Table of contents for June 2015 in SA4x4

I was chatting to a friend the other day as we blasted Infiniti’s gigantic QX80 through a few mountain passes and over the sand at the Vleesbaai 4x4 Dune Trail, and he put forward the opinion that there are two types of off-road travellers: those who go to new places because they have bought a proper 4x4, and those who buy a 4x4 because they want to travel. Good point. The latter require a hardy vehicle because they want to go to remote places they have dreamt about; the former to discover new horizons. My friend is a seasoned adventurer, hooked on long, solo self-drive trips, and is firmly in the camp of those who see a vehicle as a means to go places. But does the initial impetus matter?…

Nobody will ever accuse the Infiniti QX80 of being marketed for shrinking violets. It’s a behemoth of a thing, with whale-like sides, a fascia designed for hoovering up shoals of fish, and gigantic 22-inch alloys shod with 275/50 low-profile rubber. Infiniti is a classy cousin of Nissan, and, as Lexus so successfully does with Toyota, shares a platform across models. Here the QX80 partners with the tough-as-teak Nissan Patrol, making it a worthy rival for the Lexus LX570, itself based on the Land Cruiser 200. Given the Patrol’s next-generational bloat, we’re talking imposing: the QX80 is 5305mm long, 2266mm wide and has a 3075mm wheelbase to justify its eight-seater status. The single model, aimed to nab growth in South Africa’s premium SUV sector, is an extravagantly skinned ladder-frame chassis, coupled…

The worst hangover of my life happened in the mountains of Wyoming, USA. I’d spent the evening with a group of American Jeep Club members, along with several bottles of Jägermeister. The next morning, I felt as if I’d had a tyre valve drilled into my head and 10Bar pressure was crushing what was left of the contents. Apparently, hangovers are often made worse by high altitudes. Jackson Hole (Wyoming) sits at roughly 2000 metres above sea level. I was reminded of this fact when I tentatively awoke in uBhetyan, a private game farm on the outskirts of the Highveld. Until recently, I’d never thought much of the Highveld region. At most, the name would conjure up thoughts of thunderstorms, a radio station, and blue-and-white licence plates. Now, however, after…

The minutes, hours, and days were beginning to meld together into a cyclical and never-ending dream… of drive, refuel, eat, sleep, and drive. When the sun was directly ahead of us, it was midnight. When it was at our “six”, it was noon. A blurry moment later, it was directly ahead again. For those of us who live outside the polar regions and have regular periods of darkness, adjusting to continuous daylight can wreak havoc both physically and psychologically. This falls into the realm of a circadian-rhythm sleep-disorder. After 20 or 24 hours of consciousness, the body becomes exhausted, but the mind finds it difficult to shut the system down. In a world without night, do you wake at 05:00 hours to have an omelette, or a cocktail? Nonetheless, I…

Being a virgin in the world of trailer towing, I didn’t know what to expect from Metalian’s masterpiece. What I did know was that our tow vehicle, a VW Touareg, had a small boot - and I needed space. A quick call had us sorted out with Metalian’s Mini, which would be perfect for our trip. There was a drawer system for the fridge (which we didn’t use as our fridge was the wrong size) as well as a 60-litre water tank, a two-burner gas stove and numerous large storage areas which swallowed and helped organise all our kit. The Trailer we were testing lacked some of the optional features – including an inverter with power outlets, a solar system, and a roof-top tent – which I’m sure most buyers…

The spectacular sunsets when travelling through Africa on a 4x4 adventure are usually among the memories that are treasured for a lifetime. Africa has always been epitomised by a golden ball of sun sinking towards the horizon with a flat-topped acacia or baobab in the foreground. On a long journey, there is inevitably a rush to get to a suitable campsite so that one can get set up before the sun goes down. Relaxing with a cold beverage while watching the sun slowly sinking below the western horizon is therapeutic beyond words. The hour before sunset is often referred to as the golden hour; that is when the light is less harsh, making it very good for photography. As the air starts cooling, diurnal species of animals and birds rush…

