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Tent reviewent rev ew xpert a v ce Camping accessories
MAGAZINE
www. x .com
AMMER A BARGAIN CLASSIC LAND ROVERS AT AUCTION
4x4
August2013
4.4
0
NOSTALGIA
Nissan Patrol memories
WORKSHOP
Fitting a split charge
UYERS CHOICE
Forester v X-Trail
August 2013 4.40e or g na -roa an ee r ve magaz ne
COOL RUNNING-roa a venture
y oyota an
ru ser n t ew s o ce an
CAMPING SPECIALGET OUT THERE!
ERS AT
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www.4x4i.com August 2013 5
OPENING TRACK
OFF-ROADING WITH US THIS MONTH
Badge
engineeringIn the end, sales figures mean little to the real enthusiast
We went to the experts to get the low down on
the very best camping accessories available.
Phil Bonds advice starts on page 50
Gisli Jonsson of Arctic Trucks is our guide
through the dramatic Icelandic wilderness.
Our Norse saga starts on page 18
Our Bob gets the hammer down at a special
auction for Land Rovers on page 92. He
came away empty handed, but it was close
Leaving your
Porsche, BMW
or even Audi key
ring casually
positioned, logo-
side up, on the
bar probably
says moreabout you than
the admittedly
somewhat retro
styled Jeep
option
Interesting piece of news this month was to hear that Jeep had produced its one millionth
Wrangler. The iconic 4x4 rolling off the Toledo production plant in Ohio looked great in shiny
black paintwork, loaded with extras and destined for a lucky owner in Florida. When it arrives at
its new home. You suspect it will spend little time off-road, and much more with the top down,
stereo up, cruising the beaches. Can you still drive on Daytona Beach? If so, thats probably the
most off-road the vehicle will manage, but so what? Its damp, grey and with a persistent drizzle
outside as I write this, and so to be honest, I am somewhat jealous and would much rather be
pottering about, getting a sun tan in a Jeep. Maybe thats what most owners do with them, and
explains why from that one million-vehicle pool, only a meagre 6987 Wranglers have made it to the
UK. Seems a particularly small number for what is such a great enthusiasts machine. And that got
me thinking.
We had our first drive of the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee in the last issue. Already an impressive
luxury off-roader, it seems to have got even better. Whats more amazing is the price. Its a real value
for money machine, and thats a comment from someone who knows that lucky lottery ticket apart
I will never be able to stump up the 35 grand needed for the new Jeep. But when you compare
that to the cost of top end BMWs, Audis and Porsches the VFM quota seems to rise significantly.
And thats before you start comparing it with the latest Range Rover; spec that up, and itll cost you
two and a half Grand Cherokees, maybe three! Add to that the fact that the Grand Cherokee will
knock spots off the German Euro SUVs when it comes to off-road ability, and its a bit of a head-
scratcher. Why so few Jeeps sold in the UK? The new Grand Cherokee deserves to be a big
success in the UK and indeed in Europe, but will it get those deserved sales figures?
Sadly, we doubt it. Is it just brand snobbery? Do consumers still think of the Jeep as a gas-
guzzling Yank tank? Or is it the fact that for many, leaving your Porsche, BMW or even Audi key ring
casually positioned, logo-side up, on the bar of your local probably says more about you than the
admittedly somewhat retro styled Jeep option. It probably says you are a dork, to be honest. One
thing is for sure, however, if you are one of the 6987 UK Wrangler owners, or you become one of
the lucky owners of the new Grand Cherokee, we know that driving it is probably a thoroughly
enjoyable experience every time you get behind the wheel. Numbers mean nothing really, its about
personal choice and choosing a Jeep seems a good move to us these days.
Heres hoping that you also feel choosing this magazine is a good move. This month weve been
on a fantastic drive across Iceland in the original Tonka Toy off-roader, the Toyota Land Cruiser, and
then crawl under canvas looking at whats available for the camping enthusiast this year. There are
some great new tents available, after all, who wouldnt want to sleep in a wigwam? Camping and
4x4 ownership go together perfectly, dont you think? Much like this magazine and the vehicle
parked outside your home whatever the badge on the bonnet.Nigel Fryatt, Editor
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YOUR 4X4 LIFE 90
6 August 2013 www.4x4i.com
18
CONTENTS AUGUST 2013
4x4 bycargoship
Classicauctionbargains
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Focus on 2008 Jeep Cherokee
Torque Talk BORDA newsOddball: Mitsubishi Jeep
Latest Club News
COVER STORYICELAND BY ARCTIC TRUCK 18
If you really enjoy wilderness of f-roading, with the experts, then
a trip to Iceland to join the team from Arctic Trucks is a must.
We sent Hils Everitt to find out more
WHY NOT SUBSCRIBE?SAVE MONEY, HAVE THE MAGAZINE
DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR. WHATS
NOT TO LIKE? CHECK OUT PAGE 62
www.4x4i.com August 2013 7
42
30
70
76
HUBB SHOW REPORT 14
One of the first adventure overlanding shows of the year is the
HUBB UK adventure travel show. Fully illustrated report
NOSTALGIA: LOST PATROL 30
What ever happened to Nissans Patrol? In the beginning it was a
worthy, if somewhat basic, off-roader and we loved em!
LAST PATROL 34
This is what has happened to the Patrol, and not everyone is happy
THE VISIT: ARBIL 36
Sarah Harrington-James visits the guys in the Midlands
CAMPING: TENT REVIEW 42
We went to Nene Overland to review the tent market
CAMPING: EXPERT CHOICE 50
Theres so much that you could take with you on a camping trip,
but what is the Expert Top Ten choice?
CAMPING: PERSONAL CHOICE 56
Contributor Robert Pepper gives his personal Top Ten choice
CAMPING: ACCESSORIES 60
A review of all the latest camping accessories on the market
ADVENTURE: KAPP2CAPE Part Two 68
Our intrepid duo have now made it to Africa. With mixed results
TECH: DOING THE SPLITS 70
How to fit a split charge system, when you need additional power
SPORT: SCOTIA WINCH CHALLENGE 76
Winch challenge competition at its very best. Alan Coutts reports
BUYERS CHOICE: SUBARU OR NISSAN? 98
Two medium-sized SUV favourites: the Forester and X-Trail
REGULARSOPENING TRACK 5
Jeep sales in the UK
NEWS & VIEWS10
Wranglers hit the 1,000,000 mark
LITTLE AT LARGE 17
Our Hils speaks out
OUR 4x4s 82
Its goodbye to our Toyota Hilux
COOKES COLUMN 114
Tanks for the memories
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10 August 2013 www.4x4i.com
News & ViewsINSIDE THE WORLD OF 4X4
1,000,000TH WRANGLERIconic Jeep hits signifcant milestone
GREAT TO SEE a vehicle that was conceived
back in 1941 continues to roll off the production
line, destined for another 4x4 enthusiast. This
month saw the production of the 1,000,000th
Jeep Wrangler JK, and as you would expect, itwas quite an occasion for the Chrysler Groups
executives and plant employees especially as
only a few years ago they were wondering if
anything would be rolling off the line ever again.
All one million Jeep Wranglers have been
built at the Toledo, Ohio plant, as Mauro Pino,
Chrysler Groups Vice President of Vehicle
Assembly Operations explained at the rollout:
Since this facility opened eight years ago, the
Toledo workforce has built every one of those
million vehicles with pride, passion and a focus
on quality. We all look forward to building the
next million.
The black 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th
Anniversary Edition, was bound for a customerin Sarasota, Florida. A special-order limited-
production vehicle, the Wrangler was loaded,
as they charmingly describe it in the States,
with hardcore off-road equipment for its
enthusiasts including the Rock-Trac 4x4 system
with 4:10 axle ratio and next-generation Dana
front axle.
The Toledo plant is located on the same site
of the Stickley Plant complex, built back in
1942, and which two decades later startedproduction of the original Jeep Wagoneer, a
model that can be reasonably argued to be the
first ever SUV. The new production line is now
gearing up to produce the 2014 Jeep
Cherokee, first details of which we revealed in
the June issue.
The Wrangler has always been a firm
favourite with this magazine, and were glad to
see production continues and that we will again
have a Wrangler at our 4x4 Of The Year group
test later this year. Sales in the UK have never
quite hit the heights, indeed we have only seen
6987 Wranglers here. Last months First Drive
of the latest Grand Cherokee confirmed that
this premium Jeep model will be verycompetitive in its market, and we have high
hopes that the 2014 Cherokee can make its
mark both in the UK and continental Europe.
