The Mud Life 4x4 Magazine - #44 - December 2022

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Double celebrations! turner's torque

Not only is this our Christmas issue, but it’s also the magazine's 4th anniversary!

That’s right, four years ago this month we published the very first issue of the magazine, in fact, we delayed it a month just so we could have the then new Suzuki Jimny on the front cover. Before that The Mud Life was simply a website with pretty much the same content as you’ll find now.

A lot has happened in the world in the last 4 years that no one could have possibly predicted, not even Mystic Meg. One of my favourite covers during this time was January 2020 when Muddy Madam wrote - 2020, The Year To Explore! Hmmm, maybe not! You could say that say jinxed the whole year.

Fuelled by coffee and bacon butties throughout the day, and pizza and Guinness in the evenings, with just the two of us at the helm it hasn’t always been plain sailing, but it’s certainly been fun - even at 3am on a Monday morning as I’m furiously typing away in an attempt to get articles over to Muddy Madam before she shouts at me again for being late!

I’ve been very fortunate to be invited to some really cool events, like heading off to Tuscany on a private jet to drive the Kia Picanto - I did question the invite, but they insisted. I also get to test some exceptional products, of which Muddy Madam has asked me to write a ‘best of’ for this issue, which has been really difficult, and those views could change this month as I’ve just been sent a bunch load of Petromax products to review.

More importantly though, it’s the people I’ve met, from press events and green laning, to you guys on our social media channels - it’s a wonderful community and you never fail to make me smile.

On that note I wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year, and I’ll see you in January 2023.

muddy madam's moment end of year rant

I want to get the things that are driving me bananas off my chest so I can start the new year with a clean slate.

First up - brake lights

Since the dark nights have closed in every journey seems to involve me having to use the sun visor. I know you are thinking why is the mad woman using her sun visor in the dark?

Well let me tell you. I am not mad, just dazzled by brake lights, you know those really, really bright ones that seem to come with every new car, and that seem to be spaced across the entire back of the car. Now these wouldn't be so bad if at traffic lights drivers used the handbrake/autobrake instead of the footbrake....or so I thought until we discovered one of the press cars that arrived kept the full brake lights on even with the foot off the brake. WTAF!!

Next - cyclists!

There is a lot I could say about certain cyclists, but I shall keep my views to a timely rant. As mentioned it is now dark at around 4.30pm, and as drivers we put on our lights so we can see where we are going, and be seen in return.

Cyclists are also legally obliged to use lights for the same reasons, but around me (though I expect it is everywhere) they don't, which makes it downright hazardous just to do a local commute, and we all know who will be to blame if the worst happens, but when did you last see the police pull over a cyclist and give'em a hefty fine? No, me neither.

Oh and don't get me started on the teenagers doing wheelies on bicycles in the middle of a main road, with no lights, at nearly midnight, wearing dark clothes! I have a bike, so I am not anti-cyclist, just anti-knob cyclists, and that category seems to be growing with the new 'cyclists are gods of the road' laws!

Finally never-ending roadworks

There doesn't seem to be a road or motorway that hasn't be in a constant state of 'upgrading' for the last 5 years, and they never finish them. The moment you think it's safe to drive, another section is being churned up for a cycle path, traffic junction upgrade or 'smart' motorway. I could just about cope if the councils/ government also spent money on repairing those car-breaking giant potholes that cover the majority of main thoroughfares, but they don't because the money is earmarked for these crazy, totally unnecessary, schemes!

Mud, Snow & Sand -

Kia Sportage 'Terrain Mode' Trio News

Starting from £27,800, Kia UK has created a trio of distinctive Sportage models, each inspired by the ‘Terrain Mode’ system included as standard on all-wheel drive (AWD) hybrid models.The one-off Sportage ‘Mud Mode’, ‘Snow Mode’ and ‘Sand Mode’ each show the potential of the Sportage to fit into a range of different active lifestyles, at all times of the year. Each model has been equipped with official Kia accessories, suggesting how owners could choose to customise their own cars, with each combination of parts being tailored to reflect the three modes available through the ‘Terrain Mode’ system.

Snow Mode

Equipped for colder climes, the ‘Snow Mode’ Sportage is ideal for drivers who enjoy getting outdoors in the mountains in the winter.

Activating ‘Snow Mode’ optimises the hybrid powertrain to maintain forward momentum in low-grip, icy conditions. It limits torque output from the engine, while apportioning it as equally as possible between all four wheels. The traction control system (TCS) carefully applies low levels of braking force to the wheels to optimise traction. Meanwhile, the transmission uses shorter shifts, keeping engine speeds down to prevent wheel slip.

This version is equipped with a ski and snowboard carrier and steel crossbars on the roof, with side steps enabling easier access. Inside, all-weather mats and a boot liner mean owners can more easily keep the cabin clean, despite passengers getting in and out while wearing boots covered in snow and slush. A boot tidy bag provides a secure space to keep damp items of clothing or skiing and snowboarding equipment.

This particular car is also equipped with winter tyres, as well as an in-car winter kit, which features a range of accessories in case of sudden snowfall. These include a wind-up torch, snowshoe grippers, ice scraper, traction mats, and de-icer and screenwash top-ups.

Mud Mode

Not for those who want to be labelled an unadventurous stick-in-the-mud, the ‘Mud Mode’ Sportage provides greater traction and control for drivers tackling muddy tracks and fields. It’s the ideal solution for active pursuits in the British countryside, for rural drivers, or for visitors to rain-soaked festival fields and county shows.

Activating ‘Mud Mode’ helps maintain momentum in the muck. To achieve this, the wheels are driven based on a slightly delayed shift pattern, with smoother application of engine torque throughout the AWD system, and stronger braking force applied via the TCS.

The ‘Mud Mode’ Sportage is matched with Kia’s pro bike carrier and steel crossbars, with side steps to load and unload a mountain bike more easily. Like the ‘Snow Mode’ car, it also includes elements to protect the car from mud, including all-round mudflaps and allweather mats for inside the cabin. It also features a bumper flap which sits over the flat boot lip, giving owners an informal, easily cleaned seat at the back of the car – or a shield against muddy pawprints. An extended boot liner means more of the interior remains weather-proofed when carrying mud-spattered outdoor gear or clothing.

Sand Mode

The problem with sand is that it gets everywhere, especially in cars. But at least the ‘Sand Mode’ Sportage can get everywhere in the sand. This version helps drivers more confidently traverse sandy tracks and beaches – or even the desert, if so inclined.

Activating ‘Sand Mode’ helps avoid the risk of the Sportage getting bogged down, matching higher levels of engine torque output with delayed up-shifts. It also distributes torque as evenly as possible throughout the AWD system, while the TCS also provides higher levels of braking force when needed.

While British owners are unlikely to tackle the dunes of the desert in their car, the ‘Sand Mode’ Sportage is set-up for more common beach adventures and watersports. Side steps give access to the steel crossbars and roof rack for a surfboard or bodyboard. A trunk liner and all-weather mats help keep sand from becoming ingrained in the carpets, and a trunk organiser is ideal for separating wet, sandy beach gear from other items in the boot. For added visual impact, the ‘Sand Mode’ Sportage features red bonnet and ‘razor’ side decals – although owners can also choose from white or black decals.

Electric Range Rovers by Lunaz Design News

Following the 2021 announcement that Lunaz Design, the leading creator of electric classic cars, was taking orders for its first batch of classic electric Range Rovers, demand spiked and now accounts for 45% of the marque’s total production. Commissions of the two configurations offered - ‘Town’, which focuses on rear-seat and driver comfort, and ‘Country’, which incorporates engineering features that enable better-than-new off-roading capability - are balanced 70/30 respectively.

Range Rovers by Lunaz specified in ‘Town’ configuration have received significant bespoke treatments. Alongside more simple requests for personalised exterior and interior colourways, features requested by Lunaz’ customers include integrating vintage clothing into the vehicle’s fabric palette, Starlink WiFi connectivity and switchgear and seat fabrics made from upcycled ocean plastics.

Nearly all ‘Country’ vehicles have been commissioned based on their owners’ estates. From ranches in Wyoming, vineyards on the Cote d'Azur and shooting estates in Scotland, each Range Rover by Lunaz has been meticulously tailored to the specific climate, terrain and lifestyle demands of their owners. While upgrading the off-road capability of the car is often prioritised,

customers have integrated field sports equipment stowage and even ski equipment racks with ‘warm boxes’ for hats and gloves in preparation for a day on the pistes.

The two most complex Range Rover builds ever undertaken by Lunaz Design have commenced, side by side. The first is a Long Wheelbase variant in ‘Town’ configuration and the second is a fully open Safari model – the same type that featured in the James Bond film, Octopussy – in ‘Country’ specification. Created for two different customers on each side of the Atlantic, the ‘Town’ Range Rover will be 80% chauffeur driven and kept in Monaco, while the ‘Country’ Safari model will be used as a sailing yacht tender in Southampton, New York.

After being stripped to bare metal, each base car is reinforced with box section steel in preparation for its significantly uprated all-wheel-drive powertrain. Following its installation - and subject to customer preference - this will deliver roughly 360bhp and 450lb ft, which is approximately 177% more power than the original V8 engine (estimated 368g/km CO2).

Six and four-piston disc brakes will be fitted to the front and rear respectively. The brakes also feature a regenerative function, charging the car’s battery as it slows. The suspension on both cars will be subject to a complete overhaul. All bushings and linkages are replaced then adjustable, long-travel coil-over suspension will be fitted.

In the cabin of the ‘Town’ configuration, the utility of the original interior design has been elevated, balancing the integration of the latest technology, such as Apple CarPlay-enabled infotainment with a 6" screen and modern audio upgrades powered by a 1300w amplifier, with the iconic Range Rover aesthetic.

The interior of the Long Wheelbase model uses a colour palette inspired by the customer’s second home in Scotland. Rugged greens, warm oranges and rich mineral tones are rendered in both leather and durable box-woven wool on the seats - each electrically operated, heated and cooled with massage functions. The customer requested a specific wood species, walnut,

for use in her Range Rover, which flows from the dashboard into the centre console. The console itself features wireless device charging facilities, warming and cooling drinks carriers, a separate water fridge and a watch winder for four timepieces. The exterior is finished in a bold coral colour, designed by the customer herself, with a contrasting jet-black roof.

On average, a clean-air electric Range Rover by Lunaz conversion requires 30,000 hours to complete. However, this remarkable commission will require experts across Lunaz’ design, engineering and craft functions to invest more than 50,000 collective hours.

The open Safari Lunaz: ‘Country’ model has been given a significantly different treatment in preparation for its use as a sailing yacht tender in Long Island, New York. This fully open car has been subject to significant body and chassis reinforcements using triangular steel section to brace the car in preparation for its uprated powertrain but also remain stable without a roof. The exterior has been given Maya Blue coachwork, acknowledging its oceanside use.

