[X]

Jane Hyde

369 POSTS 0 COMMENTS

1133132_94274-a-jee

Plans to continue the success of the remarkable Jeep Renegade have been announced with details of a new limited edition Renegade ‘Night Eagle’ version.

Following in the tyre tracks of the larger Cherokee Night Eagle, which was launched in the UK last November, the new Renegade version is similarly based on the Longitude mid-range level, but adds in features such as unique 17-inch black alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, satin grey Jeep badges and unique Night Eagle badge, coloured roof bars and side mirrors, and satin grey grille rings on a black front grille.

Designed to enhance the Renegade’s popular and striking design, the new Night Eagle is limited to just 350 examples for the UK, when it went on sale on 1 February. Of these, just 160 will be available in the unique Volcano Sand matt paint finish, which complements the two other available colours: Carbon Black and Alpine White.

Inside, the Renegade Night Eagle is enhanced with exclusive seats in bark brown fabric with electric lumbar support for the driver, leather wrapped steering wheel, dual zone climate control, DAB UConnect radio with 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and satnav, and cruise control.

A limited number of options are also available to further enhance the Renegade Night Eagle, including electric panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, and regular size spare tyre.

Power comes from a choice of MultiJet II diesel engines, both combined with Jeep’s six-speed manual transmission: the 1.6-litre 120hp with two-wheel drive, or the 2.0-litre 140hp unit, driving all four wheels. This gives the car a top speed of 111 mph (113 mph 2.0-litre 4WD) and 0-62 mph acceleration in 10.2 seconds (9.5 seconds). The Renegade Night Eagle can still return 64.2 mpg (55.4 mpg) fuel economy on the combined cycle.

The new Jeep Renegade Night Eagle costs £21,595 OTR for the 1.6 MultiJet II 120hp 2WD, and £24,095 OTR for the 2.0 MultiJet II 140hp 4WD.

“Full of style, loaded with equipment and designed to enhance Renegade’s already strong appeal, the new Night Eagle version is an attractive proposition for buyers,” says Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK. “Sporting and agile on-road and rugged and capable off it, this limited edition newcomer fits perfectly into Renegade’s highly successful family.”

Once upon a time the reason for buying a RAV4 was to bring a grin to your face. The current model is a much more serious affair, but more spacious, refined and efficient with it. Which version you want depends on your mood

 TARGET RANGE:  £500 – £29,000 

In 20 years the Toyota RAV4 has developed from a playful motor show concept fun car to a mainstream mid-range SUV. So complete is the transformation that it’s hard to see how the current model can justify retaining the Recreational Activity Vehicle nomenclature – indeed the last generation RAV4 was badged Vanguard in Japan. RAV4 is a title that suited the original car very well, because considering Toyota’s generally very conservative approach to styling the original was remarkably funky, patently aimed at rivalling the staggeringly successful Suzuki Vitara as a high-fun runabout for the young at heart who liked the idea of a four-wheel drive but didn’t need it to be a serious hard-core off-roader or a practical family estate. The RAV4 is slightly larger than the Vitara, with a more comfortable interior, more power from its 130bhp 2.0-litre twin-cam petrol engine and more ride comfort from its all-independent suspension; it raised eyebrows in off-roading circles because the body is of monocoque construction, rare for an off-roader at the time, and while four-wheel drive is permanent there is no low-range gearing. Nevertheless it has enough off-road ability to satisfy anyone who wants to leave the tarmac to access a picnic spot, and the recreational intention is highlighted in the cabriolet version.

It soon became obvious that the RAV4’s appeal outstretched the capabilities of a two-door funster, resulting in the launch of a five-door version, which may have lost some of the funkiness but added enough practicality to start Toyota’s new compact SUV on a rollercoaster ride to the big league.

The first major change of direction came for the 2000 model year with an all-new and slightly more conservatively styled range. Any off-road appeal the original may have had is also reduced, with a lower ride height, tauter suspension and more powerful engines aimed at better tarmac performance and handling. There’s also a more distinctive styling difference between the three-door, which is all about youthful roadster appeal, and the five-door, which has much more of an air of the serious family estate. The five-door has added practicality in the way the rear seats can be easily removed to increase luggage space. The 2.0-litre petrol engine delivers 148bhp, but from September 2001 there was also a D-4D turbodiesel offering nearly 40mpg economy.

By 2006 the RAV4 had shrugged off its frivolous origins, the all-new model for that year taking on a refined mainstream family estate persona, longer, wider and taller than its predecessor with more power and a new auto-engaging four-wheel drive system. Choose between a 156bhp 2.0-litre petrol or smooth new 2.2-litre D-4D turbodiesel engine, which could be specified in 138bhp or 174bhp form. The transformation from funster to family estate was complete, and although a three-door variant was available it was offered almost exclusively in the UK as a practical five-door. By this time the RAV4 was competing against some serious rivals, including the Land Rover Freelander and the Honda CR-V, so naturally the levels of equipment and technology are a match with features like six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission, electronic stability controls, traction controls and hill start assist included in the specification.

The constant drive for efficiency meant an engine upgrade including a new Optimal Drive 2.2-litre turbodiesel combining a hefty 148bhp with frugal 48.7mpg and reduced CO2 emissions. The petrol engine was switched for the revised Valvematic type with 156 horsepower.

A facelift for 2010 improved aerodynamic efficiency with a new grille and headlamp design while the quality of interior materials and equipment was also enhanced. Note that this generation also included two-wheel drive derivatives, and some variants, such as the T180, have no spare wheel, opting instead for run-flat tyres or temporary repair systems, hence the lack of a door-mounted spare.

The all-new fourth generation RAV4 of 2013 further blurs the line between crossover and full-sized SUV. It’s roomier than its predecessor with easy-fold rear seats and a capacious boot, a wider engine choice and excellent equipment in the top-specification Invincible. With a 20-year history to look back on, your choice of which RAV4 to buy depends on how much you admire the funky styling of the original compared with the improved driveability and practicality of the newer generations.

