With all the excitement around the Discovery’s 25 years, plus the news of the new Concept vehicle (see page 22) pointing the way to the new Discovery ‘range’ in the future, it would be easy to forget the trusty Freelander. Not so it seems, as Jaguar Land Rover has just announced the new Metropolis model, introduced as ‘the most luxurious Freelander yet’. It is based on the HSE LUX model but has (appropriately enough!) Windsor leather, electronically adjustable seats, panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights, reversing camera and 19inch alloy wheels. The Metropolis is top of the Freelander range, but there are also new SE and SE Tech models for the 2015 model range; the SE being the entry level model. The SE Tech has the excellent 380W Meridian audio system, touchscreen-controlled navigation, automatic headlights and 19inch alloys. The new 2015 Freelander model range is available from dealers now, with a starting price of £27,765 for the SE manual, up to £35,995 for the Metropolis SD4 automatic. This magazine will be running a Metropolis in our Long Term fleet, starting next month. This is actually the first time that the magazine has had a present day Land Rover in its fleet, so we are looking forward to reporting just how we get on with it. Of course, if we need to get an understanding as to what it’s like to live with a latest Freelander, we could ask Princess Anne, since we spotted her very smart black version at Windsor. If it’s good enough for her, it should be OK for this magazine, don’t you think!
KELSEYAdmin
Bilstein Ride Control suspension
We reported in detail about the new Defender Challenge motorsport competition in the last issue, mentioning the race machines modified suspension. Now, thanks to Bilstein, it is possible to have a new ‘switchable’ suspension system for your 90 or 110 Defender. The Bilstein B16 Ride Control system offers two switchable modes, which are controlled from a push button fitted to the car’s interior. The Sport mode offers tauter driving dynamics and what is claimed to be optimum handling for all situations, whereas Comfort gives a ‘plush, cossetting ride, akin to softer, Original Equipment dampers’. Switching between either mode can be done ‘on the fly’ in an instant, allowing you to tailor the Defender to the prevailing conditions, or indeed, your own mood. Everything included in the kit has been designed and produced entirely in-house in Bilstein’s German production facilities and these kits carry full TÜV approval and have impressive anti-corrosion treatment on the damper bodies, which leads to a 24 months warranty. The complete Bilstein B16 Ride Control is priced at £1210 (plus VAT). To find out more, call the UK office on 0116 289 8345.
Website: www.bilstein.de
OFF-ROAD AT THE HOUSE OF WINDSOR
To celebrate the UK debut of the Discovery Concept and the 25 years of Discovery, we were permitted to drive along her Majesty’s front drive at Windsor Park. The three mile long drive is arrow straight. Standing at the start, the grandeur of Windsor Castle is obvious, but it does seem a long way away. OK, so we trundled along at a very slow speed, avoiding the many pedestrians enjoying the spring sunshine but it was something of an honour. While my drive around the park was indeed special, it was increased by the enjoyment of getting behind the wheel of Land Rover Discovery F981 ENV. This is the first production model of what later became known as Series 1 (it’s doubtful at the time that confidence was high enough to consider if there would ever be a Series II, let alone III, IV and now the Concept). This actual vehicle was handed over to the Heritage Collection directly from the production line and it probably looks even better today than it did back in ’89! Climb aboard and it feels like yesterday. The Terrance Conran-inspired interior still looks stylish and modern, the ultimate compliment for any design. Thinner A-pillars help as well, but it is still a great place to sit; the high roof helping, big hats are no problem in a Series 1. Turn on the ignition and the 2.5-litre 200TDi four-cylinder turbocharged diesel rattles to life, the steering wheel vibrates and there’s a hum through the whole body. Having previously been driving the very latest super-smooth Discovery, this comes as something of a shock. It’s not a criticism, however, just a comment that today we forget just how damped and noise-supressed modern new 4x4s are.
Jeep Cherokee
Bob Cooke – contributor
There are places I wouldn’t take my Cherokee, and that includes some of the holes at John Morgan’s Slindon off-road site. I go there quite often because it’s not that far – I reckon just over half a tank’s drive there and back, and but for the price of petrol I’d go more often – and there’s such a good variety of off-road terrain that anything from standard 4x4s to heavily modified specials can find terrain that’s challenging enough to excite without damaging the vehicle. Of course if you don’t mind a bit of damage there’s plenty of suitable terrain for that as well, such as when a couple of over-excited lads sent their Discovery sideways down a serious slope or when an overconfident chap drove his Range Rover into a puddle without thinking to check how soft the bottom was…
Suzuki Grand Vitara SZ4
Nigel Fryatt – editor
When you get quizzed by those ‘other’ motorists who don’t just ‘get’ why we own 4x4s, one word usually ends the argument. Even for those who don’t want to go off-road, or don’t have the ability to understand how good a 4×4 is during inclement weather conditions, one thing they can never argue against is – versatility. If you own a 4×4, then you have the ability to do just about anything.
