AS every forestry worker knows, getting from A to B needs to be as easy as one, two, three.
More often than not you'll find yourself driving long after the roads have ended, on uncertain terrain, and without a petrol station or garage in sight. That's why we know better than most that investing in the right motor is crucial to avoiding any unnecessary pain when out on a job.
Whether you are fancying an upgrade or just a nosey, we've brought together some of the vehicles we reviewed during the last 12 months.
Suzuki Across
A Suzuki in name only? That's certainly one way to look at the Across, which came to be as a result of a a collaborative agreement between the Japanese firm and Toyota.
But don't let that put you off. We still think the Across is worth your time, regardless of its origin story.
READ MORE: 6 pieces of forestry equipment you need to know about from 2021
A one-model range at £45,599, its a plug-in hybrid petrol vehicle (PHEV) with 4WD, complete with a 185-bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 134-kw electric motor, all of which combine to produce 306 bhp and propel the vehicle from 0–60mph in a fast six seconds. It certainly feels fast when you drive it.
"Well, it may have the Suzuki name on it, but this is not really a Suzuki vehicle, being a re-badged and slightly re-styled Toyota RAV4," wrote our reviewer. "In any case, it is a good-looking modern vehicle and feels very well made. It certainly has a complex make up and drives very well."
Skoda Scala
Perhaps the best car you've never heard of - at least according to our writer - the Skoda Scala is a sporty hatchback-cum-estate packed to the brim with exciting features.
With sharp edges, rising profile, tinted glass and 18” Vega alloys, it is as stylish and hot as hatches ever were but has enough punch (150 bhp) under the bonnet to make it worth your time.
It’s comfortable, practical and at £26,940 with the various extras added, or £25,720 without, it falls into the affordable sector of the smaller sporting market.
"So, even with the occasional foible," our writer mused, "Skoda’s Scala Monte Carlo is a well-conceived package that should attract drivers looking for a small sports-orientated hatch without having to resort to the usual, now overtly boring offerings."
Isuzu D-Max tipper conversion
A vehicle so good they reviewed it twice? That's perhaps the case with Isuzu's D-Max tipper, which featured on our pages on two occasions during 2021 and it only takes a quick glance at both to find out why.
Let's look at the first from March where our self-confessed Land Rover fanatic came to a surprising conclusion when he realised he'd one day have to replace his ageing truck: "Land Rover stopped making what I wanted, so one day I’ll have to change, and Isuzu gets my vote."
When our writer eventually takes the plunge, he'll be looking at prices spanning from £17,414 for the 4x2 single cab, up to £36,000 for a very fancy 4x4 double cab XTR. A more expensive artic version is available. The cheapest 4x4 double cab costs £21,314 plus VAT and makes for a good, reliable workhorse. The extended cab 4x4 version is about £20,000 plus VAT.
"It looks like a really useful machine and I enjoyed driving it – nice and simple!" concluded our second reviewer.
Suzuki Vitara
First introduced in 2015, the current Suzuki Vitara has undergone various styling, engine and safety upgrades during its lifetime and, most recently, was fitted with a range of mild hybrids. So, we decided it was about time we took it for a spin.
A five-door vehicle with a reasonably sized boot, it reminded our writer of a shrunken Range Rover Sport in its design. The engine provides 129 bhp and accelerates from 0–60 mph in 9.5 seconds. Prices stretch from £19,249 up to £20,249, with £22,249 for the top of the range.
There is a lot to like about the Vitara but, more than anything, our writer was left crowing about its comfort: "I like the size of the Vitara and the driving position is both spacious and comfortable.
"It drives well, having good handling, a nice ride and good brakes. The gearbox is very notchy in first, second and third, but as you do not use these gears much on the open road, you soon forget about them, with the gearbox smooth enough for the top three gears."
Subaru Forester E-Boxer
In our final review of the year, we were asking ourselves if we had found the ultimate green machine. Onto its fifth generation, the Subaru Forester has always straddled the line between off-roader and estate car but now you can have it with a mild hybrid engine.
Does it work? To a degree but at least it keeps people happy, something every manufacturer has to take into account
From £36,335, the Forester has all the bells and whistles you'd expect and even has door bins that will accept bottles and other sizeable items.
"Well done, Subaru!" teased our writer, who went on to add: "Like all Subarus the latest Forester is silky smooth, the quality of ride equal to the most fastidious passenger’s requirements.
"The power steering is extremely well weighted, the assist still allowing for more than sufficient feedback, highlighting Subaru’s diligence to off-road driving requirements.
"Visibility is excellent, complimented by useful onboard camera placement, meaning the new Forester’s on-and-off road credentials are more than equal to those of the preceding models."
Read the full review in December's Forestry Journal or online soon.
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