The Mud Life - 24 - March 2021

THE MUD LIFE ISSUE 24 - March 2021

REZVANI TANK REZVANI HERCULES TOYOTA HILUX LAND ROVER V8 DEFENDER

FIND THE PERFECT VEHICLE FOR THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

V8 Defender pages 26-34

Important information Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the contents of The Mud Life magazine are accurate, we accept no responsibility for errors or omissions, nor the consequence of actions made as a result of these. When responding to any advertisements in The Mud Life magazine, you should make appropriate enquiries before sending money or entering into a contract. The publishers and owners take reasonable care to ensure advertiser’s probity, but will not be liable for any losses incurred as a result of responding to adverts.

Copyright All images and material on these pages are protected by copyright © Damian Turner. All rights reserved. None of the images or material within this magazine may be reproduced, duplicated, copied, sold, resold or otherwise exploited for any commercial purpose that is not expressly authorised by Damian Turner or Karen Lee Turner.

IN THIS ISSUE TURNER'S TORQUE NEWS

4-5 6-15

LANING LIFE 16-23 DIRECTORIES 25-28 LAND ROVER V8 DEFENDER 30-37 TOYOTA HILUX INVINCIBLE X 38-46 REZVANI TANK 48-57 REZVANI HERCULES 58-67 GOODS & GEAR 68-77 THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE 78-89 ROAD TO MOROCCO 91-98 SIMON SAYS 100-101 FB PAGE of the MONTH 102-103 WHAT'S THE BEST.... 104-109 IN OUR GARAGE

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READER'S RIDES 112-117 HOW IT ALL BEGAN PT.3 118-121

DAMIAN TURNER Editor-in-Chief, Writer, Photographer, Reviewer

KAREN LEE TURNER (A.K.A. The Muddy Madam)

Creative Director, Layout Designer, Reviewer

F O L LOW U S

THE TEAM

RETRO SNAPS 122-123

FACEBOOK - TheMudLifeMag INSTAGRAM - themudlifemag TWITTER - themudlifemag WEBSITE - www.themudlife.co.uk

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turner's torque Lockdown is driving me up the wall, I’m bored, bored, and… oh yeah, bored!

I know I’m not the only one. However, there’s good news on the horizon, isn’t there? Life will be back to normal-ish on the 21st June, yay!

Not wanting to be negative and burst anyone's bubble, but at the time of going to press, it’s important to know that the government never actually said that. It appears on social media that everyone is planning their escape on the 21st June - green laning trips are being organised and holidays booked, but let’s read the small print before we get excited and build our hopes up.

The government’s road map has four stages, and each stage has a caveat that states certain criteria must be met before moving onto the next stage.

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I’m not going to go into details, but it’s important to remember that if one stage isn’t met, then we have to wait a further 5 weeks until it has.

Again, I’m really not being negative, I just want us all to be aware of the situation, and not build our hopes up, just in case. In reality, is the UK going to pass each stage with flying colours? I hope we do...

Moving on to something more positive, we have a couple of great giveaways in this month’s issue - a Robens Tarp, and a ...(you'll see later), oh, and to top it all I am growing a frelling awesome Santa beard!

See you next month!

muddy madam's moment my Oh how the other half lives!

Damian may have had the luxury to get bored, bored and more bored this month, but that hasn't been the case for this Muddy Madam. No, along with a short month comes an shorter deadline to get this mag created. This would normally be fine to deal with if I'd actually remembered that February has only 28 days compared to the luxurious plenty of 31 days in January, but unfortunately, like it did last year, it blindsided me again.

Usually the last 10 days of the month are a mad scramble for me to get all Damian's ramblings, and our guest writers' glorious compositions in some kind of order, and hopefully looking somewhat decent for all you lovely readers.

Well when the 25th came around, a day that will be known from now on as 'First Covid Jab Day', it suddenly dawned on me sat in the waiting room that I didn't have another lavish 5 or 6 days, but only a sparse 3 more days to go.

The horror dawned, especially as this magazine was turning into the biggest issue we've ever done, aaarggh!

If you are reading this on the 1st of March then the 18 hour days of chocolate and Schweppes Bitter Lemon fueled work has paid off, if it came out any later you will know that the late night/early morning combos caused a full system brain fizzle, and Damian had to mainline Cadburys Caramel into my veins just to kickstart me back into life.

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Honda takes the wraps off allnew hybrid HR-V

Honda has unveiled the latest generation of its popular HR-V compact SUV, now available with a powerful and responsive two-motor e:HEV powertrain as standard for the first time.

The all-new HR-V is said to deliver exceptional hybrid efficiency and advanced safety and technology features, all incorporated into a bold and sleek coupe-inspired form designed to enhance the class-leading interior space and comfort the nameplate is known for.

The new HR-V is the latest model in Honda's line-up to wear the e:HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) badge, following the refreshed CR-V and all new Jazz that launched in 2020. It expands Honda's electrified line up as the brand moves further towards its goal of electrifying all of its European mainstream models by 2022.

The new model embodies the brand's seamless, clean, modern design philosophy seen in other recent new Honda models. The design includes a new bold integrated grille, while the body shape incorporates a long bonnet and sharper, more vertical sides to ensure there is no impact on interior space. The bonnet centre is low and flat, with a shoulder line that flows to the base of the A-pillars, projecting a sense of stability and security that further 6

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enhances the SUV aesthetic.

As a result of clever packaging of its hybrid drivetrain, the HR-V retains its predecessor’s class-leading interior space, with four adults able to sit in maximum comfort. As with the exterior, the spacious interior has a solid, premium SUV feel, but with contemporary fabrics and soft-touch materials.

The modern minimalist aesthetic, which is initiated by the horizontal sweep of the instrument panel, is the result of an uncluttered interior and dashboard, with each element carefully positioned to contribute to the sense of space. The feeling of airiness and space is elevated by a new air diffusion system that creates a curtain of fresh air beside and above passengers, flowing from unique L-shaped vents positioned in the top corners of the dashboard.

Thanks to Honda's compact, integrated powertrain technology and centre tank layout, the all-new HR-V also retains the versatile Magic Seats that offer both 'fold-flat' or 'flip-up' seat flexibility, depending on cargo space required.

The all-new HR-V e:HEV will be available in Europe in late 2021. Register your interest now at: https://www.honda.co.uk

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Ranger Rover placed 1, 2 & 3 in an 'unwelcome' Top 10 list

According to the latest data analysis by www.Tracker. co.uk Range Rover models dominate the podium of most popular vehicles for thieves in 2020 Tracker reveals that Range Rovers and Land Rovers take six of the ten places in the 2020 list of Tracker’s most commonly stolen and recovered vehicles. The three top spots are all Range Rover models, and the Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Defender also make the top ten. These 6 models alone account for 37% of all stolen cars recovered by Tracker in 2020.

Analysis of how criminals stole cars in 2020 reveals that keyless theft has risen to an all-time high, with 93% of all recovered vehicles having been stolen without the thief having possession of the keys. This has nudged up from 92% in 2019, but represents a 26% increase in the last 5 years. Thieves use sophisticated equipment to exploit keyless technology by hijacking the car key’s signal, typically from the security of the owner’s home, and remotely fooling the system into unlocking the doors and starting the engine. This is commonly known as a 'relay attack'.

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison for Tracker, commented: “Range Rover and other Land Rover models have always featured in our top ten most stolen and recovered league table in the last 10 years, as has the BMW X5 which has slipped from 2nd to 4th position in 2020. However, most premium 4x4 cars are hot targets, with car thieves stealing to order, often shipping them abroad or stripping them for parts in a chop shop to meet the growing demand for spare parts.”

goes unnoticed for some time.

We encourage drivers to use traditional visual deterrents such as crook locks and wheel clamps to deter criminals and protect their car, however in the event of a theft, stolen vehicle tracking technology will significantly help police quickly close the net on thieves and return the vehicle to its rightful owner.”

Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by UK police forces. Tracker SVR solutions work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t even know it’s there. The combination of VHF with GPS/GSM technology, unique to Tracker, makes its units resistant to GPS/GSM jamming, confirming Tracker as a superior security defence against determined thieves. more at » www.Tracker.co.uk

2020 Tracker’s Top Ten Most Stolen & Recovered Vehicles 1. Range Rover Sport 2. Range Rover Vogue 3. Range Rover Autobiography 4. BMW X5

Adding to owner’s security woes, in 2020 new car production ground to a halt in response to COVID-19. This caused significant delays to the supply chain and made Tracker’s top ten all the more desirable. Pent-up demand for both nearly new cars and manufacturer approved parts increases values and boosts trade for criminals stealing to fill the gap.

5. Land Rover Discovery / BMW 3 Series

Wain concludes “Keyless car theft has risen dramatically in recent years. It is quick and easy for professional criminals who have the tools and experience. Cars are commonly taken from outside of the owners’ house, often discreetly and within minutes, meaning the theft often

9. BMW M3 / Mercedes S-Class

6. Mercedes-Benz C-Class 7. Range Rover Evoque 8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG

10. Land Rover Defender / Mercedes-Benz E-Class / BMW 6 Series THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

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The New Toyota Hilux gets the Arctic Truck Treatment

Based on the recently launched 2.8 litre Invincible X Double Cab, the new Hilux AT35 features a host of extensive chassis, suspension, handling and styling upgrades typical of an Arctic Truck build.

To begin with, there's the Arctic Trucks Bilstein performance suspension system that features front springs and dampers, anti-roll bar adjustment and rear dampers with extended shackles that give an extra 40mm of front and 20mm of rear suspension lift.

Then to accommodate the 17” Arctic Trucks alloys that are shod with 35” BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tyres, Arctics Trucks have re-engineering of the vehicle’s chassis, inner arches and bodywork. All of this means that the new Hilux AT35 has an increased ground clearance of 65mm and an improved approach angle of +9º and departure angle of +3º.

Arctic Trucks haven’t simply given the new Hilux AT35 some big tyres and a suspension lift, no, more importantly they’ve optimised torque and drivability by re-gearing of the front and rear differentials.

On the outside you get the usual Arctic Trucks styling features that include the company’s signature flare package for the front and rear wings, extendedprofile side steps, AT35 badging and a 30th anniversary decal. Each vehicle comes with an individual Arctic Trucks certificate of authenticity. Extra practicality is provided by a rear height bar with an integrated 2” receiver hitch for quick and easy deployment of tow balls, winches, steps, gear carriers or other accessories.

Want more? No problem, there are a range of fully fitted Arctic Trucks options available, including full underbody armour,Vision X grillemounted light bar and Truxedo lowprofile load cover.

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The tyre specification can be upgraded to BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tyres and an on-board inflation/deflation kit can be installed, with a 12V performance compressor mounted in the engine bay.

Added benefits of the new Hilux AT35 include an elevated driving position, superior mobility from the wider front and rear tracks, wider tyres and a larger, “lighter” footprint for more secure driving over soft and delicate terrain. The larger tyres provide an increased suspension effect, giving a smoother and faster ride over rough surfaces as well as offering a greater range and flexibility for using lower pressures to gain better traction in challenging conditions.

The new 201bhp 2.8-litre diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission are carried over from the standard Hilux Invincible X, making this most capable Arctic Trucks Hilux yet to be offered through the Toyota retailer network.

All conversion features are carried out by Arctic Trucks technicians to original manufacturer standards, maintaining Toyota’s five-year/100,000-mile new vehicle warranty.

The model is fully type approved and retains commercial vehicle status, with no compromise in payload or towing capacity.

The Arctic Trucks Hilux AT35 is available to order from Toyota retailers now as a conversion for the new Invincible X Double Cab automatic model, priced at £18,780 plus VAT (that's for the kit not the vehicle).

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s CUPRA's charges in with their w e

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new plug-in - the Formentor

CUPRA is adding to its growing range of electrified performance vehicles in the UK with the new CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID. Powering the Formentor plug-in hybrid is a 150PS (110kW), 250Nm 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, and a 116PS (85kW) electric motor with a 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined, these deliver an impressive 245PS (180kW) of power and peak torque of 400Nm. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds, charging on to a top speed of 130mph. The new powertrain delivers a combined fuel consumption of up to 188.3mpg and produces CO2 emissions as low as 33g/km (WLTP).

The CUPRA Formentor has an electric-only range of 32 (VZ2) and 34 (VZ1) miles and the battery can be charged from 0-100% in just 3 hours 33 minutes, using a 3.6kW AC charger.

The exterior boasts exclusive 19” matte black or silver alloy wheels, stylish sports bumpers, electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors, welcome lights and LED headlights and tail lamps with dynamic indicators.

Step inside and you get CUPRA sport pedals, ambient lighting, a 12” Navigation system with Full Link phone integration and wireless phone charging, a configurable digital cockpit, four USB-C sockets and three-zone climate control. A black headlining is complemented by CUPRA’s trademark copper detailing, with the VZ1 model featuring black bucket seats paired with copper stitching.

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The VZ2 adds electrically adjustable and heated black Nappa leather bucket seats also featuring copper stitching, an embroidered CUPRA logo in the headrest and leather dashboard, door inserts and side trim panels. A heated sports steering wheel with start/stop and CUPRA driving mode button completes the interior upgrades.

There are also a range of advanced technologies to optimise the comfort and driving experience including keyless entry and start (KESSY), Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control with speed limiter, park assist sensors and rear view camera, Dynamic Chassis Control with driving profile selection, sports suspension and an electronic locking differential.

The Safety and Driving Pack for the VZ1 includes dynamic road sign display, high beam assist, blind spot monitor and exist assist, while the upgraded VZ2 package adds Lane Change Assist and Emergency Assist (semi-autonomous control in an emergency).

Additional options include a towbar, panoramic sunroof, petrol blue Nappa leather (VZ2 only) and a range of metallic, premium metallic and matte paint colour options.

The Mud Life will have a full review in our June issue, and we can’t wait! more at » www.cupraofficial.co.uk

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Drivers, check your tyres during lockdown

TyreSafe are warning that many vehicles will not have been used much since Christmas and those that have are likely to have only been used for short trips. Some drivers might put maintenance checks on hold, TyreSafe is advising drivers to check their vehicle’s tyres during Lockdown to potentially save themselves money in the long run and reduce the risk of a tyre-related incident when they do return to the roads.

Most drivers are aware that as they drive, over time their tyres’ tread will wear down however they may ignore other important checks such as condition and air pressure if they aren’t regularly out on the road.

In fact, a tyre is likely to harden and crack more quickly when it is left stationary than when it’s regularly used. If a tyre is left on a vehicle parked for any significant period of time, without the heat and movement from nominal use cracking could occur more quickly. To protect them from the environment, ideally tyres should be covered.

While the effect of hardening usually takes months to have a noticeable impact on tyre condition, those who have had the same set fitted for some years should be aware of the potential for cracking to appear at any time.

The weight of the vehicle resting on one section of the tyre also presents long-term problems. The tyre can become misshapen, which can create weak points

internally. When used at higher speeds, these weak points create excessive heat and can lead to a catastrophic failure (or blowout) of the tyre.

Vehicles should be moved regularly to ensure they do not rest on the same point. To reduce the risk of long-term damage caused by being out of use, a tyre’s air pressure should also be maintained at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings. The correct air pressure (displayed as PSI or Bar) can be found in the owner’s manual, the fuel filler cap or door shut. An accurate pressure gauge should be used to check all tyres are properly inflated, including the spare wheel if your vehicle has one.

When used on the roads, underinflated tyres cause the vehicle to use more fuel than is necessary. Not only that, but they will also wear quicker and be more vulnerable to damage.

Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman, said: “It’s easy to fall into the trap of ignoring maintenance checks when you’re not using your vehicle, but there are good reasons to keep up the routine. Most likely, using a vehicle with underinflated tyres will just add to your fuel bill and increase wear but there are instances when the outcome is far, far more severe. It’s imperative all vehicle owners continue to check their tyres throughout Lockdown – look after your tyres and they will look after you.”

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s Powerful new petrol engines w e

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add punch to VW Tiguan range

The Tiguan’s two new engines - both turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol units - are the most powerful petrol powertrains in the range yet, offering 190 PS and a range-topping 245 PS, with 320 and 370 Nm of torque respectively.

The 190 PS engine’s power peak is available between 4,180 and 6,500 rpm, while the more powerful of the duo reaches its maximum output between 4,750 and 6,500 rpm. Both engines deliver their highest torque figures in a remarkably accessible fashion, between 1,500 and 4,300 rpm. This equates to brisk 0-62 mph acceleration of 7.4 seconds and a 133 mph top speed for the 190 PS model, and 6.0 seconds for the more powerful 245 PS unit, which tops out at 142 mph, where permitted.

Suiting the high output of the powertrain, the Tiguan 190 PS 4MOTION is available in high-spec Elegance and R-Line trim levels, with WLTP combined cycle fuel consumption figures of 33.2 and 34.0 mpg respectively, and CO2 outputs of 194 and 189 g/km.

The 190 PS-equipped Tiguan starts at £36,275 RRP OTR in Elegance trim. Befitting the sportier side of the Tiguan’s personality, the 245 PS 4MOTION powertrain is available exclusively in the more visually assertive R-Line specification, and has figures of 32.1 mpg and 200 g/ km of CO2. This current Tiguan range-topper starts at £39,560 RRP OTR.

4MOTION is the performance flagship of the Tiguan range. That is until the arrival of the R-division fettled Tiguan R, which will represent a first for the Volkswagen brand: the Tiguan R being the first time the top-selling SUV has been bestowed with a stand-alone performance trim. Further details on the Tiguan R will be released in due course.

Hannah Doherty, Tiguan Product Manager at Volkswagen UK, said: “One of the key ingredients for any SUV is capability, whether it’s the ability to venture off-road, provide space for five people and their luggage, or even just stand up to the daily trials of family life. With this powerful duo of petrol engines, the Tiguan is more capable than ever – offering space, power, quality, flexibility and the road-holding (or off-roading) prowess of 4MOTION four-wheel drive. Increasing choice for customers for Volkswagen’s best-selling SUV is also a big boost!”

Its top speed and acceleration figures mean that, for now, the Tiguan R-Line 2.0 TSI 245 PS 12

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s Kia showcases defence vehicle w e

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technologies at IDEX 2021

Yes, you read that headline correctly!

Kia Corporation has showcased two light tactical defence vehicle concepts at the 2021 International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in the UAE, the largest international defence exhibition in the Middle East and Africa.

Kia has been supplying its light tactical vehicles to the South Korean army since 2016, becoming the standardbearer for vehicle quality in the country’s military operation system.

The new four-seater Light Tactical Cargo Truck concept displayed at IDEX adopts a bold, commanding design and has been equipped with a cargo container for transporting troops alongside diverse armoury. Kia expects the added visual appeal and usability to stimulate further demand for its military vehicles.

Together with the Light Tactical Cargo Truck concept at IDEX, Kia is displaying the vehicle’s bare chassis. With the body removed, the bare chassis showcases the truck’s powertrain and basic frame, providing a glimpse of the platform’s scalability as a basis for a range of armoured vehicles. Kia is actively developing vehicles based on the Bare Chassis for clients’ eclectic taste around the world.

The vehicle’s modular chassis has enabled Kia to offer standard and long-wheel base variants alongside armoured and unarmoured versions for purposes including tactical commanding and reconnaissance, weapon instalment, target observation and multi-purpose for supporting troops.

Differentiated by its unique design, the four-person Light Tactical Cargo Truck has been optimised for use by military forces by offering superior mobility, outstanding durability and a high level of functionality.

The unarmoured long wheelbase design features a superstructure that can be tailored to underpin different structures such as a cargo box, a mobile workshop and a communications centre. The vehicle can also carry 10 fully-armed soldiers and up to three tonnes of cargo in the vehicle’s rear compartment.

The Kia Light Tactical Cargo Truck is powered by a 225 bhp Euro 5 diesel engine, with power sent to all four wheels via stateof-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission. The truck also features an independent suspension system, air conditioning, a limited-slip differential, run-flat tyres and an electro-magnetic interference system.

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All-New Isuzu D-Max is s w

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Smarter, Stronger and Safer

The Isuzu D-Max has always appealed to a wide variety of drivers, from fleet operators to families, and the new model range is structured into three segments: Business, All-Purpose and Adventure. A new line-up of trucks sit within each range to suit every customer’s requirements.

The Business range features the Utility trim and this base specification workhorse is offered in a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 and in three different cab types: single, extended and double cab. Developed with work in mind, the Utility features a wide range of practical and safety features to ensure drivers are as productive, safe and comfortable as possible.

The All-New Isuzu D-Max has an incredible amount of additional equipment on all variants so the Utility model is anything but basic. Comfort and convenience are assured in this versatile pick-up thanks to automatic headlights with high beam assist, automatic windscreen wipers, speed-sensitive power steering, DAB radio and a stop & start system.

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Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) are now standard on all models. Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter and Lane Departure Warning & Prevention are fitted on every model and, for the first time in the pick-up segment, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and Emergency Lane Keeping are fitted on all double cabs.

Utility models are ideally suited to working environments with features like an easily-cleanable vinyl flooring and durable steel wheels, while the bumpers, door mirrors and door handles are made from a hard-wearing black plastic.

The All-Purpose range consists of the DL20 and DL40, with ‘DL’ signifying that the rear diff-lock becomes a standard feature and the ‘20’ and ‘40’ demonstrating the model hierarchy. All-Purpose models are also available with an automatic transmission, which come with the additional ADAS functionality of Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist.

The DL20 features heated front seats, rear parking sensors, front fog lights and a front centre armrest for increased comfort and practicality, while bodycoloured front and rear bumpers, silver door handles, a medium grey radiator grille and 18” alloy wheels provide a more premium appearance.

DL40 adds a variety of sophisticated enhancements like distinctive Bi-LED headlights, LED front fog lights, daytime running lights and rear lights, a chrome radiator grille, silver side steps and two-tone 18” alloy wheels. DL40 models also include front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Keyless entry, introduced from DL40, works on both the driver and passenger side and is accompanied by a push-button start system and welcome light. The interior benefits from leather upholstery, a leather steering wheel and an 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat. The 7” multifunction colour touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and there’s also a dual-zone climate control system, which allows the driver and passenger to set different temperatures.

Topping off the new model line-up is V-Cross which sits within the Adventure range. It features distinguishing ‘Gun Metal’ exterior styling on the radiator grille, side steps, door mirrors, door handles and 18” alloy wheels. The premium interior is practical and fuss-free: entertainment is provided by a 9” multifunction colour touchscreen with a CD player and eight speakers, there is an auto-dimming rearview mirror and automatic headlight levelling, and the smart leather interior is complemented with V-Cross branded carpet mats.

There are up to eight colours to choose from on the All-New Isuzu D-Max. Utility models are available in four colours (Splash White, Mercury Silver, Obsidian Grey and Onyx Black), DL20 models also come with the option of Spinel Red, the vibrant new Valencia Orange is offered from DL40 and the stylish Pearl White is exclusive to V-Cross models.

Priced from £20,999 CVOTR, the Stronger, Smarter and Safer All-New Isuzu D-Max combines attractive new styling, impressive safety technology and superior levels of comfort. The new model has already won the coveted 2021 Pick-Up of the Year award from 4x4 Magazine and, thanks to its even stronger chassis and intelligent new ADAS safety systems, it has become the first pick-up to achieve the maximum 5-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests.

The All-New Isuzu D-Max offers the same workhorse practicalities that Isuzu customers have become accustomed to, with a one-tonne payload and up to 3.5 tonnes towing capacity. Backed by Isuzu’s 125,000 mile / 5 Year warranty, the new model arrives into UK showrooms in March 2021 and customers are encouraged to register their interest now.

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g n i n Life a L

aton E n e r u a

by L

Read about green laning as seen through Lauren ‘Sunshine’ Eaton's windscreen at The Green Lane Association, and find out what’s hot, or not, in the laning world each month. Enjoy!

Fun in 4WD!

It doesn’t need explaining that the Green Lane

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Association is focused on laning, but there are many alternative pass times we can enjoy in our vehicles, and some may be more suitable alternatives to what some drivers are looking for when they head out on the lanes.

These are usually followed with comments akin to, “but there’s so few alternatives”, “if they didn’t stop closing them there would be more places to drive!”, or “GLASS is just the fun police!”, yet the irony is so many lanes face calls for closure due to this very behaviour and attitude.

There have been numerous unfortunate stories on social media about ‘mud plugging’, the act of using green lanes in a manner that is either not legal or not suitable for their intended use, or future sustainability for that matter.

So, what’s the real situation? Are there so few lanes around nowadays? What is ‘acceptable green laning behaviour’? What are the consequences of using lanes as a playground? And what are the alternatives?

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What is green laning?

It is simply the act of driving unsurfaced public roads.

These roads are governed by the same laws as any other in the country, the only difference being that they escaped the tarmac man. Therefore you require a road legal vehicle to use them, and all the same penalties apply for speeding, dangerous driving, wearing seat belts, and the rest.

Because the Road Traffic Act applies there is no excuse in law for flouting it, we all know what is expected of us on tarmac, so therefore we also understand what is expected of us on an unsurfaced road. Although terrain may require different driving styles, it does not permit us to use them irresponsibly.

What happens if I don’t drive according to the law?

For a first offence under section 59 of the act you will be fined and your record marked. For a second offence your vehicle can be seized and even crushed. But if like most you lane to get to enjoy getting away from it all, to take in some stunning scenery, drive where there is no traffic, take a picnic, and enjoy spending time with friends in the great outdoors while driving over a variety of terrains, there is nothing to worry about.

that any vehicle could navigate, to far more challenging routes that require passing over far rougher natural terrain such as bed rock or driving at extreme heights.

While lanes do vary from the mundane to the difficult, and enjoying either end of the spectrum is perfectly acceptable, they shouldn’t be ‘made’ to be difficult through misuse. Just as any other RoW they should reflect the natural terrain of the area and be maintained as such, and those who use them should head for appropriate locations for the type of difficulty they wish to partake in. No one should be navigating off a legal route to make a RoW more ‘interesting’ or challenging, and if you find laning ‘boring’ entering into a whole different hobby may well be more suitable.

If you don’t like having to adhere to the law of the land the alternatives are few! All 4x4 events insist that rules are followed even when on private land where the Road Traffic Act does not apply, lets take a look at some.

How many lanes are there?

There are approximately 20,000 green lanes in England and Wales (Scotland’s laws differ), so that is plenty to go around. Ok NERC lost us around the same amount, but that was 15 years ago and it still cannot be said that there are so few left that we have ‘nowhere to drive off tarmac’.

More importantly the fact we’ve lost so many in the past means that we should be cautious and respectful of what we have left!

We don’t lose many now, organisations like GLASS see to that, but that doesn’t mean that many are not threatened with closure year in year out.

What is ‘appropriate usage’?

Every user group – walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and drivers, use legal rights of way for different reasons. Some may want a wheelchair accessible route, along a canal for example where a path is flat and easy-going, others may want to spend the afternoon strolling, cycling, or riding with the family somewhere that is easy for all involved, but others choose to take on more extreme challenges such as scaling a mountain. Laning is no different and lanes vary from a simple gravel track

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The alternatives…

There are plenty of alternatives if you wish to test your vehicle and skills out on more extreme terrain or in a manner unbefitting the natural terrain of a public unsurfaced road. For many years I’ve been heavily involved in overlanding, club events and 4x4 motorsport, far from being a ‘boring old fuddy duddy GLASS type’ I’ve spent a lot of time at some of the most extreme off road events in Europe, and would tour comp safaris, trials, and rallies every weekend of the year.

In fact it was my involvement in these events, coupled with leading responsible laning trips and putting antis in their place when I wasn’t at these events, that drew GLASS’s attention to my work. I knew the difference

Overlanding

So as I know a thing or two about 4x4 driving events, and as these events run year round (when Covid allows) I’m going to share them with you, and explain how you can get involved. Maybe some may realise that it isn’t the Green Lane Association being ‘funny’ when it asks users to drive appropriately for the terrain, it’s just some drivers choose the wrong hobby, or the wrong lanes, for what they want to do in a 4x4! And that wrong choice can and does cause lanes to be closed!

This isn’t a weekend event, but it can and I suppose should (to some, although there’s nothing to say it should take place off tarmac at all) involve lanes.

exploring, experiencing, and often (always in my opinion) the journey more than the destination. This is why laning and overlanding go hand in hand, where better to explore the lesser known places than by lanes that take you off the beaten track?

It’s not necessarily a direct alternative to laning, as most people lane for the day or a short term trip, whereas overlanding usually takes place over weeks, months, or even years, and of course not everyone has time for that. But using unsurfaced roads to travel from A to B is what laning is all about, overlanding just involves using a lot more of them over a much longer period of time, therefore it deserves a mention here.

Of course as overlanding requires travelling long distances and your vehicle being your home for a significant period of time, therefore few who partake in this hobby would risk using terrain that could be problematic for the sake of it!

There are overland clubs or communities you can join, take a look at these examples:

I was brought up overlanding from a very young age, I wasn’t one year old before I’d been packed into a Landy and experienced life on the road. Overlanding is about

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between these events and was happy to stand up and promote and campaign for each one where appropriate, and just because I enjoyed a challenge never meant I’d dream of disrespecting public roads and putting them at risk of closure.

