Recently, as I waited to pull out from Chateau Coles, it occurred to me that every other passing car had the silhouette or styling of a 4x4. The look of a 4x4 has taken over from the necessity of one. The soft-roader, or crossover, has definitely come of age. Virtually every manufacturer offers at least one 4x4 lookalike, but can they do what the packaging indicates?
Modern life dictates our transport needs. Most people, including the country-inclined, ultimately need to get from point A to point B while acting as a taxi for the family, carrying out household chores, transporting four-legged family members, getting to work and, in our case, if we’re lucky, going on a few sporting adventures too. When you’re predominantly road-based, a full-time 4x4 isn’t always a top priority, and owning a pickup is a bit niche.
The practicalities of the pickup don’t always work in our favour. Child seats are always tricky and some pickups don’t come with Isofix for the wee ones. They can be fun in tight car parks and some family members may be reluctant to take that ‘great big thing’ out.
Driving in town can be a pain and is not so economical. So step forward the crossover. One of the first times I heard the term crossover was when Nissan brought out its Juke model. Essentially, it had taken its Micra shell, fitted some longer suspension to make it sit slightly higher and given it a more rugged appearance.
That, in essence, is what a crossover is — a car-based chassis/shell, higher suspension and some off-road aesthetics. Most are two-wheel drive, but usually come with a 4x4 option.
This story is from the July 14, 2021 edition of Shooting Times & Country.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 14, 2021 edition of Shooting Times & Country.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
United we stand
Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors
Serious matters
An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning
They're not always as easy as they seem
While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort
Debutant gundogs
There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting
When the going gets rough
Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make
A step too far?
Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work
Two bucks before breakfast
A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem
Stalking Diary
Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill
Gamekeeper
Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside