available initially in rim sizes 15”-17” and from 235mm to 265mm in width. Davanti will be introducing new sizes up to 21” and 285mm in due course, however. To keep up to date with sizing releases, visit www.davanti-tyres.co.uk.

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All Seasons. PRODUCTS All Conditions. CONSERVATION OF POWER All Terrains.

APB import National Luna’s smart charging system for the UK market

IF YOU’RE PLANNING a trip out into the wilderness and don’t intend to come back for a while, you and your 4x4 need to remain self-sufficient during the expedition. You’ll likely have loaded up the truck with numerous essentials, and some bigger essentials, too, like a shower, fridge and/or kitchen sink. It’s a lot of additional clobber for your 4x4 to contend with, but National Luna can ease any potential power problems. If you’re taking overlanding seriously, you may well have incorporated a split-charge system in your battery setup, helping you power your vehicle and all the extras you’ve placed

Davanti has spent years developing this AllTerrain tyre, applying the latest design and manufacturing innovation to develop a tyre as comfortable on the road, on the construction site, in the fields or up in the mountains. Terratoura is a high performance All-Terrain tyre. Its innovative tread pattern provides exceptional traction across all environments.

All-terrain, all year round.

FOR MORE 32 MARCH 2019INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.DAVANTI-TYRES.COM PICKUP & 4X4 PRO

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PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT If you’re still relatively new to the world of off-roading, but would like to take your skills to the next level, why not do so in the most relaxing way possible? Get yourself down to a Social Morning at David Bowyer’s Off Road Centre and get your day off to the best possible start Words and pictures: Mike Trott

here are many things in life that appear to be unrelaxing and potentially downright stressful. For example, if you were to witness a Thai massage taking place, you might also be wondering whether preparing a statement for a jury is worthwhile doing alongside. Is it murder? Is it witchcraft? Or is it just time for you

FEATURES to stop staring at someone getting a massage? The answer to the last one is definitely yes, by the way. Still, the point stands and what some people do in their own time might not always appeal to others. While a Thai massage may seem like an early grave to some, others might prefer to pull some shapes at the wheel of a 4x4.

Those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like off-roading have probably never tried it. But when you explain to people that you can be mesmerised by the engineering of a vehicle at just 5mph, all while taking in beautiful landscapes from the seat of your truck, the idea can quickly catch on. Sure, from the outside it might look bouncy and uncomfortable, and quite rightfully most

motorsport is far from what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d call soothing. But off-roading can be a genuinely calming pastime, especially if you know where abouts to look. There are all sorts of places you could head off-road, but with more and more green lanes being closed to motor vehicles, enthusiasts are either heading off abroad or looking at purpose-built sites to

FEATURES get their fix of mud plugging. Pay-and-play sites offer the freedom to challenge yourself, but if you want to embark on a more civilised method of off-roading, then you need to head down to North Devon and experience a 4x4 adventure – or more specifically, 4x4 Adventures. The company, which you can explore in detail at www.4x4adventures.co.uk, runs a host of events, including offroad tuition – with the additional flexibility of delving into the areas of recovery and winching – green laning tours of Wales, plus if you really want to test yourself there’re always the extreme Drive Round Days, held alternately at the private estates in Wellington and Bampton. Green laning tours and tuition is fairly self-explanatory, but

JULY 2019

the Drive Round Days pose a much more involving prospect. Heading up operations is James Trembath, an experienced 4x4 and off-road instructor who has worked extensively across the industry, whilst also claiming Global Instructor of the Year back in 2016 when employed under Land Rover Experience. The Drive Round Days focus on convoy driving through the aforementioned private estates, traversing challenging, ‘purposedesigned’ tracks, which are guaranteed to test your driving ability and the limits of your 4x4. But if that all sounds a bit too much, and you’re still not the seasoned off-road pro you aspire to become – or need to be for work – why not join James at David Bowyer’s Off Road Centre for one of their Social Morning events.

‘These are non-instructional events that provide a chance to get out in your 4x4, of which all types are welcome,’ explains James. ‘Drivers still need to have a working understanding of 4x4s, whether that’s from previous training or has come from several years’ experience.’ While there is no tuition as such and you need to be comfortable with your own 4x4, there is guidance if needed and James is on hand in a supervisory role to make sure people are having off-road fun, safely and without any issues. Starting from The Waie Inn situated in the centre of Zeal Monachorum, James and occasionally David Bowyer himself will lead the pack down to the course, which David cultivated over 30 years ago. It’s safe to say,

that it is still remarkable today. A maximum of ten vehicles are taken down to the site, where James or David will lead a convoy around the comprehensive course, featuring axle-twisters, side slopes, jungle tracks and water wading, ruts, gullies and steep banks. You’ll find everything you could want within a dozen acres of off-road serenity. And that’s just it. Driving in convoy around the site gives you a chance to not only experience all different types of off-road principles, but to do so in a leisurely environment and enjoy any wildlife that has ventured into the area to find their own sanctuary. We took in the delights of the course across the Easter weekend, a weekend blessed with brilliant sunshine and a summery warmth filling the air. So, roaming around

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the off-road course, listening to the sound of the birds, all whilst honing those skills away from the tarmac – it’s all a very gratifying way in which to use up a Saturday morning. ‘We used to run these social mornings once or twice a year for about eight years,’ shares James. ‘One would take place in the summer and another traditionally between Christmas and New Year. Now we run them generally once every six weeks, giving people the opportunity to get around a

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brilliant course.’ The convoy makes its way around the course behind David or James before doing the same route in reverse. Then with time spare, drivers are free to revisit sections of the course and fully conquer any areas they may have struggled with earlier. Our Isuzu D-Max Utility was let loose on the course and bar its lengthier overhangs, the D-Max proved its brilliant capabilities once more (which you can read about in

our full review, coming in next month's issue). And once you’ve finished adventuring around this North Devon haven, there’s a final stop to make back at The Waie Inn for a fantastic lunch. It’s a chance to discuss your favourite moments of the morning, or simply to rib your chums further still because they couldn’t get up that one slope first time. There’s no hiding the friendly atmosphere and rich camaraderie between all those that attend

these laidback gatherings. From a distance, then, several 4x4s roaming around a North Devon off-road site may seem like a load of high oil-burning action, and while there are certainly some rewarding challenges to overcome, this is about as much relaxation as you can experience at the wheel of a 4x4. And is the ideal environment in which to sharpen your skills. I know I’d take it over a Thai massage any day.

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PRODUCTS

NEW GRABBERS IN THE UK Tyre specialists 4SITE bringing the latest off-road treads to the market IN THE WORLD of 4x4s and off-roading, there is a handful of names that will come to mind when you think tyres. And gladly for UK motorists, one of these names is bringing their newest mud-terrain tyre to Britain. After much anticipation, the General’s new mud terrain tyre, the Grabber X3, will hit the market. With a focus on off-road performance, the tyres have been developed with an 80/20 bias in favour of off-road use. Within this new product, the General engineers have worked in three innovative technologies to help it cope with the demands faced by a true mud-terrain tyre.

Due to the variety of terrains that the X3 will likely face, it has been bolstered by the inclusion of Extreme Mud to maintain traction in deep mud, Extreme Rock for traversing rocky ground and Extreme Dirt for driving on gravel and dirt. The inclusion of these three technologies rely on a tread pattern that comprises of deep grooves, channels for mud evacuation and staggered edges aiding grip on sand, mud and gravel. The design of the tyre includes chamfered block edges, with wider tread grooves on the edges and narrower furrows in the tread base. Ergo, stones are displaced faster as to avoid them getting

lodged in the tread pattern and diminishing grip. Edges of different angles in the tyre’s tread delivers maximum grip in all ways. There too are a series of ribs designed to deflect stones and gravel away from the sidewalls and allowing the tyre to grip in challenging conditions. To ensure the toughness of the X3, General’s DuraGen Technology has been applied to the construction of the tyre. This means that it is made featuring a three-ply structure for improved strength and puncture resistance. The result of this is 5% better performance than its predecessor on sand and loose gravel, whilst it is also 10%

better over rocky terrain. In terms of on-road performance, the X3 is superior to its predecessor in terms of wet performance whilst it is also quieter on the tarmac. In response to customer demand, the X3 features Smooth Red Letter sidewall markings in places across the range – which covers 37 specific sizes catering for 15 to 20inch rims and has been approved for speeds of up to 100mph. The Grabber X3 is available through the Micheldever Tyre Services’ network of General Tire dealer specialists and 4SITE 4X4 Tyres. For more information please visit www.generaltire.co.uk or www.4site4x4Tyres.co.uk.

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SOUNDING S-SERIOUS

Automotive speakers that pack a punch – whilst being kind on your budget

IN RECENT TIMES, One of the side effects of an industrious vehicle is that, by virtue, they aren’t particularly refined. You’ll often find in just about any truck that it’s quite noisy – and it only gets worse out on the open road. This is a shame, because after a long day it can be very freeing to just listen to some music to relax and begin to unwind. But of course, that’s difficult when every time you put your foot down there’s a pretty rambunctious groan from under the bonnet – and driver, too. One way to find navigate around this, mind, would be to upgrade the sound system. As always, Alpine are a safe pair of hands here. The motoring tech giants have recently released their new range of speakers that aim to pack a decent punch per pound.

