Ebook 105

105th EDITION Summer 2017 WA’s own 4WD MagazineWhichFridge? Gawler RangesDo WINNaavHigEaMtoArGnaralooLand Cruiser Vs Patrol Disco 5 Explore the Upper Gascoyne Roof Racks - the highs and lows

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SUMMER 2017 CONTENTS DESTINATIONS Between two great rivers - Ron Moon explores the Upper Gascoyne ___________________ 8 Gawler Ranges - ancient and intriguing_____________________________________ 50 Mildflower Nonederland - Susie forsakes colour for history ___________________________ 102 Do Gnaraloo - up the Quobba Coast____________________________________ 158 FEATURES No show like Variety - Rob Robson heads north on a mission_________________________ 83 The highs and lows of roof racks - all you need to know ______________________________________ 119 162 kilometres on foot - and two animal attacks!___________________________________ 187 Popular Botanics - Under the mistletoe________________________________________ 1164 Western 4W Driver #105

TESTINGHead to head - VX Land Cruiser Vs Ti Patrol ________________________________ 24Nugget with a heart of gold - Alex Garner discovers a Stoney Creek _____________________ 63Blazin’ brazier - a hot topic_________________________________________________ 81Discovery 5 - in the Lancelin dunes_______________________________________ 91Which Fridge - best suits your touring set-up_______________________________ 134Kona - Hyundai’s pocket rocket _________________________________ 169E-BOOK!Now Goin:to:weFstoerrn4Mwdorivreer.com.auCOLUMNS REGULARS What’s New? 42, 129 WIN! Happy Dayz EdSed 6 72Wildtrax 39 Gear to go Camping 173What’s in a name 40 Fishy Business 178Bindon’s Lore 77 Over the Bonnet 183Clewed up 155 Capture the MomentThe Things you see 166 with Graham Cahill 195BITS & BOBS Goings On 196 Subscriptions 200Up snorkel 35 Advertisers Index 202How to:Halogen to HID 113 Silly Snaps 204 Western 4W Driver #105 5

Westate Minding one’s Publishers Pty Ltd There’s a pleasure point in camping, early in ACN 009 360 169 the morning - half dark - half asleep when PO Box 510, the first bird call filters through and you float Kalamunda, in the ether between dreams and reality - a WA 6926 serene place shattered by some inconsiderate Phone: (08) 9291 8303 bugger slamming a car door, and again two Email: minutes later when they thought of something else [email protected] they needed. I don’t get it. Why don’t they leave Editor the door open to be closed when everyone’s up and Nick Underwood about. Perhaps they see themselves as the camp’s Contributing Writers official alarm clock and just because their bladder Phil Bianchi woke them up, everyone else should be wide awake Peter Bindon as well. Whatever happened to camp etiquette? Linda Bloffwitch Did it go up in the toxic smoke from plastic thrown John Bormolini on a campfire which then drifts sullenly across your Ben Broeder breakfast and up your nose to ruin the moment? Amanda Burton Was it lost when someone camped so close you Graham Cahill can hear them listening to you trying to sneak out Jo Clews a quiet fart? It’s an interesting conundrum. People Ray Cully go back to nature with their citified habits and Neil Dowling insecurities neatly packed for the journey, ready Ian Elliot to be trotted out on cue to highlight the fact they Alex Garner left their comfort zone back behind the front gate. Chris Harwood The point is, camping is a liberating experience, a Colin Kerr bit like skinny-dipping for the first time. We cast Kristina Lemson off the confines of home to commune with others Lyn Mitchell in the bush and ideally it should bring out the Ron Moon best in us. So for those who’d like to contribute Rob Robson positively to the campsite community, here are a Susie Underwood few etiquettes to exercise. Advertising On arrival, select a camping spot for privacy and Nick Underwood near bush (if possibe) for number ones while Administration avoiding bull ant nests or any other crawling Marilyn Dawson infestations and far enough apart that you can’t Typesetting hear neighbours complaining about your dad jokes. BENSON ADVERTISING Printing Vanguard PressDisclaimer: The views expressedin this publication are notnecessarily those of WestatePublishers Pty Ltd or the editorsbut those of the authors whoaccept sole responsibility andliability for them. While everycare is taken with images &photographs, and all othermaterial submitted, WestatePublishers Pty Ltd accepts noliability for loss or damage.Edition 105Summer 2017

P’s and Q’s SEd ed with Nick UnderwoodThings to avoid around the fire include politics, religion, alcohol-induced trueconfessions and (from personal experience) port-fuelled pants down - what didI just say about true confessions? Anyhow it’s good manners to pass the port tothe left and make sure it’s good quality.At night, kill the generator early and if that’s not going to keep the fridge goingand your beer cold, you need to read the fridge story in this edition. Music - trynot to inflict your tastes loudly on other campers (unless it is Gerry Rafferty, NatKing Cole or Supertramp). Once in bed, if you happen to overhear any intimatenocturnal stirrings from your neighbour’s tent, hum a little tune quietly to yourself- maybe the 1812 Overture or the theme tune to 50 Shades of Grey and don’tforget to give them a round of applause around the fire in the morning.Speaking of mornings, the aforementioned door-slamming is a definite no-no andyou can’t use payback for bad jokes as an excuse.When wandering off into the bush for a constitutional if you happen to catchsomeone in the crouch position, avoid eye contact, apologise for not seeing theengaged sign and immediately make for a spot up-wind. Drones: any incursionwithin throwing distance deserves a well-aimed rock. I keep a ging in my vehiclefor just such an occasion.Rubbish: Apart from the obvious, can remains should be scraped from the firepile and bagged. My lovely wife also has a suggestion - ladies - please carry aplastic bag in your pocket to put your lady-wipes in. These are almost as much ofan issue as free-range toilet paper.Mobile phones are thankfully fairly redundant out in the bush with no signal sothey may as well be left in the car where they can’t provide an excuse to stay outof the conversation. Fortuitously perhaps I’ve run out of space, but I’m sure thereare many more misdemeanours out there which should be brought to attention,so in the interests of a happy campsite, put your thinking caps on and write to meor send an email outlining your etiquette bombs and you’ll be amply rewarded.Happy camping. Western 4W Driver #105 7