These are new models, but its great that the
old timers like the Wrangler is still selling well.
Top: The one millionth Jeep Wrangler JK rolling off the
Toledo, Ohio, production line, fully loadedof course
Above: The production complex is built on the same
site as the original Stickley Plant, which started making
vehicles in 1942. It is here that arguably the worlds first
SUV, the Jeep Wagoneer (above), was first built
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VIRTUAL
REALITIES
PAGE 12
HUBB
SHOW
PAGE 14
CAMPING
PRODUCTS
PAGE 60
FOR MOTORSPORT ENTHUSIASTS, the
news that the new Range Rover Sport has just
beaten the record for the production SUV
class at the Pikes Peak hill climb in Colorado,
USA, is a cause for celebration. This has to be
the worlds most challenging hill climb, a 12.42
mile climb that includes 156 corners and rises
some 1440m to the summit, which is at
4300m. Its not for nothing that it is known as
the Race To The Clouds. This was a serious
record attempt, and JLR had Pikes Peak
expert Paul Dallenback behind the wheel of
the Sport. Dallenback has won the event three
times, and you should check out the You Tube
clips of the open wheel specials that these
guys use to compete when the official event is
run. Getting into the cossetted confines of a
Range Rover Sport must have been very
different for him, even if the model had the
5.0-litre supercharged engine delivering over
500bhp although whether the unit was
delivering that amount of power at the rarefied
heights towards the end of the course isunlikely! The Range Rover completed the
course in 12 minutes 35.61 seconds, which is
an average of 59.17mph. Remembering this is
a production 4x4, you can compare that with
the outright record of 9 minutes 46.16
RANGE ROVER STORMS PIKES PEAK
CENTENARY SCOTT EXPEDITIONBRITISH POLAR EXPLORER and Land
Rover brand ambassador, Ben Saunders,
along with teammate Tarka LHerpiniere will
be retracing Captain Robert Falcon Scotts
ill-fated Terra Nova Antarctica expedition,some 100 years after it was first attempted,
writes Sarah Harrington-James.
This is the latest challenge for Ben who
has been leading polar expeditions for more
than a decade and skied solo to the North
Pole in 2004, where he still holds the record
for the longest solo arctic journey by a
Briton. He has been a brand ambassador for
Land Rover since 2008 and the Scott
Expedition, which starts at the end of
October, is being sponsored and promoted
by the manufacturer along with technology
co-partner, Intel.
There is a common misconception that
everythings been done in Antarctica, butwhat fascinated me for years is that the
reality is very different, said Ben at the Scott
Expedition briefing at The Travellers Club,
London. In an age where Antarctica is
increasingly in the spotlight and increasingly
accessible to tourists, one of the most iconic
journeys in polar history remains unfinished.
The Scott Expedition will be the first time its
been attempted, let alone completed, sincethe Terra Nova expedition more than a
century ago. In terms of sheer human
endeavour, Captain Scott and his team set
the bar so high that their achievement has
never been surpassed.
As well as financial and logistical help,
Land Rover supplied Ben with two Discovery
4s. These were used during extensive
training exercises to remote bases on the
Isle of Skye and in Greenland, with the latter
being the final dress rehearsal and the last
chance for Ben and Tarka to make sure they
can tolerate each others company cooped
up in a tent! Mark Cameron, Brand
Extension Director for Land Rover said: Benwas given a choice and he chose the
Discovery due to its comfort and versatility to
carry the kit he requires and its capability to
go anywhere. Ben epitomises the values of
Land Rover, the spirit of adventure and
performing in all-terrain, so we always knew
wed support him for his next big idea.
Ben and Tarka will be sending back daily
updates, blogs and photos from their tentwhich can be seen on www.scottexpedition.
com. The expedition will also have its own
You Tube channel: www.youtube.com/
scottexpedition
Left to right: Explorer, Tarka LHerpiniere, Land Rover
Brand Extension Director, Mark Cameron, Captain
Scotts grandson, Falcon Scott and Land Rover brand
ambassador, Ben Saunders
seconds which is held by Rhys Millen (off-road
racing legend Rod Millens son) in a specially
built Hyundai Genesis Coupe race car with
900bhp and 800lb ft of torque. Coincidentally,
Paul Dallenback will be driving the 2013
version of the Hyundai at this years event,
which is held at the end of June. The
production record for the Range Rover will
certainly do much to underline the Sports
abilities to potential American customers.
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News & Views
12 August 2013 www.4x4i.com
JIMNYS IN MONGOLIATHE HEAVEN CAN Wait, Im Busy
fundraising tour of a bunch of retired 4x4
enthusiasts in two Suzuki Jimnys has now hit
Mongolia. This is one of the remotest sections
of the tour, and totals an impressive 2300
miles across Mongolia and back into Russia,aiming to reach Vladivostock by the end of the
month. At that point the drivers can take a
rest, as the Jimnys will be put aboard a
container ship for the 30-day trip from
Vladivostock to Vancouver, Canada.
The expedition is the idea of retired
businessman Leslie Carvall and the crew of
70-year olds are travelling alone with no frills,
luxuries or any support team. Mongolia has
meant a slower pace over some of the worst
roads in the world, yet the little Jimnys have
proved their reliability with a broken shock
absorber bolt being the only running repair
needed. The crew stopped at one of Suzukis
larger dealerships at Novosibirsk in Siberiawho quickly repaired the shock absorber, gave
both Suzukis a major service and a well-
needed valet. To date, the guys have crossed
16 countries and across three continents and
can be monitored on Google Earth. There are
regular updates to the website
www.heavencanwaitimbusy.com with
interviews and video clips of the challenge.
This is a charity project, raising money for
Save The Children and the Oakhaven Hospicein Lymington, Hampshire, and so all donations
are gratefully accepted via their JustGiving
page. We wish the guys well through
Mongolia. The roads in Vancouver are a lot
smoother
VIRTUAL DESIGN
NOW A REALITYWE HAVE SEEN Jaguar Land Rovers virtual
design facility first hand and were seriously
impressed with what it could do. Standing in
the cave you can appreciate the design of a
vehicle in a high quality 3D representation thatyou can move, or that you can move around
in. Its even possible to sit on a real not
virtual car seat and position yourself inside
the new design to check sight lines, head
room etc. Engineers can come down with a
design for a new part, slip the details into the
computer and see if it will fit in the space
designated. It allows for virtual prototypes tobe built in the computer, without the need for
any actual physical vehicle to be constructed.
At the time, we did ask whether JLR would be
prepared to rent out the facility. The question
was treated with some disdain at the time, but
it seems now that the company has
announced a massive five-year programme
with four leading UK universities alongside the
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
Council. The extensive 10m academic
research project is aimed to advance the UKs
role in developing virtual simulation
technologies and was unveiled earlier this
month by the Secretary of State for Business,
Innovation and Skills, The Rt.Hon Dr Vince
Cable MP. This is apparently the first stage of
a 20-year programme that is aimed to put the
UK at the leading edge of vi rtual simulation.
Bob Joyce, Jaguar Land Rover Engineering
Director, explained to 4x4 Magazine: While
we already utilise a wide range of
sophisticated virtual engineering tools and
processes to design, engineer and test our
new vehicles, we are keen to enhance the
future capability of virtual simulation and tailor
them for automotive product development. We
want to make advances in the simulated driver
and passenger experience, including more
realistic imagery, sounds and even
smells. These projects will help us analyse
increasingly complex cars at whole vehicle,
system and component levels, as well as
enhancing the high performance computers
that industry will use in the future to mine
increasing amounts of more complex data. If
they need some extra finance to fund the
project, they could offer public
demonstrations. It was truly fascinating to
experience and is undoubtedly a major reasonwhy JLR has been producing its recent string
of market-leading vehicles over the last few
years.
MORE MINI 4X4
MODELS ARRIVETHE RANGE OF 4x4 MINI models has now
reached 10, with the ALL4 system now
available on both the MINI CooperCountryman and MINI Cooper Paceman.
The ALL4 system has an electromagnetic
centre differential and distributes drive force
at continuously variable levels between the
front and rear axle. Its electronic control
system is integrated directly in the DSC
control unit (Dynamic Stability Control), and
these models are available with either six-
speed manual, or automatic transmissions.
