Overlander 4x4 Magazine

20 May 2022

We’ve got used to new 4x4s costing a lot of money, but in the new issue of 4x4 we think we’ve found the most expensive yet. Being the road-going version of a leading Dakar truck, it’s more than a little high-tech. And more than a lot fast. And as you’ll find out, it’s even more expensive… The original Lada Niva, by comparison, cost less than some people spend on a set of tyres now. The latest in our archive series from the year of our launch, our first ever drive of the Russian off-road legend makes for fascinating reading. So too does Jeep’s take on what you might have thought was a uniquely British game. Turns out bobtailing is a big thing in America, too, and the company has built a Gladiator-based concept to take it to extremes – and make it cooler than ever in its own typically spectacular way. The new Isuzu D-Max AT35 is pretty spectacular too, as is Lexus’ in-your-face new NX 350h. A soft-roader? Maybe, but also the company’s first ever vehicle with an off-road drive mode. So we took it green laning… Talking of green laning, this issue of 4x4 contains a magnificently scenic Roadbook combining the coastline and mountains of West Wales. Not quite as exotic as the route Land Rover’s last ever expedition in the old Defender took while carrying a team of biologists to study the marine life off the coast of Africa, but every bit as challenging. And if you like it really challenging, the great news is that the annual Odyssey winch series is back. Personnel changes in the organising Viking 4x4 Club had put it in jeopardy – but as you’ll see in this issue, even under new management it’s set to remain a blue riband off-road event. Excellent news if you like your off-roading really, really muddy… and who doesn’t?!