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- Overland Explorers UK (GLASS affiliated) - Overland Bound (International)

Pay and Play

These are areas of private land that the owners are legally allowed to run as an off road business.You pay them and they let you play on the land that they’ve set up to provide a fun and challenging day out in your 4x4.

The rules may vary – some sites ask that all vehicles are road legal, others do not, some have specific events for certain types of vehicle. Terrain will vary across the site from basic easily navigable trails to steep inclines and side tilts, deep water to wade through, mud, hard surfaces, and rocks.

Marshals will be present to help out if you get stuck, but as long as you’re not causing any disturbance to other users and are driving safely, you’ll be able to play to your heart’s content all day.

To find out more check out the list of pay and plays in this issue!

4x4 Experience centres

These are centres that may look similar to a pay and play, or even take place at the same site, but they provide professional training for drivers rather than a looser ‘free for all’ day driving the obstacles.

Land Rover have their own centres, but there are many others around the country that can teach you off road driving skills, or even help you become certified in various driving skills. These sites are often used by Mountain Rescue and others whose drivers require significant skill and experience in their essential roles, but the vast majority are open to the public too.

Costs will be significantly higher than that of a pay and play of course!

But you will receive recognised certification and training from professional qualified drivers.

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Trials – TYRO, RTV and CCV

Clubs are a fabulous way to cheaply test your vehicle and spend social time with others who as are passionate about their vehicles as you are.

Events differ from club to club, but most run some sort of trial.

Held on private land with permission from the land owner and marshalled by other club members, trials are a great way to get to grips with off road driving skills safely.You’ll be surrounded by others who’s knowledge and experience can teach you a lot, or help recover you if need be! These events are social occasions as well as driving challenges, they’re great fun!

For newbies and soft roaders/shinies why not try TYRO trials? Short for ‘Try Your Rover (or ride if you’re not in a Landy club!) Off road’ the trial involves navigating a set course. The idea is to get through each of the 12 gates on each course without touching the bamboo canes (gates), or asking for more than the allowable number of ‘shunts’ (second attempts). Points are awarded depending on how far you get, the driver with the least points wins the day and usually wins a trophy!

For those more experienced the same principles are applied to RTV (road taxed vehicles). While the idea is the same the course tends to be more difficult to navigate and more challenging, although still designed for road legal vehicles to be able to complete without damage to their trucks.

For those who want a significant challenge there is CCV (cross country vehicles). Again based on the same principle but this time open to non-road legal vehicles too, and driven on more extreme terrain.Vehicles are usually modified, require safety features and are scrutinised for safety at these trials, and damage to vehicles may occur. All the rules must be followed though to ensure the safety of drivers and marshals, and drivers should be competent before they even consider taking part.

If you’re interested in trialling the Association of Land Rover Clubs is a good place to start. Here’s a list of all their UK clubs: www.alrc.co.uk A list of all Green Lane Association affiliated clubs can be found here: glass-uk.org

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Comp Safari

Do you like speed?

Well lanes are not the place to enjoy that! But comp safaris are.

These events provide the cheapest way to get into competitive motor racing and are (without being too picky on the absolute rules) basically similar to an off road rally.

Cars drive in different classes, you can enter in a relatively stock motor as long as you have the relevant safety equipment fitted, and compete to be the fastest around the course in your class. Courses usually range from on average 5-6 miles upwards and the number of laps depends on the location and length of track.

If you’ve always fancied competing in motorsport but don’t know where to start, comp safari is the perfect place.

Entrance fees are as cheap as they get, you’ll be surrounded by others who can and will help you get to grips with the sport, and they’re a lot of fun too!

Many ALRC clubs run comp safaris and the events are free to spectate if you fancy taking a look at what they involve.

Winch Trials

The point of laning is to get from A to B using unsurfaced roads, getting stuck shouldn’t be part of the plan! But if you enjoy recovery and winching then why not get involved in winch trialling?

It is exactly what it sounds like – participants drive a pre-determined course that will inevitably require the assistance of your co-driver and a winch in order to complete the course.

These events are marshalled and take place on private land. If you fancy a day where you don’t drive very far but get to flex your recovery skills for all to see then these events are far more appropriate than doing so on a lane!

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Ultra4/The Welsh Xtrem/The Welsh One50 If you think you’re up for some of the most challenging off road driving then turn away from our public roads and head over to these guys. These extreme events are unsurpassed for the challenge they present to both driver and vehicle!

These events don’t take place on a typical race track, or in a typical 4x4! You’ll often find them taking place at purpose built locations like Walters Arena or KORC, and they mostly take place over several days.

You’ll come up against all sorts of obstacles on route and need every skill you’ve learned to get you, your co-driver, and your purpose built comp truck around that course. It’s gruelling, it’s challenging, and it’s in my opinion the best legal fun you can have in a 4x4.

- www.thewelshxtrem.co.uk - thewelshone50.co.uk - www.ultra4europe.com So, as you can see there are many recreational and competitive activities available to you and your 4x4! If you want a particular challenge then there is a place for you to find one legally whatever your interest or budget.

Response and emergency services

You may wish to use your vehicle for something other than recreation, luckily there are several ways you can get involved in voluntary services that utilise your 4x4 and require driving in challenging weather or off tarmac that enable you to give something back to the community.

4x4 Response

There are 4x4 Response services UK wide and their remit is to assist in various activities that require help from experienced, knowledgeable and competent 4x4 drivers. From marshalling road events such as cycle races, to ferrying doctors and nurses to work or on their rounds in the snow, assisting at rescues, to couriering essential supplies to flood victims, prescriptions and food parcels for local residents, or equipment for the NHS during Covid, every call will be different and require you and your vehicle to be ready to assist.

You don’t need a tricked up truck to help out either, I used Harry hippo when I was a member of my local response team. There are many skills that are useful to the service that don’t involve driving too; fundraising, working as part of the management or control team, and co-drivers are always needed.

If you’re interested in becoming part of a national community of 4x4 Responders you can find out more about groups in your area here: https://www.4x4response.info/?pid=groupregister

Mountain Rescue

If you’re a confident outdoors person with considerable knowledge of the mountains, rope work, first aid, navigation, and working in demanding terrains, then this may well be your calling!

Even if you’re not willing or able to scale a mountain your skills may come in handy in other ways. Teams are always looking for help with PR, event organisation, fundraising, even keeping the teams fed and watered or cleaning vehicles after a shout.

To find out more about how to volunteer go to: www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/how-to-volunteer/

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Green Lane Association

Volunteering with us at the Green Lane Association can involve a lot more than laning; repair work, clearances, ferrying materials, winching obstructions, removing fly tipping, signage runs, lane inspections, are only some of the physical jobs we need our 4x4s for.

There are plenty of behind the scenes activities too! From creating, maintaining and improving IT systems, websites and social media accounts, to negotiating/working with authorities, landowners, and the police, lobbying government, opposing closures, submitting DMMOs, PR, event organisation, team management, admin, communications and public speaking, there are many ways our volunteers assist with the day to day running of a national organisation.

If you’re a member already why not fill in our skills survey at https://membermojo.co.uk/glass-uk/yourmembership and let us know how you could help out? If you’re not a member why not take a look at what we do and how we give back to the community and hobby we are so passionate about? www.glass-uk.org That’s all for this month folks! Hopefully I’ve inspired you to get more out of your 4x4 when lockdown eases! There is light at the end of the tunnel now and we’re all chomping at the bit ready to get out and enjoy some much needed freedom, so why not support a club, business, or organisation while you enjoy yourselves? They’re going to need our support post-lockdown just as much as we all need some fresh air and freedom after so many restrictions.

Stay safe!

Lauren x

• Regular digital bulletins • 2 printed magazines per year • Members website and forum • TW2, the essential green lane route planning tool • • Access to area reps for route planning and advice • Member discounts from selected suppliers • Legal challenges • Extensive knowledge base •

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Fancy an off-road challenge?

Want to get your 4x4 filthy?

Don’t ruin our ancient byways, try out your local P&P site, join a tour or brush up your skills on a driver training day instead.

Over the next few pages we have listed many of the business that you can play, train and holiday with.

If you fancy going along, always find out what you'll need to bring along or which vehicles are allowed: • Does your 4x4 need to be road legal?

• Do you need to show proof of age, vehicle MOT and insurance documents?

• Are your recovery points secure?

• Do you even have any recovery points?

Always check with the individual site before you set off.

Remember, as well as a good quality tow rope, it’s always useful to bring along some rags and a bottle of water to clean your lights and reg plates, so you can stay legal whilst driving home!

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Pay & Play Directory

NORTH

SOUTH

Hill ’n’ Ditch

Essex Rochford & District 4x4 Club

Mouldsworth, Cheshire http://www.hillnditch4x4.com 07974 398201

Explore Off Road

Crewe, Cheshire http://www.exploreoffroad.co.uk 07970 286881

Kirton Off Road

Hibaldstow, Gainsborough https://www.korc.co.uk 01652 245022

Frickley 4x4 Off Road Centre South Elmsall, West Yorkshire https://www.frickley4x4.co.uk 07881 590593

Cowm Leisure

Whitworth, Rochdale https://cowmleisure.com 07970 101 879

WALES Ultra Adventure Driving

Wrexham, Wales http://www.ultraadventuredriving.co.uk 01978 358 444

Canewdon, Rochford http://www.4x4er.co.uk

Devils Pit

Barton Le Clay, Bedfordshire http://www.devilspit.co.uk 07764 159478

Avalanche Adventures

Market Harborough, Leicestershire https://avalancheadventure.co.uk 01858 880613

4x4 Without A Club

Aldermaston, Berkshire http://www.4x4-withoutaclub.co.uk 07887533168

John Morgan 4x4 Driving Slindon, West Sussex http://www.4x4driving.co.uk 01903 812195

Piccadilly Wood

Bolney, West Sussex http://www.piccadillywood4x4.co.uk 07984 543886

If you have a Pay & Play site, offer tours or driver training, and want to be included for FREE in the directories just email your details to us.

We also offer an enhanced eye-catching boxed listing (see next page) for only £25 per issue (better rates for 3, 6 & 12 month listings) email - klt@themudlife.co.uk for more details 26

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4x4 TOURS DIRECTORY

Highland All Terrain

Trails and Tracks 4x4 Adventures

Single & Multiple Day Tours with Wild Camping 100s of miles of Off-Road Tracks Access to Private Estates

Cambrian Way

The Old Filling Station, Kinlochlaggan, Newtonmore, PH20 1BX

tel: 01528 544 358 mob: 07708 819 157 email: info@highlandallterrain.co.uk

www.highlandscenicsafari.co.uk

Ardent Off Road

Activities: 4x4 Tours, 4x4 Experiences https://ardentoffroad.com Tel: 01405 947 001

One Life Adventure

Activities: 4x4 Tours & vehicle prep training https://www.onelifeadventure.co.uk Tel: 01347 830188

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://trailsandtracks.co.uk Tel: 07976 393 838

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.cambrianway.com Tel: 01550 750274

Roam Free Adventures

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.roamfreeadventures.co.uk Contact via website

Timeless Overland

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.facebook.com/tloverland Tel: 07508 833 899

Land Tracks and Trails Green Lane Adventures Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.lanestracksandtrails.co.uk Tel: 07855 213355

Ardventures

Compass Adventures

4x4 Adventure Tours

Battlefields by 4x4

Activities: 4x4 Tours, 4x4 Experiences https://ardventures.co.uk Tel: 01757 638 479

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.4x4adventuretours.co.uk Tel: 07769 336 099

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.compassadventures.co.uk Tel: 07508 708 588

Activities: 4x4 Tours https://www.battlefieldsby4x4.com Tel: 07014 241 418

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Off Road Driver Training & Experiences UK WIDE

SOUTH

All Terrain Services

John Morgan 4x4 Driving

Activities: 4x4 Driver Training & Experiences, Self Drive Tours https://www.allterrainservices.co.uk 01792 862669

Activities: Pay & Play

Off Road Driver Training http://www.4x4driving.co.uk 01903 812195

NORTH

Wild Tracks

North Yorkshire Off Road Centre Activities: Off Road Driver Training & Tours http://www.nyoffroad.co.uk 07787 555060

True Grip off Road

Explore Off Road

Activities: Off Road Driver Training

4x4 Experiences http://www.truegripoffroad.co.uk 01233 662251

WALES

Protrax

Activities: Off Road Driver Training, 4x4 Experiences http://www.exploreoffroad.co.uk 07970 286881

Bala 4x4

Activities: 4x4 Driver Training https://www.bala4x4.co.uk 01536 772238

SCOTLAND Scottish Off Road

Activities: Off Road Driver Training http://www.scotoffroad.co.uk 07711 217759

Far X Four

Activities: Off Road Driver Training, 4x4 Experiences http://www.farxfour.com 01450 860275

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Activities: Off Road Driver Training

4x4 Experiences https://www.wildtracksltd.co.uk 01638 751918

THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE

Activities: 4x4 Driver Training https://www.protrax.co.uk 01536 772238

Avalanche Adventures

Activities: Pay & Play

4x4 Experiences https://avalancheadventure.co.uk 01858 880613

Ash 4x4

Activities: Off Road Driver Training

4x4 Experiences http://www.ash4x4.com 07581 030331

LIVE THE MUD LIFE THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

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DEFENDER V8 30

It's here folks, the highly anticipated, and rumoured, Defender V8!

If you’ve been around for as long as me, you’ll know that this new model builds on decades of Land Rover V8 heritage, from Golden Rod (Land Rover’s US importer’s experiment back in 1966), to the original Stage I V8 of that began production in 1979. Then of course there was the NAS (North American Specification) models of the nineties, the Defender 50th, and more recently, the powerful Defender Works V8.

The new Defender V8 is available in both 90 and 110 body styles and has Land Rover’s potent 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine, which produces 525bhp, 625Nm of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It takes you from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 149mph, and drinks fuel at a rate of up to 19.5mpg. And if you’re interested, it has CO2 emissions from 327g/km.

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To keep the new Defender V8 on the twisty bits of road, larger-diameter and solid anti-roll bars are fitted to help reduce body roll in extreme cornering, while the unique Electronic Active Rear Differential introduces a Yaw Controller that allows fine control of the Defender V8’s cornering attitude as it reaches and exceeds the limit of grip.

With unique suspension and transmission tuning, including bespoke spring and damper rates and a new Electronic Active Rear Differential, the new Defender V8 is set to deliver more agile and engaging handling with heightened body control.

DEFENDER V8

With any V8 comes the soundtrack, and careful acoustic tuning of Defender V8’s induction and exhaust systems are set to provide a purposeful and authentic sound.