Low hills and sand plains in Collier Range N.P.8 Western 4W Driver #105

The Gascoyne and theAshburton are two of thegreat ephemeral rivers ofnorth-western Australiaand for those willingto brave the dirt roadsand rough tracks there’splenty to do and seeaway from the maddingcrowd as Ron and VivMoon discovered. Western 4W Driver #105 9

ur camp on the edge of the creek high on the peaks above the creek. We was pleasant enough even if had wandered deep into the labyrinth there wasn’t a skerrick of water of hills looking for more permanent water along the narrowing stream. WeOin the wide rocky stream bed.The mulga and acacia scrub crowded had found some signs of old Aboriginalaround us but the red soil had a habitation in one of the bigger cavesmosaic covering of rich green where and a few small remnant water holes,new grasses and small bushes were but it was obvious that the headwaterssprouting with new-found life and of this stream had missed out on thevigour. The dawn chorus of a multitude rains that had fallen recently over suchof different birds greeted us each a wide swathe of the surrounding area.morning. In the cool of the early hours We had been poking along theafter sunrise and in the late afternoon Gascoyne and the Ashburton Riversand early evening the for a while nowbush was alive with “Its incredible what after having leftbirds flitting this just a few dusty dirt Carnarvon at theway and that. mouth of theThe creek is a miles can make - it thins Gascoyne a fewminor tributary of the throngs of travellers weeks earlier and had headed inlandthe much greater no end!” away from the coastAshburton River,which it joined some distance to the and the crowds. It’s incredible what just a few dusty dirt miles can make .... itnorth. It exited a line of low ruggedrocky ranges just a couple of kilometres thins the throngs of travellers no end!away and we had spent our spare time We had stopped at the permanentexploring the mouth of the wide gorge stretch of water that is Rocky Pool (myand the caves that dotted the cliff faces first visit since 1978) on the Gascoyne10 Western 4W Driver #105

River and then headed Mount Augustus is a jewel in theeast on what is the Gascoyne with even better views fromdesignated tourist the top.route of the Kingsford the Gascoyne at Yinnetharra HS.Smith Mail Run to This property is fairly well knownGascoyne Junction. amongst gem seekers as the areaThis small hamlet has has produced tourmaline, beryl andrecovered from itsinundation by the riverback in 2010 with thenew pub and campingground being builtwell above the oldtown site ... and anypossible flood level.Still it can be hard tobelieve that the riverrose so high when youvisit this small outpostin the more normaldry times; the river isquite some distance away!Further east, near Dairy Creekhomestead (HS), the route swingsnorth, paralleling the great streambefore the river again swingssoutheast while the road north crossesRocky Pool on the Gascoyne is awelcome stretch of water. Western 4W Driver #105 11

aquamarine, amongst other minerals, of this area (including the pastoralfrom a number of mining areas in the leases of Cobra, Mt Phillip and furthersurrounding hills. south, Dalgety Downs) have now beenWe stopped at the historic Cobra taken over by the state governmentBangemall Inn, which is in the heart of and are managed by the WA Dept ofthe surrounding Bangemall Goldfields, Parks and Wildlife (DPaW). As part ofalthough it never really amounted to that, a couple of 4WD tracks acrossmuch. Gold was discovered here in the northern properties have been1896 and a year later the small town established for travellers to enjoy;that sprung up had a population of just you need to register and get a map21 miners, working just five mine sites, and details with the camp hosta couple of which had shafts sunk as at Mt Augustus.deep as 70 feet. By the paper report The next few days we spent exploringof the time these were, ‘showing gold in and around the Mt Augustus NP, withall the way down’. Still, the Carnarvon our camp atGem was the most productive mine in the pleasantthe region, producing just 154 ounces Mt Augustusof gold, not enough to pay for the Tourist Parkmine’s development. The field was homesteadabandoned by 1900 and while modern area, the onlyday bulldozer scrapings can be seen spot you canthe field has produced only small camp close toamounts of gold. the park.The Inn itself had been established This region ofaround the time gold had been WA had firstoriginally found and was known as the been exploredEuranna Hotel, but was renamed the by FrancisBangemall Inn in 1910. Up till recently it Gregory inoffered accommodation and camping; a couple ofnow you can stop here and take in the expeditionsambience of the place and the info during thesign, but that is about all, as the main 1850s and hebuildings are a private residence. had followedA few modern maps show that much the Gascoyne12 Western 4W Driver #105

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North of Peak Hill we came across extensive flood waters oozing toward the Gascoyne River. Relics from an era gone by (Ron not included).River (named by George Grey in A local showed1839) down from his meeting point us the fruit ofwest of present day Landor HS to the his labour.sea. From the coast he had headedback inland and followed the Lyon’s waters oozing slowly towards theRiver upstream, naming the river, river itself on its quest to the sea.the Kennedy Range and then Mount After tackling one flooded section ofAugustus before turning south 500 metres or so we came upon yetand naming Mount Gould. The another longer, more intimidatinglatter, about 160km northwest stretch of water. We turned back, notof Meekatharra, is now the site wanting to become bogged in a longof the renovated Mt Gould lock- stretch of water or to chew up the roadup while nearby Mt Gould itself too much. That night we spent campedwears the scars of modern day not far from the abandoned Bryah HS.mining. Our much easier and Forced out onto the blacktop wequicker travels took us south too, crossed the southern and middlecrossing the Gascoyne once more branches of the Gascoyne south of thenear Landor HS before swinging Kumarina Roadhouse, before taking aeast to parallel the river as we good dirt road west towards Mulgulheaded to Milgun HS. On these travels HS and camping on the edge of thealong back roads we rarely saw anyone Gascoyne, close to Tibingoona Pool,else, pulling up for the night just off theroad in absolute peace and quiet. For Western 4W Driver #105 15the most part the roads were in prettygood nick with little to disrupt theeasy drive.However, the next week we wereplagued by rain and we spent acouple of days waiting for tracks todry out before visiting the ruins ofthe old gold town of Peak Hill and itssurrounding mines. As we dropped offthe high ground and headed towardsyet another crossing of the GascoyneRiver, we ran into some serious flood

A delightful camp at Bamboo Springs.which surprisingly had little water in flow into the Gascoyne.it. In fact, there was more water on Only a couple of little used tracksthe surrounding flat plains and in the access the park, the easiest forsmall creeks than in the river itself and travellers to use being the track thatwhile I’m not sure how that works, we leads to Tangadee HS, which lies northnearly got bogged on a side track while of the park. This track enters the parklooking for a camp along the river’s on its western boundary, crosses thebank. Crossing the watershed that Ethel River and heads across a vastdivides the Gascoyne and its tributaries sand plain that had been burnt nearlyfrom the Ashburton River (somewhere bare when we were there. Isolatedbetween Mingah Springs HS and hills stood proud of the red raw sandMulgul HS) we headed north and found while in the distance a line of lowour way to Bamboo Springs, a great hills marked the Collier Range. Therelittle camping spot on the Ethel was little wildlife either in the burntRiver, itself a tributaryof the mighty areas or in the spinifex andAshburton. mulga covered plains, the mostNearby the Collier common animalRange NP drew being feralour attention. cattle. AtThere’s very little one stageinfo available on this we spottednational park, which a lone dingosprawls across 240,000ha of semi trotting up onedesert country. The low hills or of the rare creeks inrange that the park takes its name the area. Headingfrom forms the catchment of a number north on the main dirt roadof streams; those on the northern andwestern sides flowing towards the that first parallels the Ethel RiverAshburton while those that flow and then the bigger Ashburtonfrom the eastern and southern sides River, the route swings further around to the west. Past the Mt Vernon HS the route16 Western 4W Driver #105