While its primary use is intended as a shuttle between the customer’s property and yacht, the interior has been a considerable focus point. Rendered in Mocca Walnut, each veneer leaf is individually bookmatched to create a chevron

pattern. In a Lunaz first, Mocca Walnut flooring will be fitted to the rear passenger deck – which can seat six - and flow into a bespoke centre console, which will incorporate device charging facilities and a cool box. For a contemporary treatment, the wood will be applied in machined, linear strips before being given a hardwearing satin weatherproofing lacquer finish. This process alone will take more than 1,000 hours in total.

Prices for classic electric Range Rovers by Lunaz start at £245,000 excluding local taxes. A new tranche of vehicles is currently being allocated with first customer deliveries anticipated during the second quarter of 2022.

Hennessey create overlanding upgrade for the MAMMOTH TRX News

Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer, and high-performance vehicle creator, has introduced an overlanding upgrade for its MAMMOTH TRX truck. The comprehensive package enables the world's most powerful pickup truck to take adventure-oriented owners further into the wild than ever before.

The MAMMOTH 1000 TRX, available on the company's 'MAMMOTH 900' or 'MAMMOTH 1000' versions of the RAM TRX, offers adventurers 1,012-horsepower of 4x4 go-anywhere performance combined with everything needed to be comfortable in the remote backwoods.

Measuring 5.81m long, 2.09m wide, and 1.97m high, the imposing Hennessey supertruck makes an enormous statement on or off-road. Capable of carrying five adults in first-class comfort and towing more than 3 tonnes, the MAMMOTH is the most comprehensive and capable performance overlanding truck on the market.

The Overland Edition includes a wide range of user-friendly equipment for truck-based living. The modular system utilizes a robust TRX bed rack as its foundation, topped by a convenient hard-shell rooftop tent that takes mere minutes to set up. A retractable 55" awning provides shade and shelter, while auxiliary fuel tanks and a pressurized water reservoir are also mounted on the rack to increase range and utility. Other accessories include a 28" splitting axe, shovel, and

LED perimeter illumination. Grab handles, and a retractable ladder improve accessibility to the tent and equipment. Professionally installed by Hennessey Performance technicians, the comprehensive upgrade can be added to any MAMMOTH build for $19,950. more at » HennesseyPerformance.com.

Tips for storing your classic car this winter News

With rain lashing down and gales blowing, Britain’s classic car owners are putting their cherished vehicles away for winter; but what are the pitfalls to avoid which can lead to heartbreak and big bills when you come to retrieve it next Spring?

Press Fleet Manager Graham Bothamley, the man charged with overseeing Toyota and Lexus UK’s press and heritage fleets - vehicles in his care range from 1960s examples to brand new cars including a tiny Toyota IQ and the legendary Lexus LFA supercar - has put together his top tips for how to do it right, and the mistakes to avoid.

Graham, who is also a Toyota Master Technician, says: “Keeping your classic out of the worst of a British winter is a good idea, but there are some essential things to remember to make sure that your good intentions don’t actually create problems for your car, and your bank balance. This is a simple checklist but it can make a huge difference to how your car emerges from storage for the season next year. Do it right and then you can relax this winter and spend your time planning the upgrades and adventures you’ll have with your classic in 2023, not worrying about it all winter!”

Here are Graham’s top tips:

- Put your car up on axle stands if possible, it really helps to keep it off the ground, especially to protect your tyres. If this isn’t possible pump your tyres up to the highest safe level you can.

- Fit a trickle charger to the battery, ideally one which conditions as well as charges. This ensures your battery will be in tip-top shape next Spring, rather than ready for the bin.

- Clean your vehicle inside and out before storing, using a good-quality wax on the exterior. Invest in a car cover, ideally a breathable one, if you can.

- Ensure the hand brake is left off. If the handbrake is applied the mechanism can seize during storage. However, it’s vital to make sure that the wheels are firmly 'chocked' if you’re not using axle stands so that car doesn’t move, causing damage or even a safety issue.

- Leave your windows slightly open to prevent condensation building up inside. This can damage upholstery and other surfaces, and allow mould to breed. This is also a good time to remember to remove anything in the vehicle which could rot or cause smells. Where did you leave that half finished bag of crisps?

- Ensure the vehicle’s antifreeze level is at the recommended maximum - enough to prevent engine freezing.

- Finally, consider placing a humane rodent trap close to the vehicle and check it every few days. It’s amazing just how much damage one little mouse can cause if it decides to build a nest in your engine or wheel arches and feast on your wiring!

The Festive MINI is back, all in the name of charity! News

The Festive MINI is back and brighter than ever before, this year wrapped in smart LED lights by creator Nicholas ‘Nico’ Martin and supported by MINI UK, to raise money for MS Trust and Duchenne UK.

First started over 4 years ago, the MINI Electric has 3,000 app-controlled twinkly lights, capable of generating customisable light patterns and messages, and rhythms synced to songs.

This year each individual light is available to sponsor for just £2..

For more information on the Festive MINI tour and to keep updated on where it’s headed visit www.festivemini.com or follow his journey on @drivingwithnico.

SPONSOR A LIGHT - https://festivegiving.org.uk/fundraising/sponsor-a-light-2022

Sporting

The Sporting Bears Motor Club (SBMC) have raised in excess of £3 million for children’s charities; the club’s greatest achievement in its 33-year-long history. This milestone follows a year of phenomenal fundraising, in which the club has raised over £264,000. All this has been achieved thanks to the SBMC’s volunteer members, who have shared their passion for cars by consistently attending up to 50 events annually, providing 'Dream Rides' all over the UK.

Dream Rides are unique passenger-ride experiences on public roads, lasting 20 minutes/10 miles, in the cars of your dreams. These incredible experiences enable car fans to get up close to and aboard their dream car. No organisation does this in the same, committed, unique and professional way as The Sporting Bears.

All volunteers generously give their time, fuel, hotel, maintenance and other costs completely free of chargemeaning 100% of all donations go directly to our supported and vetted charities. All charities and foundations receiving the seal of approval from Sporting Bears go through a stringent approval and follow-up process to ensure that every penny raised by the club goes to good causes.

Next year, The Sporting Bears plan to continue the incredible momentum that they have experienced in 2022 - and raise even more money for children’s charities.

Bears have now raised over £3 million! News

Volvo's new era - The new, fully electric Volvo EX90 News

A true 7 seater, all-electric SUV, the new Volvo EX90 represents the start of a new era for our company in which we set a decisive course for a fully electric future. Starting with the EX90, Volvo will reveal one new fully electric car each year, and by 2030 they aim to sell only fully electric cars in their quest to be a climate-neutral company by 2040.

They revelealed the new fully electric flagship SUV to the world in downtown Stockholm to reflect their Swedish roots, though the Volvo EX90 will be built in the USA starting next year and later also in China aiming for those two production facilities to be climate-neutral.

The Volvo EX90 is a versatile family car with modern proportions. Jim Rowan, Volvo's Chief Executive siad: “The Volvo EX90 is a statement for where we are, and where we are going. It’s fully electric with a range of up to 373 miles on a single charge, designed to further raise our safety standards, the first Volvo car to be truly defined by its software and part of a wider ecosystem, connecting to your home and your other devices. The Volvo EX90 is the start of something new for Volvo Cars in many ways.”

The standard of safety in the Volvo EX90 is also higher than any Volvo car before it. It’s designed to understand you and its surroundings to help keep you, your loved ones and others in traffic safe. It can also get smarter and safer over time, as it learns from new data and receives updates.

Safety

State-of-the art sensors such as cameras, radars and lidar are connected to the car’s high-performance core computers, where NVIDIA DRIVE runs Volvo Cars’ in-house software to create a real-time, 360-degree view of the world. Inside special sensors and cameras, powered by in-house-developed algorithms, gauge eye gaze concentration. The technology allows the Volvo EX90 to understand when you’re distracted, drowsy or otherwise inattentive, beyond what has been possible in a Volvo car to date. It’ll alert you, first softly nudging, then more insistent, and if the unthinkable happens and you fall asleep or are taken ill while driving, the Volvo EX90 is designed to safely stop and call for help. Finally, thanks to the state-of-the-art sensor set including lidar, the Volvo EX90 is the first Volvo that’s hardware-ready for unsupervised driving in the future.

A core system runs most of the main functions inside the car, from safety and infotainment to battery management. The result is a more responsive and enjoyable experience inside the car. The Volvo EX90 is designed to get better over time, thanks to regular overthe-air software updates.

By combining the state-of-the-art computing power from Snapdragon’s Cockpit Platforms with the visualisation capabilities of Unreal Engine, the 3D tool developed by Epic Games and used to power some of the world’s largest games, you get lightning-fast computing power and high-quality graphics on the in-car screens and head-up display. There is a 14.5" centre screen with Google built in, and the displays in the Volvo EX90 help you keep your eyes on the road by offering you the right information at the right time. The Volvo EX90 will also be compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay., and has standard 5G connection, where available. You can also stream your favourite music through the new, reference-quality Bowers & Wilkins audio system featuring Dolby Atmos as a Volvo-first, plus headrest-integrated speakers for immersive sound.

Interior

All of this technology comes together in one of the most pleasant and elegant car interiors on the market, full of natural and responsibly sourced materials. That interior composition also reflects Volvo's sustainability ambitions, such as being a fully circular and climateneutral company by 2040.

sustainability

Delivering up to 373 miles (600 kilometres) of tailpipeemission-free driving range on a single charge, according to the WLTP test cycle, it charges from 10 to 80% battery capacity in under 30 minutes.

The initially available twin-motor all-wheel-drive version is powered by a 111kWh battery and two permanent magnet electric motors together delivering in its performance version 380kW (517hp) and 910Nm of torque. In combination with the brand-new chassis, this creates a great and smooth driving experience.

The Volvo EX90 contains approximately 15% of recycled steel, 25% of recycled aluminium as well as 48kg of recycled plastics and bio-based materials, which corresponds to around 15% of the total plastic used in the car - the highest level of any Volvo car to date.

Finally, the EX90 is Volvo's first car with all the necessary hardware to enable bi-directional charging. It’s a technology whereby you can use your car battery as an extra energy supply, for example to power your home, other electric devices or another electric Volvo car. Volvo plan to make bi-directional charging available in the future, starting with selected markets.

Barry Sheene’s famous LJ80 heads for home News

Suzuki GB is pleased to announce the return home of the LJ80 supplied to Motorcycle Legend and double 500cc Champion Barry Sheene in 1979.

The car was owned by Barry Sheene (1950-2003) and his race team in recognition of his time as a Works rider. The light Blue LJ was used as a circuit pit vehicle at his races, and for promotional work during this period, before being privately owned by the family and used at their farm in Surrey until 1987.

The Pastel Blue and red striped car with its famous number 7 decals, which was Sheene’s race number, was in a state of disrepair after being found stored in a barn covered in hay bales. It was extensively and well restored by the next owner, an ex-Suzuki marketing director who returned the LJ to its exact specification.

The car was later sold privately and then purchased by Suzuki Dealer CMW in Sussex who used it for showroom display with some occasional road use. In 2013 it was sold at auction into a private collection of road and race cars, and recently came up again in the Silverstone Auctions catalogue for a sale being held at the NEC Classic Car Show.

