Would you like to be more acquainted with your off-road vehicle? Looking for some off-road adventure? Keen on some entertaining and educating 4×4 assistance on all terrains? Land Rover Experience Western Province have recently launched their web site and they offer fantastic courses for all 4×4 enthusiasts, be it Land Rover or any other off-road vehicles.

Clients who own a valid South African code 08 driver’s license (or the equivalent International driver’s license) can build their skills and confidence so that they may use their vehicles safely and over a variety of off-road terrains.

Courses available are: Level 1, Level 2, Sand and sand recovery, Recovery course, Trailer handling and Advance driving. We aim at creating harmony between the capabilities of man and machine, each able to respond to the needs of the other to produce the desired result.

Corporate events and team building can easily be arranged for top clients and / or employees, with Team Discovery offering an effective process to inspire and encourage individuals and teams to achieve ongoing success. Designed to meet your special needs, whether driving or team building.

Land Rover Experience WP also supports the ‘Fragile Earth‘ -initiative in conjunction with numerous Global Environmental Sponsorship Partners, like the ‘Born Free Foundation’, the ‘Bioshpere Expeditions’, ‘Earthwatch’ and the ‘Royal Geographical Society’.

The Land Rover Experience is known for the grueling G4 Challenge and the Land Rover Global Challenge.

Visit the Land Rover Experience website for more

Eventing is the ultimate test of both horse and rider, and encompasses three disciplines: dressage, show jumping and cross country. It’s also one of a handful of events where men and women compete on equal terms, proved by World Champion Zara Phillips.

Land Rover has been a long-term supporter of World Champion Zara Phillips and now they’ve announced that the Land Rover Discovery 3 is the Official Vehicle to the British Eventing Team (William Fox-Pitt, Sharon Hunt, Mary King, Tina Cook and Daisy Dick) the very best of British luck this summer.

And here’s a video with the latest commercial, called “Horsing Around”, in which Land Rover shows their support for the team. Pretty funny, don’t you think? Enjoy! And you can find more info about Land Rover and the British Eventing Team on the official Land Rover website or on the site created for this campaign.

The floor in Geneva is filled with beauties. Land Rover LRX Concept is the company’s newest “improved version” that has some exceptional specs. First of all the 2.0L turbo diesel engine that does 60mpg (or 4.7 liters for every 100km) with CO2 emission levels at 120g/km.

Another thing that got my attention is the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) technology that would allow LRX to use electric drive alone at lower speeds while retaining full (even improved) sport utility ability in tough conditions. The looks are great as you can probably see. The top roof and the underbody are made of lightweight materials which not only makes it lighter but also safer.

This is still a concept but showing it in Geneva could mean that with such specs it should go into production sooner than we think. The black it has in the pictures, is so handsome.

via AutoUnleashed

… for Freelander 2 and Range Rover Sport.

Land Rover decided to upgrade the two well known models with a sports package built on the HSE-specced vehicles that involve exterior mods.

Freelanger 2 HST comes with a Sports Styling Pack with front and rear bumper aprons, side sill mouldings and a rear roof spoiler to create that impressive muscular stance. You’re getting both looks and performance. Did I mention the 19-inch alloy 10-spoke wheels with shadow-chrome finish? Guess not. The new Freelander 2 HST should be available on sale from March 2008 and the price is going up from £31,990.

Range Rover Sport HST is the big(ger) brother that comes with incredible features that include a rear spoiler, body coloured lower body and tailgate mouldings, electric sunroof, privacy glass and deep sculptured front and rear bumpers with integrated rectangular exhaust tailpipes. It’s running on 20-inch “Stormer” wheels, has a sports leather or Alacantra leather as a free option and should be propelled by TDV8 diesel or Supercharged petrol engines. The starting price is £59,895.

via WorldCarFans

The original BMW X5 made quite a splash when it hit SA showrooms in 2000. It wasnt the worlds first upmarket 4×4 the Range Rover preceded it by nearly 30 years but its arrival, more than that of any other model, helped to kick-start the surge in popularity for full-size SUVs.

The X5s blend of sexyness, sporting attitude, BMW quality and class-leading road manners made it the first choice for more than 50,000 South African buyers.

Environmental concerns mean the SUV sector is less fashionable now than it was eight years ago, but that hasn’t stopped BMW predicting great things for its second-generation X5. The larger newcomer is cleaner and more efficient than its predecessor, has revised front suspension to improve dynamics and, perhaps most importantly, now offers family buyers the option of seven seats. However, the premium 4×4 market is flooded with talented machinery such as the Audi Q7. The manufacturer took its time to jump on the SUV bandwagon, but its seven-seat offering aims to be all things to all men, combining space, comfort and quality with real driver appeal. Yet its unlikely the Germans will have everything their own way in this test. Our current class champion is the Land Rover Discovery. It makes no pretence at being sporty, but its sheer versatility has won it a legion of fans.

The original X5 surfed the SUV wave when the market boomed, and sold in huge numbers as a result. The second-generation model won’t have such an easy ride. Its still a fine car, though. Its increased practicality is welcome and it drives with the same verve and agility as its predecessor.

Factor in the superb straight-six diesel, and the X5 has the Q7 well beaten. The Audi tries to be all things to all owners, and falls between two stools as a result; its neither as crisp to drive as the BMW, nor as versatile as the Discovery.

Ultimately, the Land Rover is a very different car to the BMW, so the choice here boils down to your own personal priorities the X5 is for keen drivers with an eye on image, while the Discovery is for those who value comfort and convenience above all. Our pick is still the Discovery for it’s legend off road history which over powers the Audi and BMW offerings designed for on road activities.