After being fed and watered I set forth for the A90 and headed south.  It was probably at this stage where I began simply enjoying the driving experience as opposed…

Fiat’s Panda 4x4 has been with us since the early 80’s, and although there isn’t many left of the original model, especially in the UK, it’s still remembered fondly to many as an incredibly capable and affordable 4x4.

Fast forward to 2015 and we’re on the 3rd generation Panda, and not only do we have the option of a 4x4, but we also have the range topping 4x4 Cross……

After nearly 50 years and over 18 million in global sales, with around 34,000 sold in Europe in 2015, Toyota's best selling pickup is now in its 8th incarnation and ready to take on the world.

I was going to write that there are so many improvements to the new Hilux that you would need a short break in the Lake District to read about them all, but that would give the impression that the old Hilux was rubbish and required a complete overhaul, which wasn't the case at all…..

Since its launch back in 2011, the Evoque has been a huge success for Land Rover, and even after all this time opinions are still divided amongst enthusiasts.  I wrote once in Land Rover World magazine that maybe it has something to do with who they’re aimed at and subsequent marketing campaigns, more ‘The Only Way is Essex’ than ‘Man vs Wild’ with Bear Grills, but like them or not, Land Rover simply can’t make enough of them…….

There's a certain appeal to this adaptable SUV, its sleek lines, refined road manners, family orientated classy interior and of course there's typical Volvo safety features, no wonder it's been the marques best selling model since 2009…..

‘Hmmm, not my cup of tea.’  I mumbled to myself as I walked round the 2015 Cherokee that had just been delivered to Muddy Towers.  I mumbled a little louder, ‘It looks weird too.’ 

This, the 5th generation Cherokee, is the first under Chrysler's new owner, Fiat, and gone are the days of a boxy silhouette, instead, like many of todays other SUV's, comes a sleek new look.  Look closely though and you'll notice the odd nod to its heritage; the angular ……

In 2013, the second generation Soul arrived with greater interior space in a revitalised higher quality cabin.  It handled better too, thanks to a new chassis that’s based on the C’eed’s and its SUV Crossover styling is more dramatic thanks to styling cues from Kia’s Track’ster concept car from 2012.

Don't let the Soul’s ‘town car’ shape fool you into thinking its, well, just a town car, it isn't, it …….

The Sorento is Kia’s flagship vehicle and is said to have changed the way the world saw Kia when it was launched back in 2002.  Now in its third incarnation, the Sorento marks the start of the next stage in Kia’s transformation from a purely value-driven company into a world-class manufacture of premium quality cars.  Question is, has it succeeded?…..

You may be thinking that the Mazda2 has no right to be flaunting itself on The Mud Life, it isn’t a 4×4, it has appalling ground clearance and there’s no option for mud terrains.  However, it’s a very practical and fun car to drive and therefore deserves its place here.

There’s another reason too, I know quite a few off roaders who, although they love to drive their massive 4×4’s on a regular basis, it isn’t always practical to do so…….

Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to have covered many thousands of miles in in a variety of cars fitted with the 3ltr TD V6, and it’s no slouch. However, the fortnight previous, I had the joy of testing a 5ltr supercharged V8, Full fat Range Rover, and I was concerned that the Disco would feel, well, like a bit of a barge. I needn’t have worried, yes it’s slower, but…..

That’s a ridiculous question really, isn’t it?  There are very few vehicles on the road today that are as recognisable as the true Land Rover.  Since 1947 the basic shape hasn’t changed much.  As my neighbour, Steve said, "You can walk past Toyota and Hyundia garage and if they didn’t have badges, wouldn’t be able to tell them all apart.  There’s no mistaking a Defender."….

Over the past couple of years I’ve thoroughly enjoyed driving various versions of the Jaguar F-Type, from the convertible to the Coupe, all of which have been the V6.  Today however was a good day, the sun was shining and in front of us sat a gleaming white V8-R, 550ps AWD Supercharged convertible sex machine. (Too much? I don’t think so)……

Launched last year (summer 2015), Mazda’s all new CX-3 is aimed at the small crossover / SUV market which includes the likes of the Vauxhall Mokka, Nissan Juke, Renault Capture, Fiat 500x, Peugeot 2008s the Ford Eco-Sport, and so on.

Since its release I’ve flirted with the CX-3 a number of times.  I drove both the 2ltr 2wd and the…..

It’s been said that the Kia Sportage has taken the SUV world by storm since its introduction back in 2010, and it isn’t difficult to see why as the Sportage still looks good with its sleek body, elegant lines and of course Kia’s 7 year, 100,000-mile warranty.

In 2014 it was subject to a no extra cost upgrade when it was given more equipment, a revised grille and new LED tail-lights……

Before I start, the Volvo V40 Cross Country is definitely not, despite its raised ground clearance and chunky looks and add-ons, an off-roader of any description. Sorry to burst your bubble.  It is however a chunked up version of the equally smart V40, only with a bit more attitude.…..

The last time I drove a CX-5 was March 2014 when I meandered casually around the B roads of Harrogate.  I remember thinking that it was quiet, comfortable and fun to drive. I also recall being a little unkind to its looks, ‘not a pretty car’, I think I wrote. But that was then, and fast forward to April 2015 and low and behold, Mazda have parked one outside Muddy Towers for me to play with for a week……