The quattro name is synonymous with all-wheel drive and there aren’t many carmakers that can produce a practical 4WD estate like Audi. The brand’s third generation allroad will certainly take some beating.
Words: Phil Weeden
Audi’s relentless new model programme marches on with a fierce pace. The latest offering is the third generation A6 allroad – and, while it’s not a direct competitor to the likes of Range Rover, BMW X5 and even closer to home rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne and Audi’s own Q7, anyone looking to buy one of those leviathans might wish to consider one of these first. Sure, it won’t climb Everest, but with its additional ground clearance afforded by the adaptive air suspension, protective under trays and all-wheel drive, the A6 allroad will tackle muddy tracks, snow-covered roads and other slightly challenging terrains – plus it can tow up to two and a half tonnes. Plus the top-of-the-range 3.0-litre BiTDI model we have tested here has a diesel under its bonnet so it’s also fast and pretty frugal, with a claimed 42mpg.
This model is considerably more stylish, longer and wider, the new allroad would look equally good outside a Chelsea cocktail bar as it would on a Herefordshire smallholding.
The latest Korando, the ‘SX’, is covered by the standard five-year unlimited mileage warranty available on all SsangYong vehicles and priced from £18,795 OTR. Korando SX is powered by a new low CO2 version of the 2-litre engine, developing 147bhp@4000rpm and quoting 360lb ft of torque with CO2 emissions at 157g/km, and a two-tonne towing capability. The SX features the torque on demand 4×4 system fitted to EX models, and is equipped with ESP with Hill Start Assist, and claimed to be the cheapest SUV crossover in its class. Its spec is similar to the Korando S – which also now features the new engine.
Anyone who has taken a soft top off a Jeep Wrangler, and then tried to put it back on again, will appreciate this new product. Should you own a Wrangler, and enjoy the open-air life then you need to get on the phone immediately. The Rugged Ridge Power Top allows you to raise or lower the top in around five seconds, which is impressive. The top will fit all Wranglers built since 2007. Given the way the weather changes in the UK, you’d think this would appeal. Rugged Ridge is a division of Omix-Ada and you can contact these guys here via 
Given our major feature on camping last month, we were intrigued by this new product from monsterstuff.com. Anyone who has camped and returned to a large field, in the dark, perhaps after a glass or two at the nearest hostelry, and wondered where the tent is will like this! It’s a remote control lighting system. You leave the Tent Finder light in your tent, and then when you are within 50 yards or so, activate the remote control (that hopefully you have remembered to take with you) and the light will go on. Very simple, and we suspect, very effective. Priced at £19.49, it’s available from 
We were impressed this month by a drive off-road in a mini bus! The school run never was that exciting, but the latest version of the Sprinter 4×4 from Mercedes-Benz is an impressive piece of kit. Available as a panel van, we drove the seated version over a reasonably demanding off-road course. The V6 CDi diesel engine was very smooth and allowed for excellent throttle control even when bouncing the bus through the ruts. The Sprinter has a switchable 4×4 system, which delivers drive front to rear of 35:65 through a viscous coupling. There are no mechanical diffs, but Mercedes’ 4ETS, Electronic Traction System. This also has an optional Low range. It climbed well, especially given the ‘road’ nature of the tyres, but we did wonder what it would be like full of passengers!
The first public unveiling of Nissan’s Juke Nismo production model took place at Le Mans in mid June, and it will make the transition from racetrack to road in early 2013. Nismo specialists have engineered a new aerodynamics kit, giving the Juke a more: ‘efficient, dynamic and powerful design’. The new model features lower front and rear bumpers, wider wings and sill side skirts, plus modified grille and tailgate spoiler. A tuned-up version of the 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine is inspired by the unit installed in Nissan’s amazing DeltaWing Le Mans race car. As well as featuring stiffened suspension settings and new steering modifications for sportier direct handling and improved traction control, the new model will also be available with torque vectoring. Juke Nismo will be built at Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK in Sunderland, and sales in Europe are due to start early January 2013.
BRP has increased its Can-Am Commander side-by-side vehicle line-up for 2013 with the addition of Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) and two colour schemes for both its Commander 1000 X and 1000 Limited packages. We tested this excellent ATV in last month’s issue, and were most impressed.
In our 
The very latest wheel from the guys at Wheelwright is the AEZ Phoenix. The split five-spoke design is neat and not too garish and is said to be suitable for SUVs and crossover vehicles – one way to make an often somewhat dull vehicle a little more individual. The wheel itself comes in either 18, 20 or 22inch sizes, with a vast array of options: 5/108, 5/112, 5/114.3, 5/120, 5/130 and 5/139 are all available, covering all popular crossovers, and SUVs. Prices start around £180 (plus VAT). Check out: 
The new B6 damper upgrade from Bilstein has been designed specifically for the Range Rover Sport. Said to ‘significantly enhance the dynamic abilities of the Sport’, the new damper will work with original springs, or can be used with aftermarket offerings. The dampers are said to improve road handling by reducing squat and dive, but keeping the quality of the model’s ride. The balance between ride and handling is always a difficult one, none more so than with what can be a highly effective off-road vehicle. Bilstein work closely with Land Rover and supply OE parts, so you can assume these are impressive shocks for those who perhaps want to sharpen up the handling of a slightly higher mileage Sport. Different versions are available to suit each of the different engines and weights. Both the front and rear units retail at £168.00 (plus VAT) each. For more details check out: 
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