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On the outside, the Defender V8 features a number of unique exterior enhancements; bespoke exterior badging, quad exhausts with distinctive tailpipes and unique 22” alloy wheels with a Satin Dark Grey finish combine to set the most powerful model in the line-up apart. The Defender V8 is further identified by its Xenon Blue brake calipers on the front.

Customers have a choice of three colours (all a bit dull in my opinion), Carpathian Grey,Yulong White and Santorini Black – with the grey and white options offering a contrast roof in Narvik Black.

Shadow Atlas exterior detailing completes New Defender V8’s exterior finish.

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DEFENDER V8

Inside, Defender V8 features seats trimmed in unique Ebony Windsor Leather with Dinamica suedecloth and Robustec accents, while the Defender’s exposed Cross Car Beam has a special Satin Black finish.

The four-spoke steering wheel is enhanced by an Alcantara rim and tactile satin chrome gearshift paddles, which are unique to V8 models.

Leather covers the airbag housing and gear lever, while illuminated treadplates are completed with a V8 script.

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Defender V8 Carpathian Edition

Defender XS Edition

The exclusive new Defender V8 Carpathian Edition is theultimate expression of performance, durability and design, and represents the very pinnacle of the Defender range. Finished exclusively in Carpathian Grey, it is distinguished by a Narvik Black contrast roof, bonnet and, for the first time on New Defender, taildoor. Additional visual highlights include Satin Black towing eyes and distinctive Xenon Blue front brake calipers.

Positioned above the SE models, the new XS Edition replaces the

The unique exterior is finished with Land Rover’s Satin Protective Film. The PU-based wrap is applied to external bodywork giving the 4x4 a contemporary semi-matte finish that also protects against everything from car park scratches to off-road bramble rash.

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hugely successful First Edition and features a unique exterior and interior treatment that's available in both 90 and 110 body designs.

Externally, the XS Edition is identified by its bespoke bodycoloured lower cladding and lower wheel arches, and distinctive 20” contrast Satin Grey with diamond turned wheels. A choice of four exterior colour options is available: Silicon Silver, Hakuba Silver, Gondwana Stone and Santorini Black.

Inside, the XS Edition’s 12-way, heated and electric memory seats are finished in an optional Khaki Grained Leather, while the Cross Car Beam has a Light Grey powder coat brushed finish.

Inside, the Defender V8 Carpathian Edition features the same upgrades as the V8, with seats finished in Ebony Windsor leather with Dinamica suedecloth and Robustec accents, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and illuminated treadplates.

Comprehensive standard specification includes Electronic Air Suspension, Adaptive Dynamics and Configurable Terrain Response. In addition, the XS Edition benefits from Matrix LED headlights with signature DRL, ClearSight interior Rear View camera technology and the state-of-the-art Pivi Pro infotainment system with 11 speaker Meridian sound system.

Prices for the New Defender V8 start at £98,505 for the 90 and £101,150 OTR for the 110 in the UK. For more information and to configure New Defender visit: www. landrover.co.uk/Defender

The XS Edition is available with a choice of powertrains, including the P400 MHEV petrol, P400e Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and D250 Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) diesel.

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DEFENDER V8

Toyota Hilux 2.8ltr Invincible X

What is it?

There’s been a lot of anticipation around the arrival of the new Hilux, not just because of its more muscular look and improved on road manners, but mainly as it has a bigger and more powerful 2.8 litre diesel engine offering 201bhp.

On the road The week I had the Hilux was the same week in which Storm Christoph battered the UK, the North West in particular was battered with rain, sleet, snow and strong winds, arguably ideal conditions to test what’s probably the worlds best known pick up.

As I’ve mentioned, the 2.8 litre diesel has 201bhp on tap, which is very satisfying, and not that it matters in a pickup, but in the automatic version its 0-62mph is 10.7 seconds, but it feels much quicker. It actually makes the 174bhp Land Cruiser 150 feel sluggish by comparison. What impressed me most in the dire weather conditions was the lack of any rear wheel spin when unloaded and in 2WD. You see, not only does the new Hilux reaps the benefits of suspension and steering revisions, but also the new, automatic limited-slip diff that certainly improves its on-road ride and handling.

The new suspension, and rear set-up now comprises of leaf springs, with twin shock absorbers that manage to offer SUV-like comfort and stability on-road, whilst offering a fair degree of flex and articulation whilst off it.

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Amongst the clever improvements to the rear suspension is that the rear shackle bush has a new self-lubricating rubber which reduces friction and makes the suspension stroke easier. The result is a smoother ride, with less impact when driving over steps and holes in the road surface.

The new Hilux has plenty of tech, and I have to say that the adaptive cruise control that was included in the Invincible X was very useful and really simple to engage. It’s also worth mentioning that its cruise control keeps your desired speed whilst driving down hill, which is always handy.

Fuel wise, during our week together I managed to clock around 300 miles that included many short trips and a few longer ones, and whilst Toyota reckon I should be getting between 28-30mpg out of the 2.8 litre automatic, after all the running about and off-road tests, I averaged 26.8mpg. Let’s not forget the weather was particularly grim, and according to the knowledgable folk on the Toyota Hilux Facebook page, fuel consumption improves with mileage and use.

Off road

As I mentioned above, storm Christoph was battering the North West, so everything was pretty much sodden or flooded, and although I was confident the Hilux would conquer anything I aimed it at, damaging lanes is the last thing I want to do. With that in mind I checked out some of the more rocky ones instead.

Despite the wet and slippery rocks, I didn’t need to engage the rear locker as the Hilux simply crawled everywhere I pointed it in low-box, the only problem I came across was the lack of ground clearance due to the smaller 18” tyres and side steps, both of which are easily remedied. That said, the new Hilux isn’t a low-rider, it has a class-leading 310mm running ground clearance (Double Cab models), approach and departure angles of 29 and 26º respectively, and the ability to wade through water to a depth of 700mm.

Hilux also provides Hill Start Assist Control to help negotiate uphill slopes and, on Icon grade models and above, Downhill Assist Control.

Another neat feature is that Toyota has reduced the engine’s idle speed from 850 to 680rpm that gives you much more control off the beaten track. This was noticeable as I was reversing the Hilux up a rocky gradient to get a photo!

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Interior I only have two complaints about the new Hilux’s interior, and I’ll get them out of the way.

Firstly, the steering wheel won’t adjust high enough for my long legs (6ft1”), so getting in and out became quite a nuisance, especially when wearing boots. Yes, I could have lowered the drivers seat, but that would have been laborious, especially if I was getting in and out opening gates, and so on.

Secondly I was quite surprised by the lack of rear legroom for rear passengers, especially if they’re sat behind taller people up the front.

Other than that, behind the wheel of the new Hilux is a rather lovely place to be.

All versions of new Hilux, apart from the entry-level Active, come with the latest Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system, with faster software and faster response to touchscreen commands. On the Invincible X, the functionality includes SatNav. Smartphone integration is another new feature, via either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, provided as standard from Icon grade upwards.

Opt for the Invincible X model and you get smart entry & start, a 220V plug socket & two 12V accessory sockets, a USB port with front & rear parking sensors.

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Models specs There’s a Hilux for everyone, from the Active, Icon, Invincible and Invincible X, and as before, you can choose from a Single Cab, Extra Cab and Double Cab. Active grade models are designed and specified primarily with work duties in mind, with 17” steel wheels, rear diff lock and easy-care PVC upholstery (Single and Extra Cab versions). The standard spec’ also provides air conditioning, automatic headlights, radio and CD player, Bluetooth and USB port.

New equipment for Active grade includes Toyota Safety Sense as standard (Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Road Sign Assist. Single, Extra and Double Cab versions are available.

Icon grade introduces new 17” alloys, LED front fog lights, side steps, privacy glass, fabric upholstery, a reversing camera and power folding door mirrors. New features include the latest Toyota multimedia system and smartphone integration (details above), DAB radio reception and an automatic limited-slip differential.

The Invincible builds on its current specification with front and rear parking sensors, LED rear lights, new 18” alloy wheels, heated front seats and windscreen wiper de-icer. Other key items include LED headlights, smart entry and push-button start and automatic air conditioning.

At the top of the range, the Invincible X is newly kitted out with a powerful body styling package, including body mouldings, exclusive front bumper and tailgate handle. In the cabin there is new ambient door panel lighting and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system, in addition to dual-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, power driver’s seat adjustment,

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Engine ’n’ transmission The new Hilux comes in 2 flavours, the 2.4 litre and 2.8 litre, the latter is only available with the Invincible model, and either a 6 speed manual or 6 speed automatic.

Two things are worth noting. First, the new 201bhp 2.8-litre engine is only available for the Invincible and Invincible X. Secondly, if you opt for the 2.8-litre with a manual gearbox, you get 420 max torque, but the automatic gives you a whopping 500, which is handy.

New Hilux maintains its one-tonne payload capacity and the ability to tow (braked) loads of up to 3.5 tonnes.

Conclusion There’s no doubting the Hilux’s rugged work credentials, but with steering and suspension upgrades, along with the new 2.8 litre diesel, day-to-day driving, whether that be for work or leisure, is a much more pleasurable experience. In fact, I enjoyed driving the new Hilux more than I did the new 150 Land Cruiser.

Would I buy the Hilux over the LC? Probably not personally, the LC is a much more practical 4x4. Overall, the Hilux remain a faithful and dependable workhorse, especially now with added, and much needed, oomph. price: from £26,895 to £39,675+ more at » www.toyota.co.uk

All these lovely people supported the making of this mag by us 2 nutters by buying us a hot chocolate or 2 this month. Thank you all so much

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from Lee Damian & Karen

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We want to keep the mag free to read, though it costs quite a bit for the two of us to put it together each month.

If you like what we do, we'd love it if you'd chip in for a hot chocolate every now and then, to help support us whilst we put together the next mag.

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Buy us 2 hot chocs at one time, or become a regular monthly hot choc provider then you'll get a even bigger mention.

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Not exactly the first name in 4x4 automotive design here in the UK, but in the States, Rezvani Motors is an exclusive manufacturer of specialised vehicles.

Founded in 2014 by Ferris Rezvani, his first creation was the Rezvani Beast, a 500 horsepower street-legal race car that had no doors, no roof, and weighed in just under 750kg, and was yours for a cool $200,000.

TANK

Then, in 2017 Ferris introduced the TANK, an Extreme Utility Vehicle (XUV), that was designed to be a military-style 4x4 for the road.

With a starting price of just $155,000, or $259,000 if you opt for the military version, the standard TANK is available with either an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual ‘box, and is powered by a 285bhp 3.6 litre petrol V6.

For an extra $3,000 you can have the a 3.0 litre diesel, but if you want performance to match the TANK’s looks, then splash out a further $40,000 and you can option a 6.4 litre V8 Dodge SRT HEMI producing 500bhp. If money is no object, then why not go for the X Performance Package, and for an extra $129,000 you can have a 1,000bhp 6.2 litre Supercharged V8 that’s found in the Dodge Demon.

On the opposite end of the scale, there’s also a 2.0 Turbo available that produces 285bhp, which is for export only. On the subject of export, if you want your TANK in right hand drive, it’ll cost you an extra $6,500.

The TANK runs on huge 37-13.5-20 tyres and comes as standard 2.0 FOX Shocks suspension. Of course there’s the option of the Off-Road package that consists of a 4” lift with 2.5 FOX Shocks with remote reservoir ($3,500), or the Off-Road Extreme with a 6” lift with 3.0 Fox racing shocks ($12,500).

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Rezvani Motors offers a good selection of packages and accessories for the TANK that includes FLIR thermal night vision, automatic side steps, a steel ram bumper and Electromagnetic Pulse protection, amongst plenty of others, though I’m not sure why you’d need the latter.

Admittedly I was a bit trigger happy on the options list, and my TANK came out at an eye watering $267,195, which at the time of going to press equates to £197,053.63 in pounds shillings and pence.

If you wanted to go more hard-core, you could always opt for the military version of the TANK where bullet proof glass, body armour and underside explosive protection are among the many features available. My favourites being the smokescreen, rear tak dispenser and electrified door handles!

If you’re looking at the TANK and thinking, well, it’s a bit too small and puny, then have no fear, because Rezvani Motors have something even more special for you, their Hercules 6x6.

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HERCULES

Starting at a mere $225,000, the Hercules 6x6 has the same transmission options as its smaller sibling, and it even has the same 285bhp 3.6 litre petrol V6 as standard, as well as the optional $40,000 6.4 litre V8 Dodge SRT HEMI.

However, and this is where I grin like a small child in a sweetshop, give them an extra $249,000 and they’ll fit a 1,300bhp 7.0 litre supercharged V8 and ZF 8-speed ‘box from the Dodge Ram TRX! Let that just sink for a while…

The only difference in suspension upgrades over the TANK is instead of the 6” lift with 3.0 Fox racing shocks, you have the option of a 5” lift using Fox Extreme with a remote reservoir, which is a $12,500 option.

Similarly to the TANK, there’s a military version that starts at $325,000 and has the same nifty safety features, from a self sealing fuel tank to radiator protection and a hypothermia kit to gas masks.

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If you’re a bit of an anorak, like me, you may have deduced from photos of the dash layout and engine choices that they’re from the Jeep Wrangler stable, and in fact the TANK is actually based on the 3 door Wrangler whilst the Hercules 6x6 starts life as a Jeep Gladiator.

The engineers at Rezvani spend between 12-16 weeks extensively modifying and transforming them into something that’s totally bonkers, yet totally desirable.

Sadly, my invite to drive both these beauties appears to have been lost in the post, so I’m going to have to close my eyes and dream a little. more at » www.rezvanimotors.com

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GOODS & GEAR

R O BENS TRAIL W I N G TA RP It can be argued that everyone needs a tarp stashed away in either a bug out bag or 4x4 as they’re incredibly useful.

The wing’s shape provides a versatile fast pitching shelter that can be quickly deployed in many ways using accessories and equipment such as cord, walking poles, paddles or between bikes. You can even secure it to a roof rack, or any other part of your vehicle.

There are loads of inventive and elaborate ways in which to use tarps to create functional tents and shelters - as a night shelter, to create a practical workspace whilst fixing a broken 4x4, as a simple sun shade for a picnic or just as protection from the elements by keeping off the rain.

Having a tarp is useful, and makes life a whole lot more comfortable, and safe.

Made from high performance HydroTex HD RS, 75D polyester 189T, Ripstop, Fire retardant, 100% polyester, it weighs only 0.7kg and measures 37 x 9cm when packed.

The Robens Trail Wing Tarp it is a pentagonal wing shape that allows for more configurations than a simple, straight forward square style.

WIN

price: £55.00 more at » https://www.robens.de

Robens have sent us one of these great Trail Wing Tarps to giveaway to a lucky reader.

Simply click the button below and enter your details to be in with a chance to win.