 Our verdicts 

We naturally approached the original RAV4 with some scepticism. At a time when we still weren’t really sure about the role of the Suzuki Vitara – it seemed too much of a low-riding boy racers’ street rod to appeal as a proper off-roader – the cheeky new Toyota with its monocoque body, lack of low range and its all-independent suspension struck us as being too much of a compromise to please anyone; it was too sluggish to be a sports car, not hard enough to be a full-on off-roader and not practical enough to serve as an everyday family estate. The buying public didn’t seem to mind, so we compromised our own opinion. Typical was this comment from one of our team: “It’s a clever concept, a lifestyle off-roader worth considering. It isn’t for everyone, but it is a soft roader with a useful edge on the black stuff, stylish transport for those who don’t need a full-on full-sized 4×4.”  We were even grudgingly appreciative of its off-road ability, noting the effectiveness of the auto-locking centre differential and the Torsen-type limited slip rear axle differential.

We were a bit more upbeat about the second generation RAV4 for 2000, perhaps having become a bit more accustomed to the growing trend for road-only SUVs. We said of the new model: “Still recognisable as Toyota’s off-road funster, the new RAV4 has been unashamedly tweaked to give it better on-road performance and handling and more high-street posing appeal. The striking new body styles bring the RAV4 right up to date.” Noting that the base 1.8-litre engine is only available in 2-wheel drive variants, we skipped quickly to the punchier 2.0-litre unit: “This engine gets closer to GTi-type performance with a 10-second 0-60mph time and a 115mph top speed, the efficiency of the variable valve timing engine returning excellent fuel consumption of 32.1mpg.” That seemed excellent at the time…

We did, however, conclude that the RAV4 was a superbly refined car, but with very little rugged off-road appeal. That trend continued, along with an inexorable increase in pricing. Our first report on the new model for 2006 commented that not only did the Rav4 come only in five-door form: “…but with prices from £18,995 to £26,995 the cost is sizeable too, but in a sector now awash with Korean pretenders Toyota sees the RAV4 as a rival to the BMW X3. Build quality is up to the BMW’s standards, better in places, while space is excellent for both occupants and luggage.” We were less impressed with the car’s dynamic abilities. Of the 2.0 VVT-i we commented: “The RAV4 feels like a big front-drive MPV. The handling is stodgy and it will understeer excessively when pushed, despite impressive levels of grip. With low ground clearance, moderate wheel travel and conservative approach and departure angles the RAV4 is no great off-roader either, disappointing in a car that arguably defined this sector.”

Our own view hasn’t prevented the driving populace at large from taking to the RAV4 in large enough numbers to rank it as one of the most popular SUVs, in spite of the relatively high price – at least the equipment specification of high-end versions make the price seem easier to swallow, not to mention a tendency to hold its value well second-hand.

The mutation from funster to family car has reached its conclusion with the new generation introduced in 2013. Of our first driving experience our correspondent wrote: “The RAV4 has morphed into an aggressive-looking sharp-cookie that disappointingly blends all too well with the rest of the 19-strong mid-size crossover SUV pack.” That’s not to deny the quality and practicality of the latest model, which is also faster and more poised on the road than the earlier models, attributes that combined so well with the smart auto transmission and improved ride quality to earn the latest RAV4 a highly recommended accolade in our latest 4×4 of the Year contest.

 Which one to buy 

The original RAV4 has classic value, and even though you shouldn’t have to pay much more than £500 for one in good condition some dealers are asking close to £2000 for high-specification examples with well over 100,000 miles. The range included base, EX, mid-range GX and range-topping VX trim levels, but here were also special editions worth looking for including Edge, Freesport, Heat, Reebok and Giant. One of the more attractive deals we saw was for a red three-door GS from 1996 with just 70,000 miles on it with an MOT and full Toyota service history going for £525 at Huzaifa Cars (07815 945949). The first RAV4 was funky, but with £1500 to spend we’d rather look at one of the neater, better performing second-generation which has less classic value but is a more engaging car to drive. These were originally badged NV, NRG, GX and VX, this changing from 2004 to XT2, XT3 and XT4 trim levels. Even the base model has air conditioning and electric front windows, mid-range includes electric sunroof and alloy wheels, high-end models include a CD auto-changer and leather upholstery. For £1500 you will be looking at a relatively low-specification version, but be aware that the base 1.8-litre NV was two-wheel drive. Keenest offer we spotted was the 2000 NRG 3-door, silver with air conditioning, 16-inch alloys and one-touch electric windows for £1500 at VTG Vehicle Supermarket of Nuneaton (01163 664066). Expect to pay £2000-£3000 for a high-mileage run-out 2.2 D-4D XT3, £3500 for a leather-upholstered XT4.

For family users most interest will focus on the third generation from 2006, featuring better performance, economy and safety features through the range. Badging ranged from a base LE through XT3 and XT4 to XT5, but with T180, XT-R and SR180 offering extra value equipment levels. The XT3 and XT4 were the most popular and therefore most numerous second-hand, you’ll pay £4000 for a reasonable mileage early example, more like £5000 for a well-maintained one with low mileage. Note that the T180 has no spare wheel, check that the one you buy has a get-you-home or tyre repair kit. We spotted a smart green 2006 model with a long MOT and 84,000 miles going for £4995 at SW Trailers (07999 511732), full leather interior, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and privacy glass.

The XT-R from 2008 is one to look for, the specification including electric sunroof, privacy glass, dual zone climate control, plus Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, parking sensors and 17-inch alloys. Park Road Garage of Bedford (01234 843272) was offering a 95,000 mile example for £6490, silver with a full Toyota service history and a long MOT. Alternatively the sports-themed SR-180 with the higher-performance 2.2 D-4D engine has18-inch alloys, extended wheelarches, run-flat tyres and dark-tinted headlamps, Rycote Motor Company, Oxfordshire (01844 279000) had a smart grey 2009 model with electric sunroof, 99,000 miles but with a full service history on offer at £7990.

Naturally facelifted models for the 2010 model year are more desirable, these had the more efficient Optimal Drive turbodiesel and Valvematic petrol engines. The high-specification XT-R was also available in Style and Premium Nav form. There’s a good selection of all of these around, Cargiant (08444 824110) were asking £11,000 for an XT-R in Decuma Grey with leather upholstery and a CD multichanger. Pay up to £17,000 for a run-out example of 2013, though this should be a pristine low-mileage example, like the silver 2.2 D-4D at Motorpoint of Peterborough (01733 737096) priced at £16,999 with 7000 miles, equipment including rain sensing wipers, auto headlamps, dual-zone air conditioning and Alcantare leather upholstery.