Our little three door Grand Vitara is a perfect example of this. Provided you are happy to use just a little more fuel than absolutely necessary, then the thing is like a hot hatch and can be hustled about with aplomb. Great fun, and it does surprise people at times with its ability to launch itself down the road. When off-road, we have found that once ground clearance and that vulnerable-looking (and massive) rear exhaust silencer box are accounted for, the little truck’s ability to be slotted into Low range does make it a surprisingly competent mud-plugger. The light steering and a good all round visibility helps here as well, but it performs better than many think.
Subaru Forester 2.0D XC Premium
Hils Everitt – Editor at Large
Long journeys in pursuit of features was never a problem in the good old days when fuel cost a few pence per gallon. We didn’t bat an eyelid at driving big old petrol 4.0-litre engines for several hundred miles in more traditional 4x4s that ate up the miles and, therefore, the gallons. Returning less than 20mpg, and in some cases 10-15mpg didn’t really figure on the radar.
Oh how times have changed. Now, we hardly ever drive big petrol engines. ‘Big’ diesels, like in Discovery 4s and its rivals, now return over 30-plus and we are pleased with that. The big luxury 4×4 manufacturers still strive to bring those figures into the more palatable zone towards the 40mpg mark, but it is in the mid-sized SUV market where you’ll find the most impressive mileage returns for your hard-earned cash.
Expanded Ranger truck top choice
The supply issues on the new Ford Ranger pick-up seem to be easing and you certainly see more of them on the roads these days, This means the demands for truck tops will increase. Auto Styling Truckman has recently expanded its range of British-built hardtops to include an Aerotop RS for the Ford Ranger Mk5 Super Cab. Super Cab versions of the Aerotop RS, Classic and Utility Top are now all available for this vehicle. Auto Styling Truckman also manufactures Double Cab and Single Cab hardtops for the Ford Ranger. All Aerotop Truckman units have solid sides, gel white interior, chrome push button lock, tinted and toughened rear glass and have an integral spoiler with a high level brake light. To find out more, check out the advertisement in this very magazine, call 01384 485405 or go direct to the website.
Website: www.autostylinguk.com
Cover up, stay safe
It amazes us sometimes when you see a highly modded off-roader with an expensive winch fitted to the front, exposed to the elements. Winches are expensive bits of kit and although they might not be used that often, when you need them, they have to work. It would seem highly logical to us to have a serious cover to protect it, not just when off-roading but when enjoying the vagueries of the British weather! WARN has a great new range of neoprene covers for its range of winches including ZEON, Tabor, M8, 9.5XP, VR, Series and Utility models. The elastic covers stretch over the winch and provide a snug fit to prevent flapping, eliminating the need for cords and straps. You also get a bottle of UV Protective Spray that ensures your cover retains maximum UV protection. The prices of these covers start at £31.
And while we are protecting covers, how about fingers? It makes you wince when you see anyone using a winch without protective gloves. Madness. As you would expect WARN have a great range of gloves, that look the business and are made of synthetic leather with Kevlar reinforced material, yet remain breathable. The gloves are available in both large and XXL sizes, and have an added ID tag, which means no one else can claim your gloves! The RRP for these gloves starts at £20, which seems very little to keep all your fingers. Both these items are available at WARN stockists or can be purchased direct from the team at Arbil 4×4.
Land Rover suspension bushes
If you have a Land Rover Discovery 3 or 4, or the Range Rover Sport (2005 – 2013) and are experiencing vague steering and uneven tyre wear, it could be a problem with the oil filled front lower arm bushes. Powerflex now has a new front arm rear bush, which offers a solution to this. The polyurethane bush can actually be chosen to suit the driver’s requirements; whether you use the vehicle specifically for on-road, off-road or just want it to be as comfortable as possible. Certainly worth talking to the Powerflex guys to get exactly the driving feel you want. The bushes retail at £119.88 (inc VAT) per set. Check out more on the website.
Website: www.powerflex.co.uk
RHINO CHARGE ROCKS!
It’s not part of any recognised international Challenge Championship, there are limited technical regulations or rules, and team members come from all walks of life, not necessarily dedicated off-roaders. It is also one of the toughest off-road driving events you could imagine, yet it is perhaps less well known than it ought to be. Oh yes, and it also raises significant revenues for African wildlife!
We have always been great fans of the Rhino Charge and so were pleased to hear from stalwart supporter and competitor John Bowden of Gumtree4x4 about this year’s event; and this despite John’s Land Rover coming to an ignominious end on its side this year!
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