ENTER

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GOODS & GEAR F I R EDRA GON GEL FUE L Starting a fire outside from scratch is relatively easy, but when you add driving rain, snow and freezing condition, it can become a bit of a challenge.

For quite a while now, one of my favourite go-to fire lighters has been the gel fuel from FireDragon.

FireDragon is made from vegetable waste, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly fuel from 100% UK sourced natural ingredients. the FireDragon Gel Fuel offers a nontoxic and odourless clean burn, every time, and leaves no mess or residue on your pots and pans.

To use the gel couldn’t be easier, simply open the child-proof cap, squeeze the required amount of gel either directly onto wood, charcoal or even on the base of the FireDragon Folding Cooker, and ignite.

Because the FireDragon Gel is waterproof and will burn even when wet, it doesn’t matter if it’s raining or snowing, all it takes is one spark from a flint & striker, lighter or matches and you have immediate intense heat.

I mentioned that it has a child-proof cap, but the bottle also has a bottleneck widget that prevents leakage.

One thing to be aware of is that, despite being easy to ignite, it’s often not that easy to see if the gel has caught fire as the flame is initially invisible, so I generally hover my hand over it to check for heat.

FireDragon Gel Fuel is available in either 200ml, 475ml and 1 Litre bottles and can be bought individually or in packs. more at » www.bcbin.com

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R O BERT LLOYD A RTY Last year we featured Robert Lloyd and his artwork in a small bit of our 'New things we've discovered' section. We' had seen his pictures on Instagram and immediately thought his quirky, fun and individual style was a perfect fit for the car-proud readers of this mag.

The great thing about Robert's work is that you send him your favourite photo of your vehicle (he also does dogs too), and he will create a personalised artwork on 350gsm art paper, and even better, he frames it too, in a 20x16 frame just for you. As it is commissioned by you it, you have confidence that you will have a unique piece of artwork that will never be seen elsewhere on your walls - your own personal art gallery Unbeknownst to us, Rob took a look at some of our images, and decided to create a beautiful artwork of our 1996 Toyota Surf which, you will know,

if you read this mag regularly, is called Deux Smurf.

He messaged us that something would be arriving in the post, and we waited with excitement.

Well when it arrived we were really chuffed (for non-Northerners that means ecstatic), and it will grace our walls for years to come, so if you fancy a fantastic piece of bespoke artwork no further than Robert Lloyd.

Robert can be found on Facebook and Instagram as robertlloydarty, or you can email him at: robertlloyd979@gmail.com THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

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READER DISCOUNT

New Stuff we've discovered this month RIDGE MONKEY CONNECT COMPACT SANDWICH TOASTER Calling it just a Sandwich Toaster is a bit misleading because it’s more than that. Featuring a unique detachable hinge system means that you can now use both pans independently.

Stored inside you’ll find a moulded storage tray that fits snugly inside the toaster. On one side there’s a pair of cool-touch removable handles with magnetic a lock, and on the other side there’s a full utensil set. The latter are made from heat resistant food grade nylon. Once you’ve finished cooking your culinary delight, everything packs away inside the toaster taking up no extra space.

Made from lightweight die-cast aluminium with a fluoropolymer non-stick coating, the standard toaster measures 180mm (295mm with handle) x 155mm x 40mm, with the XL measuring 235mm (350mm with handle) x 205mm x 40mm.

Both sizes come in their own neoprene case.

The Connect Compact Sandwich Toaster can be used on all traditional stoves except for induction hobs and is available in 2 sizes. It’s perfect for preparing a variety of snacks from a humble toastie right the way through to a full meal. prices: Standard - £22.99 & XL - £29.99 Watch the video & more at » ridgemonkey.co.uk 72

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New Stuff we've discovered this month VIAIR 20005 150 PSI HIGH-FLOW AIR SOURCE KIT When it comes to vehicle mounted air compressors,VIAIR come with an enviable reputation. Their 20005 may not have the sexiest of names, but with a powerful, 30% duty cycle, a 280C VIAIR compressor mounted on a 150 PSIrated 2.0 gallon air tank with 5 ports, what more do you need?

The VIAIR 150 PSI High-Flow Air Source Kit is the right air compressing solution for users who want power right out of the box, as well as the need to allow for future expansion of their system. The kit contains a 2.0 gallon tank rated at 150 PSI, a tank mounted 280C VIAIR compressor, 110/145 PSI automatic pressure switch, drain cock, pressure safety release valve and ½" air-out compression fitting. The kit has many uses including air horns, tire inflation, load-leveling and more.

Dimensions: 18.9"L x 5.9"W x 13.7"H price: £219.95 (use code: THEMUDLIFE to get 10% OFF everything on the website) more at » https://mattsavage.com

READER OFFER

With many of us driving less frequently these days, our batteries need all the help they can get to help maintain charge, especially as it’s still cold outside.

Draper’s Smart Charger and Battery maintainer don't just charge your vehicle battery, they can repair it and keep it in good condition all year-round, it'll even rejuvenate completely flat batteries.

DRAPER SMART CHARGER AND BATTERY MAINTAINER The charger can be connected to a battery for a long duration and it will monitor the power and slow it down to prevent any overcharge. An LED light will flash at each stage of charging: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%.

It is also suitable for winter charging in temperatures as low as -20°C. It is an easy to use and cost-effective solution to keep batteries in good condition all year round. prices: from £29.99 more at » www.drapertools.com

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New Stuff we've discovered this month LIGHTFORCE ROK20 SPOT The ROK20 is a great work, camping or reverse light, which can also be used on the handle bars of a quad or motorbike.

It's available in ‘spot’, ‘flood’ or ‘ultraflood’ configurations, and comes with a mounting system and a 3 year warranty.

READER OFFER

SALE price: £65 (RRP £78.40) (use code: MUDLIFE5 to get 5% OFF everything on the website) more at » www.4x4obsession.co.uk

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New Stuff we've discovered this month DANUM BLADES Alan Johnson is a born and bred Yorkshireman who creates beautiful hand made knives in his own workshop. He has a keen eye and is a stickler for detail, and he creates a variety of different knives for different uses and tastes.

Compared to his standard Coney, Alan’s Coney Catcher (green knife) is created with a longer handle and more metal, which acts as a finger guard where the blade joins the handle.

The sheaths are made of either leather or kydex, depending on if you have chosen a natural of synthetic handle.

Alan hand-makes each knife from start to finish, using different handle materials and fixings to give different looks. He also crafts all the leather work using veg-tan leather, which is coloured and formed to be a perfect fit for each individual knife. more at » www.danumblades.co.uk

The blade is approximately 65mm with an overall length of approximately 195mm and generally made from 3mm steel, although it can be adapted to other thicknesses.

The smaller (blue) knife is a Coney Kit. This smaller version with a blade length of approximately 55mm, has been designed as a neck carry knife, and has a two finger hold handle.

SEALEY X137 CROSS BEAM ADAPTOR This clever device from Sealey quickly and safely overcomes the awkward job of lifting 4x4 with offset differentials.

It’s easy to use, too, simply remove the existing trolley jack saddle and replace it with the cross beam adaptor, fit the jack saddle into the hole in the adaptor* (30mm spigot pin) and you are ready to lift.

The Sealey X137 Cross Beam Adaptor is suitable for jacks with a 30mm saddle spigot pin, including Model No's 3000CXD, 3010CX and 3012CXD from the Sealey range. price £101.94 - though it may be found cheaper through Sealey’s network of stockists. more at » www.sealey.co.uk

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New Stuff we've discovered this month XS EXPEDITION STORAGE BOXES Stay organised and keep your equipment protected with these durable, stackable storage units. Manufactured from super tough black high density polyethylene plastic, the boxes lock tight with catches and feature a ribbed structure for additional strength.

The boxes can be stacked on top of each other, with the base fitting firmly with the lid below reducing shifting of cargo in transit. Given the rigid structure of the boxes, ratchet straps can be used to hold boxes in position without damaging any of the contents.

The boxes are big enough to hold your supplies, whilst still being easy to lift in and out of your vehicle and are available in low and high lid options. price £29.94 at www.devon4x4.com more at » www.britpart.com

Britpart are delighted to now be an approved stockist for the entire ARB range of products in the UK. For nearly 40 years Britpart has been synonymous with parts for Land Rovers and now we are expanding our range of quality aftermarket parts with the introduction of the ARB catalogue for a multitude of 4x4 vehicles.

ARB’s range of products for the off-road and pickup market includes Air Lockers & > Compressors

Recovery Points & > Equipment

> Canopies

> Roof Racks

> Drawers

> StealthBar Bumper

> Lights

Steps & Side > Protection

Upgraded > Suspension > Rear Protection

> Tyre Accessories > Underbody Protection

ARB accessories & suspension products for a wide range of manufacturers & models Ford Ranger / Isuzu D-Max / Jeep Cherokee & Grand Cherokee & Jeep Wrangler Land Rover Defender & Land Rover Discovery / Mitsubishi L200 / Nissan Navara & Pathfinder / Toyota Hilux / VW Amarok 76

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sales@britpart.com

New Stuff we've discovered this month JETBOIL STASH

The all-new Stash from Jetboil is designed to be efficient and compact whilst maximising your pack space without sacrificing the super performance that Jetboil is renowned for.

Weighing in at featherweight 200g (fuel stabiliser not included), the 0.8L Stash is a complete cooking system (stove, pot, lid) and is designed to be lightweight and compact for when space and weight are paramount.

The Stash stove burner head is made of titanium, the hard-anodised aluminium pot has an integrated head exchanger or Flux Ring for better efficiency, and the entire kit can pack inside the pot alongside a 100g fuel canister.

Designed for folks who demand a fast and light kit, the Stash doesn’t have a regulator and is best suited to boil-only meals and hot drinks. It also lacks an integrated Piezo ignitor, strainer, or cozy, but it is compatible with their Silicone Grande Coffee Press and Hanging Kit. price: no details yet available from 15th March more at » www.jetboil.com/stash

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GET

READY

FOR THE

by K

aren

Lee Turn er

ZOMBIE APOCALYSE

Now we've experienced what happens during a pandemic (we all stay a home, and our vehicles become driveway ornaments), it got me thinking about more apocalyptic times, like a zombie outbreak, and about what we would actually need on, and in our vehicles to survive.

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Obviously, being one of the two people who create this mag, I think a 4x4 is the way to go.

Compared to an ordinary 2WD car, 4 wheel drive is essential for getting grip on those slippery, discarded flesh-strewn roads, but although preferable to 2WD, all 4x4s/SUVs are not equal in this quest for survival.

Before you say it, yes, there are things like Unimogs, and the Rezvani Hercules (see earlier in the mag), tanks and big industrial rigs that would undoubtedly protect you more than a car would, but when the zombie apocalypse hits you'll not have much time.

You'll need to head straight to your local showrooms to grab yourself the best vehicle that is readily available - one that you can modify easily, and that will use the finite amount of fuel that remains wisely.

I've compiled a list of essential traits needed. I'm choosing based on what you can buy as standard in the UK now.

HEIGHT

Choose a 4x4 that is pretty tall, as you don't want those pesky shuffling undead to just be able to fall in through your open window and get a tasty chunk of your right arm, do you?

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The higher the window, the easier it is to stop them getting the chance. Obviously if you are mechanically useful you could get a lift kit to help out the smaller 4x4, but if you're rolling straight out of the smashed showroom window, both the Land Rover New Defender 110 and Mercedes Benz G Wagen measure a nice 1.97m high.

These lofty vehicles are closely followed by the Land Rover Discovery (1.89m) and the SsangYong Musso (1.87m), but I also wouldn't dismiss either Toyota's Land Cruiser (1.85m) or the Jeep Wrangler (1.85m) as there's only a couple of centimetres in it.

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ENGINE/FUEL We know, from watching The Walking Dead and its ilk, that zombies' hearing seems to stay intact, and may even be heightened as they seem to be able to hear a crack of a twig a 100 metres away, so this is where many 4x4s will fall down at the first hurdle. Although the power may seem attractive when you want to get around, a throaty V8 is probably not the way to go if you want to get around without attracting a flesh-hungry horde, so what are your options?

Well obviously electric would seem like the obvious quiet route, but in an apocalypse the availability of electric hook ups everywhere seems pretty unlikely (I mean you can't even find that many now), but with the ingenuity of survivors (which will include a boffin

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or two, obviously), I'm sure we could have some electricity producing turbine set up in our highly protected encampment.

Therefore electricity is an option, but not until the first wave dies down, and civility returns, so with that in mind, I feel that a hybrid would work best. You could run silent in built up areas, and vroom it up in open spaces, and add the fact that standard fuels will be available wherever you can find a non-blown up petrol station (it goes without saying that the boffins will have worked out how to get at the fuel too), so let's look at which hybrid, and how far we could go running on electric.

Topping the hybrid electric mileage range seems to be the Mercedes Benz GLE 350de with a very healthy 61.5 miles; perfect for trawling round a city looking for essential supplies.

The BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport (51 miles), and Land Rover's Discovery Sport P300e (43 miles) have a good amount of e-mileage too so they are definitely in the 'silent' running.

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STRONG FRONT This may seem a weird choice, but I've thought long and hard about it, and about the ability to cause the most damage to the musty multitude if surrounded.

We definitely don't want one of those aerodynamic fronts that may propel the undead right through your windscreen and onto your lap, no, we want blocky frontage that will cause the most damage. Snapping a leg or two creates a crawling zombie which is a lot easier to dispatch than a standing one.

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I feel the Jeep Wrangler's sticking-out whopper of a bumper, combined with it's chunky almost vertical front end has this one snuggly zipped up, but Merc's G Wagen, BMW's X7 and Land Rover's Defender are going to be pretty useful in this category too. (I must remember to disable any pedestrian airbags.)

That said there is a little problem of body bits getting stuck/ going through the front grille when you are dispatching the horde at a good speed, so a little bit of metal mesh modification would be needed in all cases.

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TYRES

When heading into the showroom you really want to avoid any vehicles with those prissy low profile efforts. They won't get you anywhere when you have to head into the hills to live the life of an anti-social hobbit. You want to find the one with chunky knobblies on, and if you can't find one (which you probably won't, not in a UK showroom) then make sure once you've grabbed the keys head on down to the nearest tyre shop and loot yourself some nice all-terrains, and maybe a set of mud tyres too.

Oh and whilst you're at it get yourself a few cans of tyre 'gunge' (you know the expanding stuff that inflates your tyres in an emergency), because escaping the mindless munching masses may prove a bit of a time sensitive issue when you get that inevitable flat tyre caused by a stray bit of cranium.

