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Monthly Archives: March 2012

Apr1stStartFord’s new Aussie-designed, South African-built Ranger pick-up – or Ute as they call them – has finally made it to the UK. Was it worth the wait? You had better believe it…

Words and photography: Nigel Fryatt

Well, it’s finally here. Nearly a year after a mock-up was shown at last April’s NEC Commercial Vehicle Show, Ford’s new Ranger pick-up is available in the UK. A comprehensive model range from Regular cab, Super Cab, Double Cab and Wildtrak, plus two new Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, added to an impressive specification list and highly competitive pricing, means the Ranger has significantly raised the bar in an already competitive section of the 4×4 market.

What appears to have been a long wait merely emphasises two salient points; one, this is a global vehicle and two, the UK market is no longer that important in the great scheme of things.

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AprAdvStartNorthumberland is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but when joining the excellent Kielder 4×4 Safari that weaves along the tracks of The Forestry Commission’s Kielder Forest, we discovered a hidden gem

Words and photography: Hils Everitt

A heavy mist hung over the rich hues of the bracken and pine trees, blocking out what would have been a stunning view over the Kielder Forest. But we were not in poor humour – yes, OK, we lacked the magnificent vista, but we were enjoying a superb day out on the normally out-of-bounds forestry tracks of the northernmost reaches of England, cosseted in the warmth of our 4x4s as we sauntered along thoroughfares lined with the most lavish colours of autumn.

Northumberland is, sadly, one of those counties that gets rather forgotten, sitting as it does at the farthest tip of England, and is often regarded as just ‘that bleak bit’ that you bypass on the way to the lowlands and, ultimately, highlands of bonny Scotland. This is border country, often associated either with the industrial sprawl of Tyneside or the bleak moorland of the Cheviots Hills, which many dismiss to their detriment. Well, Northumberland is equally bonny. Fair enough, it may not boast huge mountain ranges and an abundance of eerily atmospheric lochs, nor a mythical (or not?) monster, but it certainly hides delights that are worthy of the attention of anyone who loves the outdoors and enjoys beautiful scenery.

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JulyHilsFaceThe future of Electronic Driving Aids: a truly marvellous development or a step too far in dumbing down off-road driving skills? Guess which way Hils veers!

Over the last two months our man Down Under, Robert Pepper, has brought you features on the latest in Electronic Driving Aids (EDAs), specifically for the new Ford Ranger, and what the future holds for the 4×4 enthusiast.

His feature this month (April 2012 – see page 62) may make you think ‘this is just too way out and surely can’t be happening anytime soon’. Well, think again and take note, because this is what is being developed right now, according to Mr P. Vehicles, and particularly 4x4s, are going to have a real mind of their own and our input, as the driver, is becoming less and less significant.

For those of us who enjoy off-roading and the challenges it brings, the whole experience will become so clinical that, in my humble opinion, will it be worth bothering to take your over-electronicised (if that is the right word to make up) 4×4 off the tarmac at all?!
Now, I’m not going to get all grumpy and old fashioned and ‘bah humbug’ the whole EDA issue – far from it. I embrace modern technology and am a very impressed fan of Land Rover’s Terrain Response, Toyota’s Multi Terrain Select and Jeep’s Selec Terrain and now Ford’s latest wizardry. Already great off-roaders have become even more sophisticated and can now reach parts that we could only perhaps dream of once upon a time. But what I really do have an issue with is that these systems do not teach people to ‘drive’ off-road. And it’s going to get worse.

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NigelFryattNigel Fryatt – editor

AprStaffNigelRegular readers will know that in the previous issue I explained the horror story of having the Hilux’s catalytic convertor cut from the truck, while I slept peacefully, unaware of what was happening on my drive! The actions of these morons cost over £1000 to replace, and I have been concerned since then that they would be back to try again. There are now security plans afoot, but you still worry.

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BobCookeBob Cooke – contributor

AprStaffBobIf we’re going to have a miserably cold winter, I guess we might as well have a bit of snow to brighten up the countryside. I do mean a bit of snow, enough to give a Christmas card look to the scenery, as opposed to last month’s blizzard that had people stuck all night on the M40 and M25. If only they’d all had 4x4s…

That snowfall was particularly welcome because it gave a chance for us to assess the white-weather performance of the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac mud-terrains fitted to the Cherokee. We’ve already found them to be more than adequate in the mud, as well as being surprisingly quiet at speed on the road, but only with that overnight fall that layered Kent with over 100mm of the crispy white stuff did we get to put Goodyear’s claims to the test. And yes, the Duratracs are impressive in the snow.

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LEDheadlightNew from the mobilecentre is a LED headlight with a Front Position Light (sidelight) in addition to the High and Low beam functions. The headlight is available in both Left Hand Traffic and Right Hand Traffic specification with either a black or chrome internal bezel.

It’s fully ECE approved by the VCA for use within Europe and is MOT compliant without the fitment of levelling or washing. Complete with four year warranty, the list price is £475 each (+VAT) for black and £500 (+VAT) for chrome.

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