Meanwhile there’s already a good selection of nearly-new examples of the current model on offer at Toyota dealerships around the country, some offering remarkable savings over the new list price – for example Oakmere Toyota were offering a top-specification Invincible 2.2 D in mahogany metallic with 3000 miles on it for £24,450, comparing well with the £28,500 showroom price on a new example.

 

ENGINE DRIVETRAIN CHASSIS BODY AND INTERIOR
Petrol engines on early models need a cam belt change every 60,000 miles, so be wary when buying anything with 120,000 miles showing, check if the work has been done and if you’re not sure argue £250 or so off the price to allow for the cost of replacement. Check the state of radiator hoses, split hoses aren’t uncommon and a sudden loss of water can lead to overheating and a failed head gasket. Even on later models with the VVT-i or Valvematic engines check for signs of leakage from the water pump, which can also lead to sudden overheating; even if there are no signs of leaks, listen for squeaks or shrieks from the pump pulley indicating bearing wear. With the VVT-i and Valvematic engines listen for rattles or clicking sounds that could indicate problems with the high-tech valve train. Check that the engine runs sweetly and all dashboard indicator lamps go out after start-up, exhaust sensor failures are not unknown leading to erratic running. The turbodiesels are generally reliable but water pump failures can lead to head gasket failure, so check for water leaks, also check for oil leaks around the timing chain cover. The D-4D consumes a lot of oil, check the level before you buy and also frequently thereafter. Clogged diesel particulate filters can cause problems on later models, excessive fuelling during the burn-off phase can lead to excessive engine wear.
Transmissions are generally trouble free, reject any manual with a notchy or baulky shift quality. The clutch action should be lights and progressive, if it’s snatchy or there’s too much pedal movement pick another car. Any juddering or shuddering from the clutch could point to impending failure of the dual-mass flywheel. The CVT transmission takes some getting used to, check on a test drive that it doesn’t seem to allow the engine to over rev too much. Wheel bearing failure is not unknown, listen for a distant drumming or groaning noise, if you’re not sure jack the car up and check that there’s no excess sideways play on any of the wheels. Check for kerbing damage on the alloy wheels, not only from an aesthetic viewpoint but also to be aware that tracking might have been put out, leading to excess tyre wear.
Rust isn’t unknown on the floorpans of early examples, or on bodywork under the plastic cladding panels. Don’t buy an older car unless it has an MOT. Few RAV4s will have been used off-road, but it’s worth having a look underneath to see it there have been attempts to hide sill damage under filler and paint. Make sure the car rides stably and doesn’t wobble about too much in corners, suggesting excessive wear to the springs and dampers; anti-roll bar bushes can wear leading to similar cornering sloppiness. Steering column joints and track rod ends can wear leading to a vagueness in the steering, though knocking or clicking noises can also indicate worn CV joints. Check that the car brakes smoothly, especially on later models, where discs are known to warp after heavy braking and may need to be replaced.
Corrosion shouldn’t be a serious problem on later models. One aspect to check on the third generation car is that the tailgate operates smoothly and hasn’t sagged from the weight of the spare wheel. Note that the rear door on cars with door-mounted spares won’t open fully; a checkstrap prevents the door opening far enough for the spare wheel to obscure the taillights. Many owners removed the checkstrap or replaced it with the one from the T180, which does not have a rear-mounted spare. Some will even have changed the entire door for one without a spare carrier, if so check that there’s a tyre repair kit, or if the car was specified with run-flat tyres check that such tyres are still fitted. Electrical problems aren’t unknown, so check that all electrical items, such as electric windows, stereo and, on premium models, the satnav, work properly.

 Or you could consider… 

Suzuki Grand VitaraKia SportageNissan Qashqai


Suzuki was quick to follow Toyota’s lead as the RAV4 developed into a family estate, launching the Grand Vitara in 1998 as a comfortable and road-friendly expanded derivative of the original Vitara. The Grand Vitara may be a little more compact than the RAV4 but it has an edge in off-road ability by sporting a dual range transfer gearbox, marking it as a better bet than a Toyota if you intend to do some off-road adventuring – the short-wheelbase version is ideal for that role. Engine options in the early five-door version include a 2.0-litre Peugeot diesel, a 2.0-litre petrol four or a lively 2.5-litre petrol V6. If you need more space the XL-7 offers seven-seater versatility. The new model from 2005 offers better ride from its all-independent suspension and more refinement from smoother and more efficient engines. Expect to pay around £7000 for an average-mileage 1.9DDiS from 2009.

Originally something of a rough-edged budget plaything, the Sportage has grown into a serious competitor for the likes of the RAV4 with its smooth and powerful petrol and diesel engines, all-independent suspension and good-value equipment specifications. Even the rather dumpy-looking 2005 model is worth considering as a reliable low-cost family runabout, since the interior is well-appointed, comfortable and practical, and a high-specification run-out 2010 XE shouldn’t cost more than £8500. The latest version launched in 2010 is a much smarter proposition all round, with striking modern looks and refined 2.0-litre common-rail turbodiesel, pay around £12,000 for a KX-2 of 2010 with part leather and a panoramic roof to £25,000 for a nearly-new 2014 top-specification KX-4 with just 400 miles on it.

The Qashqai may well be an SUV in name only, shifting the off-road on-road crossover compromise almost entirely on to tarmac, but that’s unlikely to be a concern for anyone considering a modern RAV4 either, so we can only point to the remarkable popularity of the Nissan as a reason to consider it. The styling isn’t particularly striking and the interior a bit on the bland side, but equipment is good through the range and the 2.0-litre engines are smooth and responsive whether mated to manual or CVT automatic transmissions. Most buyers chose two-wheel drive versions, so make sure the one you’re planning to buy does have the All-Mode 4-wheel drive system; note that from 2011 the 1.6dCi turbodiesel was made available with 4ED and stop-start technology for ultimate economy. Pay around £7000 for a four-year-old Visia or five-year-old Tekna.