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begins to wind throughsome rugged rangecountry and crosses GlenRoss Creek and GorgeCreek before zigging andzagging through a moreprominent gorge-likevalley. Off to our right,visible on the screen ofthe Hema HN-7, but outof sight of our strainingeyes, was Glen Rossitself. Immediately myinquisitive nature wasprickled, the name ‘Glen Glen Ross named by Ernest Giles in 1876.Ross’ harking back to an Ranges in SA, crossed the vast Greatearly explorer who I enjoyfollowing up. Victoria Desert, which he had named, and arrived in Perth after one of theLater I found that my initial guess had greatest desert crossings in the annalsbeen right. Ernest Giles had comethis way in May 1876 as he pushed of Australian history. Not content with his success he had headed north fromnorth to find a route east across the Perth, exploring country missed bydesert to the Overland Telegraph Lineat Oodnadatta in SA. A year earlier, he earlier explorers before turning east once more. His story is told in his veryhad set out from the historic station readable and many times reprinted book,of Beltana in the northern Flinders Web: toodyayautocentre.com.au Heading Off? Registered Repairer MRB6464 Click here to request a pre-18 Western 4W Driver #105 departure checklist. Avon Valley Supplier of TIRES Email: [email protected]

Clearing debris from the Ashburton River causeway.AustraliaTwiceTraversed.The names he station with Cane Riversprinkled across the deserts he explor being established in itsed are like sparkling jewels compared to own right in 1949 withthe many other drab names bestowed by the homestead, the ruinsother explorers. ‘Glen Ross’ had Giles’ of which can still beundeniable stamp on it! seen today, being builtFrom Glen Ross we cruised north on a seven years later. Afternear deserted road to Ashburton Downs a number of owners theHS, only to find the river there to be in property was taken overflood and flowing strongly across the by the often renamed,wide causeway. Walking the crossing to currently DPaW (nowmake sure the concrete was still in one DBCA - Ed) in 1996.piece, we came across a tangle of wire Few maps show anyand star pickets, the remnants of a fence roads into this park but an old shire roadwashed away in the muddy floodwaters. leaves the Paraburdoo road about 31kmWe cleared the route and then with from the Nanutarra Roadhouse and cutsthe sun making tracks for the western right through the park, meeting with thehorizon, decided to wait overnight and NW Coastal Highway near the junction oflet the river drop even more. In the the Onslow Road. A few kilometres eastmorning the Ashburton was an easy of the coastal highway a track (junctioncrossing and with little to slow us we @ GPS 22°10’32.4”S 115°33’48.8”E),headed north, taking to the bitumen for heads north and crosses the Canea short while before ducking into the River at a wide sandy crossing a fewCane River Conservation Park. Once kilometres south of the ruins of the Caneagain there is little info available on this River HS.large park of around 186,000ha, which There was a trickle of water betweenstraddles the Cane River, south east of long shallow waterholes in the riverbedOnslow. Rolling stony hills and gravelly when we were there and we propped forsandy plains, both covered in spinifex a couple of nights to explore the area.and dotted with scrub make up the The recent rain had also triggered anmajority of the park.The property was explosion of flowers and we found manyonce part of a much bigger Peedamulla carpets of Sturt desert pea, surely one of the most spectacular flowers of our semi arid and desert country. However, rain is often a double edged sword in these areas and we needed to be flexible over the next few days, but were stymied by the flood waters and our efforts to follow the river further upstream were in vain. Time and the amount of water washing around the countryside had foiled us, but we’ll be back to explore and enjoy this vast area between these two great rivers once more. Western 4W Driver #105 19

Excerpt from Hema’s WA State map.Carnarvon is located at the mouth Gascoyne Junction and 340 NW ofof the Gascoyne River, about 900km Meekatharra has accommodation,north of Perth and offers all a traveller powered caravan sites, campingrequires; see: facilities, fuel and water.www.carnarvon.wa.gov.au Ph: (08) 9943 0527;Gascoyne Junction, 175km east of www.mtaugustustouristpark.com.Carnarvon has a Tavern/Roadhouse/ Kumarina RH - 250km north ofCaravan Park. For more information, Meekatharra has fuel & basicph: (08) 99 430 988 or visit: supplies, ph: (08) 9981 2930.www.uppergascoyne.wa.gov.au. Onslow is located on the coast a shortMt Augustus Tourist Park, 300km from distance north of the mouth of the20 Western 4W Driver #104 Ashburton River and about 495km north of Carnarvon; see: www.ashburton.wa.gov.au/visit- ashburton/onslow. Nanutarra RH is located 122km SE of Onslow and offers fuel & basic supplies, ph: (08) 9943 0521.

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HEAD TO HEAD VX VLANDCRUISEROn price and power supplythey’re chalk and cheese.Off-road their differences are24 Western 4W Driver #105

Off-RoadVY62 PATROL wRRioothbbson less obvious. We took the big Japanese wagons to the bush and beach for a workout. Western 4W Driver #105 25