Suzuki GB PLC Managing Director Nobuo Suyama commented: "We are very excited and proud to own this famous vehicle again some 42 years after we supplied it to Barry Sheene and his racing team. With 1979 being our first year of car sales in the UK, this now has pride of place in our showroom, and will be used at our cross divisional events in the future along with the collection of race motorcycles. Our thanks again to the team at Silverstone Auctions for making us aware of this important car in our global company history which spans 102 years and Suzuki Motor Corporation celebrated 50 years of its iconic four wheel drive vehicles in 2020."

As a very important part of its company history, and to accompany the collection of Sheene’s race motorcycles, Suzuki wasted no time in heading to the NEC. The famous LJ80 attracted a high level of interest at the show, and after a brief but busy auction, Suzuki made the winning bid to secure the car.

The LJ80 is powered by an 800cc four cylinder engine and, with a little choke applied to its carburettor, started first time and was driven out of the NEC. It features a soft top hood with removable side screen doors and has Suzuki’s well renowned high and low ratio gears for off road use.

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Fiat 500X Sport Firefly

What is it?

Using the same platform and a few other bits ’n’ pieces as the Jeep Renegade, the 500X is essentially the car you want when you’ve outgrown the standard 500 - it’s better looking, too, and as I’ve written in the past, much prettier than the awkward looking 500L - in my humble opinion, anyway.

When I originally booked the 500x I asked for the Cross version that has skid plates and a few other, err, less sporty accessories - like the low front bumper. But either something got lost in translation or they only had the Sport on the press fleet, and on a wet October morning that’s what arrived. Don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining, the 500X is actually one of my guilty pleasures.

On the road

With a respectable 118bhp, the 1.0ltr, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that’s mated to the 6-speed manual ‘box is quite lively and fun to use when pushed. Around town and on a local commute the 500X was a joy, in fact coupled with its funkiness and lightness I had no complaints at all during short trips.

On fast roads and long motorway journeys, wind, engine and tyre noise are mostly well suppressed, there can be a fair bit of road roar on coarse surfaces, mind. My overall experience was only marred by a bouncy ride on bumpy and undulating surfaces which Muddy Madam wasn’t overly impressed with. That said, the Sport’s ride height has been lowered by 13mm with new front and rear springs and unique tuning for the shock absorbers, so I’ll forgive it.

The Sport felt sharper than the Cross I drove a few years ago, and the steering has a nice weight to it, and although it can wallow a little, overall the body control is quite decent for what it is.

The 6-speed manual was slick, precise and very easy to use. When you decide to floor it, it offers a nice throaty rasp, too.

Cruise and adaptive took the stress out of long journeys, and if you have to change gear at any point, it doesn’t cancel cruise control, which is nice. Also, cruise maintains your speed exceptionally well when you’re heading downhill, something that other, more expensive cars lack.

Off road

At one point you could buy your 500X with AWD, but not anymore, sadly, so it’s just standard 2wd, these days, which is a shame.

Therefore, with that low-slung front bumper, I avoided my usual off-road test route.

Interior

I appreciate that it won’t be everyones cup of tea, but just look at it, isn’t it funky? I especially like how they’ve integrated the centre screen into the dash, which is a first for me. The infotainment system was easy to navigate, buttons and switches are a welcome design feature and the seats are comfortable.

Leg, shoulder and head space up front is in abundance, but you’ll struggle to get in the back if you’re a six-footer, especially if the driver and front seat passenger are six-footers too.

If I’m going to moan it’s that there wasn’t enough space between the clutch pedal and transmission tunnel to fit my size 11, and the hand brake switch is a little too far back and almost under the centre arm rest to activate. Every time I wanted to engage the handbrake I had to perform a little contortion with my left had, it was a tad awkward.

All models get a 7” touchscreen infotainment system with a DAB radio, Bluetooth, two USB ports, an aux-in and Apple CarPlay and Android.

In the boot you’ll find ample space, but there’s quite a lip between the opening of the tailgate and the boot floor.

500X firefly

Conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning, the 500X is another one of my guilty pleasures when it comes to press cars. Okay, it’s not as exciting as the V8 Mustang, my other guilty pleasure, but I’ve always found the 500X to be a fun car to drive, and if I could find a 4x4 version, I’d probably buy it.

Hold the press!

Despite only borrowing this Sport just over a month ago, it transpires that there’s been a major change, and the 1.0ltr and 1.3ltr engines have been discontinued and replaced with a new 1.5ltr, 130bhp turbocharged petrol hybrid engine with a 48v electric motor. Unfortunately I haven’t had the pleasure of driving it yet, but when I do you’ll be the first to know!

Why travelling, and how we travel, matters

Since I embarked on my first ever solo journey abroad at 14, I have been acutely aware of how we travel being just as important as the travelling itself, or the reasons that we do it. Yes, at 14 I navigated myself through the complexities of Manchester Airport to board a plane to stay with a family who I initially met in the UK. Their career in the Greek Air Force meant they moved around a lot, and I was privileged to share some of their journey with them.

This was far from my first sojourn. Having been brought up in an overlanding family, I was taken on long road (and ferry) trips for a considerable amount of every year from the age of 9 months. We always travelled by car, usually some form of British classic, often a 4x4, and boat, with the exception of the occasional flight.

Between these trips we weekended, and spent half terms, driving, hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking, occasionally canoeing or even abseiling (this is not my forte, heights and I do not get along!), and as soon as I was old enough I signed up to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, later becoming a team leader and trainer.

By the first time I moved abroad, solo aged 19, with all my worldly goods packed into a Suzuki Jimny, I had significant experience of most forms of transportation and travel, but, more importantly in my opinion, I had directly experienced how each mode affected me and the journey I was on.

As 4x4 drivers, we are accustomed to being told that we should walk. We also know the virtues that selfpropelled travel on foot is said to gift us, mainly health, both mental and physical, but is walking really the only form of transportation that can benefit us in that and other ways?

What if you are unable to walk, or walking just isn’t suitable for the kind of journey you need or wish to make?

To make sweeping statements that everyone should do something because it benefits everyone in the same way is rubbish. We are not all the same. As something of an outlier who scores highly on the eccentricity scale I can very much vouch for that!

This is why I spend a considerable amount of time listening to and reading people’s stories about travelling, and why and how they do it. More importantly, what the benefits of their choices are for them as an individual with the right to enjoy whatever the hell floats their boat.

I included a considerable amount of this in a paper I wrote about countryside access. Some people call it my 'disability paper', presumably because they haven’t actually read it. It includes far more than that one topic alone. It’s main message is to call for equality between user types however they choose to travel and whether disabled or not.

I also began work on another paper that discusses the health and other benefits of motorised travel, although this is likely to remain unfinished and unpublished for a while, it will materialise.

The subject matter is worthy of discussion, for it has already proven to be a game-changer when it comes to shifting the perceptions of those who simply refuse to see that not everyone is as narrow-minded and bigoted as they are, and that we all have our own preferences that are as valid as each other’s.

The benefits of self-navigation and of moving through time and space in a variety of ways, is far more valuable to human evolution than most of us would ever imagine.

From the moment we put one foot in front of the other and take our first step, to the 37,965th time we get in our cars and drive, we are learning valuable skills that we need in other areas of our life.

We are learning to remember, because movement is directly related to forming something called episodic memory. In basic terms, without navigating ourselves through the world, we are failing to teach our brains how to remember, so this is really important stuff.

We are also failing to teach ourselves about physics, and with that brings significant risk, if we never learn to control our movement, we are bound to come a cropper.

If we only ever learn to walk forwards not backwards, or only to cycle but not drive, etc., we are missing out on forming neural networks that allow us to think and function as effectively and independently as we potentially could.

There are many overlanding quotes such as:

“As you travel solo,being totally responsible for yourself,it’s inevitable that you will discover just how capable you are.”

Yes, it may be a cliché, but it is also true. It is true of any form of travel, because even if you’re only out for a day’s laning and not traversing the globe, you are constantly teaching yourself something, and the more methods of travel you use and the more often you use them, the more you are learning.

At least we are today, but with the advent of GPS systems, phone apps, sat-navs, and now self-driving cars, we are at risk of losing a huge benefit to humanity. The more user-friendly moving about becomes, the less of our brains we need to use to do it, and the more incapable we as users become.

If you’re interested in the scientific stuff I suggest reading Why We Drive by Matthew Crawford, it makes excellent reading, and includes a fascinating and in-depth look at the subject.

Neuroscience aside, we don’t need to be able to explain what is happening when we can feel it.

I have spent the vast majority of my time since my last column outdoors, which will likely come as no surprise.

I’ve not long got back from a month of wild camping in Scotland with Ralph the L322, but after a few weeks I get itchy feet, so I jumped back in the Rangie, headed for the woods, and haven’t looked back....until I unexpectedly rescued two cats that is. They don’t like the feral life, who’d have guessed!?

In both cases, I’ve walked miles and driven many more. I love exploring the forest on foot and being out in the fresh air. Just as I loved hiking to lost villages in Scotland or wild swimming in rivers or lochs, I also love the driving, this remains my favourite method of self-propulsion. Each activity gave me something unique - walking made me feel good, open-water swimming even more so, but while walking has been great, I’ve had the occasional off day.

There’s a lot of change going on at the moment (or there were, things are awesome now), and while walking I have time to let these things weigh on my mind.

Don’t get me wrong, time to think is good, I often spend my time walking or swimming in my gym's pool thinking of storylines, world-building for my fictional writing, and even mulling over legal cases when in my previous role.

Often ideas come to you when you are doing other tasks, this is a known psychological phenomenon to do with the subconscious, but having time to dwell on life stresses isn’t good and, at least for me, that’s where driving comes in.

On many occasions I’ve forced myself to walk for hours when I’ve not felt great, but it’s the drive to the location and back again that’s made me feel better than the walk did.

Driving takes up far more processing space than walking, you’re moving faster, there are more hazards to look out for. Other people are often doing silly things around you, but even if, like me, you’re driving in remote areas and see no one else on route, you’re still forced to carry out far more complex tasks than placing one foot in front of the other and not bumping into something. It takes up more brain space and insists that you forget your worries and focus on the present moment and the road ahead.

Then there’s the pure enjoyment of it.

We all love doing different things, and we all have different passions. While I would say that I like walking, I would call driving a passion.

When I left the woods on those down days, I’d had a nice time but still felt a bit blue. Doing my favourite activity - getting into the driving seat, putting on some music, opening the window, and moving off - gave me an immediate boost. Instead of driving straight back to camp, I went for a drive, often retracing the steps I’d walked, and if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have arrived back feeling as good as I did.

It's not just the activity either, it’s the car. We all have something we cherish, that has sentimental value to us, even if others can’t see it, and for us our cars are often our most treasured possessions.

I almost sold Ralph recently, but when it came close for a buyer to come and take a look, I realised how much I was potentially going to lose and how much that affected me. Luckily the buyer didn’t show up and I returned to my senses.

As 4x4 owners our vehicles are so much more than cars. They are our ticket to freedom, our means to adventure, our homes/beds for the night, our saviours or the saviours of others, and they are extensions of ourselves and our way of life. To those of us with disabilities, they may well be the only way we can venture into the deeper countryside.