Nissan has ensured its all-new NP300 Navara is ready for action as soon as customers take delivery by launching the model with its most extensive set of pick-up accessories to date.

The Navara is available with 125 dealer-fit accessories, making it one of the most customisable, adaptable and versatile vehicles on the market.

This includes many first-in-sector features and innovations that add to the new model’s already broad appeal, and will ensure it is up to the demands of the toughest job.

Sector firsts, include:

  • A sliding load tray that makes loading and unloading the new NP300 Navara a breeze
  • A foldaway rear step that improves access to the truck bed
  • Tailgate assist – a system that lowers the vehicle’s tailgate smoothly at the touch of a button
  • An ingenious load carrier that allows vehicle users to make use of the space on top of the load space cover

Further adding to the vehicle’s practical appeal, is a top quality hardtop available in two distinct grades. The higher of these two grades comes with opening windows, interior trims, interior lighting, a stop lamp and central locking.

The vehicle can also be supplied with either a plastic or aluminium bedliner and a choice of aluminium or soft tonneau cover or roll cover.

There’s also a wealth of options for those who want their vehicle to look the part and stand out from the crowd.

Styling choices include striking chrome bars for the front, side and bed of the vehicle and high impact lamps that can be fitted onto the bars. Also available are decal stickers, exhaust finishers, a shark antenna and alloy wheels.

Mike Thompson, After Sales Director at Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, said: “In the past it’s often been the case that new pick-ups have come to market and customers have then had to wait for third-party, aftermarket accessories to personalise and adapt their vehicles.

“In developing the new NP300 Navara, Nissan had accessories in mind from the very outset and so we have been able to ensure that even those customers taking delivery of the first vehicles this month have the full range of options and accessories available to them.”

1132144_DG 1

Bridgestone has announced the launch of Bridgestone DriveGuard, a new touring tyre which boasts additional benefits and safety for all motorists, including the ability to drive for 50 miles at 50mph following a puncture.

The product is designed to be fitted on to all passenger cars1 to remove concerns relating to tyre damage (including in sidewall and tread areas) and to deliver the highest standards of safety, wet performance, comfort and fuel efficiency; giving drivers additional peace of mind, safety and convenience.

Known for developing outstanding and breakthrough technologies, Bridgestone’s new product, DriveGuard, is described as a ‘game changer’ due to the following:

  • Capability to be fitted on to all passenger vehicles regardless of the manufacturer or model1.
  • Unique response to virtually all kinds of tyre damages (including sidewall and tread) which is unlike other tyre mobility solutions (e.g. sealant).
  • “No compromise” philosophy.
  • Eco-conscious nature.

 

1 Currently not available for vans. Only for cars equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). For more details please visit www.bridgestone.co.uk/driveguard.

1132781_LR_DEF_Celebration_Event_290116_12

Land Rover celebrated 68 years of history as the last of the current Defenders was produced at its famous Solihull production facility.

To mark the occasion Land Rover invited more than 700 current and former Solihull employees involved in the production of Series Land Rover and Defender vehicles to see and drive some of the most important vehicles from its history, including the first pre-production ‘Huey’ Series I as well as the last vehicle off the production line, a Defender 90 Heritage Soft Top.

At the same time, Land Rover announced a new Heritage Restoration Programme, which will be based on the site of the existing Solihull production line. A team of experts, including some long serving Defender employees, will oversee the restoration of a number of Series Land Rovers sourced from across the globe. The first vehicles will go on sale in July 2016.

Dr Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Today we celebrate what generations of men and women have done since the outline for the Land Rover was originally drawn in the sand. The Series Land Rover, now Defender, is the origin of our legendary capability, a vehicle that makes the world a better place, often in some of the most extreme circumstances. There will always be a special place in our hearts for Defender, among all our employees, but this is not the end. We have a glorious past to champion, and a wonderful future to look forward to.”

The Defender Celebration in Solihull saw more than 25 unique vehicles from Land Rover’s history come together in a procession around the Solihull plant, featuring the final current Defender vehicle off the line. Land Rover associates were joined by a number of previous employees from the past 68 years to help celebrate this historic day. The last of the current Defender vehicles includes an original part that has been used on Soft Top specifications since 1948 – the hood cleat. The vehicle will be housed in the Jaguar Land Rover Collection.

Land Rover fans are invited to upload their most memorable journeys ever undertaken in Series Land Rover or Defender vehicles via an upcoming online ‘Defender Journeys’platform. Effectively a digital scrapbook, Land Rover aims to collate as many exciting adventures as possible into this online map, which users can view and share.

From 1948 to 2016 – Celebrating the Solihull Story

More than two million Series Land Rovers and Defenders have been built in Solihull, UK since 1948. What began as simply a line drawing in the sand has gone on to become one of the world’s most iconic 4x4s, earning the accolade of being the most versatile vehicle on the planet, capable of taking owners to the places other vehicles couldn’t reach. In 2015, a unique milestone Defender – the ‘Defender 2,000,000’ sold for a record £400,000 – a far cry from the original £450 the first Land Rover sold for at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show.

In 1948, the Series I went into full production at Solihull. Post-war Britain was struggling with a shortage of steel, though aluminium was in plentiful supply for the bodyshells and the country had vast manufacturing capacity.  Inspiration came from Spencer and Maurice Wilks, two brothers who had helped return the Rover Company back into profitability during the 1930s. They had devised the Land Rover as a vehicle primarily for farming and agricultural use. They could not have predicted the global impact their vehicle would have.

Changes followed and in 1958 the Series II brought about a new design and engine updates, including an advanced diesel engine which remained in service until the mid-1980s. Sales had reached half a million by 1966, while annual production peaked in 1971 with 56,000 units. During the 1970s, the Series III continued to sell as well as its predecessor, a testament to its enduring appeal.

The vehicle earned a new name in 1990 – Defender. By this time, the Land Rover portfolio included the Range Rover and the newly-launched Discovery. A new name was fitting for a vehicle previously only referred to by its wheelbase length and Series number.