oyota recently slipped us Ti-L being top of the range. an upgraded VX 200 Series The ST-L had been dropped from the Landcruiser for a few days and range in 2015 when Nissan realised that to survive in this market they hadTseeing it had been quite some to make some significant changes and slashing their pricing by $24,000 on thetime since the Mag had taken a look at Ti and $30,000 on the Ti-L seemed likethe 200 Series Cruiser, (and there was a good way to go.then no immediate competitor out of In real terms the appointments of theNissan) we hit Nissan up for a Y62 Ti Sahara and the Ti-L are very similar,to get the two up-spec wagons as are the VX and the Ti range, butside by side. of course the price differences are farComparing these two, (the Cruiserwith its V8 diesel and the Patrol with Patrol controls were more user friendly.its V8 petrol) was surely comparing Landcruiser gave a more commandingapples with oranges - or was driving position and solid feel.it? On reflection, these twovehicles are the only truly fullsize Japanese 4WD wagonson the market in Australia.Also, the VX Landcruiser andthe Ti Patrol both qualify asluxury Japanese 4WDs so wereckoned it was fair enoughto put them head to head.Since its release in 2008 the200 Series Cruiser has left allothers in its wake, includingthe Patrol which has hardlygained a foothold in Australia- particularly here in theWest although they are quitea bit more popular on theeast coast.I’d heard some pretty positive thingsabout the Y62 from friends who ownedthem in the eastern statesand being a bit of a die-hardNissan man myself I washopeful they might give theCruiser a run for its money.The VX Landcruiser is thirdin line in the range, the topbeing the Altitude, followedby the Sahara and then theVX, available with a 4.6Lpetrol or 4.5L twin turbodiesel V8, but I reckon that90% of sales would be forthe diesel option. On theother hand, the Patrol is onlyavailable in two levels – the Tiwhich we are testing and the26 Western 4W Driver #105

Landcruiser’s spare was much more exposed to damage. position probably had a bit to do with that solid feeling. The GU has always had a rather low seating position and Nissanfrom similar. Our two test vehicles have taken that into the Y62 althoughare priced at $93,600 and $69,990 not quite as low, whereas the Cruiser’srespectively making the Patrol $23,610 relatively high seating position makescheaper than the VX Cruiser – that’s for a very commandingone very big plus for the Patrol. driving position.The features list for both vehicles The Patrol wins hands down when itis pretty similar, leather seats , comes to ease of use of the drivingkeyless entry, push button start, controls – one big dial behind theclimate control, Sat Nav, blue tooth shifter and a couple of switches all inconnectivity, Hill easy reach. Unlike theDescent control, hill Landcruiser when,start assist – the list Our two test in typical Toyotagoes on. If anything vehicles are priced at fashion, you’ll needthe Patrol might just $93,600 and $69,990 to reach for thepip the Landcruiser respectively making the manual to find outwith its front, rear where things areand wing mirror Patrol $23,610 cheaper and how to workcameras giving than the VX Cruiser them. For examplewhat seems to be a the Cruiser has abird’s eye view through the screen function that improves the turningdisplay plus tyre pressure monitoring, circle. What a great idea, but it onlyautomatic headlights and heated works in low range and 4wd needsside mirrors. to be disengaged otherwise warningThe interiors of both vehicles are big lights start flashing on the dash. Onceand luxurious. For mine the Cruiser got you get your head around what to dothe points, in typical Toyota style it just – it’s good, but when confronted withfelt that little more ‘solid’. The seating it for the first time it’s very frustrating. Western 4W Driver #105 27

That’s just one example of several to say the KDSS on the Landcruiserwhere we had to reach for the manual. works a tad better. The Patrol seemedOr maybe it’s just that I’m a Nissan to lean into corners a touch before theman and like things to be kept nice hydraulics stiffened it up.and simple!! The Patrol has fully independent coilOn the road I reckon the Cruiser has spring suspension – while the Cruiserthe edge – that big diesel V8 just lopes is independent coils up front and aalong, no fuss, no bother. Being behind live axle in the rear with coil springs.a big torquey diesel engine, the auto Independent rear gives the Patrol thelikes to swap cogs a bit more often edge in ride comfort especially onthan it should. The Patrol, being a rough dirt tracks but the Cruiserpetrol, is much more of a live wire and takes the prize for rear wheel travel out There’s no fuss from the Cruiser’s big At 298Kw the petrol Patrol is a V8 diesel. real livewire.makes the majority of its power over in the bush.2,500 rpm. The seven speed auto likes The Cruiser no longer has a limitedto keep the revs up when the throttle is slip differential or a locking diff, rathersqueezed for a bit more go - and does Toyota have decided to rely solely onit go when the right foot is buried to the Electronic Traction Control. Thethe floor - 6000rpm and 2.7 tonne of Patrol on the other hand has a locking4WD gets to the speed limit and more diff in the rear as well as a Helical LSDin very quick time. and Traction Control. I’ve got to admitBoth the VX and the Ti have systems it is really nice to be able to lock upto control body roll. In the case those rear wheels when the goingof the Patrol it uses what Nissan gets tough.call their ‘Hydraulic Body Motion Steering feel is poles apart on eachControl’ (HBMC) which uses hydraulic of these vehicles. On the bitumencontrolled dampers to keep the the Patrol’s steering feels very light,vehicle nice and flat when cornering. almost vague, whereas the Cruiser isThe Cruiser has its KDSS which a touch too heavy. Out in the bush thehydraulically stiffens up the sway bar difference is not something that isto do the same thing. Both systems at all obvious.work well, but if I had to make a The electronics that control somedecision on which I prefer I would have of the off road capabilities like Hill28 Western 4W Driver #105

EFNOGRINPEREORTEEDCT ION Family Owned Australian Company DESIGNED FOR SAFETYSince1958 SUSPENSION KIT From $1380 SNORKEL $320 SIDE STEPS AND RAILS $780 REAR PROTECTION TOW BAR $975 CANOPY (INC COLOUR CODING) $3150 $39 ea REVERSE WORK LIGHTS DRAWERS AND WING KIT $1620 ALLOY TRADE RACK (1.4m) $740W4WDFP(2)051017 Prices do not include freight, fitting or colour coding and are subject to change without notice. Find u SAFER, STRONGER, SMARTER facebook Family OwnedSiAncues1Ft9ro5a8rliaynoCuormnpeaanryest distributor call 1300 731 137, or visit www.ironman4x4.com

Patrol features fullyindependent coils all round.Descent and Traction Control the limo not the Patrol. The Ti hadcan cause quite a bit of substantially more road noise in thegrinding and gnarling under cab, in fact it was almost intrusive,the vehicle but the Cruiser’s but to be fair getting back into my old‘Crawl Control’ (or as we GU coil cab I felt like I was driving thecalled it - off road cruise tractor. I suppose at the end of the daycontrol) is downright scary. it is all relative.Mate, does it make a racket, Out in the bush the Cruiser’s dieselenough to make me thinktwice about using it. I reckonI would be just as happy tobattle with the acceleratorpedal than endure thenoise it makes.I’d been told that driving the Patrol waslike driving a 4WD limousine becauseit was so quiet and refined, so whenI hopped from the Cruiser into thePatrol for a spin down to Dwellingup Iwas surprised to find that the VX wasFTuNColiSlysrueroAsaiatavsnaatnegiCLrPleaaoaanbvotnderfldeors.l30 Western 4W Driver #105

