Sue Loy
Now, I never thought I would be doing this! Some month’s ago, my brother pointed out that the ideal personalised plate was available and ‘you should get it quick.’ A lot of my friends call me ‘Suzy’, so being able to have a reg plate that ‘says’ SUZI LOY was tempting but somehow I didn’t get around to it. However, I recently decided to check if it was still available. Surprisingly, I found it ‘for sale’ on a number of specialist sites, at different prices. I then went direct to the DVLA site (www.dvlaregistrations.direct.gov.uk) and it was available there – a lot cheaper! The other benefit, quite apart from having much more confidence in buying from the DVLA rather than other motor traders, was that their price included the £80 that you have to pay the DVLA to transfer the plate.
Robert Pepper 
This month has been a rather typical month for the Discovery – a 4×4 trip or two, the usual mundane school runs, shopping and personal transport duties. We went for a snow run after keeping a close eye on the snow reports, which promised much so we dropped everything and bundled into the orange beast, aiming to get at least 1100m above sea level. In good years, snow is found from 800m upwards and most seasons you can generally run into it from around 1000m. But this year it was slim pickings, as the photographs show.
Surely we’ve had too many Land Rover shows, we need a broader outlook with these events. The recent Adventure Overland Show was a great example of what can be done…
The UK’s pick-up market is varied, and highly competitive – from bargain basement, to high tech, high end. But which represents the best option? Our comprehensive group test offers some answers 
For many, this is the ultimate dream for any real off-roader. The great thing, however, is that this is available to all. Get yourself to Moab, Utah, hire a Wrangler and hit the rocks… not literally, of course
The three generations of RAV4 have amassed more than 4.5 million sales in more than 150 countries worldwide. European markets have accounted for more than 1.2 million of that total, with sales in the UK surpassing 155,000 units by the end of last year.
She’s also produced a selection of classic Land Rover Christmas cards. Again, exclusive to Louise, cards are £6 for five or £11 for 10 including UK post and packing. For overseas enquiries please email 
NOW HERE’S A great idea if you are stuck for ideas for Christmas gifts? ukLANDROVERevents has gift vouchers for three different driving experiences. Off Road Tuition at Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire (£175), 4×4 Experience Days touring the North York Moors (£175), and guided Green Lane Tours in your own Land Rover (£50). Call Colin at ukLANDROVERevents on 07787 555060 or order from the website: 
WHEN WE tested VW’s excellent new pick-up, the Amarok, we had one particular criticism – that there wasn’t an automatic gearbox option. It seems that VW felt the same as news arrived as we closed for press of a new eight-speed automatic version. The new Highline model with BlueMotion Technology and permanent 4MOTION is now available at £25,105 (plus VAT), putting it firmly head-to-head with Ford’s automatic version of the Ranger. Besides the new auto gearbox, the Amarok gets a welcome power boost to its 2.0-litre BiTDI engine, up from 160bhp to 178bhp. More significantly, this all means the maximum towing ability is increased from 2800kg to 3000kg for the manual and 3200kg for the automatic; once again, matching what Ford has on offer with the Ranger. The new engine tweaks see CO2 figures dropping 10 g/km, to 199 g/km. Our final criticism of the Amarok was availability… production for the UK has now started at the Hanover plant, and VW believes this will much improve supply. Demand will also increase, that’s for sure!
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