It hasn’t taken long for there to be some modifying options for the new Range Rover Evoque. The model comes with a vast range of wheel and tyre options but for those who really want to be different, Matzker has produced some light alloy wheel spacers to expand that option list even further. The spacers have been TUV-approved, which is a good start and Matzker claim that they will increase stability and enhance road holding. Hard to see that Land Rover could make such a mistake that they are necessary, far more likely is that the spacers will give the Evoque a wide stance, more aggressive and some might say a more ‘sporty’ look. They are available in widths from 23 – 30mm. For more details check out the website on: www.matzker.de

Here’s a new idea from the team at Direct4x4, and one way of upgrading your Range Rover Sport by fitting these new twin exhaust muffler tips. They fit directly onto the end of the straight exhaust pipes and are then simply bolted into place. They fit all Range Rover Sport models from 2in (51mm) to 3in (76mm) diameter. It’s sometimes surprising just how much of an improvement these sort of things can make to a vehicle’s looks. They are available at £99.99 for two mufflers and that includes delivery. Check out the company’s excellent website on www.direct4x4.co.uk or call them on 01332 601016. But be warned, once you are on the website, it’s difficult to leave without buying something!

Something worth carrying in your off-roader’s tool box is a saw, and this is the latest folding version from Devon 4×4. Well produced with Japanese ‘pull cut’ blade (which limits jamming), the handle includes a sensible guard and a tough rubber grim. Good value at £22.95 (inc VAT). If you are looking for this sort of gear, check out the full range at www.devon4x4.com or call 01769 550900.

If you are an enthusiastic DIY mechanic then you’ll need to be able to carry out diagnostic testing, to enable your own problem solving. ESP Automotive’s Scanalyst is a top-selling scanner that is ideal for the amateur mechanic, and should stop you having to get expert advice on what might well turn out to be a very insignificant – and cheap – problem. The Scanalyst is compatible to all 2000-on petrol and 2003-on diesel engine cars sold in the UK (and many pre-2000 models, call to check). It provides real-time information on a vehicle’s performance and ECU status. Engine fault codes can be easily read and faults diagnosed, it’s then up to you to repair or replace and solve that problem! The Scanalyst is compatible to any PC that runs Windows. Each package comes with the necessary interface cable with USB connection, the Scanalyst CD and a full user manual. As this is being written, Scanalyst is available at a special discount price of £139.99, which is a big saving from the RRP of £249.99. To find out more go to the Scanlyst website www.espautomotive.co.uk. Or call the ESP team on 01509 266400.

Once you’ve made sure you wheels are properly cleaned from winter’s grime, it makes sense to protect them. Wheel Guard is a tough, clear coating that protects aluminium, chrome and alloy wheels from oxidation and corrosion. There is a one-part, selfAlevelling coating that doesn’t wash off. It is claimed not to have a nasty ‘plastic’ look, but give the look of a newly polished wheel. Touch dry in 5-10 minutes, you need to leave the coating to thoroughly dry and harden over a couple of hours before returning to the roads. The bonus is the claim that once treated, wheels are a lot easier to clean – and you know they are not corroding. The kit includes wipes, gloves, applicators, instructions and is available from www.spautopia.co.uk or by mail order at 01780 721470. Three sizes are available 60ml/£20.40, 120ml/£30.65 and 300ml/£71.50 plus post and packing.