allows you to lope along idling up andover the rough stuff whereas the Patrolneeds a little bit of throttle to negotiatethe same – not that it was an issue onthe tracks we had a play on.We called into Tim’s Thicket on theway back for a few pics. The Cruiser isgreat in the sand but the Patrol is in itselement – that 5.6 litres of screamingpetrol V8 just loves it - Oh and so did I!Both have similar fuel capacities (149litres for the Patrol and 138 litres forthe Cruiser). Fuel economies are,according to the manufacturers,14.5l/100km and 10.3l/100kmrespectively. Both vehicles have a3500kg towing capacity and a carryingcapacity of 785kg for the Patrol andonly 705kg for the VX Cruiser (butremember that doesn’t include anyaccessories you might like to bolt on,passengers or camping gear).There is quite a bit of gear gettingaround for the Y62 these daysCruiser simply idles over the rough stuff.GET PHONEDOWN TO 9534 6733FOR AN AMAZING RANGE OF 4WD Get Serious! ACCESSORIES AND AUTO PARTS U16 FALCON COMMERCIAL CENTRE, FALCON WA 6210 www.mandurah4x4.com.au Western 4W Driver #105 31

Nuts ‘n’ bolts Y62 PATROL Price: $69,990. Built: Japan Body: Body on frame Safety: 4 Star Engine: 5.6L V8 Petrol Power: 298kW Torque: 430Nm Fuel Economy: 14.5L/100km (stated) Fuel tank: 140 litres Transmission: 7 speed auto. 2 speed transfer case Suspension: Independent double wishbone coil sprung front & rear with Hydraulic Motion Control Brakes: Front & rear – discs. Steering: Vehicle speed sensing rack & pinion Easy access to Cruiser’s rear seats even though they’ll probably be traded for storage space.including a suspension lift kit whichwas an issue trying to work with theHBMC previously. ARB, TJM and mostof the other accessory manufacturersdo a range of products to suit thePatrol. Needless to say there is noend of things you can buy to bolt tothe Cruiser.We reckonWell as much as I thought the Patrolmight have the goods on the Cruiser,I’ve got to admit that overall the VXLandcruiser has won the day - if youcan afford it. The price differencemakes the Patrol a very attractivealternative. Yep you can buy an awfullot of petrol for $23k, not to mention abucket-load of accessories. Speakingof accessories I reckon a bull bar andrear bar would be a minimum to tryand improve its looks – fair dinkum youhave got to admit the Y62 isn’t the bestlooking vehicle Nissan have produced.32 Western 4W Driver #105

Wheels: 18” alloy. Fuel Economy: 10.3L/100km (stated) 138 litresTrack: Front & rear – 1695mm Fuel tank: Transmission: 6 speed auto. 2 speedApproach Angle: 34 degrees transfer caseDeparture Angle: 26 degreesGround Clearance: 287mm Suspension: Front - Independent double wishbone with coil springs.Turning Circle: 12.5m Rear - Live axle trailingGVM: 3500kg arms with coil springs.Weight: 2715kg KDSS Front & RearTow ball load: Max 350kg ( reduce GVM by Brakes: Front & rear – discs. 130kg Steering: Rack & pinionTowing capacity: 3500kg – maximum 18” alloy.Warranty: 3 years/100,000km Wheels: Track: Front 1640mm. Rear –Service Interval: 6 months/10,000km – 1635mm capped price servicing. Approach Angle: 32 degrees Departure Angle: 24 degrees Ground Clearance: 230mmVX LANDCRUISER Turning Circle: 11.8mPrice: $93,600. GVM: 3350kgBuilt: Japan 2705kgBody: Body on frame Weight: Safety: 5 Star Tow ball load: Max 350kgEngine: 4.5L V8 Diesel Towing capacity: 3500kg – maximumPower: 195kW Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmTorque: 650Nm Service Interval: 6 months/10,000km – capped price servicing. Western 4W Driver #105 33



U SNORKELP Fancy taking a grinder to your pride and joy? I’m referring to your 4WD of course and the answer for most of us without the requisite experience would be an emphatic “NO”.Some things, like fitting a snorkel, are best left to experts so if said grinder slipsfrom its job and does amerry dance across yourduco you can rest assuredthe paint job won’t comeout of your pocket.A recent fitting of Safari4x4’s new Armax snorkelon our 79 Series down atORE in Myaree went as With the work area masked up and template in position, drill holes and entry point are marked. Air saw goes into action. Sealant gives added protection from water ingress.smooth as silk thanks to thecareful attention of fitter Blaneand the precise and easy-to-follow instructions from Safari.The upgraded Armax snorkelhas a wider (4”) neck, ram head Western 4W Driver #105 35

and inlet to the air box which Airbox is adapted to accept theis designed to improve air flow larger intake.by up to 70% over the original - which fits like a - larger intake - neatly.factory raised air intake.Safari says this increased airflowbetter suits engines treated to abit of performance enhancement.The fact it is a single piecebetween ram head and air boxfitting as compared to the twopiece original and thereforemore water tight, is a bonus.Two things I insisted on in thefitting were Loctite on the screwsinto the ‘A’ pillar - without itthey’ll unscrew on corrugationsand a healthy dose of sealantsurrounding the colander of holesthat now riddle the guard. Downat the air box a large section wascut out to take the new fitting.This new size snorkel is nowSafari 4x4’s standard for the V8diesel cruiser and if you’re aboutto flick the O.E intakefor one of these, you’ll beseriously impressed.36 Western 4W Driver #105

Winner of the Bosch RegionalService Excellence Award 2013 & 2014Over 25 Years Family Owned and Operated Personal & Reliable ServiceIt is our objective to ensure our • Bosch Diesel Centrecustomers satisfaction is guaranteed • Denso Premium Service Dealerand at Fremantle Fuel Injectionwe have the right team • Factory Trained Techniciansto achieve this goal. • Diagnostics, Repairs & Overhauls • Specialists in Performance UpgradesTelephone: (08) 9335 4803Email: [email protected] • Authorised Supplier - Steinbauer, Safariwww.fremantlefuel.com.au • Computerised 4wd Dyno • Turbocharger Sales and Service • Exchange Units minimising down timeServicing the Diesel Fuel Injection needs of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