Prices for these new additions to the range
are 19,365 (OTR) for the ALL4 Countryman
and 20,175 (OTR) for the ALL4 Paceman.
This extended range probably means that
the MINI now has one of the most extensive
ranges of any small SUV on the market, butsomehow its hard to see potential SUV
owners, looking for the versatility of 4x4,
comfort and space for the family,
considering one of these models.
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www.4x4i.com August 2013 13
Sponsored by
And finally...Profits continue to rise for Jaguar Land
Rover. Revenues for last years financial
year show revenues up 17 per cent.
Profit before tax increased by 11 per
cent to 1,675m for the fiscal year
(1,507m last year). The company
generated positive sales growth in all
regions: China up 48 per cent, Asia
Pacific up 27 per cent, UK up 20 per
cent, Europe up 18 per cent, North
America up nine per cent and other
overseas markets up 19 per cent.
Suzuki has a new dealer marketing
initiative based on fresh, friendly and
more informal style and use of language.
The new campaign adopts a more
relaxed tone in grabbing the attention
across a new range of point-of-sale,
direct mail and other marketing material.
Youll be seeing the results soon.
Chevrolets all-new small SUV, the Trax
has been awarded the top five-star rating
by the European New Car Assessment
Program (Euro NCAP). The Chevrolet
Trax is the seventh Chevrolet model to
receive Euro NCAPs top ratings.
Former international rugby player,
Lawrence Dallaglio was announced as
Land Rovers latest global ambassador
joining The British and Irish Lions team
on the 2013 Tour, of which Land Rover is
an Official Global Sponsor.
Volkswagen is the latest manufacturer
to enter into partnership to build avehicle plant in China. Shanghai-
Volkswagen is expected to produce four
million vehicles per year from the
Changsha plant by 2018.
Next month we take a look at the UK
4x4 tyre market. We are also looking at
Towing, and what 4x4s have won the
Caravan Clubs prestigious 4x4 Tow Car
of the Year award. All in the next issue,
on sale Friday 26th July.
Subscribing to 4x4 Magazine is the
easiest way of never missing an issue its
also the cheapest. Why pay more whenyou can have your regular fix of 4x4 stories
delivered direct to your door? Check out
the special offers available on page 62.
4X4 OFF-ROAD QUOTE OF THE MONTH
It doesnt matter if you get stuck in Iceland; there is alwayssomething bigger to get you out!
SOURCE: Gisli Jonsson of Arctic Trucks, explaining to Hils Everitt his off-roading philosophy.Hils story of driving across Iceland starts on page 18
D-MAX TOWING CAPACITY INCREASEQUITE SIGNIFICANTLY, ISUZU UK has
announced that the towing capacity of the new
D-Max has been increased by 500kg. This
means that the D-Max will be able to tow a
maximum braked load of 3.5 tonnes, with the
new certification applying to all Isuzu D-Max
pick-ups registered in the UK from 1st July.
This increase has been made, according to
Isuzu, due to customer demand. What is
important to realise here is that there is no
technical or practical changes to the pick-ups
specification, it is merely a change in the
certification. In the last few months, Toyota has
done the same with the Hilux, raising its
capacity from what was often criticised as a
meagre 2500kg to a more competitive 2800kg.
Isuzu it seems has raised the bar higher. In our
2013 Pick-up Of The Year test (January 2013
issue) the top pick-ups for towing were the VW
Amarok at 3200kg and the Ford Ranger
Wildtrak at 3350kg. This new certification puts
the Isuzu D-Max firmly at the top of the list
until, one can assume, either VW or Ford look
at a new certification. Supply of both these
excellent pick-ups remains a problem, and this
move from Isuzu will certainly not do sales of
the D-Max any harm. The Isuzu D-Max range
includes single, extended (with rear-hinged side
access panels) and double cab body
configurations.Double cab models are
available in four specifications: Isuzu D-Max,
Eiger, Yukon and Utah.Prices start at 14,499
(CVOTR) for the entry-level Isuzu D-Max 4x2
single cab and rise to 21,999 (CVOTR) for the
top-of-the-range Isuzu D-Max Utah 4x4 double
cab automatic.
BUDGET KORANDONOW AVAILABLE
A NEW LOW cost SsangYong Korando SE is
available. This highly competent SUV is now
available at 14,995 on the road. The model is
the 149bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel model. The SE
features Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
with Hill Start Assist, Active Rollover Protection
(ARP) and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce
Distribution (EBD). It comes equipped with roof
rails, tinted glass and rear parking sensors,
while inside there are electric windows, aleather covered steering wheel and gear shift,
air conditioning, cruise control and a Kenwood
MP3 CD and RDS radio with iPod and
Bluetooth connectivity, remote audio controls
and six speakers.It is also available through a
special purchase scheme: In the current
economy, customers tell us they want an
affordable car, a competitive purchase plan and
the peace of mind of a long and quibble free
warranty - thats exactly what the new Korandodelivers, Steve Gray, marketing and
communications director of SsangYong told 4x4
Magazine. The result is a car that is not only
fantastic value at just 14,995, but also comes
with a level of standard equipment many of the
so called value brands dont even have on
their options list. For those looking for a family
SUV, this new price Korando will appeal.
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HUBB UK Show
14 August 2013 www.4x4i.com
TWO + TWO = FOUR
The emergence recently of 4x4 showsthat are catering for the true overland
adventurer as opposed to the usual
Land Rover shows for those wanting to bolt
bits on and renovate their vehicles has been
a welcome addition to the annual show
calendar.
And this year another such adventure event
appeared on the 4x4 map. HUBB UK, run by
Horizons Unlimited (www.horizonsunlimited.
com), is new to us, but has evolved from what
was once billed as the UK Summer Travellers
Meeting, for overland travellers on two wheels.
For 2013 organisers Sam Manicom and Iain
Harper opened up the event to 4x4s.
Traditionally, it was a meet for bikers to gettogether for several days and share
experiences over a campsite barbeque with
equipment stands featuring bikes and all the
accessories possible. Those stands were still
around, but this year were joined by the likes
of Nene Overland, Frogs Island, OverlandCruisers, Adventure Overland UK and 4x4
Overlander, plus Adventure Trucks who had
ventured to the UK with its overland trucks
and bikes all the way from The Netherlands.
The campsite was packed with small tents
and bikes, but in among the two-wheelers
was a fine array of 4x4s with various examples
of roof and ground tents and pop-up campers,
or towing caravans. In one shady corner, a
lovely Land Rover 101 Forward Control was
spotted in camouflage bodywork, blending in
perfectly with the surrounding trees.
The venue was new, set within the grounds
of the 17th century Donington Park
Farmhouse Hotel; a stones throw from thefamous Donington Park race circuit. Its an
attractive space with a pleasant flat and
beautifully grassed campsite with clean,
modern shower blocks and a superb barn
with the Overlanders bar and food hall.
An annual overland travel meet for two-wheelers has
now expanded to include adventurers on four wheels
to celebrate all that is best about adventure travelWords and photography: Hils Everitt
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www.4x4i.com August 2013 15
Within the barn complex HUBB UK also
featured presentations from speakers under
the headings Get Inspired, Get Ready and
then Gear Up. Get Inspired included our
own correspondent Toby Savage, who gave a
talk on his Long Range Desert Group
adventure across the Sahara in WWII Jeeps,
as featured in4x4 Magazine (August, 2012). Inthe HUBB Zone the Frogs Island Team
demonstrated 4WD mechanics under Gear
Up and a debate on Land Rover versus Land
Cruiser always a hot topic...
According to Sam Manicom, this years
HUBB was a great success. The feedback
we are getting from expedition vehicle guys is
that they get the concept of the HUBB UK
event. Its a place where you get together with
like-minded people, regardless of their
numbers of wheels, to trade ideas,
suggestions and experiences and to have fun.
The fact that it is a four-day event with
four-day or weekend-only passes is what really
helps this all to happen. We have been
delighted with the way that expedition vehicle
travellers have opened their arms to those
who use fewer wheels, he said.
It was a bold move to invite the 4x4
fraternity to join the well established HUBBmotorcycle brigade, commented Toby
Savage, but HUBB UK organisers, Iain and
Sam, managed the job well. Most of us there
were able to relate to two- and four-wheel
activities. I thoroughly enjoyed the star
speakers, and the highly amusing Ed March
whose tales of riding a Honda C90 to the
Arctic Circle was one of the most amusing
talks I have ever heard! commented Toby.
