A new high performance air compressor from ARB is now available in the UK through Arbil. The model has a twin motor design; specifically engineered to being compact, yet offer significant performance. These are available as either vehicle mounted or portable. Ideal for tyre and recreational equipment inflation, as well as the operation of air tools. Sold exclusively in the UK and Ireland via Arbil, it is currently available as an on-board twin motor compressor for £378.48 + VAT. The portable twin motor version costs £626.15 + VAT. For more information, call them on
0845 600 4556 or go to: www.arbil4x4.co.uk
Monthly Archives: August 2012
NEW HONDA CR-V IN AUTUMN
First built back in 1995, and with some five million having been produced, Honda’s latest version of the CR-V will be available in the UK in October. This is the fourth generation and has been comprehensively re-designed. Ironically, this was being written as the news announced that Honda’s factory in Swindon is going on a four-day week. The new model will be available with the 2.0-litre i-VTEC 155bhp petrol and 2.2-litre i-DTEC 150bhp diesel engines. Full technical spec and prices of this latest SUV will be announced nearer the on sale date.
October 2012 Issue Editor’s Blog
October 2012 Issue of 4×4 Magazine
According to the old song, it can’t buy you love. According to other deep thinkers, it can’t apparently buy you happiness (although I wouldn’t mind giving that one a serious test, after all, there must be worse things than being rich!). Money, it seems, is also the route to all evil. Be that as it may, there are some great opportunities available for 4×4 enthusiasts to spend it. For sure, when it comes to 4×4 ownership, a big pile of money can buy some superb off-roaders – including the new Range Rover that we have some sneak advance details of in this issue. However, as we have hopefully also proved in this issue, you can get a yourself a lot of 4×4 fun for not a lot of money.
We look this month at what is available for only £1000. Now, I appreciate that one man’s ‘only’ could be another man’s life savings, but when it comes to off-roaders it could be a real bargain buy. OK, so for that money we cannot claim that you won’t be buying yourself a fair amount of DIY work keeping everything running well, but for many, there’s no better way to spend a weekend than covered in oil, crawling around a cold concrete garage floor! The £1000 4×4 could turn out to be a real ‘hobby’ buy, the sort of machine you’ll take to a Pay and Play site knowing that a few more scratches down the side won’t make much of a difference. And if the brakes then need changing when you get home, that’s not too difficult. Even a bit of body damage can be worn as a badge of honour if it’s not the family’s pride and joy! So, hopefully, we have shown you can spend a little for a great deal of fun. And how ironic that in the same issue we should have the new £120,000+ Range Rover…
Mercedes-Benz G-Class now available in UK
It was interesting this month that as we received the news about the latest version of the Range Rover, so did details of what many consider to be that vehicle’s nemesis. Indeed, the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class (still enthusiastically called a G-Wagen by many) will soon be available in the UK.
Without doubt this is one model that can match the Range Rover in so many areas; price being a significant one. The G-Class Merc still looks much like it ever has, and for some that utilitarian, almost military, design is a touch dated. It is to the company’s credit, in our view, the Mercedes-Benz engineers and designers have stuck to their guns. It is an unmistakable design, and when it arrives in the UK, it will be the most powerful model ever to be made available here.
ARE 4X4S ELECTRIC?
A new concept will be revealed by Mitsubishi Motors at the Paris Motor Show with its all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV. The New Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (or ‘PHEV’) will be the first mainstream car from a major manufacturer with built-in provisions for either internal combustion engine (ICE) or PHEV power. Featuring front electric motor + rear electric motor + front traction/generator petrol engine it translates into a choice of three driving modes: Pure (Twin Motor 4WD EV); Series (Twin Motor 4WD EV supported by generator) and Parallel (ICE engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD). It will allow a driving distance of over 800km and a CO2 target below 50g/km. It will be retailed in Europe during the course of 2013
The Fourth Dimension
A QUICK CURSORY GLANCE AT THIS photograph might lead you to believe that the new fourth generation Range Rover had merely had a face lift, and maybe stretched a little. It’s far more significant than that; indeed, what you cannot see from this picture is the fact that, for the first time in its 42-year history, the Range Rover will feature an all-aluminium monocoque body. It uses similar technology to that behind the Jaguar XJ saloon, and the result means a massive weight saving of up to 420kg, that is some 39 per cent lighter to a similar steel body.
Light those Far Corners
This very smart bonnet Light Bar comes from Far Corners and will fit all Land Rover Defenders (including the new Puma models) although not compatible for models with bonnet mounted spare wheels. The bar actually replaces the two existing Land Rover hinges, that are bolted to the bonnet, with a heavy-duty single unit, which uses the existing nylon hinge bushes. The guys at Far Corners say it can be fitted in 10 minutes. Once fitted, the bar has five mounting locations for additional lights – suitable for spots like the X-Eng Azimuth lights. The cost of the bar is £99. Go to: www.farcorners.co.uk
Unique Jeep snorkel
The new Modular XHD snorkel system from Rugged Ridge is available for Jeep Wrangler JK models from 2007-2011. It has interchangeable high and low mounts and relocates the original air intake for optimum performance. It is manufactured from durable heavy gauge plastic with the mandrel in bent aluminium, with high temperature silicone hoses. The unit comes with a three year limited warranty and is available online through Omix-Ada. Looks impressive. For more information go to: www.ruggedridgeoffroad.com or www.omix-ada.com
Big wheels on my wagon
Given that the Discovery 2 and the Range Rover P38 models are getting cheaper to buy, the guys at Garage and 4×4 have brought out some new smart five spoke wheels in 16 x 10in sizes for anyone wanting to go for 33 or 35inch tyres. For more details call them on 07510 000965 or go to: www.garageand4x4.com. You will see that the website address is soon to change to: www.extremeoffsetwheels.com
Charge of the bright brigade
Keeping your battery in tip-top condition is a vital safety issue for many off-roaders, especially those taking their vehicles overlanding, and away from civilisation. Having a decent gauge to indicate how your battery is doing is essential and we have heard of two new options from the guys at Devon 4×4. The Smartguage not only tells you the voltage of your battery, it also has the actual charge state of the unit, displaying as a percentage on an easy to read LED screen. You can programme alarm functions to warn you before you get in trouble. Devon 4×4 also has the Merlin Power Gauge Lite, which acts as a gauge to provide the information you need ‘at a glance’. This is available in Lite or Pro versions and so we suggest you go to the website to find out more, or call the guys at Devon 4×4 on 01769 550900. The website can be found at www.devon4x4.com
