The off-roading legend that is the Ladoga Trophy is described as the biggest, longest, hardest event in Europe. For those trying to decide if they have the guts to try the 2011 edition, 145 crews have already signed up!

The event is characterised by reports of drowning cars and crews being left alone in the bogs for days at a time, which may lead some might to think that Ladoga is just too hard.

But for those dreaming about Russian bogs, but who still want to bring their vehicles home in one piece there is now a viable alternative. Still an integral part of Ladoga, but much closer to what we would call ‘greenlaning’, is the Grand Tourism class, although mud tyres and winches are still mandatory. Instead of winching through endless forests, you will be hunting for GPS clues in places that amazes even the local Russians.

Even Land Rovers reach the end of their lives, but they often yield some useful parts that help other Land Rovers carry on giving service and enjoyment to their owners. In fact, a huge industry supports the restoration of old Land Rovers with the dismantling and reconditioning of parts and general enhancements that make an old Land Rover more suited to 21st Century driving.

Franchised Land Rover retailer Sturgess of Leicester is on a quest to help put the finishing touches to any restoration that might be taking place on any old Land Rovers that its dealership has sold.

Sturgess is one of the world’s oldest Land Rover retailers having held the franchise from the original 1948 launch and before that from 1904 when appointed as a Rover agent; in fact, the company is still in family ownership. From the 1950s until the 1980s Sturgess fitted small ‘Supplied by’ plates to the rear of all Land Rovers and some early Range Rovers.

How did the team we featured in our Dakar preview special in the February issue fare?

Well, the Toyota Cooper Tires team’s lead vehicle claimed an admirable 19th position overall. As one of the most experienced Dakar racers in the contest, Xavier Foj, as featured last month, and co-driver Pablo Jaton steered their Toyota Land Cruiser safely through one of the toughest Dakar’s in recent history.

Huge dunes, stones and exceptionally dusty stages took their toll on the vehicle’s mechanicals, with the suspension, exhaust and brakes suffering damage along the way. Various incidents came close to halting the pair’s progress but with the experienced Foj – competing in his 20th Dakar – at the helm, together with the navigational and mechanical skills of Jaton, they made it through.

SsangYong will show a new concept of its Actyon Sports at the Geneva Motor Show, 3-13 March – a variation of a traditional pick-up.

The concept sports a new 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 153bhp/266lb ft. The new model will offer either six-speed manual or auto in either 2 or 4WD models. It will go on sale across Europe and other markets from early 2012.

Rounding off an impressive year of accolades for Subaru, the Forester has been awarded the title of ‘Crossover of the year 2010’ by 4×4 Plus Magazine, the largest specialist title in Belgium.

The awards – running since 1993 – are decided exclusively by a panel of professional judges. The ‘Crossover’ category was added in 2009 in response to changes in the market and to prevent possible confusion with the larger vehicles classified as belonging to that category.

This title was awarded after the judges highlighted reduced emissions, efficiency and value for money. The Forester was praised for its safety, handling and functionality. The panel also supported Subaru‘s core philosophy that permanent all-wheel drive system does offer significant safety benefits, against a strictly marginal fuel consumption increase compared to two-wheel drive vehicles. It pointed out that the fuel consumption difference measured between four-wheel and two-wheel drive vehicles was by far lower than commonly assumed.