Part of the Land Rover’s appeal came from the endless variants that were created off the basic platform, including models as diverse as fire engines, lorry-like Forward Control vehicles, cherry pickers and even an amphibious car capable of floating on water. Over its 68 year history, it has been a vehicle driven by everyone from farmers and famous explorers, to royalty.

For many Defender owners the vehicle has become part of the family, just as on the Solihull production lines where that same family bond has been forged over the years by the workforce.

Tim Bickerton, aged 55, has 40 years’ service with Land Rover having started as an apprentice, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Charlie and father Peter, who clocked up 35 and 30 years respectively working on the same line, both progressing to foreman. Tim was followed by his daughter Jade, aged 25 who worked on logistics and materials for the Defender, before recently moving to another area within JLR. Then last year his 23 year old son Scott became the fifth member of the family to work on the Defender.

Tim, who worked on producing special limited edition Defender models, said: “I am hugely proud of our special family tradition working on this remarkable vehicle. The Defender has become part of our family. We’re like a stick of rock with Defender running through us. The Defender is the vehicle that everyone relates back to Land Rover; it may be seen as a workhorse but we think it has become a real thoroughbred.”

David Smith, aged 56, is another 37 year veteran of the current Defender production line who will be moving across to the Jaguar XE production area. A former butcher he joined Land Rover as a 20 year old because it doubled his wages to £80 a week and gave him a job with long term prospects. “The Defender is a special vehicle and very much hand built. You need to get a feel for it; we call it ‘the knack’ and it takes months to learn the knack. It’s about doing the job at speed, it’s an intense combination of skills. Working on the Defender is like being part of a big family,” he said.

 

Enthusiasts will now be able to undertake the full Defender production line tour via a new online 360 degree virtual tool, here: http://defendertour.landrover.com

6.9 million British drivers think that if they had to take their driving test again, they would be likely to fail.

New research shows that one in five qualified drivers (18 per cent), said they doubted their current driving skills would get them past an examiner – a figure which increased with age to peak at 24 per cent of over 65s.

Research conducted by Young Driver, which provides driving lessons for 10-17 year olds, questioned more than 1,000 UK drivers on skills relating to some of the best-known driving manoeuvres.

Twenty eight per cent of drivers said they struggled to parallel park, with a further one in four (25 per cent), admitting that reversing into a parking bay was a challenge they preferred to avoid. For female drivers these figures increased to 36 and 30 per cent respectively.

Worryingly, a quarter of all drivers (26 per cent) said they regularly parked some distance from where they needed to be in order to get an ‘easier’ car parking space which didn’t require as much skill. One in six drivers (16 per cent) admitted they often felt nervous when it came to parking – rising to one in four (26 per cent) 18-25 year olds.

And it seems it’s not just parking which causes issues – one in six (16 per cent) admitted they struggle to complete a turn in the road without needing to undertake significantly more manoeuvres than the traditional three point turn.

Young Driver, the UK’s largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons, has produced a series of ‘How To’ videos to help drivers master everything from parallel parking to reversing round a corner. And although they were produced for the 10-17 year olds Young Driver teaches, the group’s research shows they are just as useful for parents needing a refresher too.1131128_A Young Driver gets motoring

Young Driver’s series of ‘how to’ videos are available free at www.youngdriver.eu/howto and include how to reverse park in a bay, parallel parking, reversing round a corner, emergency stops and a turn in the road.

For more information about Young Driver log on to www.youngdriver.eu

1131036_K_5570

The all-new Kia Sportage – the fourth-generation of Kia’s compact SUV – features an attractive, all-new interior and exterior design, a host of advanced new technology features and greater quality.

Having made its global debut at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show, the all-new Sportage will go on sale across European markets during Q1 2016.

Now in its fourth-generation, the new Kia Sportage compact SUV builds on the success of the outgoing model, offering an innovative and sophisticated package to buyers in an increasingly competitive market. The new-look interior features high quality materials and design integrity, as well as greater practicality and a range of technologies to improve comfort, convenience, connectivity and safety. A range of new and updated engines and transmissions will result in enhanced efficiency and performance, while ride, handling and refinement are all improved.

For the first time, a new ‘GT Line’ specification is available to Sportage customers. Designed and engineered to appeal to those looking for a sportier driving experience from their Sportage, the GT Line specification delivers all the versatility of the standard Sportage while adding greater visual and dynamic appeal to those customers that desire it.

The Kia Sportage is manufactured at Kia’s production facility in Žilina, Slovakia, and remains the brand’s bestselling model in Europe, with more than 105 000 sold across Europe in 2015, accounting for 27.4% of Kia sales.

The race is on to create the most refined, road-friendly SUV. Fortunately off-road enthusiasts are still able to lay hands on the one car that holds true to the original concept of the recreational off-roader, the spiritual successor to the charismatic CJ-7

 TARGET RANGE:  £2,000 – £10,000 

Some 4×4 enthusiasts might be excused for thinking that most manufacturers of four-wheel drive cars have lost the plot, putting the emphasis on sleek style, comfort and refined road manners at the expense of off-road capability. The truth is they’ve written a new script in which the SU of SUV stands for Significantly Upperclass rather than Sports Utility, with very profitable results. Even Jeep, the company that set the whole recreational off-road ball rolling 60 years ago, has succumbed to the lure of the mainstream big buck by aiming their new Cherokee squarely at socialite suburbia with none of the genuine utility of the original Cherokee.

Jeep has at least clung to one small element of its iconic past, in the form of the Wrangler. The Wrangler had a tough act to follow – it was the replacement for the CJ-7, which back in the 1970s in Renegade form with punchy V8 power, launched the whole concept of the high-fun Recreational Activity Vehicle. In reality the first Wrangler, developed and produced under AMC ownership, was a bit of a cost-cutting compromise, basically fitting CJ-lookalike panels to a shortened Cherokee uni-body frame and hanging the axles on leaf springs, so although the stated aim was to make it a more refined, driver-friendly car, it actually had little more refinement than the CJ-7 and significantly less off-road ability in its standard road-safe low-riding form.