Doesnt matter how many wheels youve
got, an entertaining overland adventure
appeals to all like-minded people. 4x4
Top: Cool retro first aid box from Frogs Island
Above: The luxury overland option comes in a Camperconversion on a Defender from German company
Bimobil; adaptable for all pick-ups. Right: Choosing the
right accessories for your trip is vital; Frogs Island has a
vast selection plus showed off the popular roof pop-ups
Above: Like-minded show organisers were in
attendance, forming a strong overland community.
Below: The old ways are still the best for some; the
well-travelled team from Classic Land Rover Campers
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THE NEW AGRICAN FROM N & JTHE NEW AGRICAN FROM N & J
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HILS EVERITT
breakaway from the norm and a nod to the
European market, where the Grand excelled.The Grand Cherokee has more European
customers than all the Jeep models and
therefore it needs to have the best on-road
manners we can provide, but be safe and hi
tech with an overall level of general refinement,
he added. Mixing excellent off-road ability with
refined on-road manners is something we
applaud and trust the Jeep, along with Toyota
and Land Rover, will continue to produce such
vehicles. The Middle East will always be a
strong market for such vehicles (the locals tend
to favour Toyota there), so that will keep them
ticking over on the production line.
But it looks as though the smaller, more
affordable examples will lose their 4WDexcellence along the way as the new
Cherokee demonstrates. I wonder how long
the Evoque will keep its off-road technology,
as it will never be required by 99 per cent of
owners? The emerging markets, which have
all the buying power, will probably dictate that
one. Jeeps Ellis quoted African sales of Jeep
growing by 100 per cent in 2012; EMEA in
general will be about 50 per cent; with
individual markets such as Russia at 124 per
cent and Middle East 40 per cent; these areas
obviously cannot be ignored, especially as he
says they do listen to customers views.
To that effect, the 2014 Grand has actually
now got a cloth option, as customers love theGC but asked for a more affordable entry level
model that wasnt quite so upmarket. Ellis
forecasts they will sell less than five per cent of
those, but even so, wanted it to be there to
appease loyal followers.
Even as a traditionalist, the future of the softer SUV from
Jeep makes perfect sense to me. Im even looking forward
to the launch of the new Cherokee
No need tocompromise
Having brought you a review of the
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee last
month, and extolled the virtues of
my beloved, albeit ageing, WJ
model, then read Bob Cookes less-than-
enthusiastic comments about the new
Cherokee due here later this year, I feel the
need to draw a line under the Jeepey theme
with a few comments about what is going on
in the minds of the Fiat Chrysler hierarchy.
Of course, at any press launch of a new/
revamped vehicle, the guys in charge are
abundantly enthusiastic about their new models
and the future prospects for their brand. Here
at4x4 Magazine, we are all fans of the iconic
Jeep and its heritage and so when we hear that
the future is bright, the future is auto-engaging
4WD, city-slick luxury and Evoque-esque
styling its bound to stick in our craw a little.
I really do sympathise with Bobs view, as
he has owned Cherokees for as long as I can
remember and used them in the best waypossible, both as a daily drive and on regular
weekend off-road forays with his mates. But I
really cant say I dislike the new Cherokee or
its lack of any obvious nod to previous
off-road prowess.
For a start, as much as we may rail against it,
the market for 4x4s en masse is for good-
looking, imposing vehicles that look safe to
transport the kids to school. I accept that and
have to live with it. Car companies are following
the Land Rover way; and I am a fan of the
Evoque, particularly the fact that it is actually a
very capable off-roader, although it will rarely get
the chance to demonstrate that outside the
confines of the off-road testing routes atEastnor Castle and the Heritage Centre in
Gaydon. It also looks great and we needed
something to get away from the bland styling
clichs that had begun to invade our market.
Jeep wont sell non-Wrangler or Grand
Cherokee models in any numbers unless it
bows to the modern trend. SUVs, in the
modern sense not the true traditional sense,
are the biggest-selling sector of the motoring
market and motorists want them. They want a
combination of tough yet stylish looks,
comfort and that indefinable cred factor.
Jeep has gone to great pains to make sure its
latest offerings have the best on-road
manners, as Chris Ellis head of the JeepBrand EMEA (Europe Middle East and Africa),
announced at the press launch. The new
Grand has just that: the bow to all-round
independent suspension, way back at the
launch of the WK in 2005, was a major
The Compass has not done well and there
is every indication that it will discontinue herein the UK, going the way of the excellent
budget Patriot which we really did like and
mourn its passing. The hope is that the new
Cherokee will redress the balance and do
better here in the UK, and I cant criticise them
for this way of thinking; it is dead right. It is just
a shame that we actually dont have a superb,
mass-friendly, medium-sized Jeep off-roader
to match the likes of Freelander 2 and Evoque
even if the latter will never see decent
all-terrain service.
Before you scream, Erm... Hils... four-door
Wrangler at me, that represents a real niche
market, and styling and lack of true on-road
finesse puts the mighty Wrangler (along withthe Defender, of course) out of this bracket.
The Wrangler is here to stay in its excellent
form, as long as the Americans continue to
buy it in shed-loads, but we all know the
Defender is about to morph spectacularly...
So, I look forward to driving the new
Cherokee. The styling doesnt offend me, and
it does at least have a locking rear diff in the
4x4 Trailhawk version, so that is some way to
appeasing us. And I hope it sells better than
the very disappointing Compass. Ellis didnt
comment on forecasts for Cherokee, but
expects to shift 1500 new Grand Cherokees in
Limited Plus mode, as the most popular in the
UK. And we are assured that it wont lose itstrue heart: It will not be a new balance
between on/off-road performance; we are
increasing both; it will always be a no-
compromise solution. Well, theres a happy
thought. Hils
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Icelands interior is off-road adventure not to be missed, and if you can experienceits magnicent and mind-blowing scenery under the expert guiding and driving ofour good friends at Arctic Trucks you are in for the treat of a lifetimeWords and Photography: Hils Everitt
It wasnt quite what our guide Gisli
expected. We knew there was
some snow but not quite this
much, he laughed as he started to
rock the Toyota Land Cruiser 150 Series
60th Anniversary model, attempting to
get over the huge wall of snow.
Gisli Jonsson of Arctic Trucks, basedin Reykjavik, had bulldozed through the
deep snow and slush earlier in the
deserted region of Icelands
Blaskogaheioi valley with little
resistance. But as the snow became
more compacted, even the mighty
Arctic Trucks modded Toyota with its
38in AT405 Radial studded tyres
couldnt just rumble through the
seemingly impenetrable wall.
A few run-ups were needed, plussome gentle (increasing to rhythmic)
rocking, to get us through and we were
back on our way again. It was a grey
and wet day, but horrible weather in
Iceland doesnt make too much
difference. It is an island of such sheer
beauty and diverse landscapes that
even when the skies are grey and
overcast, and its intermittently drizzling
with rain, the sheer scale and majesty
of its features more than make up forthe lack of blue sky and sunshine.
This was my second tour with Arctic
Trucks into the interior of Iceland. Four
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covered in snow, others streaked and
dotted with it, a pattern rather
reminiscent of the kind of chunky
sweater favoured by Scandinavian TV
detectives.
We also had the privilege of being
joined by Gislis partner Felicity Aston,
who, by sheer coincidence, comes from
just down the road from me in Kent.
Apart from the distinction of hailing froma great part of the UK, Felicity is an
amazing lady. Among her many
achievements, she is the first woman in
the world to ski across Antarctica alone,
has raced in the Canadian Arctic, led a
team of women across the inland ice of
Greenland, searched for meteorite
craters in Quebec, skied along a frozen
river in Siberia and spent three years
working in the Antarctic, where she met
Gisli. With these two on board there
was a feeling of total safety and
confidence, in that, if anything went
wrong, there were two of the most
experienced people in the world atextreme survival on hand. Gisli did,
however, have a radio so it was unlikely
wed be in big trouble. As Felicity put it:
It doesnt matter if you get stuck in
Iceland; there is always something
bigger to get you out!