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SEATS VS SPACE There are 2 thoughts to this - if you are planning to live in a protected environment with others, and will primarily need a vehicle for supply runs, then a pick-up or roomy vehicle is the one you want so that you can fill it with all your loot, but if you are planning to be a nomadic hero-type survivor that helps others along the way, then you are going to need a few seats as well as a bit of space for essential supplies.

So is there a vehicle that covers both options?

My immediate thoughts go to a pick-up as the load space is there, and if you go for a double cab the seats are there too, but there is a serious problem with having a space that is open to the outside world. When the zombies get near they could

could make you lose your much needed needed swag. Also securing a mish-mashed load without sides could prove tricky in highpressure situations, so I'd go with either a covered double cab pick-up, or a large interior spaced vehicle, and I am personally swaying towards the large vehicle for the versatility of space and seating.

If you go for a 7 seater then you could big up your hero credentials in a big way, but you would have to be doing all this life saving quite close to home, as even the biggest 7 seaters don't have that much room left for supplies, so I think large 7 seater, but with the back row stashed, would be the way forward.

All us oldies know from early life experience you can get at least 9 people in a 5 seater by a lot of lap sitting, and as there would be no police or pesky health and safety rules to stop us, we could do the hero bit without compromising the supply run.

Which would be the best at this double loading?

Coming in at number one is the Land Rover Discovery, as its versatility of space to seat options just blows the competition away.

With all seven seats up, the boot size isn't the greatest with only 228 litres (about the same size of a Ford Ka's boot), however with the second and third rows of seats down the voluminous 2,406 litres of space can't be matched, which makes it perfect for stashing a good amount of toilet rolls (as we have recently discovered, loo rolls will probably become the main currency of the future, and they take up a lot of room). Oh, if you are lucky enough to come across one sporting the top trim level, if you flick your foot under the bumper the boot will open, which will really help if you’re arms are loaded with all that mini-mart plunder.

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The Nissan X-Trail is the next one to go for as it offers 445 litres of space in 7 seat mode, while 5 seats gets you 565 litres and 1,996 litres with all back seats down.

Coming in a decent third is the Volvo XC90, which offers 356 litres of boot space.

Fold the third row down, which is easier to do than Land Rover Discovery, and this rises to 1,007 litres. Stow all the seats away and there’s 1,856 litres, plus, with a low loading lip and ‘handsfree’ powered tailgate as standard, it’ll be easier to chuck in the raided contents of your local Bargain Booze.

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I'll give a honourable mention to Skoda's 7 seater Kodiaq which has a whopping 2,005 litres space with the all the back seats down (7 seats up = 270 litres & 5 seats up = 630 litres), but it failed to reach my top 3 as it has a more car-like size and ground clearance so I wouldn't pick it for zombie survival unless the others had already been snapped up (probably by other readers of this article!).

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GROUND CLEARANCE

One of things that you will have to contend with in the apocalypse is cars strewn around all over the place so off-road ability is a must, but, as I expect most modern 4x4s can handle a bit of the green stuff, the reason I include ground clearance here is mainly for its ability to run over the rotting bodies of wayward zombies with ease. No one wants to get grounded on a stack of squishy skeletal remains.

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Land Rover wins this category hands down with the Range Rover having a ground clearance of 11.7", and the Discovery 11.1".

Next up Jeep has a pretty good showing with both the Wrangler Rubicon and Grand Cherokee Trailhawk having a respectable 10.8", and the Volvo XC90 gets on the list with a pretty good 10.5".

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ACCESSORIES Now we all know that a standard out-of-the-showroom vehicle won't last too long without protection, so there are certain essentials to get your hands on.

Next up a full length roof rack for your plunder, but I wouldn't go for one with a ladder attached, as you don't want hangers-on, so make sure you get yourself a small telescopic ladder when you head off to swipe some loot from B&Q. Obviously keeping your plunder safe is a priority so load up on plenty of straps, and if you can get hold of off the side jerrycan holders even better.

Talking jerrycan holders, obviously you don't want to forget jerry cans - you'll need some for extra fuel, and some for water. Now if you're down Essex way when the apocalypse kicks off, I reckon you head first to Lifesaver HQ and grab as many Lifesaver Jerrycans 20000UF that you can as their jerrycans hold up to 18.5 litres of water, and are water purifiers capable of filtering 20,000 litres of clean drinking water, removing viruses, bacteria, cysts and parasites instantly. Even better in these no-grid times, there is also a shower attachment for the days when the blood and guts make-up look gets too much even for the hardiest of zombie slayers.

A snorkel would also probably be pretty useful in the later stages of living in a zombie wasteland, where bridges may have collapsed or roads washed away, but it's probably not an essential straight away.

As we are Britain based, yet again Land Rover is the clear winning manufacturer of choice. Access to parts will be pretty abundant as they have dealerships in most big areas, and they have factories based in the UK. Add to that the amount of big and small companies around the country that also do plenty of add-ons, I'm sure somewhere within 10-20 miles of you you'll be able to find some decent kit.

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Photo - boomerbullbars.typepad.com

Top priority has to be a bull bar as those pesky undead can really make a mess of your front end when you plough through them. Preferably make it a decent weighty one that wraps around your lights like this Boomer Bullbar I spotted whilst wandering the internet rather late one night. I'd also go for a bit of undercarriage protection too, as you don't want a pesky femur piercing your fuel tank.

CATEGORY WINNERS Height - Land Rover New Defender 110 & Mercedes Benz G Wagen Engine/Fuel - Mercedes Benz GLE 350de Strong Front - Jeep Wrangler Tyres - no winner in this one as you can get great tyres for all the vehicles Seats & Space - Land Rover Discovery Ground Clearance - Range Rover Accessories - Land Rover

After collating my findings, these are the top picks in each category, so no definite winner, but when you add in the close runners-up there becomes one clear choice.

Not only did it win in Seats and Space, it also came a close second in height, ground clearance and a respectable third in fuel options.

It's also made by the manufacturer of choice for accessories, and if you add in the fact that there are dealerships aplenty all over the country, I feel I can forgive its one failing - the lessthan-skull-splitting front end.

So if you haven't guessed yet my smash-and-grab Zombie Apocalypse vehicle is the.....

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LAND ROVER DIS I think I have proved the Discovery is a cracking all-rounder for the days of desolation, so when it all kicks off you'd better move out of my way, or get ploughed down, as I head out to ram-raid the Bolton dealership and grab myself a brand new spanker. On the next page is how I would imagine the Disco would look after I've kitted it out for my zombie slaying exploits.

SCOVERY

ZOMBIE KILLER

WIN your own Zombie Apocalyse Mug & Coaster

Click the ENTER button and fill in your details to be in with a chance to win.

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Mugs are coming to The Mud Life website!

Muddy Madam is just finalising the designs, and getting a few more samples made, so it won't be long until you'll be able to drink your tea and coffee in style.

Keep an eye out on our social media for more details.

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written by Jim Hatton

Road to Morocco

Ruined Roads, 2 t r Filching Fingers a P & Baleful Bikers

Following on from last month we find ourselves on the Cirque du Jafaar pass in the High Atlas, in persistent rain, with not enough traction to traverse the pass safely. However, with no idea as to when the rain may let up, nor anywhere to setup any kind of camp on the steep terrain and in temperatures close to freezing, we concluded our only option was to keep moving forward as best as we could.

With Rob in the lead in his Land Cruiser Amazon, we rounded a corner to find a torrent had washed out beneath a concrete section of road. It had left

a slab only inches thick bridging the gap beneath.

I keyed the mic and told Rob we should stop and walk this, then watched in disbelief as he went for it.

I held my breath, Laura took a photo, and he made it across unscathed. Then I realised the CB had been knocked and was switched off.

Even having watched Rob and Halina cross this slab in their more heavily built vehicle it was still unnerving driving my own across, and I remember tensing as I gunned the throttle in haste once all four wheels were on the slab.

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Around another corner, and we noticed a camp down on the valley floor below.

A Berber family were running up the mountainside to meet us. These guys would be our saviours. I lost count of how many climbed to meet us, but I got the feeling there were many more people living in that camp. Once they caught up to us it was all they could do to help.

At a section with considerable side slope Rex suddenly started to feel rather top heavy. Well, we did have a rooftop tent, a spare wheel, extra fuel and recovery gear up there. It was no surprise really. The valley floor was looking like it wanted to make friends with me out of the driver's window though, and I instinctively leant further into the cabin.

Our new friends must have read my mind, as a group climbed onto my nearside side step and, holding on to the roof rack, leaned out towards the mountain. I edged along slowly. Looking back I'm sure we were nowhere near the point of no return, but it didn't feel that way at the time. Rob was having fewer issues now, the ruts appeared to be helping him to steer true, and with his wider wheel track and marginally lower roofline he wasn't struggling with stability.

Still, there were several sections where having a spotter was helpful to both of us, especially since having something go wrong here would have been truly dire. This wasn't like green laning back in the UK. The track wrapped around the Berber family's camp, hugging the mountainside above, and as we passed and started travelling away the rabble hanging off the side of Rex became more sparse. It seemed we were past the worst of the terrain now.

Before the last of our friends departed they started to get more excited, and we soon found out why. The blighters were plucking up the courage to snatch whatever they could out of the vehicle through the open window. A shame, as we'd gladly have paid them or given them food as thanks for their help. They got away with a packet of sweets and a blanket and disappeared off, back down into the valley as fast as their heels would move them.

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After that I was in no mood to hang around, and with Rob being in front I got on the CB and told him what'd happened. We gunned it away and, taking a right at a fork in the road I heard a shout from behind, "Monsieur! Monsieur!" It was a girl from the Berber camp, running after us. My initial thought was to ignore her and carry on, I thought she would just be looking for more stuff to take, but the urgency in her voice made me falter.

I stopped and looked back, she was waving her hands frantically.

This girl hadn't been trying to grab at everything inside the car like her friends had. From what I could make out from her French, which was clearly better than mine, the road ahead had collapsed through a landslip and we needed to back up and take the left hand fork. This involved a short, steep climb to a higher level, but the road beyond that looked fairly decent. I looked around inside the car and saw a scarf I didn't think would be missed. "Merci", I said to the girl as I handed it to her and she bounded back off to her camp.

A few hundred yards later Kath asked from the back, "Where's Laura?" I thought I had seen her jump in with Rob and Halina after she spotted both cars up the short steep climb back at the fork in the road, but an inkling of doubt made me get on the CB whilst also checking my mirror. "She's not with us", came Rob's reply.

I got out and looked back to see her running to catch up. She had been visibly scared at the prospect of being left behind and while I knew we wouldn't have gone far without her I can understand why she hasn't let me live this down to this day.

We've been married 8 years now, so she must have 'some' trust in me!

After what seemed like half a lifetime we finally made it back to a proper road. It was starting to get dark now and the rain hadn't let up. We rounded a bend to find a traffic jam.

A Moroccan traffic jam is not like a western traffic jam.

Vehicles of all shapes and sizes were scattered haphazardly across the road, and off it into the wide sandy runoffs on either side. We wound our way through the maze of motors to find a small group of people gawping at a torrent which had washed the road away.

On the other side of the torrent there was a mirror image doing exactly the same. Some of them appeared to be weighing up whether to have a go at fording their way through. I got out and walked up to Rob's window just as another chap reached him, "ah, Land Cruiser, good car, you go through" he said, the rain bouncing off his smiling face. "Not a chance", replied Rob.

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We might have made it, but after completing the challenges Cirque du Jafaar had thrown at us neither of us felt like taking any more chances. This cheery chap wasn't going to be able to gauge the crossing from us today. We spun around and headed for Midelt, which made the day feel like something of a failure as it meant we hadn't covered much ground.

Our spirits were lifted slightly on arrival at the campsite in Midelt. It was dark and it was still raining, but we were surrounded by a dozen French registered Citroën 2CVs, and if nothing else can make you smile, these little Meccano sets can.

I quickly got the roof tent set up as the overhang would give us some shelter at the tailgate. Once everyone else was set up we had a dilemma on our hands. At this stage we would normally go digging in the fridges for some cold ones, and get some dinner on the stove.

Tonight though, there was nowhere sufficient to shelter from the weather. My large tarpaulin was useless now, after being left full of water overnight back in Fes. The site we were staying at had a camp kitchen, however judging by the loud music emanating from it, it appeared our French neighbours had commandeered it as their own private rave venue. We weren't going to stand around in the rain though, so we crashed the party.

It turned out this party was a 2CV owners club who were out on a road trip of their own. They were a lively, happy bunch of all ages and from all walks of life. They had driven Cirque du Jafaar two days previously in convoy with their Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 support van, which had had to turn back as it kept getting stuck, despite the track being dry at the time. Unfortunately one of the cars had snapped it's chassis while on the track.

I've lost count of the number of times I've retold this next story, which was told to me through the LCD display of a Frenchman's digital camera...

The day before we arrived in Midelt, this eccentric group of 2CV owners stripped the broken car down to it's bare chassis, loaded said chassis into the back of the Sprinter, transported it to a local welder, returned it to the campsite having been welded back together and rebuilt the car in its entirety. All in one day!

I knew they were simple to work on, but I was truly astounded by this. The pictures weren't of meticulous planning, labelling of parts and organisation that you might expect from a vehicle strip down and rebuild either. They were horsing around, with pictures of a wheeled chassis just with a driver's seat and steering wheel attached being pushed around the camping field showing just how much of a laugh they'd had getting the job done.

Through broken English and terrible French our two groups shared stories and booze late into the evening and by the time we retired to our tents the rain had finally stopped.

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The following morning revealed those who had drunk the most, and while the sore heads wore off we took stock of the time left available to us, and how much we still wanted to cover. Things were running tighter than we'd have liked after our poor progress on the previous day.

with Rex's altimeter brushing past 2700 metres at one point. I found it interesting to note how much power Rob's Amazon lost due to the thinner air, whereas Rex (presumably thanks to the EFI) wasn't suffering any ill effects from the high altitude.

My ambition for the trip was to surf where the Sahara meets the sea, Laura and I had packed our boards specially, but this was looking less than feasible now. Rob's only mission was to reach some Saharan dunes, and give his Land Cruiser a workout on them. This goal, at least, was still in reach.

I was taken aback by just how commercialised Todra Gorge was. We pulled into a dusty parking area at the northern end of the gorge to regroup and take some photos, but we struggled to get shots without a tourist coach or motorhome in the viewfinder. Ian and Kath climbed onto the roof of Rob's 80 for the drive through.

The route to Todra Gorge took us to the highest altitudes we'd yet driven on the trip,

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The majority of the road was concrete, with patches of tarmac in poor repair where the Todra river had clearly displayed the power of mother nature in recent times. The road was lined on one side by the river, and on the other there was a thin ribbon of stalls selling souvenirs, almost being pushed into the roadway by the enormous towering cliffs above.

