Given that the Discovery 2 and the Range Rover P38 models are getting cheaper to buy, the guys at Garage and 4×4 have brought out some new smart five spoke wheels in 16 x 10in sizes for anyone wanting to go for 33 or 35inch tyres. For more details call them on 07510 000965 or go to: www.garageand4x4.com. You will see that the website address is soon to change to: www.extremeoffsetwheels.com
KELSEYAdmin
Light those Far Corners
This very smart bonnet Light Bar comes from Far Corners and will fit all Land Rover Defenders (including the new Puma models) although not compatible for models with bonnet mounted spare wheels. The bar actually replaces the two existing Land Rover hinges, that are bolted to the bonnet, with a heavy-duty single unit, which uses the existing nylon hinge bushes. The guys at Far Corners say it can be fitted in 10 minutes. Once fitted, the bar has five mounting locations for additional lights – suitable for spots like the X-Eng Azimuth lights. The cost of the bar is £99. Go to: www.farcorners.co.uk
LR DISCOVERY 3
Robert Pepper
The first set of tyres I put on the Discovery 3 were a set of General Grabber AT2 265/65/17 all-terrains, in passenger-reinforced construction. I’d always run light-truck construction tyres, so I thought I’d see how the passenger-construction tyres fared. Well, the answer is badly. We picked up three or four punctures in the course of 60,000km when I’d normally expect a trouble-free run. Then I went to Morocco, and found our Discovery 4 was the only vehicle to suffer a puncture. Back in Australia and on a recent trip one of our group stopped, then rushed to catch up, ripping a sidewall on his passenger tyres in the process over a tree root that really shouldn’t have caused a problem. The moral there is not to rush, because that’s when all sorts of bad things happen, but it also highlights the fact that for serious bush use you absolutely need light-truck construction tyres, and in the highest profile you can fit. In the case of the Discovery 3 that’s 245/70/17, unless you want to start fitting oversize tyres, which is a whole new discussion.
Stats for Santa Fe
Hyundai has confirmed specification for the new generation Santa Fe SUV; on sale in the UK on 15th October. Prices will start from £26,895 OTR for the 2.2-litre CRDi Style 4WD model. Produced in Ulsan, South Korea, the Santa Fe will be powered by a 2.2-litre CRDi engine developing 194bhp and 311lb ft of torque. Six-speed manual or auto transmissions will be available. The 4WD has a figure of 46.3mpg combined and produces CO2 of 159g/km. The automatic delivers 41.5mpg and 178g/km.
Three trim levels are available with either five- or seven-seat configurations. ‘Style’ model gets 18in alloys, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, daytime running lights, self-levelling suspension (seven seat only) and rear spoiler with high-mounted brake light. Standard features include ESP, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Management and Trailer Stability Assist. ‘Premium’ adds touchscreen satnav, reverse parking camera with Parking Guidance System, heated front seats, roof rails and black leather seat trim; prices begin at £28,995.
ARE 4X4S ELECTRIC?
A new concept will be revealed by Mitsubishi Motors at the Paris Motor Show with its all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV. The New Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (or ‘PHEV’) will be the first mainstream car from a major manufacturer with built-in provisions for either internal combustion engine (ICE) or PHEV power. Featuring front electric motor + rear electric motor + front traction/generator petrol engine it translates into a choice of three driving modes: Pure (Twin Motor 4WD EV); Series (Twin Motor 4WD EV supported by generator) and Parallel (ICE engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD). It will allow a driving distance of over 800km and a CO2 target below 50g/km. It will be retailed in Europe during the course of 2013
Mercedes-Benz G-Class now available in UK
It was interesting this month that as we received the news about the latest version of the Range Rover, so did details of what many consider to be that vehicle’s nemesis. Indeed, the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class (still enthusiastically called a G-Wagen by many) will soon be available in the UK.
Without doubt this is one model that can match the Range Rover in so many areas; price being a significant one. The G-Class Merc still looks much like it ever has, and for some that utilitarian, almost military, design is a touch dated. It is to the company’s credit, in our view, the Mercedes-Benz engineers and designers have stuck to their guns. It is an unmistakable design, and when it arrives in the UK, it will be the most powerful model ever to be made available here.
The Fourth Dimension
A QUICK CURSORY GLANCE AT THIS photograph might lead you to believe that the new fourth generation Range Rover had merely had a face lift, and maybe stretched a little. It’s far more significant than that; indeed, what you cannot see from this picture is the fact that, for the first time in its 42-year history, the Range Rover will feature an all-aluminium monocoque body. It uses similar technology to that behind the Jaguar XJ saloon, and the result means a massive weight saving of up to 420kg, that is some 39 per cent lighter to a similar steel body.
Hils at Large – 4×4 for 2016?
After all the emotion and successes at the London 2012 Olympics, Hils wants to know why there couldn’t be a new sport for 2016 in Rio; let’s welcome 4×4 off-road racing as a new Olympic event…
It’s right in the middle of the London 2012 Olympic Games as I write this and I am enthralled and highly emotional. At this point I’d like to say that if you were not similarly impressed, especially after Team GB won three athletic Golds in one night, then there is something missing in your soul; the whole shebang is the most incredible event, and that Opening Ceremony was superb.
It had pretty much every ingredient: the stuff that makes us laugh, the stuff that makes us cry, and the stuff that makes us proud. In fact, there really was only one thing missing: at some point Mr Boyle should definitely have included a lovely old Land Rover Series 1, trundling around the perimeter of the magnificent stadium. To include James Bond, a true British icon of course, was fair enough, but not to have a Land Rover of some description taking part – perhaps transporting our very game Monarch across the stadium after her parachute jump – was just not cricket in my opinion! The Land Rover is loved all over the world and is something you see everywhere, particularly in its humanitarian and conservation roles.
First Drive Audi A6 Allroad
The quattro name is synonymous with all-wheel drive and there aren’t many carmakers that can produce a practical 4WD estate like Audi. The brand’s third generation allroad will certainly take some beating.
Words: Phil Weeden
Audi’s relentless new model programme marches on with a fierce pace. The latest offering is the third generation A6 allroad – and, while it’s not a direct competitor to the likes of Range Rover, BMW X5 and even closer to home rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne and Audi’s own Q7, anyone looking to buy one of those leviathans might wish to consider one of these first. Sure, it won’t climb Everest, but with its additional ground clearance afforded by the adaptive air suspension, protective under trays and all-wheel drive, the A6 allroad will tackle muddy tracks, snow-covered roads and other slightly challenging terrains – plus it can tow up to two and a half tonnes. Plus the top-of-the-range 3.0-litre BiTDI model we have tested here has a diesel under its bonnet so it’s also fast and pretty frugal, with a claimed 42mpg.
This model is considerably more stylish, longer and wider, the new allroad would look equally good outside a Chelsea cocktail bar as it would on a Herefordshire smallholding.
Rugged Ridge Power Top
Anyone who has taken a soft top off a Jeep Wrangler, and then tried to put it back on again, will appreciate this new product. Should you own a Wrangler, and enjoy the open-air life then you need to get on the phone immediately. The Rugged Ridge Power Top allows you to raise or lower the top in around five seconds, which is impressive. The top will fit all Wranglers built since 2007. Given the way the weather changes in the UK, you’d think this would appeal. Rugged Ridge is a division of Omix-Ada and you can contact these guys here via www.omixadaeurope.com
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