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julystaffhilsphotoHils Everitt – Editor at Large

TiguanSo now it is time to say goodbye to the VW. We’ve had a Tiguan of some description on the fleet for a long time and have got to know them well. The Escape model was a decent upgrade to the standard auto-engaging SE that we ran for six months previously. In the most recent winter snow it was comforting to have the additional off-road switch, which meant a smoother journey in the deep snow that Kent enjoyed, and the increased approach angle that the redesigned nose of the Escape offers.

The Escape is really not a bad off-roader, it’s just that, being a lower-slung SUV than more traditional off-road vehicles, it feels inappropriate to take it anywhere really rough. Although the Escape’s angled nose allows for more serious playtime, the lower ground clearance that crossovers/modern SUVs offer makes me rather nervous to tackle anything too strenuous.

Nigel FryattNigel Fryatt – editor

Suzuki Grand Vitara SZ4From the thumping macho behemoth that was my Hilux, to the nimble, buzzy, almost hot-hatch like three-door Suzuki Grand Vitara. Madness. Actually, it doesn’t quite work like that. My personal Toyota Hilux has now gone – after a hugely successful trip to Scotland for my recent sailing holiday. We had four adults and more clothes, sleeping bags, wet weather sailing gear, booze and food than you can imagine, completing an 800 mile round trip, effortlessly. Am I sad to see it go? Certainly, and I still haven’t decided what to buy next. In the meantime, I’m going to have a few months of long term testing with our new Mighty Mouse off-roading Suzuki!

OK, so the Suzuki, especially in three-door form, does look somewhat ‘cute’ and may not appeal to everyone. Look at the spec, however, and it does start to appeal to this writer. It is powered by a 2.4-litre 16v petrol engine, that just loves to be revved, and delivers 166bhp and a very reasonable 225Nm of torque, which has to be one of the biggest capacity engines for a small SUV on the UK market. It’s very sprightly and we fear that enjoying that might make it reasonably thirsty – something that we will be reporting on.

KAPsAfter establishing a well-earned reputation in the world of off-road competition, KAP Motorsport has moved in an intriguing direction. Check out these excellent Suzuki Jimny specials. Admit it, you want one…

Words: Hils Everitt    Photography: Hils Everitt, KAP Motorsport, Alan Coutts

KAP (originally Keighley Automotive Painting) has veered away from the Suzuki 4×4 racing side, preferring to concentrate on saloon cars, but its Suzuki credentials are still very much to the fore. Converting Suzuki Jimnys into pick-up trucks for commercial and utility purposes has become a core part of its business and it is proving highly successful. “We have converted five so far this year; it’s a very steady, good business and they are becoming more and more popular,” explains KAP founder and owner Darren Wilson. “It takes about two weeks to do the conversion; it has to look right and be totally in proportion, which has taken a while to perfect on a compact-sized vehicle.” He loves Suzukis, especially Jimnys, and is extremely proud of the fact that his trucks are dotted all over the British Isles, working very hard for a living.

Farmers, groundsmen, foresters and all manner of people working on the land and in the great outdoors make up his customers. “They want something light, easy on fuel, easily manoeuvrable, but offering more comfort, safety and space than the traditional Mule or ATV, whatever you want to call them,” he continues.

Making the right tyre choiceOnce you’ve bought your 4×4, the time will come when you need to decide about replacement tyres. And how do you make the correct decision? Our advice is to ask the experts, that’s exactly what we did…

Words: Nigel Fryatt

You could argue, strongly, that they are the single most important component on your 4×4. Regardless of whether you drive a ‘soft’ SUV fitted with an ‘intelligent’ torque-sensing four-wheel drive system over which you have no control, or one with the very latest multi-sensor sophistication of a terrain specific transmission, complete with lockable diffs and mind-bogglingly responsive traction control systems, you won’t get far without them. Back in the tarmac world, 4x4s have higher centres of gravity than ‘ordinary’ vehicles, roll more significantly in corners and generally weigh more and so take longer to stop, even in the most benign of conditions. The failure to run appropriate tyres for your needs isn’t just an inconvenience, or a minor disadvantage, it can verge on the disastrous. If you own a 4×4, you do so because you have made a specific decision; it’s important that such a process is also made on what tyres you run. The correct tyre choice is vital, and not just to ensure you get out of that muddy bomb hole during a pay and play day, thus saving face and displaying your own personal driving prowess. It’s not too dramatic to point out that your tyre decisions, in certain circumstances, could be life saving.

Hils BlogGreenlaning is getting more difficult to do thanks to all the restrictions. Perhaps organised drives are the answer and if that’s the case, why not get Porsches, Audis, BMWs and other ‘posh’ 4x4s to join us off-road?