This way of life is something we share with something else that is vitally important to our livescommunity. While walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and 4x4 drivers all share a passion for the outdoors, we are all different on a community level.

Each group has its own culture formed over generations, and having been part of all of the above at some point in my life, I can honestly say that the 4x4 community fits me far better than the others. For me, it’s the sense of adventure (and humour!), the selfsufficiency, and the willingness and preparedness to help others that makes our culture attractive.

While I have no intention of divulging the details what I’m up to at the moment, you’ll just have to wait until it comes to fruition, I can tell you that it focuses on the benefits of outdoor travel, and of course includes a focus on 4x4s.

While I’ve been walking the walk, or more accurately driving the drive, for years when it comes to the benefits of our hobby, it is time to drop a cog and plant my right foot where it makes the best noise.

That’s all from me for this month folks!

Drive safe, Lauren & Celyn (and now Neville & Luna!)

A Close Encounter with...

THE ALL ELECTRIC HYPER SUV FROM LOTUS

Described by Lotus as the world’s first electric ‘Hyper-SUV’, Richard, Head of News and Tech for the company showed us around the Eletre and explained that this is the first of a new breed of pure electric SUVs, and one which takes its core principals, and Lotus DNA, from almost 75 years of sports car design.

It’s unfair to say that Lotus is simply jumping on the SUV bandwagon, I have to agree with Richard when he explained that the Eletre is the natural next step for Lotus as sports cars are not for everyone, especial for the likes of me! With that in mind Lotus wants to produce a car for every stage of your life, and squeezing kids into a two-seater isn't the most practical.

Proof is in the pudding, so they say, as thousands of customers around the world have already placed deposits to secure their Eletre, and I can see why.

Muddy Madam and I were recently invited to the static launch of the brand new Lotus Eletre at the Concorde Hangar at Manchester Airport.

Inside the sleek exterior is a luxury cabin that is well specced with very comfortable 12-way electrically adjustable seats, four-zone air automatic climate control and wireless smartphone charging. The ‘intelligent cockpit’ infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 1,380-watt, 15-speaker KEF Premium Audio, is operated via a central 15.1” high-definition OLED centre screen.

All versions of the Eletre will feature five seats and standard, with a four-seat version available as part of the Executive Seat Pack. UK Eletres will ride on 22” wheels as standard, though if you live out in the country with pot-hole strewn lanes, then 20” wheels are available. All come with five drive modes, active air suspension, torque vectoring, matrix LED headlights, and active front grill.

Three different versions of the car are available – Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R with a choice of two powertrains.

The first two boast a 450kW/603hp single-speed version and an impressive range of 373miles (600km). The Eletre R comes with the flagship 675kW/905hp dual-speed system and a maximum range of 304 miles (490km). Torque figures are equally impressive at 710 and 985Nm respectively. All models come with the same 112kWh battery which can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes should you be fortunate enough to find a suitably quick rapid charger.

The Eletre comes with 688 litres of boot space, which extends to a whopping 1,532 litres with the rear seats folded.

In various places around the car you'll find this emblem (below) emblazoned,with the letters ACBC interlinked.

This is a very stylish nod to the founder of Lotus Cars, Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman.

Cup holders are a modern neccessity, but are usually ugly holes that catch dust and detritis, but not in the Eletre.

They have thwarted the dust issue by having cup holders that desend satisyingly into the centre console, and they have even thought about different cup/bottle sizes so that your drink doesn't wobble about and spill.

In a partnership of two iconic British brands, KEF has created an immersive in-car audio system 1380w with 15 speakersto complement the driving experience offered by Lotus, and the styling team have designed speaker front that delights the senses both visually and by touch.

Let’s talk performance figures. You can expect 0-62mph sprint times of either 4.5 or 2.95 seconds, and the Eletre R has a top speed of 165 mph (265 km/h).

Prospective Eletre buyers will have a choice of six cool exterior colours; Natron Red (our choice), Galloway Green, Stellar Black, Kaimu Grey, Blossom Grey or Solar Yellow.

There are also six unique interiors are available, with leather alternatives being made available which claim to be odour-free and longer lasting.

A five-year/100,000mile warranty is offered and there’s five years of pan-European roadside assistance too.

UK prices start at £89,500, rising to £120,000 for the top Eletre R version.

For further details visit: www.lotuscars.com

ULTRA-LIGHT FLIP TOP WATER BOTTLE

Muddy Madam here, and I thought I'd tell you why this stainless steel bottle has become my go-to water bottle in the car and in the gym. We get to review quite a lot of water bottles, and the features that have made this flip top bottle usurp my past favourite are:

• It is light - the 500ml version is 266g, compared to Hydro Flask's 473ml at 275g.

• It has a safety catch to stop the lid flipping open by accident, which has happened with other bottles when I've chucked them in my hand bag or gym bag, and it's not fun doing a yoga class with soggy bottoms.

• The mouth design allows enough drink out, but in a controlled way so you won't end up with a face ful of liquid if you hit a speed bump.

• It has a nice hand-gripping circumference, so it's easy to pick up, and also fits in most, not all, cup holders, and the patterned version has a non-slip coating.

• The double-walled vacuum insulation design keeps your drinks cold for up to 24h, or hot for up to 12h - for optimum temperature retention I recommend putting the body of the bottle into the fridge to pre-cool, or swirl some hot water around to prewarm before you put your actual drinks in.

• BPA-free or any other toxins

The 500ml one in the photo that's covered with pineapples is my goto bottle for most things, and the bigger 750ml version is perfect for long car trips. There is also a smaller 350ml version that is the perfect size for kids.

Lastly, there are soooooo many plain colour and pattern choices that everyone should be able to find one that suits their personality.

The original Land Rover radio fascia fitted to 2002-2006 Td5 Defenders was a fragile unit prone to breakage thanks to a poorly designed two-piece assembly whose flimsy fixings can barely support the weight of a regular single DIN head unit. Typically, the weight of the head-unit, over time, causes the separate centre panel to break loose from its fixings. The Genuine panel has been obsolete for a number of years now so MUD has created their own panel that will provide a solution for anyone with a broken dashboard.

The MUD Td5 Single DIN Console replaces the factory-fit 20022006 Td5 Defender radio console with an injection moulded one-piece design that perfectly replicates the appearance of the factory-fit fascia.

Installation is a simple DIY swap-over that uses all of the original factory fixings and requires no cutting, drilling or modifications to be made to your dashboard. Simply remove your old console and replace with the MUD Td5 Single DIN Console.

Available in a Matt Black only price: £149 incl. VAT more at » mudstuff.co.uk

New Stuff we've discovered this month

AL-KO UNIVERSAL SAFETY LOCK

Whether you have a caravan, boat, car transporter or a general trailer for taking rubbish to the skip, you know what a great investment they can be.

AL-KO’s Universal safety lock is a compact and sturdy universal hitchlock that fits to any standard non-stabiliser hitch including braked and unbraked unit.

The Safety Lockis easy to fit by simply inserting it into the hitch and lock it with the bolt, just like a padlock. Apparently it will fit even the most awkward hitches with 50mm ball coupling.

price: around £30 more at » www.alko-tech.com

PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS

RANGE

New Stuff we've discovered this month

Outwell Active Awnings

Two new drive-aways and a versatile tarp add even more choice to the Outwell Active Collection, developed for adventurous campervan owners who want low weight, small pack size, performance vehicle awnings.The latest additions are perfect for overnight stays and day trips, and allow campers to use the vehicle rear as a simple bedroom or kitchen without having to invest in a full spec campervan. Outtex 3000 Select polyester fabric, enhanced by alloy poles, storm web tapes and Outwell's Wind Stabiliser System provides a correctly secured awning stability in up to Force 10 storms. They have guyline retainers and a choice of methods to secure against the vehicle while allowing unhindered access, and some have large mesh windows,with waterproof curtains to help circulate air to reduce condensation.

Dunecrest

Designed for smaller units like the Citroën Berlingo or VW Caddy, the Dunecrest builds on the popular Sandcrest models to offer a driveaway version that’s fast and easy to attach and detach for freedom to travel. Outdoor kitchen, dining room, changing room and more. The Dunecrest provides rear living space with detachable groundsheet thanks to ingenious connection to the rear wheels and rear passenger grab handles. This Vehicle Attachment System keeps vehicle side doors clear of obstruction from guylines while allowing the tailgate or barn door to be used or locked shut with the awning in situ. A large mesh window with waterproof curtain, located in the front door, provides enhanced ventilation while protecting rain. This door can also be used as a sun canopy using optional king poles. Other options include footprint and carpet. price: £554.99 more at » dunecrest

Shalecrest

Pitch the Shalecrest drive-away awning to the side of your campervan for extra living space. Its free-standing design is perfect for hard surfaces. It attaches to the vehicle using an Outwell Link Access Zone (LAZ) to provide side doors opening onto an area where wet clothes and muddy boots can be left before entering the living space. The LAZ features a detachable groundsheet with draught excluder panel.

It features large mesh windows to enhance ventilation. All window and fabric doors are interchangeable and can be fully removed for panoramic views. The addition of the HookTrack System in the living area allows lights and small items to be suspended where needed, and a sewn-in groundsheet protects the living area. There are optional extras such as carpet to enhance underfoot comfort, and 2 sizes of free-standing inner to use as an additional bedroom or storage.

price: £1,029.99 more at » shalecrest

Upcrest Tarp

Designed for small Caddy-type vehicles, the Upcrest tarp simply and easily adds shade, shelter and privacy to the rear - perfect for lunch breaks or stopovers that do not warrant the use of a full awning. Roll up the side panel to tailor for weather conditions or for when you find yourself on hard ground.

price: £109.99 more at » upcrest

The ProQ Flatdog is a collapsible and compact portable charcoal bbq that when packs down is as thin as a laptop (25mm).

With a sizeable 30cm x 38cm grill the Flatdog has ample space to cook for up to 12 hungry people with an area that’ll cope with 12 burgers or 24 sausages.

It’s one of those products that is ideal for camping, caravanning, hiking or simply a trip to the beach. The best thing is that it unfolds and is ready to cook almost instantly - no assembly, no faff, and made from easy-to-clean, high quality stainless steel for durability and rust resistance.

Flat Pack Size 422 x 322 x 25mm / Assembled Size 422 x 322 x 180mm / Grill Size 380mm x 290mm / Weight: 5kg price: £89.99 more at » proqsmokers.co.uk

This neat little multi-tool from ProQ is the ideal BBQ tool if you’re travelling light or tight on space.

With a click and a twist, this 4-in-1 tool becomes a handy pair of BBQ tongs, grill fork, spatula and a bottle opener.

Made from high quality 430 stainless steel this high quality & lightweight tool will easily slip into a pocket, backpack or the cutlery storage in your campervan.

Weighing in at just 260g, folded in measures 230 x 60 x 30mm, and opened 292 x 60 x 110mm. price: £19.99 more at » proqsmokers.co.uk

What is it?