Even if all 4x4 trails were created equal, some would be more equal than others, and perhaps some of the most equal of them all would be the Western Cape’s Cederberg’s 4x4 routes. There are many different trails around the Cederberg region, all offering drivers a challenge, spectacular views and lots of rocks in varying degrees. But, for our trip, the Wupperthal 4x4 route caught our fancy – and, in particular, the Tra-Tra trail. Although the actual 4x4 route starts in the small missionary town of Wupperthal, the fun really begins as soon as you get past Clanwilliam, taking the R364 toward Wupperthal. Greeted by mountains, flowers and amazing passes, the senses are immediately awakened. After about 40km of driving on the curvy R364, take a right at the Englishman’s…

R388 300 Odometer 3800km ENGINE Cylinders/Capacity I4/1598 Valves 16 Bore and stroke 80x79.5mm Compression ratio 15.4:1 Fuel supply Direct injection Fuel 50ppm diesel Max power 96kW @ 4000rpm Max torque 320Nm @ 1750rpm TRANSMISSION Shift type 6-speed manual First gear 3.727 Second gear 2.043 Third gear 1.322 Fourth gear 0.947 Fifth gear 0.723 Sixth gear 0.596 Final drive 4.428 Reverse 3.641 Low range No CONTROLS 4WD selection type Rotary dial Steering type Electric assist rack & pinion Wheels Alloy Full size spare Yes (steel) MEASUREMENTS (MM) Length 4640 Width 1820 Height 1710 Wheelbase 2705 Front/rear track 1575/1575 TESTED FUEL (LITRES/100KM) Fuel capacity 60 litres 120km/h 4.5 Urban 8.5 Average 6.5 Calculated range @ average 923km PERFORMANCE 0-100km/h 11 100-120km/h 4 Maximum speed 186 Rpm @ 120km/h 2500 RECOVERY POINTS Front…

AIRBAGS: CAN WE NOW SIT BACK AND RELAX? As we approach the halfway mark of the current decade, it is pleasing to observe the enormous advances made in automotive safety. Sadly, many of the wonderful technologies currently available are only installed in the more expensive model variants. So, an entry-level vehicle might be equipped with only two airbags, whereas the range-topping variant might have as many as eleven. Hence the question posed in the title… Technology has moved on since the poorly-motivated statement (“I won’t wear a seatbelt- it could kill me…”) had any currency. It is well proven that supplemental restraint devices do indeed save lives. In fact, US- based statistics place the number of accident victims’ lives saved by frontal airbags at over 60%, whilst the “belted without…

Mitsubishi’s Outlander has undergone a mild facelift, which includes visual and mechanical tweaks. Only one model is offered in South Africa: the GLS Exceed, priced at R439 9000. Visual upgrades include a new upper-grille design, black under-grille area and chrome surrounds for the front fog lamps. Silver roof rails and skid plates are offset by new black wheel-arch trim. Changes to the CVT are aimed at better driving characteristics and a lower fuel bill via a wider lock-up range. The 2.4-litre DOHC petrol engine remains, offering a combined-cycle fuel index of 8.2l/100km. Ground clearance is 190mm, and the 4WD system offers three modes: front-drive-only Eco mode, occasional drive to the rear axle in 4WD Auto when conditions are slippery, and 4WD lock for a 50:50 drive apportioning in tougher terrain.…

Most of the time, an invitation to go somewhere or do something leaves you with a vague impression of what to expect. In the case of a long-weekend trip to explore the upper regions of the Tankwa Karoo, my initial expectations would be shattered like glass under a brick. My co-driver (who is not much of a camper) and I would depart at the crack of dawn, coffee in the belly, sleep in the eyes and the rising sun glinting through our still sparkly windscreen. With our Touareg’s twin turbos spooled up, we quickly made our way to the front of our six-vehicle convoy, passing the poor overburdened Landy – which would soon to be relegated to a dust cloud of biblical proportions. A shiny red Metalian Mini trailer followed…