Greenlaning in the Yorkshire Wolds was a real eye opener, see feature on page 62. As an ignorant southerner I had no idea that the area even existed; although, in my defence, my Yorkshire friends in the west of the county didn’t know exactly where they were supposed to be either!

Everyone talks about the Dales and the Moors and we have been on tours in those areas a few times over the years. So it was a very pleasant surprise to join Yorkshire 4×4 Tours for a day out in the Wolds. As you will read from the feature, it is picturesque and revealing; not as dramatic a landscape as the county’s other main areas, but offered up some entertaining off-roading nonetheless.

Howard Sherren

howard sherrenWell, after an eventful first few months to the year, there were thankfully no surprises in Discovery ownership throughout April and May. After finishing the multiple jobs that had reared their head I was looking forward to some peaceful driving. The only expense I have had to fork out for was a pair of light guards courtesy of John Craddock Limited. After fitting some rear light guards over two years ago I finally decided to bite the bullet and go the full way and guard-up the headlights. The easy to install kit was in my opinion a bargain at £61.75 delivered, however these were for the replacement items at half the price of genuine Land Rover parts. However I have been informed they may no longer be available in the future, so the genuine article will be the only option – good timing!

Now the plus side is all the lights are protected from the rogue cow or stray pheasant but cleaning the lights will now certainly be a challenge!

September 2013 Issue of 4×4 Magazine

September coverWhy should selling a car be such a hassle? Finally, I have sold my Toyota Hilux. You would have thought that it would be easy. It is a great truck, well looked after, full Toyota service record and very low mileage. No commercial use – unless you include the collection of a recently felled tree that will be keeping Sue and I warm next winter. It has ARB underbody protection, and a recently fitted Mountain Top completed the extra’s list. Now, I wasn’t expecting to be swept away with the rush of potential buyers, but I thought I’d get a few sensible enquiries. What I wasn’t ready for was the numpties, ne’er-do-wells and the not-very-nice calls.

And what is it about ‘cash’? I ended having a 10-minute discussion with one potential buyer who made a ludicrously low offer, saying: ‘but it’s cash’. And when I said I wouldn’t sell for that low he still insisted in coming and having a look. ‘It’s cash, you know’. So blooming what, stupid? Finally got rid of him, only for his son to call a few moments later; same offer, same ‘it’s cash’ trump card. What a waste of time. Go away.

Line-X Jeep

Those guys at Line-X have been at it again, this time turning their attention to Jeeps! These pictures show the results of their latest work – a fully encapsulated 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ. The owner wanted something different, but also wanted something tough and Line-X is certainly the answer to that. The work was done at Line-X’s, Bermondsey, South London depot, with a green body and black roof. Besides being ‘ding and scratch resistant’ this treatment looks particularly suited to the Wrangler, don’t you think. It also goes to show that the Line-X protective cover is not just for pick-up load beds – good though it is for that – but using your imagination and you can have something that looks different and will certainly be a lot tougher, both off-road and around the mean streets of south London! If you want to know more, you can contact the Bermondsey branch on 07711 349607, or check out your nearest Line-X centre by going to www.linex.com.

Website: www.linex.com 

KEEP DRY IN THE SHADEThe Rhino Sunseeker Awning is an easy to operate, roll out awning that will shade the side of your vehicle in a matter of moments. When not in use, it is stored in its own heavy duty PVC bag. The awning comes complete with telescopic poles, guy ropes and pegs. Most importantly, it mounts to most roof rack systems, including Rhino-Rack crossbars, with the aid of an included fitting kit. It’s a sensible size, 2.5m long and 2 metres wide. If needs be, you can purchase extension pieces as well (pictured). The Rhino Sunseeker Awning retails at £259.59, and the Extension £127.05. Call the guys at TBR UK on 01832 275396 or go direct to the website.

Website: www.tbruk.com 

Budget Korando NOW availableA new low cost SsangYong Korando SE is available. This highly competent SUV is now available at £14,995 on the road. The model is the 149bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel model. The SE features Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Hill Start Assist, Active Rollover Protection (ARP) and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). It comes equipped with roof rails, tinted glass and rear parking sensors, while inside there are electric windows, a leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, air conditioning, cruise control and a Kenwood MP3 CD and RDS radio with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, remote audio controls and six speakers. It is also available through a special purchase scheme: “In the current economy, customers tell us they want an affordable car, a competitive purchase plan and the peace of mind of a long and ‘quibble free’ warranty – that’s exactly what the new Korando delivers,” Steve Gray, marketing and communications director of SsangYong told 4×4 Magazine.  “The result is a car that is not only fantastic value at just £14,995, but also comes with a level of standard equipment many of the so called ‘value brands’ don’t even have on their options list.” For those looking for a family SUV, this new price Korando will appeal.