Louise Limb
After months of rain the venerable Freelander, like everything else, is becoming rather soggy. Pressed into service on alternate days to eke out the miserly mileage allowance permitted under the unreasonably expensive insurance terms, the Land Rover’s eager TD4 engine is relishing the 90 mile commute my other half has begun travelling each day, a more economical if tedious VW Golf doing the other 50 per cent of what are currently very wet journeys. As a result, the old blue Freelander is becoming cosmetically rather sad looking. Kept outside, the metal window seals are crimping even further, giving their rubber coating a curled appearance, the rust spots are spreading and the rear door is becoming even tattier. I dread the day if and when the incredibly complex rear window cum door lock mechanism breaks. Nevertheless, with the repeated deluges something was bound to give.
Robert Pepper
Last weekend we were out again in the summer Aussie heat, camping and exploring, and in those conditions a swim, perhaps the most relaxingly pleasant way to cool off. But not just any old swim. There’s nothing quite as refreshing as diving into a briskly flowing river and being carried, with no effort on your part, downstream – it’s a depth of coolness the artificial, chlorinated swimming pool cannot match, and you need to experience the difference to believe it.
While all the smiles on the Jeep stand in Geneva must have been around the exciting new 2015 Renegade and cheeky new Panda 4×4 Cross, the more serious expressions came with the first European showing of the forthcoming Jeep Cherokee. This can be described as the first ‘Euro’ Jeep, and undoubtedly the most important model produced yet from the partnership between Fiat and the iconic US 4×4 manufacturer. This is one vehicle that you feel just has to be a significant sales success for the joint venture to progress. It needs to be the basis for a growing market share when the Renegade arrives in 2015.
Regular readers will know that we seriously rate the little Fiat Panda 4×4, it won our small SUV class in our 2014 4×4 Of The Year, and it did so with enthusiasm and certainly without any allowances having to be made. Make no mistake, the Panda 4×4 is small, agile and pretty tough. And now it’s just got tougher.
Getting news of a completely new Jeep model just before we closed this issue for press was exciting indeed. We are a little limited in space this month, but just had to show these pictures; introducing the brand new Jeep Renegade. And fear not, we will be giving you a lot more detail and many more pictures in the next issue!
The digital era has much to be admired, but every now and then, a good old piece of paper trumps anything electronic
The guys at Tunit have been hard at work getting the new Advantage tuning module for diesel-powered 4x4s. These kits offer significant performance and fuel savings, including the software, which is claimed to ‘improve power while not compromising fuel’. Tunit also now offers a part exchange scheme, extended to a ‘lifetime’ part exchange for the new Advantage module, which can be moved from vehicle to vehicle. Intriguingly, the Advantage is available on a contract – like a mobile phone – which means that you will be able to get all the necessary upgrades, all paid on a monthly tariff. If you want to know more, you can email Tunit at: 
The demand for aftermarket high-speed SUV tyres is increasing. Falken has now released new sizes of its Azensis FK453CC tyre so that it is now available in 18, 19 and 20inch sizes. Sales in the Evoque have increased by some 35 per cent from September 2012 to September 2013 and the company claims this is the ideal replacement tyre, offering improved stability with this high-speed abilities, but remaining low noise, achieved by a rounder shoulder and an asymmetrical pattern and ‘phase-shifted’ tread blocks. It is also claimed that this tyre has a seven per cent improvement in resistance to hydroplaning. The tyres will be available at authorised Falken dealers in May.
ARB now has a brand new 24v Twin Air compressor, offering both extra power and more speed. Portable and ultra compact it’s ideal for powering tyre inflators and air tools. Not only is it designed for multiple applications but comes with extra nozzles to fit air beds. It can also be used for lengthy periods as it is fitted with a DC cooling fan and anodised aluminium motor mounting brackets. The kit comes complete with an air blowgun, six metre air hose and all the necessary electrics. It comes in a watertight carrying case and apparently, it floats should it be dropped in water. Probably best to avoid that, so don’t take our word for it! The 24v Twin Air Compressor retails at around £790 (inc VAT) and is available through Arbil 4×4’s dealer network.
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