Four Wheel Drive Genesis
autoX|September 2018

In search of the ideal off-roader, Abhishek embarks on a journey that takes him back to the inception of off-road vehicle drivetrains. And the result might surprise you!

Abhishek Chaliha
Four Wheel Drive Genesis

Human beings are a curious lot – they’re hard to please! But perhaps it’s this insatiable nature and an inherent curiosity that’s responsible for our advancement in science and technology. Of course, this trait has yielded plenty of comfort and convenience in our everyday lives. And while we enjoy the benefits of technology, it’s ever so important to take that occasional walk down the memory lane to contemplate the past and put the present in perspective.

So, that’s exactly what we’re doing here – taking a trip down memory lane to look at the past. More specifically, the journey of fourwheel drive vehicles through the decades. Why now? Well, quite simply because this is the year that Land Rover – perhaps the most prominent four-wheel drive vehicle manufacturer of our time – turns 70.

Some of you might say that the original Jeep was the first mainstream four-wheel drive vehicle. That’s true, but let’s not forget that it was Land Rover that took the concept of a four-wheel drive vehicle to unparalleled heights with numerous variations of its Series and Defender models – station wagons, cranes, fire engines, armoured UVs, military vehicles, ambulances, tracked vehicles and pick-up trucks. A Land Rover came in all shapes and sizes, literally!

The three Land Rovers that we have here represent the very essence of Land Rover over the years. The green Series 1 is where it all began for the Rover car company in the UK, as its off-road vehicle tasted unprecedented success almost immediately. The white vehicle is the Defender – the final iteration of Land Rover’s original vehicle. The orange shiny one, meanwhile, represents everything that a Land Rover stands for today – a blizzard of electronic equipment, new age off-road credentials, luxury and comfort, while still being as capable as its ancestors.

Bu hikaye autoX dergisinin September 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye autoX dergisinin September 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

AUTOX DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
GOOD OLD DAYS...
autoX

GOOD OLD DAYS...

Is the old Marc Marquez finally back? The race in Jerez surely gave flashes of it...

time-read
2 dak  |
May 2024
Prancing Off-Road
autoX

Prancing Off-Road

The SUV trend has even caught on with Ferrari, which is evident with the introduction of the Purosangue. However, does a Ferrari of this type really make sense?

time-read
5 dak  |
May 2024
Ahead of the Curve
autoX

Ahead of the Curve

There's not one but two new GT variants available with the Volkswagen Taigun now, meaning there's one for everyone!

time-read
3 dak  |
May 2024
SPACE WARS
autoX

SPACE WARS

There are plenty of budget-friendly seven-seat MPVs on the market, but what if you desire ample space without compromising on style?

time-read
5 dak  |
May 2024
GOING BIG
autoX

GOING BIG

The 3XO makes big promises on all fronts - from features and safety to styling and value proposition. But does it deliver on these promises?

time-read
4 dak  |
May 2024
HAMMER TIME
autoX

HAMMER TIME

The new Gurkha 5-door comes with updated styling, improved performance, and better features. So, do these changes make it the practical 'proper' off-roader we've all been waiting for?

time-read
5 dak  |
May 2024
MOUNTAIN GOAT
autoX

MOUNTAIN GOAT

With a mid-life facelift, the Jeep Wrangler has received several noteworthy upgrades. But does it truly live up to the reputation of being unstoppable

time-read
3 dak  |
May 2024
SUPERSPORT TRILOGY
autoX

SUPERSPORT TRILOGY

We embark on a 300km journey on three of the finest supersport twins in the world. Which one would reign supreme at the end?

time-read
10+ dak  |
May 2024
SECOND WIND
autoX

SECOND WIND

Bajaj is once again stirring the pot with the updated Pulsar N250. But has it nailed the recipe this time around?

time-read
3 dak  |
May 2024
PASSION & Precision
autoX

PASSION & Precision

A brand new V12 supercar! In this era of downsizing & electrification, that's about as rare as seeing a total eclipse and the Northern Lights on the same day. But if the V12 remains the heart & soul of the automobile, well, then, Ferrari is its saviour.

time-read
7 dak  |
May 2024