KATIE FOYLE /

There’s not much Katie doesn’t get involved with. Not in a meddling way. In a way that stems from pure passion for Twisted and to get the best out of everyone and everything.

“People see me at the front desk at the Twisted factory and think I’m the receptionist. It’s a natural assumption. However, my role is more than staffing the front desk. I oversee production. I also believe in the company and what it stands for, so I can see the bigger picture when a decision needs to be made.”

A straight-talking Yorkshire lass, Katie doesn’t seek the limelight or make things about her. She listens, thinks and gets on with the job. Her colleagues describe Katie as the beating heart of the Twisted workshop.

Yet Katie fended off an official leadership role for many years.

“People would come to me to get things done, but I didn’t want to be a manager because I didn’t want people to think I was saying I knew more than them.

I couldn’t do my job without Andy, the Workshop Manager, and all the techs,” she explained. “I make things happen, but it’s their expertise that creates the magic of the vehicles.”

When questioned whether her “bossy” nature is innate, she nodded.

“I’m the one out of my groups of friends that arranges everything. In every job I’ve had, I’ve gravitated to being the one that organises everyone. I can’t help it. That, combined with the work ethic my wonderful parents gave me, means I just get on with things. If something needs doing, it gets done.

Little girls are often criticised for being assertive and leaders. “Bossy” is a negative word. It shouldn’t be. Every business needs do-ers. To the little girls labelled bossy, I say never change; it’s your superpower.”

If you book your vehicle in for a commission, rebuild, servicing, part replacement or detailing with Twisted, you’re likely to deal with Katie. You’re in good hands. Call +44 (0)1845 574 990 or email info@twistedautomotive.com

Why does one put an X between two independent brand names? My nine-year-old son told me this X means they collaborated on something for a specific purpose. Most of you already know that Twisted takes standard newish old Defenders and improves them. That is, without a doubt, the most understated line I have ever written. Let me try that again. They make them loads better, so much so that they are admired and purchased by Defender fans worldwide. As for the Front Runner, their story began in 1999 with some friends sitting under a baobab tree somewhere in Botswana, discussing the need for Africa-proof expedition gear. Fast forward nearly 25 years, and today, you can buy a durable and trusted Front Runner roof rack and accessories anywhere in the world. Their modular and lightweight aluminium rack has a reputation for being among the toughest.

I was part of the team who made this joint venture happen, and as a reward, I was given the keys for a couple of days to enjoy the first fruit of the collaboration, a 2015 Twisted T110 UTE TTD 2.2 MAN.

So how does Twisted make a standard old Defender better? When I got in and turned the key, I looked around me. The word premium immediately came to mind, a word Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s design chief, likes to use a lot when taking you on a walk around the newest Range Rover.

When you pay £95,950 for a limited edition Series IIA Twisted Defender, you can rest assured that no stone has been left unturned in turning it into a premium product with a twist. The Twisted seats are leather, so too the smaller-thanstandard steering wheel, it now does not feel like you are trying to steer a ship. Dash and cubby box have also received a lavish leather makeover. As for the headlining and visors, they are both black Alcantara. The whole cabin just smells and feels like a posh leather shop.

Most of my Defenders have always had performance petrol engines, specifically the straight-six petrol BMW M52. I find standard Td5 and Tdi engines a little slow on the uptake. Great for crossing Africa if not in a hurry but not as your daily driver when you have to cover a fair few miles in it at the best speed. As for the 2.2 TDCi engine in this, you can immediately feel that it has been given Twisted’s P6 performance upgrade. Gone is the sluggishness of standard old Defender engines, and hello to a Defender that can quickly make its way through the six gears, and before you know it, you are comfortably cruising along at the speed limit of 70 mph.

The progressive suspension system and weight on the roof rack ensure hardly any body roll when going into corners hard and fast, even with all the Front Runner accessories on the roof. Regular Defenders are not easy or comfortable to drive every day, but this one could work as my daily driver. I was now getting the whole Twisted ‘making an old Defender better’ mantra. Only an ignorant old Defender driver needs to be cold, uncomfortable, sluggish and wet; remember, the doors leak.

When the Series I was launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948, the world saw it as a farmer or soldier’s utilitarian saviour. Defenders were made to carry loads and work. This Twisted x Front Runner collaboration can do just that. If you don’t want to throw your bags or gear onto the lovely leather seats and premium carpet, the customisable Slimline II rack offers endless adventure gear-carrying opportunities.

You can access the rack via the rear access ladder. Or just stand on one of the Defender’s side steps and hold onto one of the racks’ available illuminated grab handles. We added loads of barely visible but valuable accessories, such as the bottle opener and hidden lightweight under-rack table, which is quick and easy to slide out for deployment. Perfect for your mid-greenlaning brew stop on the Yorkshire Dales. The awning has been attached to the rack with Front Runner’s Quick Release System. Then if mother nature spoils the views with some rain or unbearable sunshine, you can quickly deploy the 2m Easy Out Awning. The need for extra storage space has been solved by adding: a Typhoon expedition bag, the dust and water-resistant Wolf Pack Pro storage box, a 42-litre water tank with hose and a double Jerry can holder with two black 20-litre cans. Each of these has been safely secured to the rack with simple-to-use systems. The great thing about this setup is that removing any gear in seconds is easy.

This Defender is for the discerning adventurer, someone who wants the creature comforts usually associated with some of the other Land Rover marques, such as performance and heated seats but still wants to look ready for the Camel Trophy when heading out on a family camping or ski trip. This collaboration has put the utility and adventure back into the Twisted Defender.

Patrick Cruywagen (The Bush Editor)