At the southern end of the gorge the land was turned a lush green by the river. We stopped briefly at the side of the road whilst everyone found their seats, and were immediately harassed by people wanting to lead us to their brother's hotels. We pushed on as soon as we were able, and headed for the oasis town of Zagora, which would be our stop for the night.

Twilight descended quickly and we pulled over to stretch our legs and marvel at a beautiful sky as the last of the sun's rays played over the distant hills. The rest of our drive would be in darkness.

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I love to watch the highlights of the Dakar Rally on telly. Rally raid is a sport that I'm sure, if my path in life had been different I could easily have gotten involved in. It seems we were somewhat out of the loop as far as the sport is concerned though as we were all surprised to find that we'd arrived in Zagora on the penultimate day of the Morocco Rally, just as the raid was finishing for the day in the town.

Big teams such as Honda and KTM had completely taken over the place, with Red Bull liveried Kamaz support trucks littered around the town. We wanted to park up and take a walk around, but the moment we slowed down enough for people to talk to us the locals were offering their garage services, presumably assuming we were part of the event. Soon, we were surrounded by smiling faces on motorbikes, all trying to assure us they would get us the best service around.

With memories of what'd happened in Fes and with numbers against us we initially tried to ignore them, but these guys were persistent. Our windows were all up now, the doors locked and we made clear we were not interested in their propositions, but

they persisted. Rob and I weighed our options over the CB, and he said he would lead us to a campsite he'd found listed on his GPS. As soon as we tried to move however, a smiling face pulled his bike directly in front of Rex. I looked back, there was another smiling face directly behind us. We were blocked in and this was now feeling like a lot more than just some local men touting for business. I could feel my hair standing on end.

I shouted at the delinquent in front to move and when he waved his hands indicating he had no intention to I inched forwards. He waved more frantically, but still didn't move after I stopped, so I nudged into his bike with Rex's chromed steel front bumper. This stopped him from smiling and he almost dropped his bike before grudgingly moving it out of my way. Rob gunned it and as we both sped off the bikes gave chase.

Why they were pursuing us I can only speculate, but being outnumbered and on their turf I definitely didn't want to find out.

The campsite Rob had found on his GPS was closed, but Halina had already found another one back the other way, and the road was fortunately wide enough and quiet enough to make a U-turn at speed. The men kept on our tails for several hundred yards out of town until Rob took a sudden left and I followed him through a gate in a chain link fence.

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We sped past a security post at 40 miles per hour, where a smartly dressed security guard dashed out in front of the bikes and stopped them from entering the campsite. The dust billowed around us as we skidded to a halt. I could feel my heart beating throughout my body and I'm sure all six of us were feeling the same effects.

I calmed down as we set up camp. We located a pitch for the two vehicles and the pop up ground tent. Ian strung his hammock between two palm trees. We broke out the camp chairs, and Laura and Rob got some supper on the go. I dug out my acoustic guitar and a bottle of liquor we'd picked up from the supermarket in Andorra. We melted into our camp chairs as the liquor took effect, and Ian took my guitar and strummed out some David Bowie.

The stress of the recent episode was just a memory now. It felt so surreal, under a clear starlit sky surrounded by hibiscus flowers and palm trees, now well over 2000 miles from home on the edge of the Sahara desert, which tomorrow we would be exploring.

N

ext month you can read part three, where we wild camp in Saharan dunes, have ferry trouble and make our way home via Portugal.

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wri t es Simon says

by Simon Hastelow

Relative values

When you read about the details of the new Defender V8 earlier in this mag you probably muttered “How much?!” like most other people. It is true that, compared to a base spec New Defender, it is not that much of a higher price tag for such an awesome package, but that’s only because the base spec. version is also way overpriced.

I have never bought a brand new Land Rover, in fact the only new car I ever bought was a 2013 Fiat Panda. We needed a runabout and the dealership were offering them at £99 deposit and £99 per month. At the time I was spending anywhere between £200-£300 per month in diesel alone for my two Land Rovers so I could just about categorise the Panda as free motoring.

Other than that, the closest I got to a new car was buying

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an ex-demo 1997 Land Rover Discovery S 300TDi Auto which was just 6 months old.

It cost me £22,000 and the new price was around £28,000. It was mid-range in the Land Rover fleet; not a pauper-spec car, but neither was it a Range Rover. I could have bought a similar age Defender 110 for a bit less money; equating that to prices/values at the time it was less than my annual salary and easily affordable.

However, in the intervening 24 years the prices of similar cars from Land Rover have more than doubled, but my income, or even the national average income, has not. To drive away even a basic Discovery I would need to find a deposit of £12,000, pay £550 every month for four years and still owe £24,000 at the end of it. More than the cost of my 300TDi Discovery in 1997!

The Bank of England figures show that just accounting for inflation alone my original £22,000 Discovery should now cost around £40,000, but the base spec Discovery is £54,000. A base spec. New Defender 110 is lower at £46,000, but goes right up to £82,000 for a higher spec model! That would have been Top Spec. Range Rover money when I bought my Discovery.!

The company has clearly left us behind and is going after much wealthier clientele. How could I ever justify spending more per month, on a car finance PCP, than I do on my mortgage?

And another thing!

Although I was excited to see the spec of the V8 Defender, and had a few minutes of ‘what if...’ running through my head, it did make me wonder about the timing of the news.

Just a few days previously Jaguar Land Rover made a big fuss about their plans to go purely electric across the board. Stealing the thunder from other manufacturers by getting in first guaranteed them good news coverage, but then they tease us with a 525hp supercharged V8 Defender!

How does that fit into the plan?

Well, for us in the UK and Europe, it doesn’t. The V8 will still be built and probably sell well in other markets, while we’re all fitting charging points to our garage walls or trailing extension leads across the driveway.

I’m not anti-electric, I do think it is the way to go, and even in a few short years the technology and infrastructure will be worlds apart from what we see even today. But the Defender V8 announcement does clearly illustrate that it is only due to government legislation that manufacturers are switching to plugin cars.

If there was no 2030 deadline then the manufacturers would probably all still be complaining that it’s impossible to switch and they’d still be pouring R&D into diesel and petrol technology instead of electric and hydrogen.

Sometimes governments get it right.

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acebook Page of the Month Once, not so long ago, if you wanted to catch up with like minded enthusiasts, you’d join a forum. It appears these days however that Facebook has taken over the mantle for the place to go for information. So, in the aptly titled ‘Facebook Page of the Month’ every month I will invest hours of time, effort and energy searching Facebook for interesting and relevant groups so you don’t have to. It’s serious work, or so I tell Muddy Madam!

WHO STARTED IT IT? I did, Josh Cameron.

WHEN? It was created June 19th, 2020 WHY? I have been blessed enough to live and travel around the world, making life long friends along the way. Many of whom are very much in to their 4x4s and have incredible knowledge. I found the majority of groups on FB were specialised to individual manufacturers, vehicles, regions or driving types which meant I had a never ending list of groups I was being tagged in or told to join.

I sat back one day and thought, I wish I had a group all my friends from around the world could be in. They all have such unique and valuable knowledge that they’ve gained from their regions and vehicles, from driving in African desserts to the Snow laden peaks of the Rocky Mountains and everywhere in between!

The purpose of the group is really to be a hub for all 4x4 or off-road lovers from around the world. We don’t discriminate or care about brands, from the every day AWD car that some one may take up a gravel road once a year to hard core purpose built rigs. The brand, badge, colour, use, nationality of vehicle or owner doesn’t matter, it’s the love of the “community” and a sense of camaraderie we love.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/838915963303219

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HOW MANY MEMBERS SO FAR? We currently have 2,137 members on our FB account and 441 followers on our Instagram account.

AREA? I personally am currently based in the county of Devon in the UK, however we have members throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America and Oceania. If you have a 4x4 question about travel, terrain, brands or mods you’re likely going to find a first hand answer on the group.

ARE THERE PUB MEETINGS? The group has really been made during the Covid-19 pandemic so we have had very, very limited opportunities to really meet bar a few local clusters here and there (Within Gov guidelines). However once life finds whatever kind of “normal” we will have in the future, we shall for sure be doing off-road days, group meets and family days as much as we can!

Can members organise their own trips?

This will be essential for making group meets happen around the world! As much as I would love to be able to visit varying countries and continents unfortunately that will never be viable. So we encourage members from their own communities to meet up and hang out whenever they can! Only thing we ask is to see photos and hear stories so we can feel the love and share in the fun!

ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD? Controversially we run a strict no swearing policy on our social media pages. Whilst we don’t dare tell people how to talk and act in their day to day lives in general, being a multicultural group that hopes to inspire and encourage the younger generation of 4x4 lovers, we decided a blanket ban on swearing was just easier than constantly trying to find the nuances that are acceptable to all. This is not to spoil anyones fun rather enhance it for all.

If you, or your group, would like to be featured as our FB Page of the Month send us a quick email to: POTM@ themudlife. co.uk THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

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V

isit any 4x4 forum or Facebook page and it’s guaranteed that at some point someone will ask the most common question that’s ever been asked on a 4x4 forum or Facebook page "What’s the biggest size tyres I can fit…”

It’s the same for overlanding and expedition pages...

“What’s the best 4x4 for overland travel?”

“What are the best accessories?” and so on.

These are, in reality, almost impossible to answer. It obviously depends on where in the world you want to go, and how long you’re going for.

Sometimes these questions are better left for the experts, those amongst us who are often found leading tours around the UK and further afield for a living.

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What's the biggest...?

What's the best...?

T

ake Russ from Ardventures for example, he’s a veteran of far too many expeditions to mention, both in the UK and abroad. During the last decade, Russ has used a variety of 4x4s that have included a 300Tdi Discovery, a TD5 Discovery 2, and a Defender 110 Station Wagon.

He’s also used a variety of Jeeps, ranging from a Renegade to 2 AEV equipped JK Jeep Wranglers that were used for many a trips covering thousands of miles, from the Balkans to the Sahara.

Russ’s more recent 4x4 was a Discovery 4 Commercial that had almost every Prospeed option fitted, but with its mileage creeping into six figures, it was time for a change.

Scouring the marketplace for a replacement, his prerequisite was that his next vehicle would have to last him 5 years and handle very high mileage, and because of the far flung trips it will be used on, it also had to have proven reliability.

Russ thought long and hard about buying a double cab pick up, but after its initial purchase price it would probably cost him a further £10k to make it expedition ready with the addition of a canopy and associated gubbins. Plus, it had to be permanent 4-wheel drive, which ruled most of them out.

He looked at Jeep again, but the price of a long wheel base diesel Rubicon was around the price of a base model Defender, so that was no good. On the subject of the new Defender, he considered one, but at the time Land Rover wasn’t offering any decent deals, unlike now. Unfortunately the Shogun was off the list as it had been discontinued in the UK and Europe.

After a bit more consideration, Russ finally decided upon a Toyota Land Cruiser 150 Commercial, however, they are like hen’s teeth, so after a bit more consideration he eventually ordered a 5 door Active model, and after a BASC discount Russ was a very happy Yorkshire man!

Russ wasn’t necessarily hesitant about buying a Land Cruiser, he just felt that it didn’t have the soul of a green oval. He explained that in the past he’s owned Isuzu and SsangYong franchises, and he’s driven and owned many new Land Rovers, and it’s only the latter that he has a connection to when driving.

What’s next?

Russ’s 150 isn’t just used for 4x4 tours, another part of Ardventures is his 4x4 training business, both for private individuals and professional bodies, so there were quite a lot of things to consider, practicality was one and subtlety was another.

One of the first things Russ changed was tyres, but after a short period on a set of BF Goodrich KM3 mud terrains, it wasn’t long before he changed them to BFG KO2 as he said the ‘Cruiser just felt better to drive on all terrains.

Because of the winch bumper and extra weight the ‘Cruiser is likely to carry on tours, Russ went to Paul at West Coast Coast Off Road Centre who fitted both Iron Man suspension and an N4 full length underbody protection kit.

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In the boot, Russ decided upon a set of Gearmate drawers. Asking why Gearmate, he replied that not only are they a British company, but they’re also beautifully made and fantastic quality.

In fact, previous to having them fitted to his ‘Cruiser he also had them fitted to a Ford Ranger and they worked really well.

They’re also removable, so Russ has the best of both worlds.

Russ has fitted a second battery, and on the cards is an inverter that will help power the fridge and other accessories needed of foreign overland tours.

When it came to choosing a winch bumper and slimline roof rack, Russ wanted something subtle that wouldn’t stand out too much, and Acayx (https:// en.acayx.com ) had just the products.

Situated just outside Madrid, Russ was so impressed Acayx, that along with West Coast Coast Off Road Centre, he has now become an agent for them.

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The winch bumper is manufactured and designed using 3mm sheet steel (5mm for the integrated winch support) and massively improves the approach angle. Weighing in at 35kg, there are LED spots integrated in the design, and after trimming parts of the original front bumper, it also provides side protection under the cuts.

The slimline roof rack is incredibly neat and followers the low profile of the ‘Cruiser. Russ opted for a couple of the accessories, from a wind deflector with LEDs to 3mm Aluminium cargo trays. One thing Russ insisted on before they were fitted was that they were both treated with a couple coats of Raptor to keep them looking neat.

Russ hasn’t finished building his ‘Cruiser yet, on the to-do list are diff, gearbox and transfer box breathers, an inverter and a roof top tent and awning from TentBox. Once finished Russ will have a formidable 4x4 that will prove that you don’t need a huge amount of add-ons to explore the great unknown, just sensible accessories.

For tours, training and 4x4 hire, check out ardventures.co.uk THEMUDLIFE.CO.UK

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LIVE THE MUD LIFE

IN OUR GARAGE A

fter the new light bar was fitted, wipers and a full winter service, Deux Smurf was ready for action.

Sadly we’re still under lockdown, so apart from the odd commute and the weekly shop, life for the old girl has been quiet. I even forgot her 25th birthday on the 1st February - I know, I’m a terrible owner!

However, her MOT was looming, so a date was fixed in the diary for her annual visit to see Simon at Horwich M.O.T. Station. She always gets excited when he tickles her undercarriage!

Another year and another pass, but this time with a few advisories for the odd suspension and steering bush.

I have to admit, I thought something was amiss the last time I took her on a proper run. During the hour or so drive to York to visit Russ from Ardventures, she’d gained a slight wobble at certain motorway speeds, and her steering felt a bit vague. I later noticed that not

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IN OUR GARAGE only did she have a slow puncture in her near side front tyre, but there was a nail embedded in one of her other tyres, too, so they’ll both have to get fixed this month.

Something else I want to get sorted this month is a new stereo. It’s funny how you get use to things not working, I think it was around 3 years ago when Muddy Madam went to adjust the volume and the whole thing packed in. Of course I’ve always blamed her for breaking it (I didn't, love MM), and since then I’ve used my iPhone to listen the the radio or playlists, which isn’t ideal.