Enthusiasts were therefore over the moon when in 1996 Chrysler upgraded the concept with the TJ Wrangler, reverting to a separate chassis, reinventing the iconic styling cues of the CJ-7 while also achieving the double-whammy of better on-road refinement and enhanced off-road performance by adopting long-travel coil springs all round. This car is, unquestionably, the true conceptual successor to the CJ-7.

It couldn’t last; by 2006 Chrysler couldn’t ignore the need to upgrade this historic but dated pattern with a more family-friendly body, including four-door format, along with more economical and environmentally friendly engines. The current Wrangler is still a very capable off-road vehicle, but no one can deny that it’s lost some of that soul-lifting fun for fun’s sake image of the CJ-7… and the TJ. The change had to happen, though, as evidenced by the worldwide sales figures; where the TJ sold at an average of 80,000 units a year through its 10 year lifespan, the new Wrangler instantly upped the ante to an average of 130,000 units a year. To put this in perspective, Land Rover proudly announced their millionth Discovery in 2012, after 23 years of production; Jeep sold nearly a quarter of a million Wranglers in 2013 alone. That popularity is being echoed in the UK; at a recent Jeep Owners’ Club meeting, Dean Stogdon, sales executive for a Surrey Jeep dealership, turned up to put the new Cherokee on display. He told us: “I sold seven Jeeps last week – six of them Wranglers.”

Desirable the new Wrangler may be, but anyone wishing to experience the emotional high of owning and off-roading in a car that more genuinely reflects the all-American panache of an iconic Jeep need look no further than a TJ Wrangler.

As a sop to the health and safety overlords the TJ in its basic form sits low on relatively small wheels to enhance on-road stability. However, the massive popular appeal of the TJ as a recreational off-roader has spurred many specialist companies to produce upgraded components to improve the off-road ability, mainly in the form of suspension lift kits allowing bigger wheels to be fitted, along with underbody protection, locking differentials, winch bumpers and the like. With a little lift and some grippy off-road tyres under its iconic flat fenders, the Wrangler is a truly uncompromising go-anywhere 4×4 that cannot help but provide total off-road satisfaction.

 Our verdicts 

We were fortunate indeed that one of our first contacts with the TJ Wrangler took the form of one of the most technical hard-core tests we could have hoped for – an opportunity to drive one on the famous Rubicon Trail, a 22-mile route that crosses the Sierra Nevada between Georgetown in northern California and Lake Tahoe. To call it a “trail” is an understatement – although it was once a made-up road it’s fallen into such disrepair that much of the route simply rides over the base rock of the mountain, with stretches of exposed boulders, sharp outcrops and loose rocks to be traversed. Our opening description, published in the December 1997 issue, said: “There was a rock the size of a double-decker bus off to the right, another the size of an elephant on the left and between them a gulley that looked deep enough to swallow a horse and cart. But there was an old Californian mountain man up ahead gesturing us to keep on moving, and the bright blue Wrangler squeezed through without a squeak from scraping underbody or a scratch from the gleaming paintwork.”

In spite of that completely standard car’s competence, we’d right from the start considered it to be too low-riding, badly in need of a suspension lift and taller tyres to give it an edge over the only other vehicle that could match it off-road, the Land Rover Defender. We didn’t have to wait long, because Jeep’s UK distributors, eager to emphasise the Wrangler’s off-road credentials, had engaged Surrey Off-Road to provide the necessary modifications. With a three-inch lift and running 35-inch tyres, Rubicon II was born, a car that has since inspired many copies. We took the car on the Milles Rivieres off-road event in France. Our account of the event in the January 1998 issue gives some idea of the treacherous nature of some of the sections, which had my navigator squealing in fear on more than one occasion, but notably we ended the report with: “Rubicon II was also a great car to drive home in. We cruised the French motorway at 10mph over the official limit, the bucket seats giving incredible long-distance support – after 20 hours of driving, with one brief lunch break and a few coffee stops we never felt fatigued.”

Our first serious comparison test of the Wrangler pitted it against a Suzuki GV2000 and a Land Rover Freelander. Our verdict was a no-brainer: “With the sun bleaching the sand and a cool breeze blowing over the dunes we weren’t in the mood for choosing the most practical or the most refined car of this group. It was sheer fun that mattered and ultimately only one of the threesome had the character to excite our senses. It wasn’t the Vitara; the Freelander at least looked the part; but with the roof tucked away so we could enjoy its fully-open configuration, the Jeep was just the business.”

The Wrangler appeared in our 1998 4×4 Of The Year extravaganza, vying for favour against Suzuki Vitara, SsangYong Korando, Nissan Terrano and Vauxhall Frontera Sport in our ‘funster’ class. Because we were taking practicality and refinement into account, the class winner was the Nissan Terrano, but in any case we weren’t that impressed with the Wrangler’s plasticky dash and old-fashioned switchgear. We’d got more used to it by the following year, when we gave it the ‘best funster’ award. If we’d had any reservations about it, it had to do with the low ride height of the standard car. As we said of the 60th Anniversary model featured in our 4×4 Of The Year for 2003: “With its big torquey engine and classic styling the Wrangler ought to be the best off-road funster money can buy. On paper it has all the right statistics, with its coil-sprung beam axles and selectable 4WD system, but in practice it runs out of ground clearance too readily when the terrain gets tortuous. The 60th Anniversary special we tried looked simply superb – all it needs is a four-inch suspension lift.” The story continued right up to the arrival of the replacement new Wrangler in 2007; each year the TJ Wrangler came second to the Defender (except for the 2007 edition, when both Jeep and Land Rover were trounced by the Hummer) and in each case the low ride height let it down in extreme conditions.

The only other significant report we carried on the TJ Wrangler was in the July 2005 issue, where we tried the new six-speed manual version. We said: “It’s impossible to avoid the impression that the switch to six speeds is more to enhance the on-road behaviour than off-road prowess. Where the five-speed had wide ratios with a long overdrive fifth, the six-speeder closes the ratios so it behaves more like a sports gearbox. Top is still an overdrive, but not as extreme as on the five-speed, so the Wrangler can now hold motorway cruising speeds more easily on long power-draining inclines.”