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The Alpine S-Series, made with two-way components, offers high-level performance for its price range, thanks to the inclusion of HAMR Surround (usually found higher up the Alpine range), a potent motor and a broad frequency range. The woofer of the S-Series has a cone made from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (the first to do so) and features a High Amplitude Multi-Roll Surround. It also has a large 35mm voice coil and there is a grille available to keep it both looking smart and protected. It also features a one-inch widerange silk dome tweeter which is flush mounted and covered by a punched net grille. Peak power for the speakers is an impressive 240 watts, whilst the RMS power comes in at 80

watts. The woofer frame measures 165mm and has a mounting depth of 57.7mm whilst mounting height is just 12mm. Predictably, the tweeter is smaller, with a frame of 37.8mm with a 26.6mm dome and height of 17.4mm. The 6.5-inch and 6x9-inch models in the S-Series feature a 35mm voice coil, which increases their

driving power and controls the motor. The range comes in a host of sizes, which in turn means that Alpine produce S-Series speakers that fit a wide range of vehicles. For a full and more detailed run down of the range, plus to check whether the speakers will fit your ride visit alpine.co.uk and search for the S-Series speakers.

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KEEP THAT FIRE BURNING This flurry of accessories for the superb stove will take it to the next level PICK-UP TRUCKS and off-road vehicles are solid workhorses. They’re made to be tough, reliable and very capable. But this means that as effective as they perform as tools, they’re equally adept as offroad toys or adventure vessels. The modern double-cab pick-up, in particular, is very well-suited to the latter of these recreational activities. There’s room for up to five people and the bed has ample room for supplies and equipment – especially if there’s a canopy fitted. You may remember from our May Issue that we detailed the brilliant Gstove – a top quality Scandinavian stove that would go a long way to making any camp site feel homely. Well, just like they’re importing the stove itself into the UK, APB also have a range of accessories for the Gstove that wil only further its usefulness and versatility. Whilst the overall design of the stove is to be compact, so as to free up space for other cargo, sometimes you may want to be able to cook an extra portion of

JULY 2019

food on the campsite. Enter the Pipe Cookingspace – a metallic, funnel-shaped surface that can be mounted on any pipe outlet on the Gstove. Designed in such a way that the fames and heat hit the centre of the Cookingspace, it guarantees even cooking of food as well as more heat for your tent. To make the setup even more personal and suite to your individual arena, Gstove have also fabricated a Tentopener, so the chimney of the Gstove can be lead out of the tent at whatever point you desire. As unsettling as cutting a hole in your tent may be, the lightweight aluminium Tentopener consists of two plates that, if you apply glue between them, as well as the provided screws, you will retain your waterproof seal. With such a versatile stove at your disposal, you’ll want to protect it – which is exactly what the freshly redesigned Gstove bag does. It offers 55-litres of total storage, shared between the main compartment and six

exterior pockets for accessories and supplies. There too is a durable handle plus a removable shoulder strap which, like the bag, are made from upgraded materials. As with any good investment, a Gstove is worth protecting – and not only will the bag do just that, but with the Pipe Cookingspace

and the Tentopener, you can really get the best out of the campsite and your truck. For more details and to get your hands on any Gstove products in the UK, get in touch with APB, and search out their full range of adventure supplies and expeditionequipment.com.

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DISCOVER YOUR FEET

Latest rubbers from Cooper Tires goes a step further than all-terrains IF YOU’VE EVER tried to take your truck off-road using standard road tyres, then you’ll have learned the hard way that first you should’ve looked at some more appropriate tyres. In doing so, you’d probably have discovered (don’t worry, the pun will land soon) the name Cooper Tires. A stalwart in the realms of off-road rubber, the brand is famous for making all-terrain and mud-terrain tyres and have offerings for various disciplines of motorsport where the rubber is really pushed to the limits. But, in good news to the more casual off-roader, they’ve just released the new Discoverer ATT. This latest tread in their much acclaimed Discoverer range. it is

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more aggressive than an all-terrain tread, with a 60/40 bias, designed to roll most of its miles actually on the roads. The all-terrain pattern is designed to offer quiet performance on the roads, thanks to the Whisper Grooves in the tread that block out the tyre noise. The body of the tyre is also designed with a robustness to cope with the demands of off-road driving, plus the high silica content of the compound gives a resistance to being chipped and cut out on the trails. The tyre is H rated, up to 130mph, and is available in a range of sizes. To check whether the Discoverer ATT is available in a suitable size for your workhorse visit www.coopertire.co.uk.

