A Tale of Legends
by Danie Botha

They are the iconic 4x4s of our time. The legends. Vehicles for which factors such as fuel consumption and safety and comfort features, are…well, mostly irrelevant. Instead it is the heritage, the name, the image, and ultimately, the off-roading ability and character, that define these machines. A panel of 4x4 fundis put the three icons through their formidable paces. Prepare yourself…for some unexpected results.

The longer wheelbase and extra doors convert Jeep’s Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon from a two-seater into a more practical five-seater without losing much of its legendary off-road capability.

Toyota Prius vs Jeep Patriot: the great MPG test
by Claire Edwards and Jay Nagley

Eager owners sometimes present a Toyota Prius as David Attenborough on wheels - decent, environmentally aware and beyond criticism. And yet there are nagging doubts that the Toyota is not nearly as irreproachable as Britain's national treasure. You don't have to look very hard on the web to find American buyers questioning the official fuel consumption figures, while some Europeans question whether a simple diesel engine would not be equally economical.

So, we decided to conduct the ultimate test, pitting the Prius (easily the world's biggest-selling hybrid with just over 1 million sold to date) against the devil's own tool; an SUV. Our choice of SUV was simple. Jeep was recognised in 2007 for having the most improved fuel consumption across its model range, and has won a Green Award for the Patriot. The Patriot Diesel is one of the most economical 4x4's available on the market today (thanks to its VW engine) and boasts lower CO2 emissions than, say, a Renault Scenic 1.6.

The rules would be simple; both drivers were to drive the way they normally would, but in order to ensure that driving styles didn't interfere with the results, they would swap half way and all speed limits would be adhered to.

Chrysler goes high-tech with MyGIG multimedia
motoring.co.za, 25 Feb 2008

Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge are now offering a MyGIG multimedia infotainment system that, they say, "offers an industry-first combination of customerfriendly usability and premium features".

Stylish green
motoring.iafrica.com, 15 Jan 2008

Billed as "stylish green", the Jeep Renegade is an electric-diesel hybrid two-seater intended for the all-weather fun of dune-surfing or rock-crawling. With an electric motor powering each axle, the Jeep Renegade concept is designed for a 'hang on and have fun experience'.