Tests
 |
HEADING OFF-ROAD It’s become a bit of a cliché in recent years that the nearest most 4x4s get to going off-road is mounting the kerb outside Sainsbury’s, but in many case it’s actually (and rather sadly) true. So why not break with suburban tradition and really get to know your 4x4 where it truly belongs: away from the black stuff. |
More... | |||
 |
BUYING USED: CHEAP WORKHORSES Despite ‘expert’ predictions that this would turn out to be a particularly long and unpleasantly cold winter, the snow that hit so many parts of the UK in November still managed to somehow catch us by surprise. And, of course, it has since returned, leaving many motorists stranded in cars that are unable to cope with the combination of heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures. This has not been a happy few weeks for those of us who need to be out and about. |
More... | |||
 |
ROAD TEST: MINI COUNTRYMAN COOPER SD ALL4 Surprised to see a MINI featured in 4x4 Mart? Well, don’t be; nowadays, anything is possible. Such is the diversification of the brand in recent years, MINI now offers an extensive line-up. Parent firm BMW is expanding MINI into a full range of different models, of which the Countryman is the latest on sale. And, being a five-door crossover with the option of four-wheel drive, it’s also the largest MINI there’s ever been. |
More... | |||
 |
BUYING USED: RANGE ROVER L322 The new L322 Range Rover was (quite literally) a billion-pound car. That’s how much BMW – the then owner of Land Rover – invested in its development, even though the iconic 4x4 manufacturer was in the hands of Ford by the time the L322 actually hit the streets in 2002. And a crucial model it was too, replacing the P38A and taking the Range Rover brand even further upmarket. |
More... | |||
 |
THE £5000 4x4 Looking for a family-friendly secondhand 4x4 costing no more than £5000? Paul Guinness looks at a selection of contrasting models from today’s used scene: the Toyota RAV4, Jeep Cherokee, Mitsubishi Shogun, Nissan Terrano II, Hyundai Terracan and Isuzu Trooper, with decent examples of each available within our £5k budget. |
More... | |||
 |
OVERLANDING: LONG-DISTANCE DELIVERY Since its inception in December 2005, the ‘Scooters in the Sahara’ project has taken a total of twenty lightweight motorcycles and a host of spares and medical supplies to a hospital in Bansang, Gambia. And, of course, the project has relied on various overlanding-prepared 4x4s over the years, acting as back-up vehicles during the treks. |
More... | |||
 |
ROAD TEST: SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 1.9 DDiS SZ5 Since its launch in 2005, Suzuki’s Grand Vitara has been progressively honed, the first big revision coming three years after its launch when a 2.4-litre petrol engine was introduced. A more affordable 1.6-litre three-door model was added in July 2009, while the 1.9 DDiS five-door came a few months later. More tellingly, the old 2.0-litre was dropped, leaving Suzuki with a clear choice for its customers: premium 2.4-litre and budget 1.6-litre petrol engines, plus a 1.9-litre diesel all-rounder. |
More... | |||
 |
BUYING USED: NISSAN NAVARA The D25-series Nissan Navara caused a stir in the double-cab pick-up market when launched in 2005 – a time when sales of such vehicles were booming, thanks to favourable tax breaks and the ability for businesses and the self-employed to reclaim the VAT cost. Double-cabs were increasingly seen as cut-price alternatives to large SUVs – and the Navara became the biggest and boldest of them all. |
More... | |||
 |
TOWING & CARAVANS Anybody experienced in towing caravans (or trailers, boats or horseboxes) will have witnessed a major shift in buying habits in recent times, with 4x4s being more popular than ever among the towing fraternity. And that’s understandable – because no matter how powerful a ‘normal’ car might be, towing a heavy caravan will inevitably put a strain on the tow car’s suspension, steering and braking systems. And if its power output is only just adequate for the task in hand, it’ll do long-term damage to the engine and transmission, too. |
More... | |||
 |
OVERLANDING: THE TOP 4x4 CHOICES Embarking upon an overlanding trip for the first time is an exciting business. There’s all the forward-planning to think about, including the routes you’re likely to be taking and the kind of equipment you’re likely to need on board. But before you get to that stage, there’s one burning question to answer: which vehicle is the best choice for your trip? |
More... | |||