If you remember Škoda’s brilliant little Yeti, a car so practical it hurt, then maybe you’re aware that the Karoq was its replacement. Characterised by the updated design language of Škoda’s current SUVs, it’s a slightly squished version of its bigger sibling, the Kodiaq, and on first impression the Karoq hasn’t lost any of the Yeti’s practical features, but I’m getting ahead of myself a bit.

On the Road

With a 2.0ltr diesel lump up front churning out 150ps through a responsive 7-Speed DSG gearbox, the Karoq handled everything with aplomb. From incessant motorway treks to bumbling

around town the Karoq always felt at home, even the 18” wheels didn’t feel too harsh as they often can. It’s on twisty roads where the Sportline comes into its own, with light steering offering plenty of feedback, the taut suspension and overall balance of the car left me with a huge grin. It’s such an easy SUV to drive.

With 5 driving modes to choose from; Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow and Individual you have pretty much all eventualities coveredthough I was surprised not to find an ‘Off-Road’ mode.

Selecting Eco mode on a long trip to North Yorkshire, and driving at a steady 70mph, the on-board computer told me it was sipping fuel at an impressive rate of 47-50mpg. I’ll take that any

Off road

Thankfully, for an extra £200 Škoda still offer the ‘rough road’ package for the Karoq that includes an additional layer of chassis protection, this gave me a tad more confidence whilst driving over some rocky lanes. However, with its rather low approach angle I decided to turn around when the lane from Grewelthorpe to Lofthouse, in the North Yorkshire Moors, became a little bit too rocky as I was concerned for the front bumper!

The AWD system on the other hand never let me down and would have easily got me to the end, either with its front in place, or not!

Interior

Just like the outside, internally the Karoq is recognisable as a Škoda, which is no bad thing, if not a little dull. That said, it does have actual heater dials and an easy to read, and navigate Amundsen satellite navigation with 8” touchscreen display.

The front sport seats are incredibly comfortable and long and wide enough for the larger folk amongst us (me). Same can be said for the rear seats, and those of us over six foot won’t feel too cramped as there’s a decent amount of footspace under the front seats, as well as headroom. That said, the panoramic sunroof can steal an inch or two as they often do, but even then still not enough to bother six-footers.

There’s a lot of usable space in the Karoq and plenty of cool features with all manner of hooks, crannies. The only negative thing I have to say about the interior, and it isn’t just the Karoq, but in every other Škoda I’ve driven recently, and that’s my travel mug doesn’t fit in the holders in between the seats. It does fit in the door bins, but it’s a bit awkward to remove.

Despite not having a height-adjustable boot floor the Karoq still has the largest boot in its in class. The Sportline doesn’t have the usual variable-height boot floor but it does have a host of useful storage cubby holes on both sides of the loading area, as well as some very handy load-securing hooks. With the back seats flat there’s up to 1810ltrs of space for you to fill, which is pretty decent. It’s worth mentioning that four-wheel drive models have a slightly smaller boot than front-wheel drive models.

Conclusion

I like it, in fact I like it a lot, and if Muddy Madam wanted to replace her old Fabia with one, I’d be over the moon. I’m not the only fan either, it was this exact model that was the overall winner of What Car? and Caravan & Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the year 2023, which is no mean feat.

The Karoq is a clever and highly practical family SUV with clever seating options, a huge boot and plenty of space inside for passengers. Thanks to its comfortable ride and great visibility it’s also a pleasure to drive, and frugal too.

price: £38,085 (as tested with options £40,535) more at » https://www.skoda.co.uk/new-cars/karoq/sportline

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Mugs

themudlife.co.uk/mugs

FLASH DRIVE

Citroën Ami

Granted, this isn’t the type of vehicle that you would normally expect to see in a 4x4 magazine, but when the opportunity arose to drive it, I couldn’t resist, and of course, share my experience with you.

What on earth is it?

Well, Citroën are keen to say that it isn’t a car, it’s actually an electric quadricycle, and therefore in some other European countries it can be driven by 14 year olds without a driving licence. Thankfully that doesn’t apply to the UK, kids on electric scooters are a menace enough!

Power

The Ami’s electric motor produces just 8bhp and has a restricted top speed of 28mph. Although the official range is only up to 46 miles between charges, Citroën says that you can plug the Ami into any normal (Type 2) electric car charging point, and a 0-100% charge will take around three hours.

On the road

Designed with city centre driving in mind you will certainly want to avoid fast main carriage ways, but tootling around city streets and even country lanes it’s actually quite nippy. Though, whilst carrying two hefty blokes up some of the steeper hills during our test route around Giggleswick, it did struggle a little. The village name, by the way, wasn’t lost on me!

With a wheel literally at each corner and a 7.2m turning circle it’ll turn on a sixpence, and measuring just 1.39m wide and 2.41m long, you could even park it nose-in to kerbs.

Is it comfy?

Despite being tiny, there’s actually a fair bit of space inside the Ami, enough for a 6ft 2”, 18 stone fat boy like me to get relatively comfortable, and the doors are wide enough to allow easy access and departure.

What is a Flash Drive? Sometimes we only get to drive cars for around an hour, which is great when you want to get a feel for it, but not necessarily enough for a full review, so these are our mini reviews.

On the subject of the doors, the drivers side is rearhinged (suicide door), whilst the passenger door opens normally. This means that identical doors can be used on either side of the car to keep costs down. The Ami also has opening windows as standard. When I say opening, they lift up like the 2CV and Dyane of old.

Because the steering wheel is fixed in place, and the driver’s seat only adjusts forwards and backwards, the driving position can take a bit of getting used to. Saying that, within a few hundred yards or so I was settled in and enjoying the experience.

As the Ami isn’t designed for long journeys you’ll find the seats are quite basic with only a little cushioning or back support. They're also slightly off-set, so there’s enough shoulder room for two adults.

Practicality

There are storage bins in both doors, and a fair bit of space on top of the dashboard. If you have something bigger to carry then there's 63ltr of space in the passenger footwell for your shopping, even a carry-on suitcase.

If you’re considering an Ami for work, you’ll be please to hear that there’s a commercial variant in the range called the ‘My Ami Cargo’ (£7,995). The difference being that the passenger seat has been swapped out for a cargo module that doubles as a work table.

Oh, and you will notice there’s no gearstick, instead, just by the drivers left thigh you’ll find a small bank of switches; N for neutral, R for reverse, and of course D for drive.

The range

For £7,695 the entry-level car is simply called ‘Ami’ and comes with LED headlights, a sunroof, a USB charging socket, a heating and cooling fan and a few simple exterior styling details. You have options of either orange, grey or blue colour packs to choose from.

At £8,495, next up is the Ami Pop, which includes the orange colour pack plus bespoke black trim and a rear spoiler.

Topping the range is the Ami Tonic at £8,695, which gets a khaki and yellow colour scheme, plus black headlight surrounds, bespoke wheel trims, roof rails and bumper trims. Inside you get a set of dashboard storage boxes, floor mats, a passenger bag hook, 2 door storage nets, a black central separation net, Smartphone cradle and a DAT@AMI box for connecting your smartphone to Ami.

Seriously though, what is it like?

As the prices suggest, it’s basic, and there’s no doubt it looks comical, but there’s a serious side to the Ami.

It’s made of plastic, so it's lightweight. Apart from different lights, the front and rear are identical, and as I mentioned earlier there’s only one type of door, which means it opens from the front on one side and the back on the other, so on the design front it’s very clever.

Of course it has limitations. It’s limited to 28mph, the ride is bumpy and it’s not quiet. The transmission hums and the

sound of whatever the tyres flick up into the wheel arches can make you jump!

There’s no rear-view mirror, just two small circular door mirrors, and the Ami has only one windscreen wiper and single-speed blower - which is loud.

That said, it’s very easy to start comparing the Ami to other electric cars - but as I said at the beginning, it’s actually an electric quadricycle, so it’s really unfair to compare the two.

Overall it’s cheap to buy, cheap to run and actually quite fun to drive. All Amis come with a two year unlimited mileage warranty, plus a three year or 25,000 mile warranty for the battery.

price: from £7,695 more at » https://www.citroen.co.uk/ami

MoochOn the Trail with the Trailhawk

The Renegade Trailhawk 4xe is no stranger to these pages, Jeep have been more than generous in the past when it comes to lending me one from their press fleet. With that in mind there’s no real point in me re-reviewing this PHEV Trailhawk, instead I decided to venture out and drive as many lanes as I could during the week I had it, and the first was Rudland Rigg.

It was a case of clobbering two birds with one stone, as I had also been invited up to Thirsk in North Yorkshire to

visit Twisted Automotive’s showroom. They also had bacon and sausage barms on offer, so how could I refuse?

Leaving Thirsk I headed for the northern end of Rudland Rigg, only 30 minutes away on the outskirts of a small village called Ingleby Greenhow.

I wanted to start at the northern end because I figured the the steep incline and twisty section at the beginning of the road would be a challenge for the low-ish slung Renegade.

The first section is like a broken road until you come to the second gate, and that’s when you start to climb. I engaged ‘Rock’’ mode here, not because it was rocky, but there were places where the surface was a little loose with a few diagonal ruts, and there more than once occasion when I could hear the tyres scrambling a little. Overall though, it wasn’t a challenge, and the Renegade climbed it with ease.

As you turn the last corner before the plateau there are a few large rock slabs to negotiate, nothing gnarly, a 2WD would manage it, but I wonder if that was the part of the section that was heavily graded all those years ago?

As I reached the top the sun was trying to break through the clouds, it made for an awesome view, so out I jumped to take a few more photos.

For quite a few miles the road was quite solid with more than a few shallow holes that were filled with muddy water. I switched the Renegade to auto and ambled along at around 20mph. The road at this point is so flat and straight I could have pushed it to 30mph, but the views were so spectacular, why would you want to?

I’d say I was around halfway along Rudland Rigg when I arrived at my first ‘challenge’. Due to water erosion, there’s now a fairly deep rut on the right hand side, that, after a coupe of yards crosses the road to the left thus creating a bit of a challenge.

Straddling the rut the Renegade’s tyres found plenty of grip, then as I crossed the diagonal rut it lifted a rear wheel - photo op!

Another few yards later the rut became fairly wide with no chance of me being able to straddle it, so very slowly, and gently, I dropped the off-side wheel into the muddy hole and cringed as I tested the Renegade’s skid plates for what seemed an eternity!

At the crossroads I came across my first group of trail riders, they must’ve stopped for a breather or something as they were just putting their helmets back on as I approached.

Just as I passed them I had to stop for another photo as the view ahead was simply stunning, yet a bit moody. As the road vanished in the distance, on the right mist was still enveloping the tree line below, and the sun still hadn’t managed to pierce the thick clouds. At this point the trail riders started their engines, revved them high, and made off kicking mud into the air with aplomb.

From here on, the surface remained solid, with the odd evidence of repair. The views on either side were often marred by clouds, but overall it was a great trek out in the Trailhawk. Once again the Renegade proved it can handle pretty much everything I can throw at it.

Heading back towards Thirsk I made my back onto the M1, and at junction 46 the Renegade was telling me that I had 42 miles left in the tank, and I had another 60 or so miles left to drive, so I pulled over for a splash and dash. It swallowed up 25ltrs of petrol costing me £40.00. I haven’t worked out the economy, but when I left Muddy Towers the Jeep had a full tank of petrol, and up until that point I’d driven around 250 miles, not bad considering.