 Which one to buy 

There isn’t much of a choice, first toss-up being between 2.5-litre four-cylinder or 4.0-litre straight-six power. If you’re after something charismatic to use as a road-only car or aren’t going to do anything particularly exciting off-road, then the 2.5 might be a sensible choice only because of the marginally lower fuel consumption – in theory it should use a lot less fuel but it works hard in the heavy Wrangler. It doesn’t really have the torque to cope with more serious off-roading, especially if you’re planning to enhance the car with a high-riding suspension upgrade, winch bumpers and the like, all of which add weight. Check the power output of the 2.5-litre example you’re planning to buy – early examples had a softer 117bhp engine, during 2001 this was uprated to 140bhp. In spite of that improvement the 4.0-litre, in spite of its heavier consumption, remains the engine of choice since it has plenty of power and big torque delivered in a delightfully laid-back manner. Most 4.0-litre versions have automatic transmission – three speed on some early models, so look out for one with the more efficient four-speed – but a manual is a better bet since this will ultimately give better control in difficult off-road conditions as well as taking the edge off fuel consumption. Note that during 2005 the manual switched from a five-speed to a six-speed, though the advantage of the extra ratio off-road is difficult to quantify.

Equipment in all Wranglers is somewhat basic. Interestingly some of the base Sport models will have had tinted glass and a four-speaker stereo, some with CD player, while others made do with a simpler two-speaker radio. Hence it’s worth checking the specification of the ICE and also be prepared to find that previous owners have fitted aftermarket systems. All TJs have headlamp levelling and airbags for driver and front seat passenger.

A well-used early Wrangler Sport shouldn’t cost more than £2000; a good value offer we spotted was a well-maintained bright blue 4.0-litre Sport manual dating from 1997 with under 80,000 miles going for £2695 at Datom Motors (07838 001134). Low mileage does enhance the asking price, we spotted a particularly desirable blue ’97 Sport with just 57,000 miles going for £4995 at Affordable Cars of Rochester (01634 649304).

The Sahara features enhanced equipment including air conditioning, cruise control and an uprated stereo, along with 15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels, but needn’t cost much more than a similar-age Sport, for instance the ’97 Sahara 4.0 manual with 140,000 miles asking £2998 at Bucks Auto House of Chesham  (01494 783891).

Expect to pay around £8000 for something from 2002-2003, condition possibly more important than mileage. Different Class Cars of South Woodford (0208 989 0001) were asking £8495 for a gleaming black ‘02 4.0-litre Sport with 43,000 miles while GP Specialist Vehicles of Manchester (0161 797 7552) wanted £8285 for an ’03 Sahara with 39,000 miles. Look out also for an Extreme Sport from 2004 on, we spotted a Pacific Blue example going for £7000 at CCM Vehicle Sales of Bradford.

We’ve commented at length on the need to give the basic Wrangler a bit of a lift to get the best out of it as an extreme off-road funster, and it’s as well to be aware that many owners will already have gone that route. In consequence it may make sense to seek out one that’s already had some modifications, such as the 4.0 Extreme Sport, a 2004 model with four-inch lift and 35-inch tyres being offered at £9750 by Atlan Motors of Lancing, West Sussex (01903 765780) with a three-month warranty, just begging you to embark on a life of off-road adventure.

ENGINE DRIVETRAIN CHASSIS BODY AND INTERIOR
The 2.5-litre petrol engine is a reliable enough unit, but it’s likely to have been thrashed in this heavy car, so listen for rattling from the bottom end suggesting worn bearings and clattering from the top end hinting at excess cylinder wear, which might also show up as grey oil smoke in the exhaust. Squeaking or groaning could spell wear problems with the water pump or the power steering pump. However, the AMC 2.5-litre engine, which shares design elements with the 4.0-litre six, is good for well over 200,000 miles if treated with respect. The same can be said of the 4.0-litre straight six, which delivers its performance in a relaxed but quite muscular manner, and is generally considered to be ‘bulletproof’ – though with higher mileage examples, check under the oil filler cap for any sign of ‘mayonnaise’ that might hint at impending gasket failure. Oil leaks are not common, but water pump failure is always a possibility, so check for excessive front-end noise or any signs of water leakage.
Probably the first thing to check on any pristine-looking car is that the transfer box works properly, the mechanism has a tendency to seize if four-wheel drive isn’t used, as may well be the case in a car that’s been used purely for road transport. Check that manual shifts are smooth and positive, crunching changes suggesting excess synchromesh wear means a car to be avoided. Automatic transmissions do need to be serviced with the proper enhanced grade of fluid, reject any higher mileage car if the gears don’t shift slickly and quickly without allowing excessive revving in the process. Also check that the kickdown is not unduly hesitant. Listen for whining or groaning from the differentials, a car that’s been used off-road or towing boat trailers in and out of water might have contaminated fluids. Excessive shunt during gear changes could also be caused by worn universal joints.
Check that the ladder-frame chassis is in good condition; any excessive corrosion should have been noted at MOT time, all the more reason to buy a car with new or long MOT. Sagging springs or soggy dampers might actually be a welcome feature if it allows you to argue down the asking price, since the main reason for buying a Wrangler will be to replace these items with higher-riding replacements; by the same token if you’re looking at a car that’s already been modified satisfy yourself that the work has been done properly and professionally. Listen for groaning from the steering, particularly when on full lock, as this could be pointing to a failing power steering pump; squeaking on full lock might be no more than a slipping drive belt, but even that is something to have sorted before you buy. Vague steering, knocking or excessive kickback are all pointers to problems from worn ball joints to ineffective steering damper. The brakes are conventional with ventilated discs in front and drums at the rear, but overstretched cables can render the parking brake ineffective. Check for excess scoring of the discs that might indicate hard off-road use; not a problem in itself in this hard-core vehicle, especially if you mean to off-road it yourself, but something to have treated before you buy.
A TJ that’s had the doors removed looks really cool – but if that’s what attracts you to buy it make sure you do get the removable doors that should come with it. Even the hardtop TJ is designed to have its roof removed when the weather’s good, so if you’re buying one make sure that the roof is still properly seated and has all its securing fixtures in place, a badly-fitted roof can cause noise and water leakage issues. Also check the interior for signs of water staining on the seats and carpets, a sign that it’s been left out in the rain without its roof on. Naturally the same applies to the soft-top. Check that the soft-top roof fits properly – it’s a complex arrangement that needs strong fingers to clip neatly into place, the zipper securing the rear screen can snag or come adrift. That rear panel has to be unclipped and rolled up out of the way before you can open the tailgate, so make sure the grip rail is in good condition. Corrosion shouldn’t have affected the bodywork, again excessive rust ought to have been picked up at an MOT inspection, but it’s always worth checking for staining at seams or signs that paint has been sprayed over dodgy repairs. The alloy door mirror housings may show signs of corrosion, but this is generally no more than a cosmetic problem. Also make sure you have the stereo code.