Before we hit the deep snow that
proved a challenge for our highly
capable Land Cruiser, Gisli took us on
the highway from the capital to Icelands
largest natural lake, Thingvalla.Nowadays, it feels pretty remote,
with a snaking tributary leading from the
lake towards the mountains in the
distance weaving through grassland
sitting on volcanic rock. But, back in
Above: At six psi
the increased tyre
footprint makes light
of the deep snow
Above: Gisli
Jonsson; probably
the most experiened
Antarc tic dr iver in
the world
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Arctic Trucks
20 August 2013 www.4x4i.com
years ago I was treated to a three-day
drive towards the Myrdalsjkull glacier
in the south, in the vicinity of the
infamous Eyfjallajkull, the offending
volcano that spectacularly erupted in
April 2010 and put paid to any air flight
over Europe for a week. That time we
were in two trucks: the Top Gear North
Pole Hilux and a Land Cruiser. We
encountered the most incrediblelandscapes, from lava fields to lush,
pastel-coloured grassland, geysers
aplenty, stunning mountains in every
available hue and vast, wind-blown
glaciers, taking in every conceivable
physical feature you might encounter in
an A-Level Geography lesson.
This latest trip was very different. For
a start we only had a day to explore
and, rather than venture south east
from Rekyjavik, we took the highway
north east towards the Langjkull
Icecap with the intention of
experiencing parts of the famous tourist
route, the Golden Circle. This tourdidnt take us through the varying
landscape of that first trip but, instead,
treated us to a drive through snow-
laden valleys lined by soaring rocky hills
and mountains, some completely
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930AD, this was the seat of Icelands
parliament (Althingi). It was considered
the most convenient place for all the
heads of the various regions to meet
and discuss politics and strategy. They
met on its shores at Thingvellir every
summer until the end of the Old
Commonwealth in the 13th Century;
but it continued to function as a court of
law until 1798.The area is considered one of
Icelands most important historical sites;
and its natural environment is unique in
the world. Thingvellir sits on the junction
of two tectonic plates on the Mid
Atlantic Ridge, and both are pulling
away from each other. As we took a
stroll to marvel in the splendour of the
place, we could see the junction clearly;
and it is more clearly visible here than
anywhere else in the world. Their
movement is causing new fissures and
gullies, creating a surreal landscape of
towering craggy rock lining a flat plain.
Its a thought-provoking place, andwe could have spent more time
wandering around, admiring the
geology and imaging its bustling past,
but time was ticking on and we needed
to head off towards the mountains on
Above centre: Heavy
duty winch wasn't
required on this tour;
skilful driving did
the trick
Above: New, studded
38in AT405 Radials
designed by the
team at Arctic Trucks
are impressive
Above right: Toyota
Land Cruisers are
specially modded for
interior tours
the road to the glacier.
We skirted the immense lake and
headed into the interior. The tarmac ran
out and we hit loose gravel that
crunched and popped under the
studded tyres. The road started to twist
and turn and we soon left any evidence
of civilisation behind. The road became
progressively narrower and began to
rise slightly in parts. Above the dense
clouds were a mix of menacing, darkest
grey and fluffy, white bilious puffs of
cotton wool as you would expect on a
summers day. It may have been the
middle of spring, but it certainly felt like
winter as the outside temperature
started to drop and tiny water droplets
gathered on the increasingly mucky
windscreen.
We knew we were not in for a
glorious day in which to revel in
Icelands splendour, but there was still
that feeling of immense wonder and
amazement at how beautiful this
incredible country is.
As we cruised along the tracks the
snow became more prevalent on the
flanks. And then we came to a barrier
blocking half the road with the sign in
Icelandic and English: Road blocked.
Gisli just shrugged his shoulders and
said: I have no idea what we will find,
but we will get through, no problem I
am sure, he smiled, with obvious great
trust in our silver Land Cruiser
bedecked in the new Arctic Trucks logo;
a map of the island that adorned both
doors and the bonnet.As we blasted along the gravel with
Gisli thoroughly enjoying himself, we
found out a little bit more about this
It feels pretty remote, with a snaking
tributary leading from the lake towards themountains in the distance weaving throughgrassland sitting on volcanic rock"
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amazing man. We had been toldbeforehand by our friends at Arctic
Trucks that he had Been to the South
Pole several times and been travelling in
the Icelandic highlands since he was
young. What they didnt tell us was
that he has driven more miles in
Antarctica than anyone else in the
world, while supporting expeditions and
helping to set up many fuel depots
there. Along with our guide from the
previous trip four years ago, he helped
Top Gear make its record-breaking
drive to the magnetic North Pole. He
also instructed the Walking with the
Wounded team (the one that includedPrince Harry) for their North Pole
expedition and, in 2012, assisted BBC
Blue Peters Helen Skelton on her Sport
Relief Polar Challenge that involved
travelling 500 miles across Antarctica.
These challenges prove immense forthose who undertake them but, for
Gisli, they are a walk in the park. Driving
across Antarctica with nothing but white
in front of you, however, is very tough,
he says. Its difficult to hold your
concentration when it is miles upon
miles of snow and nothing else for days
on end, he adds, smiling.
Gisli is also part of the Arctic Trucks
Research and Development team and
is heavily involved in designing new
systems to make these awesome
trucks even more capable. He also
works on various military trucks and
modifications for the United NationsLand Cruisers. As a former Iceland
off-road racing champion he loves
blasting along the tracks through the
sprawling mountains; you can tell by the
big grin on his face. As we drove further
inland, however, conditions started to
get tougher, the wet slush we had been
ploughing through morphed into deeper
snow, gradually becoming more solid
ahead. It was time to slow things downa little, jump out and lower the tyre
pressures.
Arctic Trucks uses its own brand of
tyres, designed by Gislis brother, that
are manufactured, along with much else
these days, in China. The AT405 38in is
very new to the market and proving
very popular among the Icelandic
off-road fraternity.
Gisli lowered the pressure from 22 to
16psi in the biting cold that had now
descended upon us and off we set
again, deeper into the Blaskogaheioi
Above: Stunning
view from the
Langjkull glacier
looking west. Off-
roaders' paradise
Left: Early slush
allowed Gisli to pick
up some speed
before it got serious
Below: The
spectacular
Barnafoss Falls
named after a
particularly tragic
legend
22 August 2013 www.4x4i.com
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Arctic Trucks
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region. We had started our tour in
standard four high and, as the snow
was still only a few inches deep, Gisli
left it as it was. We had some great fun
blasting through the slush that lay over
the snow beneath, creating a vast and
spectacular spray. The landscape
became more and more dramatic as we
bounced and battled along the flat
valley floor, flanked by towering
mountains strewn with snow, but
punctuated by deep black rocky
outcrops jutting through the white.
Some of the cairns that Gisli pointed
out date back to the Vikings, marking
out horse trails through the mountains.
At one point in Icelands history, this
valley was believed to be the lair of
gangs of outlaws who camped out up
in the mountains. In the early 1800s a
group of farmers trekked out there but
found no evidence to support the myth.
They were probably a century too late,
laughed Gisli.
We ventured on, Gisli gripping the
wheel tightly as we hit some bigger
lumps of snow. As we got deeper, the
snow became more difficult. It was time
to drop the tyre pressure again to 6psi
and lock the Toyota into four low.
Were driving on about three to four
metres of snow, remarked Gisli, then
ferocity until the fat studded tyres lift
you over the top. Its all about feeling
and grip, shouted Gisli, above the
cacophony of engine revs and snow
spray.That didnt always work, however, as
conditions were far worse than Gisli had
expected and we ground to a complete
halt a few times. Time to untie the
shovel from the roof rack, dig a suitable
hole around each wheel, and then try
again. At one point this took several
attempts, but eventually we made it
through. Our route took us past signs
pointing towards Prestahnukur, a
sub-glacial (and currently pretty
dormant volcano) and OK, at 1198m,
which is a shield volcano, that means it
is made almost entirely of large,
low-profile fluid lava flows, resembling awarriors shield.
Its quite eerie, as I remembered from
my previous Icelandic trip, driving
through a huge remote landscape that
is filled with volcanoes. Icelanders are
used to them erupting periodically, in
varying degrees but, for us visitors, its a
little unnerving.
After the big one in 2010, another
bigger eruption occurred, but it was
never reported outside Iceland as the
dust cloud blew northwards, therefore
not affecting anybody apart from the
Icelanders. We have many, but they
dont always get reported, muses Gisli.But theres one that definitely will, if it
goes off; it is well overdue for a major
eruption and will cause utter chaos
throughout Europe, he predicts. That is
Katla on Myrdalsjkull in southern
With nothing but white in front of you is very tough. Itsdifficult to hold your concentration when it is miles uponmiles of snow and nothing else for days on end"
below that is 80 metres of ice. As we
climb higher towards the glacier the
snow is deeper and we could be on up
to 800 metres of ice.