We have reviewed a lot of products over the last 43 issues. Some we've loved, some have been useful and some have become totally indespensible. With this being our 4th anniversay issue we've have had a look back, so if you can, imagine us singing loudly in the style of Julie Andrews...

These are a few of our favourite things

How Damian chose...

Muddy Madam has told me to come up with a list of my favourite gear, and by that she doesn’t mean anything dodgy, simply a list of my favourite products that I have reviewed over the years.

It’s actually a difficult list to write because the vast majority of products that I’ve tested, I’ve actually asked for. So, my way of creating this list is simple - what do I use, or gravitate to the most, either when out and about, or at home.

...

How Muddy Madam chose...

I don't get as much sent to me as much as Damian, but, due to this scarcity, I think I do end up using the stuff I get my hands on more than him, which means I tend to give them a very thorough trial, and if I really like them I incorporate them into my daily life.

So my picks are what I really love!

FAVOURITE TORCH

Muddy Madam's Pick...

Although it's small, this Waka Waka Pocket Light, which we reviewed way back in issue 4, doesn't half pack a punch with its 40 lumen brightest setting.

I use it mainly for Lilly's bedtime walk as it's small enough to fit in my hand and easy enough to manoeuvre if I have to pick up some ��

The best thing for me is that it is rechargeable, so no having to hunt around for pesky batteries.

Damian's Pick...

This Ring MAGflex Utility LED Inspection Lamp is my go-to torch for when I’m walking Lilly or when I occasionally work on Deux Smurf at night.

It’s just so flexible. with the movable magnetic ends that make it so easy to attach to the underside of a bonnet or to stand on the floor

FAVOURITE BOOTS

Damian's Pick.

⬅ Redback Boots

When it comes to footwear, I can't just pick only one!

My Redback boots are used every day for ‘laning and Lilly walking duties, whilst my Blundstone boots are for everything else as they are more of a dress boot, but still hardy. I know red isn't for everyone, but they also do more sedate colours if you aren't that way inclined.

⬅ Blundstone Boots

Muddy Madam's Pick...

I have worn these Adesso Delia Multi beauties around the wet'n'windy trails of Bolton nearly every day since they arrived, and I have still to get a blister, painful rub or uncomfortable ache on my dodgy feet.

For me that is high praise, as footwear is my nemesis. I really adore the colourful design, it is so me, but they do make them in more sedate colours too.

FAVOURITE WELLIES

Muddy Madam's Pick...

I couldn't love these MUCK BOOT

Tack II Hi Equestrian wellies more. I actually reviewed them before the magazine, when we just had the website, so they are more than 5 years old, and still going strong. Wide calves, squishy, soft soles and great flexibility make these amazing wellies.

Unfortunately they don't make this particular boot anymore, but their Hale Tall Boots seem like a worthy successor, and they also come in standard colours, and some funky bright designs.

Damian's Pick...

I've worn these GRUBS Snowline 8.5 wellies for dog walking, green laning and for wandering around fields, and they just keep on going, and they are incredibly comfy too.

Damian's FAVOURITE CLOTHING

Being a bald bloke it’s important to keep my head warm in winter, and protected from the sun in summer, so my favourite hats go to Tilley. My winter hat is their TTW2 Tec Wool and for summer the TMH55 Mashup Airflow that’s created by incorporating leftover yarns and sustainable materials.

As I wrote last month, my new Barber Beaconsfield Jacket has hardly been off my back, and it’s still my favourite now that the weather has turned damp and grim.

As it's getting colder too I have just pulled my Eskeez thermal top & long johns out of the wardrobe to keep me toastie from head to ankle.

As for keeping my feet warm, I love my Darn Tough socks for going out, and my Rab Hut slippers for staying in.

Muddy Madam's FAVOURITE CLOTHING

UV Protection Buff is the perfect travel accessory. It's a totally seamless tube of fabric that has a multitude of uses - it can be a neckerchief, headband, wristband, mask, hairband, balaclava, scrunchie, saharaine, pirate cap, beanie or bandana, but I normally wear it in winter as a non-bulky neck warmer.

Due to getting all itchy wearing anything containing wool, these cotton Wigwam Cypress Trail Socks are my pick to wear with my Adesso walking boots.

Through the whole of Summer and the warmer Autumn months this Tilley Recycled Cap has seen me through every dog walk and wander, and a few wears I chuck it in the washing machine. I love it so much as it keeps snug on my head, even in wind, and keeps the sun at bay with its big peak.

FAVOURITE MISCELLANEOUS

These two products need a mention as they get used all the time and are the sort of thing that you really need, but didn't know it until you got your hands on one.

Storacell Battery Holders were invented so that you can take spare batteries on to a plane and keep to the regulations that they shouldn't touch each other, but in our house they are perfect for keeping rechargeable batteries from being all over the place.

The Boot Butler is so simple, yet so brilliant. It gets your boots off like any other boot jack, but unlike others, with the flipover top panel you can keep your bootless foot clean too. It gets used daily at Muddy Towers.

FAVOURITE TOOLS & CAR STUFF

Apart from a simple Halfords Professional spanner set I don’t have that many tools, but when it comes to simple jobs, then my Gerber Centre-Drive Multi Tool is the one I grab.

My NOCO GB40 that Tayna sent me has got me out of trouble on more than a couple of occasions, and my trusty Michelin Tyre Superfast 4x4/SUV Tyre Inflator is simply irreplaceable.

What about recovery gear?

Well I like to keep it simple, I have 2 pairs of ActionTrax self recovery tracks from Roy at 4x4 Obsession, and a selection of ropes and soft shackles from Andy at Frozen Ropes

FAVOURITE KITCHEN BITS'N'BOBS

The spectacularly sharp Almazan Kitchen Original Chef Knife sits in my kitchen, and I use it to chop pretty much everything with total ease, and I wouldn’t be without it.

The knives in the Opinel Nomad Cooking Kit are also exceptionally sharp. The Opinel Set is stationed in my Peli case, that has everything you could need for cooking trips out'n'about.

The Almazan and Opinel knives are so sharp that Muddy Madam, who is incredibly clumsy, tends not to use them incase she

When it comes to pots’n’pans, the Madog Outdoors Open Fire Set, made from carbon steel, are the ones I'd grab as they have a similar cooking performance to cast iron, but at half the weight.

When you find something that is better than the rest, especially for camping, then I think it should be applauded, therefore a round of applause for Outwell's Dunton Foldable Dish Rack. It's the way it folds up whilst still being able to hold a decent amout of plates, cups and cutlery which makes it great, and as a bonus it has a detachable, washable drying mat too to keep surfaces dry.

FAVOURITE STOVE

I have too many stoves and BBQs, and I simply wouldn’t want to be without any of them (even though Muddy Madam is pushing for a clear out), but if someone shouted “Quick, grab a stove to make a meal!” I’d probably grab my Coleman unleaded twin burner

If someone else shouted “Quick, make a brew!” it would be my BioLite Campstove.

It's been upgraded since, so I will be reviewing the BioLite 2 in the next mag to see if they've improved it.

Damian's FAVOURITE CAMPING GEAR

Favourite tent

Oh, that’s

Sleeping bag

It’s got to be my Outwell Camper Lux bag. It isn’t tapered, which I prefer, yet still retains heat and is really comfortable.

Bushcraft knife

My Buck Compadre Knife is definitely my go-to knife. I love the weight, the wooden handle and the toughness of the blade. You can't go wrong with a Buck.

Camp chair

This one was an easy pick, the Robens Settler, because it's a good seat size, is comfotable and folds easily to carry.

difficult, probably my Robens Chinook Ursa along with the Robens Kabuki Tent Stove

Muddy Madam's FAVOURITE CAMPING GEAR

After one particular off-roading event in the depths of the Lake District on a particularly frozen weekend I swore it was hotels only for me.

I have since relented, but I am definitely not like Lauren when she writes of her wild camping trips, I want a few creature comforts when we head off into the wilds.

Comforts like not lying on lumpy cold ground, so the Outwell

Pardelas L Camp Bed is a godsend, and I really like the Cocoon Air-Core Travel Pillow which I can also use in the car.

Along with camping in big groups comes drinking, and after a few bevvies Damian has a tendancy to snore.

The Sleepsoft Earplugs have saved HIS life on many occasions - all I'm going to say is I have access to big knives!

When camping I do like to get away from all the nonsense that comes with being plugged in 24/7, but I do like the ability to check in if really needed. My phone is pretty old and doesn't retain battery life that well any more, so when we are away for a few days I can find myself with a dead phone. Yes, I can always charge in the car, but that doesn't help in the dead of night when I decide to distract myself with a bit of surfing as I've been woken up by randy animals who decide copulating next to the tent is their version of dogging!

This is where the Unibank comes in with its unique pull & power charger. Simply pulling the cord for just 90 seconds can give you 25 minutes of talk time, and with its other interchangeable attachments - Bluetooth Speaker, Ambient Colour-Changing Light and Panic Alarm - it has become indispensable for camping trips.

My other essential has to be the Luci Pro Outdoor Solar Lantern This blow up light from way back in issue 4 is used in my bedroom every night as a bedside light, and goes on every camping trip with it being a great tent light, so easy to pack as it squashes down and chargeable by both the sun and by USB sources like the Unibank.

FAVOURITE DOG PRODUCTS

We don't speak dog, so unfortunately we can't tell you what Lilly thinks are her favourite things are, but it would probably go something like this:

Food, tummy rub, ball, tummy rub, toy duck,tummy rub, real squirrel, food, tummy rub, sleep....then repeat.

Our favourite dog bits are easier to qualify:

Over The Top Quiltie Hammock - the essential seat cover for any mucky pup! Kompact 9 Ball Launcher - it retracts, so it fits into my coat pocket when she's finished playing.

Doo-Kee - this little gadget means you don't have to hold stinky poo bags in your hand until you find a bin.

Adios Poo Bags - definitely our favourite so far. Properly compostable, thick and a good size.

Bugalugs Shampoo - The Baby Fresh is Muddy Madam's favourite out of the range, but all have a pleasant, yet subtle fragrance that won't make your dog run for the hills.

Britpart are delighted to now be an approved stockist for the entire ARB range of products in the UK. For nearly 40 years Britpart has been synonymous with parts for Land Rovers and now we are expanding our range of quality aftermarket parts with the introduction of the ARB catalogue for a multitude of 4x4 vehicles.

IN OUR GARAGE

Let There Be More Light!

With The OSRAM Light Bar VX1000-CB SM

A while back I borrowed an Isuzu D-Max, it was the V-Cross version and the PR team had gone a bit wild with the option list and fitted it with multiple LED driving lamps.

I’m glad they did, because after finding myself on a rather gnarly and twisty green lane in the North Yorkshire moors in pitch blackness, the light bars did an awesome job of not just illuminating the terrain ahead, but pretty much everything in my peripheral vision.

This little tale brings me straight onto my VX1000-CB SM that OSRAM offered to send me a while back.

