Not a tyre manufacturer that we have had any experience of, but we have heard from the guys at 4x4tyres.co.uk who are particularly enthusiastic about the new Nankang N889 Mud Terrain tyre. Very popular in America, these tyres are available at what is described as ‘seriously cheap prices’, have white wall lettering (always looks good), a high shoulder to help eliminate shake when driven on the road, and are pre-drilled to accept snow studs. Go online to find out more and if there’s a size to suit your 4×4.
Website: www.4x4tyres.co.uk
In the last issue, we commented on how the new Porsche Macan had effectively turned Porsche into a full-blown SUV manufacturer, that happens to sideline in sports cars. News this month from Audi confirms that at present some 28 per cent of this manufacturer’s sales are SUV models, and this is expected to rise to 35 per cent in 2020. This growth will certainly be supported by a new ‘small’ SUV, the Q1. Audi’s ‘Q’ series of four-wheel drive SUVs have now totalled some 250,000 vehicles since the first model was launched in 2006.
As we all know, 4x4s come in all shapes and sizes, but few can actually float. We meet with Tim Dutton, an endearing character, and founding father of the this country’s kit car industry, with his latest 4×4 creation. Let’s go off-road Surf-ing in the UK… 
A vehicle’s diff can be exposed to some very harsh situations, especially if that vehicle is involved in some serious off-roading or in particular if it’s a competition vehicle. Protection, therefore, is the sensible option. ARB has now extended its range of extra strong diff casings to over 20 vehicles. These iron diff covers can be easily fitted in around an hour, and besides protecting locking diffs and ring and pinion gears, it is claimed that they also help strengthen the axle, since they provide increased structural rigidity. The covers are available in black, but also in the more familiar bright red. They are clear coated offering a very professional and long lasting finish. Prices start at around £129.89 (plus VAT) and come complete with all fitments, including tensile cap screws (which are recessed into the cover to protect against damage). As ever when you are looking for ARB products in the UK, your first point of call has to be Arbil. You can find your nearest ARB stockist by going to the website.
When the all-new Range Rover of 2002 appeared it was a stunning departure from the original concept. Gone was the separate steel chassis, gone were the beam axles, and gone was the trusty old Buick V8 engine. With its all-independent suspension and sleek new styling it was the starkest indication yet that the Range Rover was no longer the estate manager’s town car, it was intended to be one of the world’s best luxury limousines with four-wheel drive, almost an incidental fop to the growing interest in all-wheel drive SUVs. The transformation was fuelled by financial and technical input from BMW and Ford, which had sequentially owned the Land Rover brand at that time; hence there was also a quantum leap in the build quality and the promise of better performance, economy and reliability from new engines and transmissions.
Our columnist waves goodbye to a couple of true intrepid adventurers, and wishes she could join them…
This month we have a seriously useful gift as our subscription offer. Clothing and footwear company, Dickies, has a well-earned reputation so you know immediately that these boots are quality. 
For those working and travelling in rural areas that might get caught in bad winter weather, Cardiff-based survival gear specialists, BCB International Ltd, has developed this winter emergency kit. Included is a solid fire lighting and cooking fuel made from ethanol, called FireDragon, which can be lit in wet and extreme weather conditions. The kit is claimed to enable individuals to stay warm, hydrated, as well as be seen and heard when the conditions really turn nasty. 
Also from Gigglepin this month is this replacement circlip for a Warn 8274 winch. The standard Warn 8274 brake is held on by a circlip on the end of the mainshaft, and it’s one that is famous for breaking – normally at the worst possible moment. Gigglepin tells us that this circlip has previously only been available as part of the Warn Brake Service Kit. Gigglepin 4×4 can now supply both the early and late types of mainshaft circlip – individually – at the bargain price of only £6.50 (plus VAT). An essential part of any winch spares kit. 
Prev