ASX OutlAnder PAjerO SPOrt PAjerO tritOn

mAneeutninegxpected WilTdraxedical problems have wrecked some of my planned trips inMCifMocGaaDgoTobae(afpnToeondnneunenhuaeuplthramdtfldvotteertneetoraaemneteniimtbyrpmThnrntnriendq,fhenymealrekgtoegti,uaooeosrcurrteioigInerpeirrhueaanrIpntxeeypdoslee’hegtteiwfotpls,iteeenorrotehodatsseamisdrtsav1drmnoainernhdiwisti8tnMgpbiisttoaiddoeete9paioefhn,ossosaanos6tgusnaoeeoowinepfrfcrsoetintdfdonntcrc.neieefitnsttfeereondgarlaowo,sdutl(Iramwoeotew’pfrdhnarfohilejiwtodpneotrssehwmtceiepanoSinevbneaafefhrfIueiKtntbeotmoe.eefraatsawnrrtarxoiacoirmlcnlcgpseeetmdtstoeooreoesyax!fsuorson)“iyHai,)rrptenrssPcIhlatnie.heetaeysscssauegecwtsludaitoceapnhdse..avrt.wBfrIcihtAvhstrosoa.apeeaaauloet.urrtmensonvut”hmerrerketecderIoyenueaconmwuotktrhadcreuhaenggnclaodmpekedwooohadsisncnorntnhttsrIodkeshgueieeeedassi(etxarmnseudipieitddltgordbalhyu,ymsnmyorsatpt“bWt’wocorrptet“oeGySeehoadiruiienrWhtntinennrhd’neiehbChd’soeddtiddsooaccihehoaoounecoebooewwwmryeasnnGnogriragwetttntsn)anedItpeVcoonatots,gdiwdwktyahhDewintlsgtisnadaoaehoahhhp.ho”ieSettdttreuoiornaofmmhYhtusia4hnitemgeohHsoemehcWimyeashiakecmuttagaep.hakilee’ptfDadncovhmrcnheeraelagaanetnbeoaadecnoytltrab’g?ouclsttayedyzhyf”lMesulloiilderinaergkisrcede.tnk.,the latter part of this year.with Ian ElliotHaving spent a fair bit of time over Hutton and were exploring the hillsthe past few years seeking out GVDrockholes recorded during Peter Muir’s during a lunchtime halt. The others were lunching around the other sidedogging days of the 1970s as described of the hills. Mark and Leslie were ablein his books, we had several of thesein our sights. A couple of them were to show us one of the rockholes and Paul soon found the other for us. Aftersuspected to be in a group of stony lunch, the Beadell Tour group wenthills about eight kilometres fromthe nearest track. As we entered a one way, we the other, and the stony hills and their waterholes were left topicturesque valley on the South side the enjoyment of flocks of finches andof those hills where sculptured archesand diminutive rocky ravines showed other more secretive desert denizens.promise of uncharted gnammas, I was The perfect giftstartled to see a human figure step On the way out on this trip, while the others went on to our usual first night’sout from behind a tree. It was very campsite up Goongarrie way, I decidedunexpected to come across a personon foot in such a remote region and to camp at a motel in Kalgoorlie to give me the opportunity to visit Martin toI was wide-eyed with amazement. I see how his eye was faring. Before Ipulled up as this bloke in shorts cametowards me and my surprise grew left their place, Sherree gave me three clear plastic containers each containingwhen he was followed by a woman. Western 4W Driver #105 39

four lemon slices. I had strict companion can still be found on the NEinstructions that there was one for each point of the breakaway, but somethingvehicle and I should be sure to pass of a mystery remains. This was mythem on. Meeting the boys in Leonora third visit and I’m still puzzled thatnext morning I dutifully delivered these I’ve only ever been able to find onetasty delights as ordered. Arriving at gnamma here. Hann clearly states thatLaverton I found that the others had he found “2 splendid gnamma holes,”already eaten theirs so I ate mine that so where the heck is the second. If anynight to prevent any pilfering. Later, other desert travellers have located it,around our campfire, we agreed that I’d appreciate a shout.these treats had been superb and itwas very decent of Sherree to provide Drone downthem. Paul asked if it was my intentionto call in again on our way home. A mate who shall remain unnamed,When I told him it was, he expressed but he just turned 60 and has a nurserythe notion that it would be a nice out Oakford way, recently acquiredgesture to get Sherree a gift to show a drone. The early flights of theseour appreciation. I agreed and asked innovative whirlybirds will alwaysif he had anything in particular in involve a steep learning curve, but Imind. “Yes,” he replied, “Some was gleefully informed by some of thelarger containers.” more notorious gossips in the Wildtrax mob that he’d crashed it. Seeking moreMissing gnamma details from the ground-based aviator himself, I was told that the automaticAt one stage on this trip we visited collision avoidance system didn’tWelstead Hill named by Frank Hann recognise cyclone fencing. So that’sin 1908 “after Miss Welstead of one to watch out for if you’re masteringKalgoorlie.” Here, the stone cairn the art of piloting one of these buzzing,erected by Talbot, Hann’s Aboriginal but beneficial, blights.What’s in a name? with Ian ElliotPlace Name Years later, I was working in the Lands Department’s Geographic NamesIComputerisation Section when the changeover to a ’ve been most fortunate throughout computer system was commenced. my working life in lobbing onto Prior to that, the master gazetteer of various jobs at times of interesting WA place names consisted of some changes in methodology. After my 50,000 hand written cards that hadapprenticeship at the WAGR Midland been built up over a forty or fiftyWorkshops was over, I signed on as year period. These were all arrangeda deckie on a Kalbarri crayboat at the alphabetically in a large bank of steelvery period that industry was going drawers and provided the officialthrough the change from hemp to spelling, position and originnylon rope, a modification in diameter (if known) of each name.and flotation qualities that not only At the time I became involved morebrought on experiments in winch intensive research was being donedesign but also altered the types of on 1:250,000 map areas and I wasfascinating sea creatures that came up involved in investigating nomenclatureon deck clinging to our ropes. on many of the desert maps.40 Western 4W Driver #105