Driving through this terrainsuccessfully, and meaning you dont
need to worry about the road blocked
signs, requires special mods for which
Arctic Trucks is renowned. Gisli reckons
38in is the smallest tyre you can get
away with in these conditions. Its trucks
for these interior tours are treated to a
variety of modification programmes.
Our 60th anniversary model features
the aforementioned brand new 38in
tyres, a 40mm suspension lift front and
back, body lifted 60mm from the frame.
Wheel arches are extended and there
are other body mods to make sure the
wheels are free and unrestricted.Dropping those tyres to 6psi
increased the footprint to the optimum
and the Toyota literally floated over the
snow. We could sense a boat-like
movement of the vehicle as we
ploughed along. It was getting tougher
and tougher to penetrate the deep,
crisp snow, so both front and rear air
lockers were introduced, but it still
required Gislis expertise, gently rocking
the Land Cruiser to get over the
obstacles.
We were ploughing ruts about two
feet deep, but at some point the
build-up of snow that was created infront of the Radial tyres brought our
progress to a halt. Engage reverse for
about 20 feet, back into Drive,
accelerate gently: then, as you hit the
wall, rock the Toyota with increasing
Above: Several
attempts were
required to grind
through the deep
snow
Top: Gorgeous Husky
poses on the glacier,
waiting for a fast and
furious ride
Left: Heading
west back towards
civilisation on more
friendly gravel
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There were no crevasses to worry
about as the terrain is still evolving, but
it was wise to take it steady and
carefully; you can never take a glacier
for granted. By now the weather had
really deteriorated, with a fierce wind
that blew a swathe of snow across the
top of the ice. I took a turn behind the
wheel and could feel those huge tyresfloating above the ice with the odd tiny
bump as we crept over the small ridges
created by the wind.
Unfortunately, visibility was becoming
a big issue. We were at 900m by now
Iceland, part of my previous tour. There
have been minor eruptions that didnt
break through the ice, plus a flash
glacial flood that burst from the glacier
thanks to increased seismicity in
recent years, so something could well
be brewing down there.
It was a sobering thought, but one
that didnt seem quite so immediatelythreatening as we ventured on further
north and were soon approaching our
Ice Cap at Langjkull. Still firmly in four
low with all axles locked up we inched
onto the glacier at a slow steady pace.
and the cloud was low and Gisli felt that
any further progress would not be
worth it, as it would just get more and
more difficult to see our route. With
great reluctance I turned right and
headed back down the glacier towards
the deserted valley below.
We thought we were still utterly
alone, until suddenly in the gloom
ahead a shiny turquoise Land Rover
Defender 110 clad in fat tyres came into
view. Ah, laughed Gisli, that will be
the husky rides. Sure enough, a pack
of huskies, all tied in a line, appearedthrough a break in the mist close to the
110, which had obviously brought some
clients up here for an exhilarating ride
across the glacier. We looked around
and, in the far distance to the west, we
could just make out two grey l ines of
dogs racing across the ice fighting the
wind. They are beautiful animals and it
was a pleasure to see them up close,
but we couldnt help a little tinge of
disappointment that we didnt have the
glacier to ourselves.
As we headed head down off the
glacier the weather improved slightly
and the track leading us off becamemore apparent, so an increase in speed
was fine. It was getting dim and we had
a fair way to go to get back to
civilisation, and Gisli wanted to show us
a few of the tourist spots on the popular
ADVENTURE
Arctic Trucks
24 August 2013 www.4x4i.com
Top: Snow and ice
just succumbs to
TLC in a perfect
setting for high-
speed action
Above: When
conditions get really
tough, even the TLC
needs extra muscle
power form Gisli
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Arctic Trucks Iceland | Kletthals 3 | 110 Reykjavk | Tel: +354 540 4900 | Mob: +354 617 8000 | experience@arctictrucks.com
Only few people have had the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of a powerful 4x4in one of the worlds most unique places. Arctic Trucks has now made it possible toexperience the remote areas of Iceland in cars that are known all over the world fromthe BBC television show Top Gear.
Arctic Trucks offers guided self-drive tours in Iceland, in cars justlike the one James and Jeremy took to the Magnetic North Pole!
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Golden Circle trail. Although the snow
had been very deep and difficult earlier,the route northwest from the glacier
was strangely snow-light and we soon
found ourselves back on a gravel track.
We shifted the dash dial back to 4H,
disengaged both air lockers and
re-inflated the tyres to 16psi, just in
case we hit any more deep snow on the
way back to the tarmac.
We didnt, so the going was fun, fast
and furious on the gravel track,
interrupted occasionally by some slushy
snow, and loose sharp rocks, to be
avoided at all costs. The scenery
continued its magnificent theme of vast
valley floor lined with soaring mountainsand friendly volcanoes, as we headed
west towards the 518 route that would
take us to our first touristy spot at
Barnafoss, home to a beautiful waterfallthat stretches for just short of a mile.
We parked the 150 Series, which
looked totally cool, and from another
world, among the small smattering of
saloons and the odd mini bus. A short
stroll took us to the waterfall or, to be
more precise, a series of rapids formed
as the River Hvita forces its way through
a narrow rocky chute that once had a
natural bridge across it. Barnafoss
translates as children falls. Legend has
it that two children fell from the bridge
into the water and died. Their mother, it
seems, demolished the bridge by
casting a spell. However, naturalbridges do collapse due to their
supports being eroded by the force of
the water. A more likely explanation
perhaps but in Iceland, you can never
be sure...
Force of water is something you
experience a lot in Iceland. Infamous for
its geysers, there are natural thermal
springs that burst from the ground all
over the place. One particular spring on
our tourist route was the
Deildartunguhver spring. Here, 180
litres of water are produced per second,
which is the largest output of any
thermal spring in the world. And thewater temperature is pretty impressive
too at 100C (212F). Standing close to
the springs you can feel the intense
heat radiating from the earth beneath
the plumes of billowing steam. Water
GOING TOICELANDMany thanks to Arctic
Trucks and the amazing
Gisli and Felicity for
spending a superb day
with us. Visit www.
arctictrucks.is/www.
arctic-trucks.co.uk or
email info@arctictrucks.
com/experience@
arctictrucks.com for
details of their guided and
self-drive tours. There is a
photo gallery from Hilss
2009 trip on their
website. Visit www.
felicityaston.co.uk for
details of her books,
speaking gigs and
adventures.
from here has been used for central
heating since 1925 and is pumpedthrough 46 miles of pipes to the
surrounding villages of Akranes,
Borgarnes and Hvanneyri. On the way
to the springs we jumped out of the
Land Cruiser at Reykholt, where one of
the most important people in Icelandic
history lived in the Middle Ages. Snorri
Sturluson was a famous poet and
politician whose records of the Old
Norse language and of medieval
mythology are like the bible to modern
Icelandic scholars.
As the light faded further and heavy
rain lashed onto the Toyotas
windscreen, we ended our guided tourand headed south on the 518 to join
the main A1 highway towards Reykjavik
at Borgarnes. Despite the rain and low,
menacing dark clouds, it was a lovely
drive that skirted the Borgarfjrur
coastline then led to the long tunnel
under the Hvalfjrdur fjord.
We packed a lot into a one-day tour,
but it really doesnt take long to get into
Icelands interior from the capital to
discover one of the planets true
wonders of the world. If you can get
yourself to Iceland, get in touch with
Arctic Trucks and hire a guide to whisk
you off to some of the most magnificentscenery and mind-blowing geographical
features you will ever encounter. And its
all achieved in a truck that will equally
impress, piloted by off-road drivers who
are probably the best on earth. 4x4
ADVENTURE
Arctic Trucks
26 August 2013 www.4x4i.com
Above: The
magnificent
Blaskogaheioi valley,
rumoured to once be
the home of bandits
Below: TLC 150
Series 60th
anniversary specblends in perfectly in
so many ways
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30 August 2013 www.4x4i.com
Funny how these thingshappen. One day last month I
noticed a particularly well
looked after Nissan Patrol,
early 1990s vintage. Its light blue
bodywork looked surprisingly rust free,
and despite its age, it appeared
remarkably at home in traffic that
included all the latest jelly-mould
lookalike SUVs. It brought a smile and a
heh, look at that! comment to my
bemused passenger.