Since the highly unfortunate demise of the Cruiser 105 series in 2007, the world’s schoolyard of proper off-road bullies has dwindled. Yes, we have the Defender, G-Wagen, Land Cruiser 70 series and Wrangler options, but none of these come close to the comfort or space that a solid-axle 105 offers. I hear some Nissan fans crying, “You forgot the Patrol GRX,” but, alas, that too is on its last legs with a hideously puffed-up, independent-front-suspension replacement on its way to SA sometime soon. For Johan Viljoen, although there are other vehicular options, nothing else would do. He’s a Cruiser man, and I have learned to see why. The standard 105 version of the Cruiser was designed as a luxury 4x4 that could go anywhere, thanks to solid axles and solid…

PROVINCE Western Cape. Nearest town: Wupperthal. Directions The trail starts as you exit Wupperthal on the eastern side of the town. Keep right on the dirt track as it heads up the mountain, looking down on the small village of Singkop. GPS coordinates -32.269982, 19.233947 (Exit from eastern side of Wupperthal and start of trail) Nearest fuel stop Clanwilliam, 75km. TRAIL DETAILS Do I need to book? No need to book; but permits are available at the information office of Wupperthal. Prices are under review, but were R150 per vehicle. Distance Approximately 10km. How long will it take? 3-5 hours driving time. Do I get a map? Maps of the area are available at the information office. Slingsby Maps make the best map of the Cederberg region – it is…

The competitive human spirit knows no bounds, and when a bunch of excitable characters get together with their 4x4s, rivalry quickly brews. The Bridgestone 4x4 Club Challenge held at the Leeuwenkloof 4x4 Centre (near Hartbeespoort Dam) isn’t won by those with the most money, the most kitted 4x4 or the most powerful engine; it’s won by those with skill. Unfortunately, the importance of skill already counted me out of the top ten. All vehicles are welcome at the four Bridgestone Challenge qualifying rounds, although emphasis is placed on keeping the competition fair. The obstacles are tight, the track is extremely technical, and large, long bakkies may suffer somewhat. With regard to vehicle choice, a modified Jeep Rubicon may arguably be the most capable 4x4 out there, but 37-inch tyres and…

WINNER JOHAN AND ANNICA VAN RENSBURG Two days of non-stop rain turned the road from Sunday Pan to Rakops, in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, into a river; also turning the Van Rensburg’s brand-new 76 Series Land Cruiser V8 into a squared-off mud cake. Seems the Cruiser was having loads of fun. KAMAL HAMDULAY A weekend fishing trip to Arniston in the Overberg region of the Cape South Coast was a breeze in Kamal Hamdulay’s 2008 Mitsubishi Triton 3.5-litre V6, and netted a catch of Belman, Bream and Dassie. JOHAN ODENDAAL Recent rains added to the fun when Johan Odendaal squared his 2014 Ford Ranger 3.2 up against the demands of a wet De Wildt 4x4 Trail outside Brits. GEOFF BIRD What used to be the official vehicle of the…

ZIPPED & SORTED Tentco makes an array of tough, quality bags tailored to the packing needs of most campers. These come in various sizes and shapes for different needs, and, like their tents, feature sturdy YKK zips and rip-stop canvas – which means that these bags will withstand many years of hard wear. Kit bag deluxe large R399 First-aid bag R245 Cutlery bag R270 Ammo box divider set R179 Call 011 397 6451/2 or visit www.tentco.co.za. Available from most major outdoor retailers. LIGHT MY FIRE When we think about it, we realise that conventional firelighters are not only inefficient, but unhealthy, too. The petroleum-based fuel in many firelighters produces noxious, cancer-forming carcinogens when burning. However, Timber-Lites are cleverly infused with an odourless, smokeless fuel that’s non-toxic, and when that fuel…