The trouble is there’s such a huge choice, and every time I start to search for a replacement I get overwhelmed and move on to something else!

I must pull my finger out and buy one, and whilst I’m at it, I’ll also fit the TTI TCB-560 CB that I bought from www.patterson-electronics.com a few years ago!

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es d i R s ' r e Read

Who are you, where are you from and what do you do?

Hi folks, I'm Craig. I'm from Northumberland, I work at a builders merchant in the yard and warehouse, I am also one of the founders of Northumbrian Adventures.

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History of cars leading up your present 4x4 Firstly I had a Citroen Xsara Picasso, after owning that for a couple of years i got a Land Rover Discovery 2 TD5 which I modified for off roading and overlanding.

Present 4x4 Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6.

Modifications done Well….up to now I've fitted a Snorkel, Terrafirma steering guard, Terrafirma rock/tree sliders, 22" Light Bar on the bumper, 2 8" work lights on the rear and Terrafirma 2" Lifted Coils.

I’ve also fitted a prototype Terrafirma Swing Arm for the Spare Wheel, CB Radio, Flatdog upper boot shelf, Tuffrok centre console with 12v sockets and I’m currently fitting a dual battery system.

Favourite Modifications Got to be the CB Radio just for it makes communication whilst out on the lanes so much easier. And also got to be the 2" lifted coils, I had pretty much constant problems with the air suspension that I decided to fit the coils and haven't looked back, Modifications to do Finish the dual battery system and fit a light bar assembly with more lights on the roof, then maybes a winch and winch bumper later on.

Favourite green-laning trip Northumberland especially around Morpeth and Ingram.

Lottery win 4x4 Series 3 109 to do up as a project car.

Favourite car related film Mad Max- post apocalyptic with crazy looking cars and trucks… cant beat it.

Favourite biscuits Erm yeah, this is a hard one, I like lots of biscuits except Rich Teas… they don't dunk very well!

Where can we find more details?

Can find me on : Instagram - C.Allen93

& northumbrian_adventures You can also find videos of our adventures on Youtube - Northumbrian Adventures

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Who are you, where are you from and what do you do?

My name is James Byford, I’m 18 and from Suffolk, I do engineering.

History of cars leading up your present 4x4 My first one car was a 1992 200tdi Defender 90 that I bought when I was 16. I paid £400 for it from a farm, it had no engine, gearbox or transfer box, and both the bulkhead and chassis were rotten. Not only that but the logbook had been sold on.

After completing the chassis swap to a rolling chassis I got its identity back and sold it on to a friend as I got a good offer for it.

Present 4x4(s) My present truck is my 2004 TD5 130 crewcab which I’ve had for over a year now.

I chose a 130 crewcab as it was my dream vehicle and I use it for a mixture of laning, as my daily and work. I always wanted to be unique out of my mates and I have no regrets over a 130 as my first proper working car. I bought it unseen on Facebook market place and the guy delivered it from wales two days later to my house. My only issue with it is that it’s a pain to park at times!

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Modifications done It’s had a plethora of mods which are....

LED headlights and side repeaters, BFG KM3s (35x12.50r15’) with deep dish modular rims and beadlocks, Terrafirma 2” lift, Decat down pipe and a centre silencer delete.

I fitted a Safari snorkel, flared arches, spotlights and there’s a Warn 9.5ti winch. Next up were side steps, and uprated sound system, Polybushes, dewebbed manifold with extended wurth heavy duty studs and an EGR blank (delete).

And to finish it off there’s a stage 2 remap with a popcorn limiter.

Favourite modifications Popcorn limiter and decat and straight pipe for that lovely turbo whistle on idle.

Modifications to do I want to fit a pair of bucket seats in the front, fit a new turbo actuator, bigger intercooler and VNT turbo. These will have to do until I have enough bravery to go through with a Cummins 6BT conversion with a spicer gearbox,VE pump and a hoslet hx35 turbo.

Favourite green-laning trip My favourite greenlaning trip would have to be the Lake District due to the scenery and endless photo opportunities.

Lottery win 4x4 Would probably be a Cummins swapped forward control 101 or a Defender works V8 Favourite car related film Would have to be the original Italian job Favourite biscuits Too many to list but probably Jammie Dodgers.

Where can we find more details?

Instagram - bertie_the_130

& jxmes02

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Who are you, where are you from and what do you do?

I am Tom Wilkinson, I work as a HGV driver, I am an avid photographer and a new dad, from Burnley, Lancashire.

History of cars leading up your present 4x4 The first car I ‘bought’, which I never drove, was a Ford Fiesta Mk1 1988, and ended up being sold for scrap.

Once I passed my test I started driving my Dad’s Ford Mondeo Turbo Diesel Mk 1 1996. I loved that car, but it came to a sorry ending, as it was stolen and found burnt out. It was an amazing car and deserved a ‘burning’ send off!

I then progressed or should I say, regressed, to a Ford Ka, which was surprisingly excellent in the snow, but terrible for a 6 foot 2 student. However, I was allowed to drive my grandad’s brand new Nissan Terrano; now that car could pull anything and go anywhere - I was well and truly sold on 4x4 driving!

I did go through a Suzuki stage; the SCross SX4, a very capable car, and then my fast, nippy Suzuki Swift Sport, which my wife now drives as I couldn’t bring myself to ‘trade it in’. I also drove, a then new, 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander which still is a family business vehicle and gave me a regular 4x4 fix

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Present 4x4(s) I have recently become a Dad and I had the ‘perfect ‘ excuse or do I mean reason? to persuade my wife that we ‘needed’ a “bigger family car”, So then I bought my ‘second baby and ‘new family addition’, the new ‘Shogun Sport’.

Modifications done Embarrassingly, very few, the only modifications I have on my Shogun Sports are heated wing mirrors, a tow bar, a roof rack and most importantly a set of Goodrich All-Terrain Tyres. I will be honest, a new baby alongside Covid, has had a detrimental effect on the time and money spent on my new addition.

Favourite Modifications I would have to say my ‘Goodrich All-Terrain Tyres’ are my favourite addition. With these ‘new shoes’ I haven’t been stuck once in the recent bad snowy weather. It almost makes the driving boring…. nah who am I kidding!

Modifications to do I would eventually like to add, a winch, but currently there are very few parts available for the new Shogun Sports, so will probably have to get around to having some custom made winch plates. I would also like to have a front light bar fitted, so that I can do more ‘off-roading’ and ‘evening green laning; especially for the light and photography options (my other passion).

Favourite green-laning trip I am very fortunate that my new daughter loves sleeping in the car while I go green laning with my wife, and I think it is never too early to introduce her to the joys of driving! As I am quite new to green laning, I have only had the opportunity to try a few lanes because of COVID but one of my favourites is Bodkin Lane, near Haworth - some lovely views and nothing to taxing especially with the baby onboard (Trail wise: SD9932-02). I also cannot, not mention, the several Jeep Safari experiences, I have had in Kenya. Those guys really do know how to drive off-road.

Shelby GT500, but after watching ‘ Le Mans ’66’ for the first time, and seeing the story behind the great Ken Miles and his creation of the GT40, how could I not watch this again, and again.

Favourite biscuits Got to be the dark chocolate digestive - a hardcore biscuit that you just have to dunk!

Where can we find more details?

Facebook - atwphotographer

Lottery win 4x4 If I was to win the lottery I would love to have a range of classic 4x4, starting with a Series 1 Land Rover, a Toyota Land Cruiser 40 just because of their shapes and looks. But then honestly I would just buy another Mitsubishi Shogun Sports or even the new L200, as it is just so capable.

Favourite car related film Up until recently this was a no brainer,’ Gone in Sixty Seconds’ as who wouldn’t want a 1967

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. . . n a g e b l l a t i How r e t a L s p o p y l l o L o w T Pt.3 A.K.A. My Destination Towards Financial Ruin!

Last month I regaled you with my experiences of living with a ’73 Land Rover Lightweight, and looking back that old thing was an integral part of my life with so many funny and life changing experiences. Sadly I sold her to a colleague who lived in Leeds and I never heard of her again.

My next car was another vehicle that I had hankered after for a long time, a Moonaker Blue V8 Rover SD1. It made me smile - a lot. Despite only having it for a year or two, it still invokes happy memories, and I was driving it when I first met Muddy Madam, back in 1993. For that reason alone it deserves to sit high on a pedestal.

The SD1 was great fun, but I yearned for the smell of burning clay on a hot exhaust, so the inevitable happened, Muddy Madam and I began our search for another Land Rover.

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I knew my next 4x4 had to have a V8, and I had (and still have) a thing for Lightweights, so Muddy Madam and I looked at a few V8 Lightweights, but none took our fancy. Then a chance purchase of Auto Trader found a little advert for a 1974 Range Rover with only 78,000 miles on the clock, and only 3 owners from new. “Hmmm this is worth looking at” I thought, so off we ventured to Marple, near Stockport.

Owned by an accountant I seem to recall, he used it to take him and his family to their holiday home in North Wales. Looking over the vehicle I was impressed. Now I’m no expert, but she looked like a fine example, no clunking from her transmission, chassis was solid, headlining and tailgates first class, and so a deal was done. We owned a Range Rover!

The day we collected her was a revelation - the power, the comfort, the space and the thirst!

I seriously didn’t think anything could be thirstier than my SD1, but I was wrong.

Arriving home and sifting through the pile of old MOT’s, tax discs and service record, we found out that BVU (pronounced Beevoo), was first sold by Terry Richards Ltd. of Turnpike Garage, Helston, Cornwall on the 1st August 1974. Back then her registration number was SRL 101N (I think), and going by her service history she spent many hours on the motorway travelling to Scotland. She ended up living in Stockport with her third owner, a butcher, who decided to steal her identity and gave her a new one - BVU 967N. The first fault I noticed was a cracked off-side wing mirror, or a lollipop as I was led to believe they were called. “Where the hell would I find one of those?” I thought, about it and my first call was to Bartrams in Accrington "no problem, on the shelf, £7". Excellent (this was back in 1993, don’t forget!)

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An oil change and service was completed, then two weeks later we were off to the ‘94 ARC National Rally at Belper, and her first off road adventure on the event’s off road course… where we got stuck, twice. It was all down to the tyres you understand.

The second time I had to be towed out backwards, and the steering stabiliser hit a very sturdy and stubborn rock, nay boulder, and ended up resembling a banana. Thankfully the Land Rover parts stall was on hand, so BVU got a new stabiliser.

Shortly after the National, a friend of Muddy Madam’s Dad had acquired five Wolfrace alloys, shod with almost new 31-10R15 BFG All Terrains. He owned a scrap yard and said that they’d had just parted company with another Range Rover that had been written off in an accident. Would I like them? Only £250. Daft question.

Now, as most people will realise these tyres are a tad bit big for a standard Rangie, so after a quick rummage through all my Land Rover magazines (no Facebook back then!) I learnt that the way forward, or upwards, was to fit some heavy duty springs. Unfortunately they didn’t do much for the height, or the ride, but I decided to live with them as I wasn’t planning any off roading for a while.

My next little hitch came a few months later during a routine oil check, I was surprised to find the dip stick almost falling out and covered in oil. Out with the Haynes manual and a quick trip to Bartrams in Accrington for new flame traps and air filters, problem solved.

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Not long after that, during a day out Muddy Madam’s sister mentioned that BVU felt a bit wobbly compared to her Mercedes G-Wagen. Further inspection revealed worn bushes, so a cheque was sent to Bearmach, and BVU received a new set of polybushes, and as I was feeling generous, a pair of halogen headlamps and a gaiter for the front prop shaft which still lives unused somewhere at Muddy Towers 26 years later! Whilst I was underneath replacing all the bushes I figured I’d replace all the brake pads, too.

In February 1995 I decided to take Muddy Madam to Hawkshead in the Lake District for a romantic weekend, so time was booked off from work, BVU was cleaned, and off we went one unseasonably clear and warm Friday afternoon.

I do remember being slightly unnerved at spending a whole £40 on a full tank of petrol (ahh, those were the days!)

After a lovely fry up on Sunday morning I spent a good hour with my head buried in my OS map looking for interesting

roads, and I came across Wrynose and Hardknott Pass. What actually caught my eye was the Roman fort at the other end, so after lunch we filled the flasks, got the camera, stuffed the glove box with chocolate, refilled the fuel tank and off we set.

Eventually we found ourselves on a single track lane that would lead us to Wrynose Pass, and as the road began to climb patches of snow appeared here and there, and I was feeling confident.

Then suddenly, without warning, the road vanished under a carpet of snow about one foot deep! I came to a stop just before it and jumped out of the lovely, warm driver’s seat. I could just make out tyre tracks in the snow which continued up for a further five or so metres, then at what looked like a passing point, performed a three point turn and headed back down.

As Muddy Madam and I couldn’t actually make out where the road was, we decided to do the same, so I slipped BVU into low range and edged our way forward. For about two metres everything was going to plan until we began to slide sideways towards the edge of the road and a fairly decent drop.

This really wasn’t a good time to find out that BVU’s difflock wasn’t working, either! Okay then, into reverse and gently on the throttle and… sideways, again! The air was blue, and this had nothing to do with the temperature!

Having read many different 4x4 mags since the early eighties, I knew that if I ventured anywhere in bad weather I should be prepared, and prepared I was.

I added another layer of clothing, put on my hat and gloves, dug out my old army folding shovel (no pun intended), and began clearing the snow away from the front of the tyres. It was at this point I noticed that I had actually slid off the road and onto the grassy verge, so it wasn’t just snow, I had mud underneath both nearside tyres!

I cleared snow from about ten foot in front heading diagonally across the road to the other side making sure I was nowhere near the edge. Satisfied with my efforts, I jumped back in BVU and fired her up. My effort worked, the BFG’s found traction and we slowly edged our way back onto the road and to safety.

Not wanting to risk it all over again, I abandoned any thought of attempting a three point turn as all we could see was a blanket of snow, so we reversed back down the road until it was safe to turn around.

Once home I checked if the diff-lock bulb was working, but I broke it. A new bulb was bought and the diff-lock still didn’t work, so bought two vacuum pipes, they didn’t fix the problem either, so I bought an actuator, and it worked - yay! As I was fitting the actuator I decided to adjusted the hand brake, and consequently lost the sealing plug.

There are times I hate working on cars!

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RETRO SNAPS

r i a F e m a The G y Hall Ragle 2018

Remember those heady days when we could wander fields with thousands of other people to eat, drink and play with guns (and dogs).

Hopefully this year's event which is again at Ragley Hallwill go ahead on 23rd-25th of July.

Fingers are well and truly crossed.

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