The problem was fitting it, I spent ages trying to locate a proper pair of brackets that would fit my Thule Aero bars, but to no avail. The frustrating part was, there’s actually a channel that runs along the top of the Aero bar that I could have attached it to, but that would have meant not being able to use the bars to carry stuff, like Winona, our open canoe.

quite a few months later, after a few subtle nudges from OSRAM (sorry Hayley!), I decided to take another look. It wasn’t until I was out measuring the bar again for another bracket that I’d found, that I noticed a shorter channel underneath the bar.

It actually took me longer to find the key for the Thule bar than it did removing it from Deux Smurf and jumping for joy realising that that’s where it would fit.

So, long story short, after making sure the VX1000 was securely fitted, I embarked on a few long and fast journeys to make sure it didn’t ‘whistle’. Satisfied with the lack of noise I then booked her in with my mechanic for a few jobs, including getting his electrician to wire it up.

There were two points about attaching a large light bar on the roof that folks warned me about, one was the noise it could make, and the second was how it could reflect badly on the bonnet. I had already eliminated the whistling noise, and because the Thule bar is fitted roughly in the centre of the front doors, it’s so far back that there’s no reflection on the bonnet - a double win.

Another benefit to fitting it under the Aero bar is that it’s also quite stealthy, too, even close up you don’t really notice its presence.

So, how does it perform?

The first time I switched it on I actually swore out loud, it was the difference between night and day! I won't have to carry those wooden stakes around any more, vampires will be heading straight for their coffins with this switched on.

With 36 powerful, high-performance OSRAM long-life LEDs, the VX1000-CB SM has a range of up to 525 metres that gives me an impressive view of what’s ahead, both on and off-road. In fact, it isn’t just the distance that it lights up, but with a curved reflector design it also does an excellent job of both near and peripheral vision.

When I drove Deux Smurf on to the field behind my house to take some photos for this article it was pitch black (no, it doesn't look like it, but that's the cool witchcraft of the iPhone 14), Muddy Madam was sat in the kitchen doing her thang on the computer.

When I came back in, and told her what I'd been up to, she said she already knew exactly where I had been, because when I had put the lightbar on I had inadvertantly lit up our kitchen, and probably the neighbour's too. Whoops.

Here are some of of the VX1000’s unique selling points:

• 36 high-performance long-life LEDs provide conditions similar to daylight

• up to 6000 lumens.

• up to 5000 hours of long service life

• an aluminium housing and polycarbonate lens

• lightweight and at the same time robust.

• tested and validated with the IP-Protection Class IP67.

• an integrated driver and the thermal management system regulate its temperature,to prevent damage from overheating

Overall I’m more than impressed, the only problem now is, with the amount of light it creates, I want it switched on every time I go out at night - a trip to the shops, nipping to the cinema, visiting secluded car parks....sorry, I meant driving along dark lanes - it’s addictive!

price: currently £236.33 at amazon.co.uk more at » www.osram.com

Last Minute Christmas Presents

Last month we brought you some fun, interesting and unusual gifts in our big Christmas Gift Guide, but as the big day draws closer we thought we'd find you a few more in your quest for the perfect pressie.

The Joys of Toys

When Mike Phillpot sent us an image of his RC proudly displaying one of our Mud Life stickers, we had to know more, and here’s what he told us...

With a teenage daughter and two boys under 4, I am currently unable to justify a full-size truck - however I wanted to pick up a hobby that I can share with the boys as they grow up, but that still had 4 wheels and mud!

So I give you, RC Trialing and Rock Crawling. Early into the hobby for me, but after going out with a friend, who has been in to RCs for years, and a couple of his trucks, I was hooked!

By the following weekend, I had sought out and purchased a second hand Traxxas TRX4 Sport that had seen little use, and set about making some light modifications to it by first of all flipping the bumper mounts front to back, as this allows the bumpers to be mounted higher to improve approach and descent angles.

I then trimmed the shell to accommodate larger tyres and opened the arches out up front.

I also fitted some MUD LIFE stickers!

Next was to fit some brass steering weights on all four corners and a metal steering horn on the standard servo (the stock one is plastic and gets ground-out by the spindle on the servo if the wheels get snagged up any).

I then took it to Spring Woods RC (https:// www.facebook.com/ groups/412153970231207) and spent the day there. It performed well, only let down only by operator error and the fact that I neglected to thread-lock the servo horn bolt! It fell out towards then end of the day, which worked out well as Paul at Spring Woods has built (and since improved) a drift track and he was showing it off.

I have since sorted the servo horn bolt and fitted some skid plates on the ‘diff’ (the Sport has spools not unlockable diffs), transfer casings, and under the front bumper, as well as some inner fenders to keep the crud out. The latter also allows the fitment of a smaller battery in front of the front axle if needed/when I upgrade to LiPo)

I need to fit the +5mm stub axles and +5mm hex – should increase width of the truck as it rolls a fair bit!

Looking forward to getting out again soon, so feel free to follow my antics on Instagram - mikeinthemud (or scan the QR code below)

The Tales of Lilly, The Mud Life Dog

Trust Issues, a Squeaky Win & Her 1st Holiday

by Karen Lee Turner

If you've read the many Tales of Lilly in the past, you will know about our trials and tribulations that have come with having a Lurcher

If you haven't read about Lilly before here's a quick overview... A Lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and a working dog, basically a dog bred to add intelligence to a fast dog. Lilly is part Whippet - the sighthound bit, therefore fast and truly loves to chase, and the other half is Staffy - the intelligent bit, so gentle, docile, and always on the lookout for fun. Put the two together you get a dog that is really fast, loves to chase things just for the fun of it, and is a total sweetheart with what can only be called 'selective' recall.

Once she zeros in on her preysquirrels, rats or even deer - and she happens to be off the lead, she's off at double Usain Bolt speed, and goes deaf. After a couple of times when she decided to go for an extended wander through the wilderness that is Bolton's biggest park, we were both wary of letting her off the lead, but being a dog that loves to run we felt awful keeping her constantly on the lead.

After much documented ideas involving whistles, treats and a Tractive tracker Lilly is now regaining our trust, well mine really, as she's always been better at coming back for Damian - she's definitely a Daddy's girl.

I think I was helped in the process when Damian got Man Flu for nearly 2 weeks, and so every walk had to be done by me, and I think she began to understand that the only way she would get to run was if she stayed in view, and if she headed off towards her vanishing points my Mummy voice would come into play - it is loud, deep and takes no shit, and much more effective than the dog whistle!

I was also aided by finding a ball on the field. It was a tough, rubbery, tennis-sized ball and it had a squeaky - total win! Lilly likes balls but has never been a great lover of playing fetch, though she loves squeakies which made this Scooby-Doo dog ball (yes that is its name) is a game changer.

I wish I had a video of her first encounter when she spent about 5 minutes running round in big circles squeaking it constantly, then stopped only to fling it up in the air, catch it, and start the process again, but you will have to do with a quickie of her in squeak mode below.

She still doesn't bring it back, but as she's walking along she will drop it without care as she sniffs interesting pee clumps, fox poo or rotting carcasses, and that's my chance to get it back for the next chuck.

This ball means she now gets plenty of running in, even when her friends aren't out to play, and her recall is getting so much better that Damian (not me yet) has been experimenting with letting her stay off lead even through the forested bits of the park. It has taken just over a year of work, but we now have a dog who can be trusted (mostly).

Holiday Woes

I am a bit of a film and TV nut, and I also love going to conventions and dressing up (cosplaying) as characters. 'What has that to do with Lilly?' I hear you mentally mutter. Well there is one in particular, Sci-Fi Weekender, that I have attended every year, sometimes twice a year, since I discovered it about 7 years ago. It is not a comic-con style event, it is more like a geek festival with celebrities, cosplay, comedy, music and 3 days of partying, and I mean PARTYING! 'Yes, yes, but Lilly?' - don't worry I'm getting to it.

You see it is so much fun that Damian, and my Mum come along too which caused an issue in that my Mum is my usual dog sitter, so we had no one to look after Lilly.

Trying to find someone to look after her started 3 months before the event, which was when it was finally confirmed that the dreaded Covid wouldn't put a kibosh to this one going forward. We found reputable places - they were all full, and a couple that were recommended, but found they were only dealing with current clients due to the Covid dog boom.

I then got a list of Bolton Council approved dogboarders, and started ringing round, again out of around 30 people, most were either booked up or had stopped trading. I got through to one, and she sounded promising, but after Damian and I went to meet her along with Lilly it took me less than a minute to decide that I would NEVER EVER leave my lovely dog with her!

I was starting to get desperate, so starting looking at kennels rather than home boarders. I did what people say and rang a couple of vets for their recommendations, and headed off to one of them to have a look. The people were friendly, the dogs were excercised individually in a field, the kennels looked OK from the outside, but when we were taken on a tour what we saw looked like a Gulag for dogs.

It wasn't that the kennels were dirty or badly made, it was that there was no creature comforts, nothing to show that these dogs were being given more than the basics. The noise was deafening as the set up was more stables than enclosed units, so one dog set off, and all the rest did too, and Lilly does not like loud noises, so not a great situation. The final straw was the look on the faces of the dogs, it made my heart sink, so much so that we didn't even go to look at another kennel.

What I imagined a dog boarder to be like, but not true in reality!

These are stock images, but this is basically what I saw that day at the kennels.

Next up was Rover.com, a sort of swipe right for dog walkers and boarders. People offer up their services, and homes for a fee, but the problem we found is that the people with plenty of recommendations on the site had no availability, and we later discovered after meeting one of them that 'anyone' can advertise, they do not have to have had any training or even experience with dogs; no one checks any qualifications.

The lovely lady that we met I have no doubt would have loved looking after Lilly, but had little experience, and when we discovered that she didn't drive we didn't go ahead - how would she have got Lilly to a vets if the worst happened?

Finding a dog-sitter was getting me so down that I was on the verge of not going to the event that I had been eagerly awaiting for for nearly 3 years, so I started looking for dog sitters in Great Yarmouth which is where the event is, again no luck. Lastly I thought I'd contact the holiday park we were going to to see if I could get recommendations from someone who lives in the area. I headed to their website to get the number, and spotted a small line that I'd never seen before -

'New for 2022, dog-friendly accomodation.'

It was now about 3 weeks to the event, so an email was hastily sent to see if they could organise us one of those dog-friendly caravans.

For only £65 (half of what it would have cost to board her at home), and some soothing wipes later (more on this on page 95) Lilly got to go on her first holiday with us.

Afterwards Damian said that he now knows why people say "If I can't take my dog I'm not going."

It was so successful that we have sorted another dog-friendly caravan for the next event in March.

Roll on to 2023, and another doggy adventure!

above - Lilly in full holiday chill mode in the caravan. below - Every girl needs her Daddy as a pillow.

Weatherbeeta Comfitec

Reflective 300D Dog Coat

The reason I ordered this isn’t because we live and walk Lilly next a busy road so that other road users can see her, the opposite, really. We live next to a huge park that has large, manicured fields, two rivers, dense woodland and untouched open areas, and being a sighthound she has an annoying habit of bolting off after deer and the likes.