 A little lift here and there works wonders! 

Old Man EmuTeraflexRubicon Express


This Australian kit takes its name from the flightless bird that runs across the outback, its powerful legs absorbing the impact while its body remains perfectly level. The OME suspension systems are individually designed and specified to suit each type of vehicle, giving an exceptionally good quality of ride as well as a superb blend of roadholding and articulation. Their replacement springs and dampers for the TJ gives the Wrangler a lift of around 2.5 inches, but there’s also a ‘Trailblazer’ kit giving a full 4-inch lift.

A full range of well-engineered upgrades for the TJ Wrangler, including the most basic of lifts – raising the body an inch above the chassis makes space for taller tyres. Products include two-inch, three-inch and four-inch suspension lifts involving replacement springs and dampers, with longer control arms for higher lifts, with all the necessary bracketry and bushings. Consider anti roll bar disconnects, steering and braking upgrades, the soft-ride Speed Bump bump stops and underbody protection plates.

The first company to offer a long-arm suspension system for the TJ – to the uninitiated ‘long-arm’ is a means of allowing more than usual axle articulation, which in conjunction with the 5.5-inch lift kit they offer makes the Wrangler as unstoppable as it’s possible to get. Happily for less extreme types they offer a whole variety of lifts starting at a moderate 2.5-inches. They also offer a range of other enhancements such as sway bar disconnects, replacement track bars and transfer case lowering kits.

shutterstock_301517462

An extraordinary number of motorists in the UK are driving with 12 points or more on their driving licenses.

Motoring.co.uk can reveal via a Freedom of Information request from the DVLA and highlighted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) that 7,621 people are still driving with 12 points or more on their licence.

These motorists have reached the threshold to be banned yet are still driving on UK roads. Not only could this endanger other road users as the motorists are proven to be a danger but it also brings the penalty point system into disrepute.

Normally, under the ‘totting up’ system, drivers are banned if they accumulate 12 points on their licence over a three-year period.

In addition, a staggering 15 drivers have 30 or more points on their licence, with a male motorist from Liverpool totting up 45 points for speeding and failing to give information.

Seven of the top 15 penalty point holders are male, whilst two drivers have been caught for using a vehicle uninsured six times.

A female driver with 38 points has been caught speeding on ten occasions.

The IAM has blamed a breakdown in communication between the courts and the DVLA for these figures.

Sarah Sillars, IAM chief executive officer, said: “The IAM has been highlighting this issue for several years now and we appreciate that the flow of information between the DVLA and the courts is slowly improving, which will allow the courts to make better decisions while armed with the full facts.”

“However these improvements cannot come quickly enough to deliver a truly joined-up approach to the judicial process. Individual courts making decision on prosecutions can lead to inconsistency in how the law is applied which risks devaluing the simple ‘12 points and you’re out’ road safety message. If the public sees that persistent offenders are getting away with it, they may believe that road traffic rules – which let not us not forget, are designed for their safety – are ineffective or unimportant.”

A further 36,000 motorists are on the brink of losing their driving license.

All of the 36,000 motorists that have been pin pointed from the data are currently on 9,10 and 11 points – one more offence could see them lose their license as an offence usually carries at least 3 penalty points.

This is a startling figure given the government’s work on road safety and the education courses that are now available on speeding.

 

1129187_60567_Civic_Tourer_Active_Life_Concept

Honda (UK) will use the Triathlon Show: London 2016 (ExCel London from 11th – 14th February 2016) to introduce its cycling special ‘Active Life Concept’ to the UK public for the first time.

The Concept aims to demonstrate both Honda’s customer-centric innovative thinking and the versatility and load space of the Honda Civic Tourer, proving that utility and style can work together hand in hand for customers living an active lifestyle.

Making the very most of the Tourer’s class-leading cargo space and its low loading height, the Active Life Concept features an integrated smart loading rack capable of transporting two bicycles, with a retractable arm which can be extended for easy bike repair and maintenance. Further storage solutions for the touring cyclist include a toolbox, bottle holder, water tank and front wheel holder, all integrated within the boot’s side lining; as well as a special aero shape roof box to accommodate essentials such as shoes and helmets. Other maintenance essentials include a built-in air pump, a large light and extendable shade over the tailgate, and a retractable bench.

This accessorised interior is complemented by a sporty exterior, further reflecting the active lifestyle of the target customer. A custom blue paint finish with a lower gun-metallic gradation and silver roofline help accentuate the Tourer’s sleek styling and aerodynamic design, while new 18-inch alloy wheels and a custom design rear bumper further highlight its sporty character.

Phil Crossman, Managing Director for Honda (UK) comments: “This amazing Concept takes the Civic Tourer’s already incredible practicality and versatility to another level, with several extremely clever solutions to make the very most of its tardis-like interior space. While just a design study with no plans for mass production at this stage, it does go to show how our cars are ideal for customers with an active lifestyle, and we’re looking forward to hearing what visitors to the show think of it.”

Honda will also be offering younger visitors to the show the chance to try motorcycling for the first time, with the ‘My First Licence’ experience. Designed for 5-11 year olds, and always very popular, budding young riders will hop on to a restricted 50cc motorcycle under the guidance of highly-experienced trainers to learn the basics in a safe and controlled environment. All equipment required will be provided, and once proficient each trainee will take away their very first license – a replica of that received by an adult when they pass their test.

www.honda.co.uk

Prev1...323334...37Next Page 33 of 37