What followed a few days later was
an email from our exiled Brit contributor
based in Australia, Robert Pepper,
commenting on the fact that hed justdriven the very latest 2013 Nissan
Patrol. Since it was no longer available
in the UK, he didnt think that we would
be interested, but offered me a report
just the same. Amazingly, the new
model has a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine,with a seven-speed auto box, theres no
diesel option. That sort of spec seems
completely anachronistic to us UK 4x4
enthusiasts (and you can read Roberts
thoughts on the new model at the end
of this feature), but it did get me
wondering; what really happened to the
Nissan Patrol?
Regular readers will know that we
bemoan the fact that modern SUVs all
seem to look the same these days.
Amusingly, whenever you delve into
Japanese 4x4 history you can have
similar thoughts. The Nissan Patrol, for
example was actually first built back in1951, it was a jeep and it looked like
all the other jeeps from other Japanese
manufacturers, notably the Suzuki
Jimny forefathers we featured in the
April issue. The first generation Patrols
Whatever happened to the Nissan Patrol? The big, boxy, no-nonsense off-roader with fewpretentions but a big heart and plenty of muscle. Editor Nigel Fryatt considers a forgotten master
PATROLLOST
lasted until 1960, when the designchanged (and in this writers opinion
started to look similar to Daihatsu
jeeps), continuing until the third
generation arrived in 1980. This was the
first proper Patrol that we all got to
know in the UK; square, slab-sided,
box design, with thumping great
straight six engine options.
The models that we got into the UK
were actually built in Spain by Motor
Iberia (then 84 per cent owned by
Nissan), and this magazine had to wait
until 1986 to do its first full off-road test.
We had the seven-seater version, rather
charmingly called the Estate, with its2.8-litre petrol engine offering a
reasonable 120bhp and perhaps
surprisingly, only 149lb ft of torque, and
was available with a four-speed
gearbox, with low range transfer box. If
Above:One of our
original test Patrols.
Boxy and very basic.
Those were the days?
NOSTALGIA
Nissan Patrol
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Top: Later models,
more rounded, but
still good off-roaders
Above right: While
Ewan McGregor and
Charley Boorman
took the limelight
on their motorbikes,
Nissan Patrols took
the supporting role in
the 'Long Way Down'
Expedition
Left: Nothing beats
cubic capacity? The
2.8-litre 120bhp
engine of our early
test Patrol
www.4x4i.com August 2013 31
you had the diesel version you got an
overdrive fifth. The Patrol had a claimed
3500kg towing ability, which remains
very impressive nearly 30 years later. Its
age is more obvious, however, when
you are reminded that the suspension
was semi-elliptic leaf springs and live
axles front and rear. We described the
on road ability as quite acceptable,
which is indicative of what we
compared it with. Driven today, we
might feel differently. On road, the Patrol
remained as a two-wheel drive, gavereasonable fuel consumption and a top
speed of 90mph. Off-road, while we did
criticise the performance over very
rough ground, primarily because of its
long wheelbase, we did consider it
similar to a Land Rover when crawling
in low ratio through the mud, especially
if it was towing a trailer. Overall we were
very pleased with the model, declaring
it good value for money (our 1986 test
version was 10,750 on the road).
It was the start of our very positive
experience with the Patrol. Daft
adjective to use in many ways, but the
Patrol always appeared very honest to
us on the magazine. It had no
pretentions to be anything other than a
big, bold, somewhat brassy workhorse.
Its this reputation that over the years
has seen the model sold extensivelyacross the globe. It may surprise you to
know that under various guises, the
Patrol has actually been built in India,
Iran, Italy, Morocco, Pakistan,
Philippines, South Africa, Spain,
Washington (UK!) and, of course,
Japan. The model that Robert tested
later in this issue is actually the sixth
generation, but we are no longer
included in that target market.
Our prime Patrol time was probably
in the mid to late 1990s. The familiar
boxed design remained, but had at
least been softened a little with a new
front grille and round rather thanrectangular headlamps. We tested a
three-door version in April 1996, the
year that the UK got the new
turbodiesel version after some years
enjoying the 4.2-litre six-cylinder diesel.
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32 August 2013 www.4x4i.com
NOSTALGIA
Nissan Patrol
petrol, 4.2-litre diesel and 2.8, 3.0and
4.2-litre turbodiesel, one variant
including an intercooler. As an aside,the bigger capacity petrol engine has
become something of a favourite for
tuners in the Middle East. Some Patrols
have been tuned to produce a
phenomenal 2000bhp+ for the
awesome dune racers (see our feature
in the October 2011 issue).
One more significant change in the
Patrols history occurred in 2004 when
the model ceased to be made available
in Japan, due to poor sales. The
beginning of the end, perhaps? More
significant, in my view, actually occurred
at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010,
when the production version of the newNissan Juke was unveiled. The styling
was a quantum leap from the square
box 1980s style of the Patrol, and to
give the company credit, didnt then
and probably still doesnt, look like any
other SUV on the road. There are
stories that claim that when the Juke
was unveiled, initial orders in the first
month were actually 10 times what the
manufacturer had budgeted for. And, of
course, Juke production started in the
UK. To say the Juke has been a
success is something of an
understatement. Built with various two
and four-wheel drive versions, theintelligent 4WD system is indeed that,
and has impressed us as a drivers
vehicle in various 4x4 Of The Year
events. Expensive and clever TV
advertising is obviously having some
It seems that emissions were a problem
even then, and Nissan decided to drop
the big ol thumper that we were reallyrather fond of. The new engine
impressed, however, and we declared it
one of the best diesel engines currently
available in any 4x4.
Its interesting looking back at the
test in 1996, that we considered the
model a strong competitor to a Land
Rover Discovery. When fitted with
decent tyres (we were particularly
critical of the OE rubber fitted to our
test vehicle) off-road performance was
said to be good. The tester also
commented that the Nissan boasts a
higher level of trim and build quality
than the Discovery, and that the Patroledged the Land Rover for on road
performance. Praise indeed.
We got all worried when we went to
test the restyled version in 1998,
generation five, no less; as it looked as
though the Patrol had gone soft.
Thankfully we concluded that the
softening, the rounding of the front in
particular, was the only bit that had
gone soft. The changes were obvious
for Nissan to be able to challenge the
Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado/
Amazon a decision that ultimately
could be seen as a reason for its
demise, particularly in the UK. It neverreally matched the Toyota in terms of
comfort and equipment levels.
The fifth generation Patrols had a
long list of engine options, depending
on the market, from 4.5 and 4.8-litre
effect, and it is understandable that
Nissan should now concentrate on the
smaller SUV, rather than the great
lumbering Patrol. Indeed, the UK is
Nissans second European market, just
behind Russia, with the Juke and the
Qashqai dominating (with both two and
four-wheel drive models, obviously).
But the Patrol does still exist, now for
sale in Australia and the Middle East,
but for how long? Is the Nissan Patrol,in its simplistic big engine/big boxy
body format, something that us
traditionalists still value, now a 4x4 of
another age? Sadly that seems to be
the case. 4x4
Above:Nissan
ensured that as the
body design got
smoother and morerefined, so did the
interior. It was a
pretty good place
from which to go
off-roading
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Sfs silicone hoses(Defender TD5) 109
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EGR Blanking Kit(Defender / Disco TD5) 50
SuperPro Bush Kit(Defender 2002 on) 144
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34 August 2013 www.4x4i.com
NOSTALGIA
Nissan Patrol
The vehicle here is the Y62
Nissan Patrol, and it is not
popular with the Aussies who
own its immediate ancestor,
the Y61 GU Patrol that has long been a
highly popular and revered vehicle for
touring off-roaders. And the reason for
this displeasure is because the Patrol
has switched segments. Its changed.
The Y62 is built for the citizens of the
Middle East who buy more Patrols thananyone else. These guys like their cars
big, petrol and powerful, so the new
Patrol sports a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine,
seven-speed automatic gearbox and
manages to make the Discovery 4,
Range Rover and even Toyotas Land
Cruiser look small by comparison.
Theres no diesel option, and for a car
that size that means hefty fuel bills and
short range. The traditionalists, and
theres plenty in the Patrol fraternity,
bemoan anything electronic and without
solid axles, so the Y62 disappoints on
both counts. On my Facebook page,
one commentator summarised itperfectly: It has lost the essence of
being a Patrol. It's not designed with an
attitude of off-road ability and toughness
first, other stuff second.