WHERE WE STAYED KUNGWINI 4X4 Situated close to Bronkhorstspruit, Kungwini 4x4 has a lot to offer an off-road traveller: hiking, bird-watching, a 4x4 eco trail and obstacle course, camping, ruins of archaeological interest, and accredited 4x4 driver training. The facilities are immaculate. In fact, it’s hard to tell whether Kungwini is indeed a 4x4 academy, or perhaps a botanical garden. Although it’s not necessary to camp at Kungwini on the Loskop Valley Tour, if you have the time to spare, take an extra day off work and book a campsite – you won’t regret it. Call 082 494 0950, or visit www.4x4kungwini.co.za. BUFFALO GORGE While this incredibly diverse farm offers various accommodation options, the Wild Bush Camp is unquestionably your best bet. The site is large enough to cater for…

Given the choice of a Pajero or a spanking new BlueMotion Touareg for our voyage to the Karoo, my companion on the trip opted for the vehicle with air-conditioned seats. Fair enough; twin turbo V6 diesel power matched with great fuel economy, comfort, and every imaginable luxury did sound fantastic. The Touareg is, in fact, a perfect long-distance companion on both tar and gravel; and, for those making more serious 4x4 demands, an ‘Escape’ version is also available with a low-range transfer case, beefier underbody protection, and smaller wheels shod with tougher rubber. I was highly impressed with the Touareg from the word go. It was using about 7.5l per 100km, under a very light foot, which made me excited about whether it would reach the 1000km mark on its…

It is a sad fact of life that even the most obliging person on earth, with the most enviable personality you can imagine, will know someone he or she doesn’t like. And it is a fact of life for us lesser mortals that, almost daily, we will interact with individuals whom we either dislike slightly, or find a real pain in the gut, or who drive us to the limits of our interpersonal endurance levels. And that is, indeed, rather sad, because the world could be a wonderful place if everyone you met was pleasant, and did the right things, and said the right words at the right time. If we were without conflict, and there were smiles all round, and goodwill in abundance. If there were no wars, and…

LIKES Stylish exterior Comfortable, spacious interior Extensive connectivity options Grunty engine once spooled up Higher ground clearance than before 70kg lighter than the old model Extremely economical Simple-to-use 4WD system DISLIKES Traction control struggles to send power where it’s needed if cross-axled Turbo lag Almost indistinguishable from smaller Qashqai The first X-Trail, launched in 2001, was a distinctive and practical softroader - classed as such thanks primarily to sharing a platform with the Almera sedan. Its boxy design, rugged looks and outdoor-lifestyle advertising ensured its popularity, but it lacked true 4x4 capability when compared to its larger SUV cousins. For 2015, and its third X-Trail iteration, Nissan has dropped the boxy design and off-road pretence with a model that replaces not only its predecessor, but also the seven-seat variant of…

Few components on your off-roader fall victim to the same degree of “fit-and-forget syndrome” as the humble shock absorber. They get slotted into the vehicle's darkest corners, from where they have to isolate you from the worst impacts of road and trail, keep the tyres in contact with the road surface, and all this while getting pelted with stones and splashed with mud and water. And then they are rewarded by getting almost no attention at all: for many thousands of kilometres they go about their business without complaint, keeping you comfortable and your trusty steed safely on the road. But, then, while pressure-washing mud from the undercarriage of your vehicle after a day out on your favourite trail, you notice an oil stain covering one of your shocks, and…

KIA TOPS JD POWER SURVEY Kia’s new Sportage has scored top honours in the JD Power Dependability study for small SUVs. The industry-wide study examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year old vehicles (2012 model year). Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100). A lower score reflects a higher long-term quality level. The Sportage ranked first in a field of seven contenders. This follows the model's two consecutive JD Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS) awards in 2013 and 2014. LA SPORT ON THE MOVE 4x4 superstore LA Sport has relocated its head office to the company’s original premises at 385 Steve Biko Drive, Capital Park, Pretoria. The new facility includes an on-site restaurant, a 4x4 track and,…