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Overlanding in style

By Juliet McGuire

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 130

Priced from: R 1 935 500

Is there any off-roader quite as iconic as the Defender? This car has an almost cult-like following and for good reason. It has that go-anywhere attitude and this latest generation has the looks and luxury to boot. We first saw the 110 version arrive in South Africa, with the 90 following about a year later. But for those hardcore overlanders who require all the space, but still want to be able to climb mountains, the 130 has you covered.

It has up to eight seats and is the longest model in the Defender range. Flatten the rear seats and you open up 2 291 litres of space. Third-row passengers’ comfort is catered for with heated seats and a sunroof. As JLR puts it, “…the 130 brings a new dimension of capability to our most durable and rugged family of vehicles…enabling unparalleled sophisticated adventuring opportunities for families, with unique design signatures to create a distinct New Defender experience.”

FORD EVEREST 3.0 V6 Platinum

Priced from: R1 180 000.00

This new generation Everest has taken comfort and luxury to new levels. This top-of-the-range overlander is colossal and offers space for seven passengers. An expansive panoramic sunroof and a third row of seats that sit higher than the other rows mean that all passengers have an optimal view of the surroundings.

If you’re venturing into tricky terrain, you might want to swap out the Platinum’s standard 21-inch wheels for the more suitable 18-inch ones. The Everest will get you anywhere with its four-wheel drive system which allows you to select 4H or 4L, not to mention the different drive modes which include Normal, Eco, Tow Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. The Everest has always had an adventurous spirit, but it now adds a premium presence it lacked before.

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PRADO

Pricing TBC

Its arrival is imminent so we couldn’t leave it off this list. The Land Cruiser Prado has been one of South Africa’s most revered large SUVs since the 90s. This new generation sees a redesign and an overall increase in length, width and height. Because it shares its underpinnings with the Land Cruiser 300, you know this car can take you anywhere you want to go. Its 15-litre fuel tank is a huge drawcard.

More details will soon emerge, but we can almost guarantee that the features list on the new Prado will be hard to beat. If you consider the current model boasts rear heated seats, a powered third row of seats, a centre console fridge and a Multi-Terrain Select with five off-road modes, it will continue to make for comfortable overlanding.

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november 2024

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