agementThis inOvnocleveind lsoewarrcahningge t4hWe Ddiaarvioeisdaunsding anhyands of youngsters with no researcht journaglesaorfaebxopvloer4etrhs asndthseuyrvaereyovresrytosmall or history background who weren’ta solid verifygeexaisrstinagndnabmeiensgadnrdivefenrraetthoiugth speed used to quoting years that didn’t begining and othersfotrhalotnhgadinsteavnecrefocuandcathuesier pwraeymaturewith with the numerals 1 and 9, led tou will onto mwaepasr.aMnducdhamofamgey.tIinmleowwerannt ge 4WD many errors. Nor was their work everlow rangiento thyeourea-prelouttsininggoaf deixffpelorernert’sertoouftegsears checked, so the results have not beensome onto taonpdo mshuesettasdcjoumstpyioleudr fdrorimvinagirspeed as accurate as one would hope.ither 4L photoasc, caoprdraincgtilcye. Athlasot ojuftsetnreremvemalebder that In some ways, I used to prefer theinaccuyroauciceasnonnotthderiovledyour vehicle in low old cards because Ihashlie,teeasnhccpnvsiyeauefnugeoonsaclarueuldllsegi,nriondneadresgs,fodm3frloetwoheoox0affoanyirup0tsedmtrsagteuxkeeeCgrifprsbslfnasfryWIslmodihrefeeeoflaeao.voogooiraaslrnwfymfenemelmmTtuinrfodcnotktlegethrlhtdihrrmenoreeurlrreepiopeeiaotedasovatyeeaomyhnnl4,hnvdIewtraptnfaagWcteete,lahgnnawheiilesyvlevpnaeoerskaegDkoeofieoldle.aenmteoieoturuhroofAggshanorawoceppf4eanrlbgnysaadldiiWeityealeonnonrrlandgacuddfqDdn.Iobneruyurymhmosdoaop“ceofhanhpuoseeTbeiMwpradotnndrudmoixerresiogedtitfltveunlthppnIelrhoosegnsgshesocaaolnitecaarvoivraeahalmtllvemelselnidlnrhslnelehogaioettegodhidcehhhatcraiicrrageeientflsesiueai’nleuvrgcsprsrlemdmeer.e.etfOtnopawdI-re’ysctlpnonhriletletswnhlyuctoohoietoottmtreoweHtmsieeisDsndptr.oo.ag.wirSf.nlti”saaeeomtdndnoflsey,t,naNanolatdrOhmcpootaoDooshucrffeeouururicnttsgamlgsuhhGdmfirhnrteefeeeiaoraantosLpaecinrlgemgauycrmsroaonrtAehoeharbgdsasicsfpoapenghsnthrbiaaiihetsossiolrtrceeetfecapsah’mnstinn.hdtaieson,nyfor low specifgiclaaldlylyetmryptlooyaesdsisfot rytohua.t purpose, Geonoma database is a useful tool,someSjutasyt osuafteo,futnytpilinngexstchtiomoel..The inaccuracies in the digital data entryset-up at that time was pretty crude remain so one needs to be a little(no word-wrap; no spellcheck) and careful in quoting origins directthis, coupled with input being in the from this source. STEREO! • Big Bore 4wd systems our specialityP • Extractors for most 4wd’s • High flow catalytic converters • Standard 4wd system’s• Bsyigs tBemorse o4uwrd s peciaKBliteayllmcastctaott 9240 1955 • High flow catalytic • Extractors for mostM idland converters Morley 9495 25444wds 9274 5066 • Standard 4wd 9275 7034 systemsLet a Mettaman fit your sound system todayJump online for a free quote Kelmscott 9495 2544 Midland 9274 5066www.mettamsmufflers.com.au Morley 9275 7034 Western 4W Driver #105 41

MI Mitsubishi has unveiled a new mid-size SUV to fit in between theD compact ASX and Outlander in both size and price.D The Eclipse Cross is the first new Mitsubishi in almost two years,L after the Pajero Sport, and may be the last new all-MitsubishiE product ever following the Japanese manufacturer joining theM Renault-Nissan Alliance (as in Star Wars).A The expanded Alliance to include Mitsubishi is almost certain to meanN future Mitsubishi products will share components with Nissan and Renault, including platforms and engines. The Eclipse Cross has escaped that, being set on the same platform as the Outlander and ASX. Despite these two existing SUVs being in two different size categories, they are on the same platform and have the same wheelbase. Now the Eclipse Cross slides in the middle. Mitsubishi, which showed a pre-production car at a product launch42 Western 4W Driver #105

recently in Kakadu and let us have a short drive, expects the WHAT’Snew model to go on sale in December. The company’s CEOJohn Signoriello said the slope-back SUV will appeal more NEW?to younger, more style-conscious buyers who also wantedcompetent off-road manners.The SUV has all-wheel drive and a 4WD locking mechanism,plus downhill assist, with a high ground clearance. New forthe segment, however, is the Mitsubishi-designed and built122kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and CVTautomatic transmission. It will be available in front-drive andall-wheel drive versions. On its short drive, the Eclipse Crossshowed brisk performance and especially strong low-speedtorque. The CVT may be a bit of adownside for more serious off-road conditions which maycause the drivetrain to heatup. Inside it is similarto the Outlander, withgood room - a 190cmpassenger was quitecomfortable in therear seat despitethe car having twosunroofs that lower theheadroom - and a highfeature specification.These includedcomprehensive safety equipment,leather, a premium audio and the twosunroofs. The price and final specificationswill be launched later, but expect pricingaround $30,000.Longer Legs for CruiserFED up with the racket from your 70 Series V8 Toyota LandCruiser as fuel consumption makes the servo folk your cruising speed approaches 90 delirious with joy and the noise from the stressed motor drives you nuts.or more km/h? Here’s the good news: you don’t have to trade it in on a softroader orYou’re not alone. The beasts, a brace of hybrid cars. Terrain Tamerbuilt to traverse SnowyRiver Scheme MkII, are has a taller-ratioed fifth cog, made especially for people like yourno fun on the school run good self who forgot toor the trip to grandma’splace on a Sunday ask the sales bloke at Toyota about thebecause their five-speed V8 monster’sgearboxes have prettyshort legs. While crying out infamously limitedfor a taller ratio, the vehicle’s transmission.coolant and oil temperatures rise, Western 4W Driver #105 43

The Terrain Tamer’s $1290 modified engine and one that will last longergear set features a taller top cog, because there’s less stress on it.designed as a direct replacement What’s it made of?for the original equipment. Technical Glad you asked: 62-strength Rockwellblokes will be happy to note it brings hardened steel, OK?the original boofy gear ratio of .881 You can get it individually or indown to .736, which cuts engine revs gearbox overhaul kits and it will beby 20per cent. an option in all relevant Terrain TamerThe upshot is a smoother, quieter reconditioned gearboxes. More atdrive, improved fuel economy, a cooler terraintamer.com or call 1300 888 444.Diesel X-Trail previous 1.6-litre X-Trail diesel. The diesel versions are only available withNissan has added a premium rather ordinary CVT automatic gearbox. version of its X-Trail 4WD SUV Unfortunately, that’s the sole gearbox with a diesel engine. The TL as there is no longer a manual option.variant costs $47,790. Too much? There If you want to shift yourself, there is ais also the entry-level diesel TS at$35,990. petrol manual model. Nissan claimsBoth get a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with the new 4WD diesel averages 6.0130kW at 3750rpm and torque of litres/100km (16.7km/litre).380Nm from 2000rpm. That’s up The TL has a raft of35 per cent and 20 per cent on the convenience and safety features including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind- spot warning, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, six airbags, 360-degree camera with “moving object detection”, sat-nav and leather upholstery. The X-Trail range opens at $28,490 for a front-drive manual petrol.Load ‘em up MaxWHAT goes through your mind when you hear or see the reached greater heights: Milford word Milford? has just launched its LoadMax, anSafety, you say? Yep, go to the top of innovative canopy roof support system.the class, Johnny. The DIY kit fits just about every ute,The brand is synonymous with canopy and roof rack combinationsafety in vehicles and its near-50 on the road and lets you safely carryyear experience in that field has now whatever you have to, right up to your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.44 Western 4W Driver #105