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CALLING IN THE BACKUP Coil-sprung trucks aren’t the most robust, but Pedders can fix that easily THERE ARE NUMEROUS benefits to be gained from a coil-sprung rear suspension on a modern pick-up, namely that it’s freer when unladen and therefore offers a better and more composed ride. However, when the cargo is piled high, circumstance dictates that it just isn’t as settled. One of the trucks currently on the market with a coil-sprung back end is the Nissan Navara. To help it to offer a more robust performance, suspension experts Pedders have added to their range of load carrying and towing kits that suit the Navara. Adding to the already existing Heavy Duty rear suspension kit, Pedders have announced the Extra Heavy Duty kit, and the Super Heavy Duty kit. Whilst the Heavy Duty kit is ideal for those who will run unladen on a regular

basis, the Extra Heavy Duty kit is more for those with a nigh-on permanent load and the Super Heavy Duty kit is for yet more extreme cases. For situations where the truck fluctuates between both unladen and at fully loaded, Pedders also have a kit with an Air Assist air bag in the mix, too, to offer even more rounded performance. So, whatever your requirements are for your Navara, Pedders will have a solution that will suit your circumstances. Also, due to the fact that they share underpinnings, these kits may be of interest to MercedesBenz X-Class owners after more flexibility, too. Full kit details can be found at www.pedders.co.uk. Alternatively, to discuss your requirements in more detail you can contact one of the team on 01296 711044.

A TRIP ON THE WILD SIDE Off-roaders are solid workhorses, but they know how to have their fun, too 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. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on earth, Active

4x4 Adventures also offer fully catered trips that include activities along the way that’re perfect for the whole family. 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 32

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BIG BRAKING PERFORMANCE!

WITH PEDDERS TRAKRYDER EXTREME BRAKE KITS BRAKE KITS

ADJUSTABLE 4X4 SUSPENSION

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.

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DON’T ROLL WITH IT

SuperPro kit will keep your truck calm and collected when you need it most

YOU DON’T NEED to spend much time behind the wheel of a pick-up to discover that its back end doesn’t work the same way as a normal 4x4’s. With a long wheelbase and typically leaf-sprung rear axle, not to mention the lack of an anti-roll bar in many cases, they can be less than settled. They’ll roll through corners in the dry, and can be tail-happy in the wet. Step forward SuperPro. The suspension specialist prides itself on its innovation – and says this is the philosophy behind its range of heavy-duty, three-position rear anti-roll bars for pick-ups. These promise to improve stability, handling and traction – especially when the vehicle is being used on wet roads, towing or

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carrying heavy loads. SuperPro itself takes up the story: ’The main benefit of fitting anti-roll bars, particularly on the rear, is to improve roll resistance and vehicle balance and to help limit the amount of understeer and oversteer. For a pick-up with a flat load area at the rear, this change in characteristic is significant and can provide better overall handling and greater driver control. ‘The SuperPro anti-roll bars also reduce the variation in the wheel and tyre camber setting due to chassis roll, otherwise known as “roll camber”. During cornering, the presence of chassis roll usually results in the outside wheels gaining positive camber. By increasing the suspension stiffness and reducing

the roll camber effect, the wheels and tyres stay closer to their optimal settings and, therefore, a larger patch of the tyre maintains contact with the road surface. This means that lateral grip and straight-line traction are improved.’ We know what you’re thinking, though. Adding an anti-roll bar means waving bye-bye to all your lovely axle travel. Except it doesn’t. SuperPro says there’s no reduction in suspension articulation or significant change in ground clearance with these bars installed. Indeed, the company claims actual benefits in terms of a vehicle’s off-road ability. ‘The linking of the rear axle and chassis on both sides results in the suspension reacting in a more synchronised way that in turn provides greater traction and stability over uneven terrain,’ it explains. SuperPro’s rear anti-roll bars are supplied with a durable blue powder-coated finish, in a kit that includes mounting brackets, clamps, fitting instructions and a set of the company’s polyurethane suspension bushes – which, it says, further enhance the operation and longevity of the vehicle’s suspension system. Actually installation the kit requires no modifications to the chassis and original components, meaning it should prove straightforward to anyone with a bit of skill

with the spanners. SuperPro’s rear anti-roll bars are currently available for pick-up models manufactured by Ford, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen, and in some cases you can choose between a variety of diameters. To find out more, and to search for your nearest stockist, go to www.superproeurope.com.

APRIL 2019