Hils Everitt – Editor at Large
This year’s medical check-up was a special one for my silver machine as it coincided with its 10th birthday; yep first registered in January 2002. It looks its age in some ways, such as the Jeep badging losing its lacquer in some places and the alloys certainly show the signs of a double-figure life, but in others, it looks good with the interior not bad at all. OK, so the black leather seats are rather creased, but I rather like that lived-in, comfy look and they really are still some of the comfiest seats I have nestled into – and that goes for some of the current luxury models that my backside has experienced recently.
Sue Loy 
Why is it that impending MOT day reminds you of school exams? All of a sudden all confidence disappears and you are convinced you are going to fail – or in this case, the vehicle’s going to fail. No matter that the thing has been ultra reliable, isn’t making any funny noises and all the obvious bits seem to work. Somehow you still have the feeling of impending doom.
Ford’s new Aussie-designed, South African-built Ranger pick-up – or Ute as they call them – has finally made it to the UK. Was it worth the wait? You had better believe it…
Bob Cooke – contributor 
If we’re going to have a miserably cold winter, I guess we might as well have a bit of snow to brighten up the countryside. I do mean a bit of snow, enough to give a Christmas card look to the scenery, as opposed to last month’s blizzard that had people stuck all night on the M40 and M25. If only they’d all had 4x4s…
Nigel Fryatt – editor
Regular readers will know that in the previous issue I explained the horror story of having the Hilux’s catalytic convertor cut from the truck, while I slept peacefully, unaware of what was happening on my drive! The actions of these morons cost over £1000 to replace, and I have been concerned since then that they would be back to try again. There are now security plans afoot, but you still worry.
The future of Electronic Driving Aids: a truly marvellous development or a step too far in dumbing down off-road driving skills? Guess which way Hils veers!
Bosch has introduced a new navigation app for Apple users that the company claims will prove to be the premium mobile satnav app on the market. Key features in Bosch Navigation include ‘Intermediate Destinations’, which allows users to make a quick detour en-route, perhaps to stop at a service station or restaurant, without affecting the original destination when travel is resumed. It also highlights the innovative ‘Plus Routes’ tool, which offers real time suggestions of alternative routes during navigation that may offer time or distance savings – all of which are easily viewable and selectable from the main map. It has 3D graphics and for those who have iPhones or iPads, a decent mobile phone app has a lot of advantages – especially if you regularly drive more than one vehicle. The retail price for Bosch Navigation 1.5 is going to be £44.99, and its available from the Apple App Store. We will be testing this out ourselves. To learn more, you can watch the demonstration video at 
New from the mobilecentre is a LED headlight with a Front Position Light (sidelight) in addition to the High and Low beam functions. The headlight is available in both Left Hand Traffic and Right Hand Traffic specification with either a black or chrome internal bezel.
Land Rover will unveil a Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The Evoque Convertible Concept vehicle will explore the potential for the world’s first premium convertible SUV.
It hasn’t taken long for there to be some modifying options for the new Range Rover Evoque. The model comes with a vast range of wheel and tyre options but for those who really want to be different, Matzker has produced some light alloy wheel spacers to expand that option list even further. The spacers have been TUV-approved, which is a good start and Matzker claim that they will increase stability and enhance road holding. Hard to see that Land Rover could make such a mistake that they are necessary, far more likely is that the spacers will give the Evoque a wide stance, more aggressive and some might say a more ‘sporty’ look. They are available in widths from 23 – 30mm. For more details check out the website on: 
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