May 2013 Issue of 4×4 Magazine

In these times of hi tech complication, smart this and Twit-Faced that, it feels almost cathartic to just get back to basics. And that is certainly what this magazine’s friend and former colleague Ros Woodham has done this issue in her excellent tale of driving to Morocco. Now Ros has a slight advantage over most of us in that she lives in Spain, which is quite a major step nearer the Saharan sands than Surrey, but what we liked about her tale was how uncomplicated it all was.

Firstly, she used her loved, but certainly not pampered, 28-year old Land Rover, and then threw in a tourist map, a compass, her boyfriend and headed south. You can read the story in this issue, but it does make you realise that overlanding is more about the state of your mind than the state of your bank balance. It’s also worth considering that if a trip like this is on your ‘to do’ list, global political tensions are limiting exactly where you can explore; and nowhere is that more obvious than North Africa. Could Morocco be one of the last bastions of overlanding dreams?

April 2013 Issue of 4×4 Magazine

In the last 12 months or so, I have had the privilege of being asked to test a number of new tyres from some major tyre manufacturers. This has ranged from driving in deep snow to race circuits, driving on ice, rock, tarmac and a mixture of all three. Different manufacturers will obviously portray why their particular rubber is the best available, market-leading in one area or another.

If anything, my personal conclusion is that there are now some superb tyres on the market for the 4×4 enthusiast. Which is best? Well that depends on what you want the tyres to achieve; what are your specific requirements. So much of this is a compromise, and it always will be, and that is not a criticism of the tyre producers. If you want a tyre to give maximum mileage, then its construction may mean a compromise on wet weather grip and resistance to aquaplaning. Then again, you probably don’t want something that gives you limpet-like grip in the torrential weather we experience, if it wears out within a few thousand miles. So, which is best?

Perhaps you should consider the new European labelling to compare tyres and find the best for you. That, in my humble opinion, is a complete waste of time. Laudable though the labelling regulations concept might be, they only cover three areas; rolling resistance, wet grip and noise. And remember, each tyre manufacturer self-regulates and decides which grading its tyre deserves. Fair enough comparing tyres across a manufacturer’s own range perhaps, but is it really to be trusted as a comparison between different tyre manufacturers? More significantly, it will not answer that question; which is the best tyre for me?

March 2013 Issue of 4×4 Magazine

There’s never a better time to own a 4×4 than when the entire country is blanketed in snow and ice – as it was a couple of weeks ago. I’m actually not a great fan – too cold for me – but it does certainly make me value my 4×4. A recent drive across East Anglia during the worst of the winter weather and my Hilux showed it was minus 9degC, yet I felt safe.

You’re not invincible in a 4×4, of course, and it’s stupid to think so, but driven properly you’re in a much better place. Not surprising then that used car website – motors.co.uk – was claiming that searches for 4x4s were up 24 per cent, with individual searches up even more for; Range Rover, Volvo XC90 and BMW X5s. Of course, if you’re looking for a second-hand 4×4 you should be checking our back issues for expert tips and advice! In the March issue, on shelves now, you’ll find a comprehensive buyers’ guide focusing on second-hand pick-ups……

Keep safe, and enjoy the issue.

Nigel Fryatt, Editor

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February 2013 Issue of 4×4 Magazine

Can you believe it’s 2013? It sounds like something from a science fiction film rather than today’s date. It is correct that as you get older, the years get shorter, and when you actually spot a policeman on the beat, you feel you ought to report them for playing truant from school. Time marches on, and I have another year of editing under my belt, which if you’ll permit me, is a good time for a little calm reflection on what has happened over the last 12 months.

There’s certainly a professional satisfaction from managing to get 13 issues to the printers on time, and being able to publish what I consider to have been some great 4×4 features. Although I’ve been doing this for a lot of years now, I have certainly never produced the ‘ideal’ issue and that’s what drives you on, I guess. Driving is something that I don’t do as much of as you might think, however, when I have managed to get from behind the keyboard to behind the wheel, there have been a marvellous miscellany of memorable moments. It’s not all ‘cor blimey’ moments either. Driving the Chinese Great Wall Steed pick-up was not the most exciting thing I’ve ever done, but probably one of the most significant. For pure adrenalin fuelled off-road fun, my drive of the Can-Am Commander ATV vehicle has to come close to the top for the year. You felt so secure, belted into this minimalist machine, the engine roared and the grin within my full-face crash helmet broadened as confidence helped me push harder with the right foot. The thing seemed to catapult itself across the field; special moments indeed.

January 2013 Issue of 4×4 Magazine

Don’t know about you, but these damp, grey and cold winter months always make me think about next summer, and that’s a great excuse to plan holidays. It’s actually what winter is designed for, to plan what you’ll be doing when it’s over. This month we report on a couple of North American adventures, which you may like to consider. For myself and Sue, this was an excellent 1700 mile road trip through the Canadian Rockies in a typical North American SUV, the Ford Edge, a model due here in the coming years. The scenery and the wildlife are spectacular and the variety just amazing.

We also have a trip taken by Kev Baldwin and his wingman, photographer Wayne Mitchelson, to the legendary desert off-roading theme park that is Moab, in dusty Utah. Now, I’ve never been, but have seen oh-so-many photographs of Jeeps traversing the famous red sandstone structures on events like the legendary ‘Rubicon’. To be honest, even as Editor of this magazine I never thought I’d ever experience it first hand – but I do now. Kev explains how you can get yourself to Moab and then go to the local hire shop, grab a Jeep Wrangler, and go and enjoy. And the best bit seems to be that when you return the hire company is going to be annoyed if the Jeep’s not covered in dust: “What yer been doing, man, didn’t you take it off-road?” The hire Jeeps have lifted suspension and serious tyres, too. OK, so there are some trails that are no-go for hire Jeeps, but there are many, many miles that you really can explore. Check out Kev’s feature while you’re digesting the Christmas turkey, munching on yet another Quality Street toffee or drinking that bottle of extra strong Old Socks real ale that you got from Santa, and start planning next year’s summer holiday!