But is that true? Few of these people
have seen one let alone driven it. But I
have, and also done some pretty rough
off-roading in it. So heres the answer.
This car is quick in a straight line,
0-100 in under seven seconds. But it is
far from agile, as any form of spirited
driving starts to squeal the tyres and the
stability control light will quickly
illuminate. It also understeers more than
any car in my recent memory, and to
make things worse, the automatic isprone to unwarranted downchanges
out of corners, which given its seven
speeds and abundance of torque, is
disappointing. On the other hand, the
ride is excellent across all surfaces,
theres plenty of power, its quiet and
refined and the electronics keep the car
impressively flat while cornering.
Overall, the Patrol is a rather
unrewarding car to drive on-road it will
comfortably, but joylessly, cover the
overlanding miles.
Inside the vehicle there is nothing
done particularly well, and some thingsdone poorly. In general, the dash
controls are a little last minute with
related buttons in different places. The
While we no longer see the Patrol in the UK, it still lives in Australia andthe Middle East. But is the latest 5.7-litre version a real Patrol?
Words and photography: Robert Pepper
Below: Old meets
new, but has thelatest Patrol lost
something as it's
grown bigger?
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www.4x4i.com August 2013 35
right-hand-drive conversion budget
didnt extend to moving the gearshift to
the right so its a little stretch to reach.
The seats should hold the passengers
more firmly, but are easily adjustable.
Our test model was the Ti, which didnt
have even have satnav. Nissan has, in
the Pathinder, designed a superbly
versatile second/third row system. In
the Patrol, the engineers have not
bothered and followed design
conventions last seen in the 80s. The
second row is a simple 40/60 split but
only two child restraints. The third row
seats three in the Ti spec, and it folds
down but doesnt latch down andwont fold flat. Thats really unforgivable,
and also poor is the massive D-pillar,
which intrudes on cargo space. But the
overall impression is of space, so if you
want your interior huge, the Patrol is
your wagon.
Off-road the Patrol is good, but not
superb. The traction control is a little
slow and ineffective compared to the
current state of the art, and the car
needs more clearance. The rear
cross-axle locker appears to disable
traction control on the front axle, but its
good that its there. The adaptive terrain
system makes little difference, althoughwed need more time in different terrains
to fully test it. As with any car of this size
your line is limited due to the size, but
thats not a Patrol criticism, just a
general issue. The Patrol is a good
off-roader and certainly can handle
rough terrain, but is not quite up there
with the likes of the Discovery 4 or
Toyota Land Cruiser.
So why the disappointment?
Because the Patrol has moved market
segments from rough off-roader to a
powerful tower, cruiser and big wagon.
Its not bad at its new job, but not a
classic, which will pick up awards andthe hearts of the buying public.
Perhaps thats why Nissan havent
pushed it any further than the Middle
East, so will this be the last of the
Patrol dynasty? 4x4
Above: Patrol has
selectable, electronic
off-road terrain mode
control
Above and right:
Driven carefully, the
latest Patrol still has
ability when things
get rough
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With a fresh and new marketing approach, Arbil, one of the UKs leadingmanufacturers and distributors of lifting, winching and jacking equipment,
is investing in the future of its 4x4 sector. We find out more...Words and photographs: Sarah Harrington-James
Its fair to say that industrial estates
arent glamorous places to hang
around and are there to serve apurpose. But looks can be
deceiving; often the really interesting
stuff goes on behind the unit shutters
and Arbil certainly ticks that box.
The firm has several sites in the West
Midlands and one in Bristol, with its
main 4x4 HQ based in Stourbridge.
From first impressions, this is a
non-descript red brick building that
contains offices and a work-in-progress
trade counter, until I was given the full
tour by Sales and Technical Manager,
Gareth Williams. Through a maze of
corridors, storage and despatch areas
and across vast warehouse floors, itwas then that the bigger picture
emerged. With 50 years of experience,
Arbil is one of the leading manufacturers
and distributors of lifting, winching and
jacking equipment in the UK, supplying
Premium partnersdiverse markets such as 4x4, rail,
defence, towing and recovery and all
of this became clear on my walkabout.The majority of these markets have a
distinct crossover with the 4x4 side of
the business; hooks, turnbuckles and
coupling links supplied to the marine
industry, building sites and MoD are
also useful to 4x4 owners, as well as
shackles, tree strops and webbing
slings used for recovery and lifting
purposes. Whats more, over in the
service department, customers
winches and jacking products are lined
up ready to be reconditioned and/or
serviced, proving that Arbil is just as
dedicated to the aftersales side too. Its
impressive stuff.Focusing on the 4x4 side, Arbil has
been the official long-term sole UK
importer and distributor of WARN
winches, Hi-Lift jacks, Safari snorkels
and most recently, ARB 4x4
36 August 2013 www.4x4i.com
THE 4X4 VISIT
Arbil 4x4
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Above right: Gareth
holds an example
webbing sling ideal as
a tree strop and for
recovery. The colour
of each indicates the
weight rating. Arbil
can sew in a hook/
master link
Left:A display area
shows a variety of
items useful for
manual handling
and lifting
accessories, which has now completed
the firms portfolio. All of these
companies offer international warranties
so that if, for example, your newly-
bought fridge develops a fault while
youre on safari in Africa, a quick call or
email to Arbil will tell you where to
source a replacement en route. We are
significantly investing in our 4x4 side
and have around 70 dealers including
Devon 4x4, Nene Overland and Flat
Dog, that support us and our
customers, comments Stephanie
Bergin, Arbils Corporate Marketing
Manager. What probably stands us out
from our competitors is that we dont
focus just on one type of 4x4 like Land
Rover we also stock products for
Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki and
Jeep.
American firm WARN has been in
partnership with Arbil for some 23 years
and sees itself as the premium brand
market leader for winches. Recently
WARN has launched what it calls the
next generation of winches the
all-new Zeon that is far different to any
other on the market. Its symmetrical for
a start and comes with a quieter motor,
steel or synthetic rope and satin black,
cast aluminium housing. The WARN
Zeon also has an IP68 rating, which
means its the toughest against dust,
water and crud and so shouldnt let you
down. Stephanie explains: WARN are
very good at listening to its customers
and took all comments on board to
create this totally re-engineered product
which has taken years of research and
development. When WARN build a new
Below left:Arbils
Ford Ranger demo
vehicle (left) is
equipped with a huge
array of products,
including drawer
systems
www.4x4i.com August 2013 37
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winch they do it right and make it to
last. The company has also recently
relaunched its entry level Tabor range
with sub-500 pricing to appeal to
winching newbies.
Taking on ARB accessories was a
no-brainer for Arbil. The Australian firm
has been established for over 35 years
and was started by 4x4 enthusiast,
Tony Brown, who originally created
custom-fabricated products, such as
bull bars and roof racks, in his garage.
The brand is so well known and
respected Down Under that ARBproducts are often ordered by
customers at the same time as buying a
new 4x4 from a dealership. Perhaps
soon it will be no different to here in
Blighty; Gareth reveals that Arbil has
recently provided ARBs Old Man Emu
suspension for a Toyota dealers demo
vehicle. Indeed, the ARB underbody
protection that is on the Edotor's Hilux
was actually fitted by Toyota main
dealer, Jemca Croydon.
The ARB accessories brochure is
bursting with items to serve almost all
4x4 owners from recovery equipment,
underbody protection, fridge freezersand compressors to Safari snorkels and
Air Locker diffs. Arbil has a demo 2008
Ford Ranger pick-up that its dealers
can borrow (its been featured in4x4
Magazine in July 2012) which is
CONTACT
Arbil 4x4
Providence Street
Lye, Stourbridge
West Midlands DY9 8HS
Tel: 0845 600 4556
Web: www.arbil4x4.co.uk
equipped with an astonishing 75
products from the ARB range! TheRanger is literally ready to go anywhere,
do anything and sports essential stuff
such as an air compressor, tyre deflator
and a recovery kit. The load area has
been kitted out with an extensive
drawer system plus a fridge freezer and
up top, theres a Simpson III two-man
roof tent. But of course, this is only
scratching the surface...
Stephanie says: Pick-up sales in the
UK are ever increasing and were still
trying to understand why
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