Can we stop building ‘bland’ 4x4s? A plea to bring back some individuality into 4×4 designs and stop everything looking the same
Have to say, I love my job; and I particularly love it when I meet those amazing enthusiasts who have an intense respect for a certain type of vehicle, know everything about it and have spent years buying and restoring loads of models to keep their dream alive.
You can read about one such enthusiast, or I should say a family trio of Grandad, Son and Grandson, all with the same penchant for historic military vehicles in this month’s issue (page 60). Grandad Paul has been a huge fan of anything military since he first spotted a Dodge Command car in his home town during the Second World War and has since transformed many stunning wrecks into impressive restorations with a delicate and loving attention to detail.
The Dodge Command car we feature this month is a beauty and even if you are not into such military gems, you can’t fail to admire its design and style. It was loved by top military commanders and represents the glorious past of our great passion, the 4×4. Seeing this Dodge in the flesh, after having first spied it at a military show, again, makes me yearn for the days of 4x4s with some real character and class. I think the closest we come to that these days is the magnificent Mercedes G-Class – see the latest update to the luxury true off-roader in the News pages – or Jeep Wrangler. Yes, the Land Rover Defender is clinging onto some dignity, but that is all about to change when we find out exactly what the DC100 will look like (and we have a pretty good idea…).
Robert Pepper 
This time last month I was writing just before heading out on a day trip to parts unknown. That trip turned out to be straightforward, until the fabled ‘Four o’clock Track’ – the “one last drive” to round off a triumphant day, which the group decided to tackle at the inauspicious time of 4:05pm. Well, let’s just say three hours later and four recoveries we towed one of the now-dead cars out of the bush. But that’s what off-roading is about, if you want a predictable drive then motor on down to the local shops.
While some people are horrified at the idea of a large MINI, let there be no doubt: the Countryman fulfils a crucial gap in the market. While these vehicles will never be classed as true off-roaders, they have formed a valuable new market sector, catering for people with busy and varied lifestyles who need to stay mobile whatever the weather, and so it was great to spend some time behind the wheel to see what this ‘Dakar-winner’ is like in the real world.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz M-Class range arrives in the UK with two new models and to celebrate, the COMAND Online internet connectivity system is now available for only £750 (if ordered by the end of June), which is a saving of some £1380. It is indeed interesting that a premium marque like this is looking at ‘special offers’ to entice customers into the showrooms. Exterior highlights on both models include aluminium-finish running boards with rubber studs, chrome underguards in the front and rear bumpers, 19-inch five-spoke light alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, metallic paint in one of four colours (Diamond White paint is available as an £815 option), and the Mirror Package of electrically operated, heated, folding and auto-dimming door mirrors. Engine offers are the Mercedes-Benz 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic gearbox, which features ECO start/stop technology. These engines meet EU6 emissions regulations not due to come into force until 2014. The four-cylinder ML 250 BlueTEC develops 204bhp and 500Nm (369lb ft) of torque and has combined fuel consumption of 44.8mpg with CO2 emissions from 165g/km, while the corresponding figures for the V6-engined ML 350 BlueTEC are 258bhp, 620Nm (457lb ft), 39.2mpg and 189g/km. The Special Editions will be available with either the ML 250 BlueTEC or ML 350 BlueTEC advanced turbodiesel engines. The ML 250 BlueTEC costs £43,235 on the road and the ML 350 BlueTEC is priced at £46,335 on the road.
Nigel Fryatt – editor
It’s a case of almost, but not quite, this month. Haven’t actually managed much with the Hilux in the last few weeks; apart from the collection taxi for the daughter’s Springer Spaniel. But despite this, there has been some excitement in the Editor’s 4×4 garage with the arrival of some super chunky new off-road tyres.
ONE MILLION MODELS LATER…
The return of the Dacia Duster to these shores is certainly not going to be a quiet, anonymous event. The previous incarnation is obviously being forgotten and there will be a strong push for this new model, being introduced into the UK with support from Renault. Deliveries to the UK don’t actually start until January next year, but you will soon be able to pre-order with a £100 deposit. The model will certainly be a bargain price, indications are that the 4×4 version will be available for less than £12,500 which, it is claimed, is a massive £6000/£10,000 less than similar-sized cars from other manufacturers. Of course, size isn’t everything, and quality comes high on most people’s lists and the original Dacia lacked that in spades. Time will tell. For more details, check out 
Bargain Great Wall Steed pick-up arrives, SUV to follow next year
This new LED headlamp has a front position sidelight, in addition to the usual high and low beams, available in left hand or right hand traffic specification with either a black or chrome bezel. These replacement headlamps are fully ECE approved by the VCA for use in Europe and are MOT compliant. They are available for a number of Defender models as well as early Jeep CJ models and Wranglers. Priced at £475 each for the black and £500 each for the chrome (plus VAT) you can get full details by calling Mobile Centre on 0844 578 1000 or go online to: 
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