A good example was last night, we were in an open section of the park near a river, it was pitch black and I was in a world of my own. As usual in this section she was on her lead, then suddenly something caught her eye and off she ran, yanking the lead from my hand into the dark distance she vanished, and no amount of coaxing brought her back.

Grabbing my LED torch I switched it on and straight away I could see her in the distance trying to climb a tree after a squirrel, or cat. This was the first time the coat had come into its own and I was so glad I’d chosen it, otherwise I would never had spotted her.

The coat itself is showerproof and breathable, and of course highly reflective. With a 300 denier outer fabric and 220g of polyfill it’s also doing a fine job at keeping her warm as temperatures drop. There’s also a harness hole, which is one of the reason I chose it over over coats.

Fitting is easy as it features an adjustable touch tape chest and belly closures with reflective strips for added safety.

As the dark nights start to creep in, it’s been a great coat for early and late autumnal walks. It’s a great fit, too, and is easily cleaned. On the subject of cleaning, the coat comes in a tough zipped clear bag that’s really handy for keeping it separate, especially if filthy and you’re in a car.

Available in a variety of sizes and two colours, yellow and orange, and is machine washable.

price: £34.50 more at » www.weatherbeeta.co.uk

I promise at some point there will be a photo of Lilly in hers, but getting a good photo at night is proving elusive.

Pet Remedy Natural Calming Spray & Wipes

As we have mentioned before, Lilly can be a bit of a whinge-bag in the car. When we are moving at speed on the motorway she doesn't make much noise, she watches the world going by and sometimes falls asleep, but on B roads and roads with traffic lights she can be a bit of a pain, and she gets a bit stressy.

I think it has to be something to do with her Whippet genes because she just loves speed!

With her reactions in mind taking her on trips can take a toll on her....and our nerves. Knowing all this, and knowing we had a 5-6 hour trip to Great Yarmouth in November, where a good 3 hours of the journey were B roads, meant we had to investigate calming measures.

Muddy Madam isn't keen on dosing Lilly up with prescription medications, so the hunt was on for a more 'natural' way of calming her down. Luckily when we went to a pet trade show there was a Pet Remedy stand, and the gentleman on it was so convinced that this product would do the trick, he gave us a couple of wipes and a mini bottle of the spray to test.

We should have tried it out before we went, but we never got the chance, so on the morning we loaded up the car, popped Lilly in the back, grabbed the wipe and followed the instructions to wipe it around her muzzle, under chin, on her chest and across where she was sitting.

We headed to pick up the other passenger, Muddy Madam's Mum. Lilly sometimes stays with her Nana, so the trip is pretty normal - lots of traffic lights, stopping and starting and plenty of whingeing.

What a revelation! With the calming wipes deployed not one single whinge all the way to Mum's, and there was none until about an hour from the destination, and all we did was spritz the original wipe, which had dried out, with the spray and repeat the muzzle wiping process.

Again all was good, and the best thing was that when we arrived she jumped out of the car to explore with no after-effects.

It was exactly the same on the return journey, so judging by this success, Lilly may be coming on more trips from now on.

prices: Wipes 12 pack - £7.50

Calming Spray (mini 15ml) - £7.50

Calming Spray (200ml) - £20

more at » petremedy.co.uk

Sadly I couldn’t make this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show down to Birmingham’s NEC, but by all accounts passions were reignited as it welcomed 69,324 attendees for the annual season finale of the classic car community.

Around 300 car clubs embraced the show’s theme of ‘Part of the Family’ with amazing displays filling the seven show halls. An estimated 3,000 vehicles including the newly restored Wings tour bus, Andy Saunders’ one of a kind ‘Deja’ custom build, and a collection of ‘Restomods’ curated by Jonny Smith’s Late Brake Show were on display.

Silverstone Auctions hammered away £7.3million worth of car sales on Saturday with a 75% sales rate and six new world record price tags. On Sunday, 141 motorcyles were on offer with 85% sold for £750,000, while around £100,000 was secured from 72% of the Automobilia lots. Yeah, what recession!

On the subject of money, celebrating its 30th year of operating Dream Rides at the NEC, the Sporting Bears Motor Club added another £35,767 to its fundraising total, which has now exceeded over £3million.

New for 2022 and one of the highlights of the weekend was the Motorbike Trial demonstrations by 12 time World Champion Dougie Lampkin and his son Alfie. They both wowed the crowds with their expert skills as well as causing a stir when Dougie jumped his bike over Top Gear legend Richard Hammond, Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer and ‘Auto Alex’ Kersten as well as Show Director Lee Masters.

The judges of the coveted Meguiar’s Club Showcase awarded the crystal trophy to Mark Rainer and his 1956 Triumph TR3, who won by just three points in one of the closest competitions to date.

The judging panel declared Christopher Bourne and his 1991 400 Honda NC30 winner of the Bike Pride of Ownership competition.

Steve Taylor’s 1960 Bowden “Space Velo” Replica was the runner up with third place going to Alexander Adams’ 1936 Triumph WERK Nuremberg TWN B-200.

Visitors voted Ian Croft and his 1968 Lotus Elan Plus 2 the winner of the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership. Second place went to William Flay and his 1976 Ford Escort RS2000 with Stephen Cheape’s 1981 Ford Fiesta 950 Popular taking third place.

Richard Morley from headline sponsor Lancaster Insurance Services said: “There is nothing quite like being back with everyone at the NEC for the season finale and celebrating our shared passion for classic cars. This year truly summed up what our community means to so many, being part of the family, and it’s a family we are proud to be a part of.”

Lee Masters said: “What an incredible weekend! The atmosphere was fantastic with passionate enthusiasts filling the halls. I was excited walking around watching the interactions between people. The community coming together made me feel emotional and proud of the movement. Also, the quality of exhibits and displays were off the chart, people went above and beyond. Huge thanks to all the clubs and our partners, exhibitors, and visitors for their continued support.”

The next Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with discovery+, will be held at Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November 2023.

more at » necclassicmotorshow.com

Reader's Rides

Who are you, where are you from and what do you do My name is Alex Jackson, I'm from southern British Columbia, Canada. I do many things, I profess to be a Jack of all trades, master of none. I've been known to be a videographer, photographer and van builder, or to sum it all up, a creator.

I've always built stuff and I've always been energised by the great outdoors, so over the years I've been attempting to cultivate a work/life balance that encapsulates my need to create and explore. I photograph and do video while I'm traveling and while I'm not, I build adventuremobiles.

History of cars leading up to the present

It all started with a 1988 Toyota 4runner. After I crashed that into a cement barrier, I moved to a 1988 Toyota Pickup (Hilux) extra cab that I turned into a rock crawler.

I then sold it because I couldn't comfortably do things like get groceries or move a friends couch on move day (the truck was a solid axle conversion, sat on 37" tires, had dual transfer cases, front and rear e-lockers, 5.29 gears and a rebuilt 22re).

After the sale I bought a 1996 Toyota Tacoma with a 3RZ and built it up for overland travel, this was before the overland craze had hit the mainstream. The Tacoma had 33x10.5xr15's, a OME lift, steel bumpers and a custom built RTT rack.

I drove that truck to Alaska on my first ever overland trip, I did over 10,000km of driving in two weeks. The 96' Tacoma evolved slowly, eventually getting a 3.4L V6 swap, new tires and rims, and a smattering of different upgrades before a young lady ran a red light wrote the truck off.

From there I moved to a 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport that I also built for overland travel. I owned the 2013 for three years and did a lot of traveling in it, including another trip to Alaska and Yukon. I sold that truck after discovering vanlife and bought a 1998 Toyota Hiace Super GL with a 2.8l 3L.

I built out the interior of that, drove it down to Mexico, loved every minute of the diesel and creature comforts of a van and decided I wanted something bigger and easier to full-time in, so I parked the Hiace and started my hunt for something that would suit my needs best.

In the interim I purchased a 1988 Toyota Pickup DLX model with a 7ft bed, that is the truck that I still have today. I loved that truck so much that I had plans of building a camper on the back until I found a Leyland DAF t244 sitting in a used car lot in Red Deer, Alberta. When I realised that I had found a 4WD diesel truck with a Cummins 6BT and a load capacity big enough to hold a small house I promptly decided I needed to buy one. I sold the Hiace, found another DAF that I wanted to buy and picked up the next project. I spent two years building an overland camper on the back of the DAF.

Covid hit during that time and slowed things down a fair amount. When I was about 90% done with the camper I moved into it. I spent the next winter sheltering in place due to covid lockdowns whilst chasing leaks and trying to keep the interior warm with only an inefficient self-built wood stove.

After less than a year of living in the DAF overland camper, life came crashing down on me and I sold it, took a chunk of the money I had made and built the adventure truck that I have now, the 1988 Toyota Pickup DLX that I affectionately named, Thomas.

Present 4x4s

I presently drive the 1988 Toyota Pickup DLX, Thomas, that I mentioned in the previous question. That truck has been with me the longest and will likely die with me.

Modifications done

I often tell people, the only factory parts on Thomas are his frame and cab. Over the summer of 2021 I did a slew of modifications: 3.4L v6 engine swap, solid axle swap, suspension upgrades, rear axle swap with disc brake conversion, new bumpers, new refurbished truck box, new paint, new interior. Then I purchased the canopy and started to modify that for camping use. I built a roof rack, insulated the interior, built a bed, desk, storage, added a solar setup, 12v fridge, kitchen etc. The truck is now ready for long-ish term travel for two people.

Favourite modifications

My favourite modification was the engine swap. Once I take the camper setup off the back, that truck will be a rocket (in relative terms). The amount of power you get out of the 3.4L far exceeds the 3.0L.

Modifications to do

There are not a whole lot of modifications I have yet to do, maybe add a winch, change up the rear springs for something a little stiffer, change up the interior camping set up a little.

Favourite offroading adventure/ trip

I recently completed a two week trip with my girlfriend that took us from Vancouver, BC, Canada to northern Nevada, USA. We did our best to drive as much gravel as possible and inadvertently wound up testing our trucks capabilities. We had to keep things tame due to the fact that there are not a lot of services where we were, but we did find ourselves rock crawling the truck and having to back down a steep shelf road that I didn't feel comfortable attempting to drive. I was continually

astonished by the places that we saw and by how empty of people the deserts of the USA can be. I shot a mini series called Desert Dwellers, of our trip and put it on youtube, I'm really proud of how it turned out and I'll watch it many times over with fond memories.

Lottery winning 4x4? A LHD Land Cruiser Troopy with the famed 12HT. Seems like a pretty good all-round vehicle to drive, but difficult to acquire in North America.

Favourite car related film? Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Not necessarily car related, but the end of the film is accented by a car chase between an old diesel Hilux and a collection of other legendary Toyota 4x4s through the wilds of New Zealand, who doesn't like that?!

Favourite biscuit? Can I say mom's cookies? Her chocolate chip cookies are amazing.

Where can we find more details? You can find all of my stuff here:

• Instagram - Roamlndr

• Facebook - Roamlndr Creative

• Twitter - Roamlndr

• TikTok - Roamlndr

• YouTube - Roamlndr

• Website - www.roamlndr.ca

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