EFNOGRINPEREORTEEDCTION Family Owned Australian Company DESIGNED FOR SAFETYSince1958 COMMERCIAL DELUXE $1380 INSTANT AWNING (2 x 2.5M) $270 $1099 $650 BULL BAR From $1406 SIDE STEPS $220 ea SYNTHETIC ROPE LED DRIVING LIGHTS CANVAS SEAT COVERS (F OR R) $350 ea WINCH - 12000lb SUSPENSION KITW4WDFP(3)051017 Prices do not include freight, fitting or colour coding and are subject to change without notice. Find u SAFER, STRONGER, SMARTER facebook Family OwnedSiAncues1Ft9ro5a8rliaynoCuormnpeaanryest distributor call 1300 731 137, or visit www.ironman4x4.com

FOR tOugheR “durable “dRiving & braking on all typesquieteR of surfacesbRaking.Across Australia or around the block, wherever they go,Bendix 4WD/SUV brake pads get the job done brilliantly. EXTREME STRENGTHSuRe StOpping, StRaight Out OF the bOX*S*5S5D00SSMMTTTTY..55OONPPOOGGPPAAAPPPPMDDLLIIEENNPPOIICCNNGGMIIEEEENNEDDLLTEEIIPPGGSSERRRRTTRAAAAEETTDDNNSIISSOOTCCIIASSNNEESSNUUCCSSDTTRRTTAAAAAOOEELLRCCPPNNDUUSSLLCCPFFAAERRTTEEROOEEFDDMMOAARAA11TTFFM00TT00AEE11NKKRR00MMCTTE00//EEHHTNNKKEDDCCSMMUUOOTRR.NN//IISSNNEEHHGGCCBBUU88TTIIEEVV44EE--5555 DYNAMOMETER STANDARD PERFORMANCE TEST. BBEENNDDIIXX 44WWDD//SSUUVV We gO tO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTOORR BBRRAAKKEE PPAADD eXtReMeS SO YOu2200 6600 110000 114400 118800 Can tOO! SSTTOOPPPPIINNGG DDIISSTTAANNCCEE** ((MMEETTRREESS)) -- LLoowweerr iiss bbeetttteerr..Bendix 4WD/SUV delivers:• Smoother, cleaner braking• Increased material strength under extreme conditions• Increased heat resistance at high temperatures• No bedding in• Instant pedal feel from first stop• Noise absorbing shimsBendix Brake Advice Centre Put your foot down with confidence™1800 819 666Choose your perfect braking solution online atwww.bendix.com.auBendix is a trademark of Honeywell International Inc.

The patented design is compatible with four heavy duty tubularfactory and aftermarket canopies, as uprights that attach to the tubwell as most roof rack systems and is and run up below the canopy.rated to Australian and International They connect to the roof viastandards. The LoadMax kit comprises an adjustable coupling and align under the mounting point of the roof racks, where they provide direct support to the load above. Also, the $325 and easy-to-fit Loadmax won’t affect cargo space – and it comes with a lifetime warranty. Good things come from above, so be sure to keep them there.8BENTBentley’s new, exotic and tearfully for SUVs and the exotic car-makers are expensive SUV - the company’s jumping on board. Porsche, Bentley, first - should bring the hills alive Maserati and next year Lamborghiniwith the sound of a burbling V8 diesel. and the year after, Rolls-Royce. Yes,But in fact, the chance of taking the nothing is sacred.Bentayga (yes, that’s its name) into the Bentley is owned by the Volkswagenscrub is extremely remote. Group so the platform and someIt is an interesting machine that components are shared with its otherintroduces the first question: Why? family members, Volkswagen (Touareg),Well, because the world has gone nuts Audi (Q7), and Porsche (Cayenne). Western 4W Driver #105 47

The petrol engine is a turbo-petrol to drive - though the heart dances aW12 (two V6s sharing a single bit when Perth’s infamous freewaycrankshaft) though the more suitable hoppers ignore any indication - and is- and affordable, and I use that word actually a serene environment.sparingly - is the 4.0-litre bi-turbo The cabin trim includes diamondplus electric compressor (that’s three quilting to the seat panels while theturbochargers) diesel that is shared inserts are perforated for ventilationwith the Audi SQ7, along with an eight- and heating (where chosen); thespeed automatic transmission and leather-topped dashboard is doubleall-wheel drive. stitched for strength and design; andThe engine is rated at 320kW/900Nm the hand-stitched leather steering wheel is available with heating. It is an impressive wagon in size, measuring 5.14m long and 1.74m high, dominating the freeway lane with its 2.22m width. Part of its aggressive appearance is delivered by the near-vertical grille (black for the diesel, chrome for the W12)- the latter figure being modestly and the 20-inch wheels. The wholedescribed as “a lot” and one of the vehicle looks balanced in pictures butreasons the 2.5-tonne (without people intimidating alongside other traffic.or fuel) SUV can rush to 100km/h from On the road it is quiet, capable and therest in a very smart 4.8 seconds. tachometer needle barely rises fromThere is also air suspension that the left side of the gauge.is controlled by electronics and The torque is at maximum fromadjustable through four ride heights 1000rpm - ridiculous, really as it’sand able to be adjusted by the driver more like an electric motor - whichto suit varying conditions such as means one stab of the acceleratornegotiating sand, snow and large, and the wagon leaps forward. Many aunexpected mounds of cash.Inside it is all cow hide, timber, alloyand chrome. The ventilation knobsare the pull-out organ stop designused by Bentley in the 1920s for otherpurposes, while the instruments andminor gauges are simple to the pointof being artistic. Despite the price tag(I’ll tell you later) there is a welcomingnature to the Bentley. It is not hard48 Western 4W Driver #105