Most popular 4x4 opinion columns: 2017

THE beauty of an opinion is that everyone has one, but the opinions of those in the industry often carry more weight.

Our journos penned a bunch of divisive opinion columns throughout 2017; here are six that gained traction with our readers.

Concerns for new 4x4s not fitted with snorkels – Dean Mellor

After battling through tough Victorian High Country Terrain in a couple of snorkel-less showroom-stock 4x4s, Deano left concerned with said 4x4’s ability to effectively ford rivers, with water ingress to the engine a real problem.

Dirt roads are vanishing under tar – Ron Moon

Tracks that were once dirt and dust are disappearing beneath bitumen, in a concerted effort to ease the commute for those that live away from the masses. The problem for Ron is that the off-roader has to look farther afield to get their tyres dirty, but is it a small price to pay to help the greater good?

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Five 4x4 features we could live without – Matt Raudonikis

Modern 4x4s come with plenty of advantages over old-school models, but car companies are also hell-bent on loading the modern fourbie with things we don’t need or want. Things that irk Matt most include keyless ignition, idle stop/start, power tailgates, small fuel fillers and vehicle chimes (or alerts).

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2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee hits the tracks with Roothy – John Rooth

Roothy put his Milo2 build on hold while he took a brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee from the showroom to rough and remote country. Before he got there, though, he decked it out with some quality aftermarket gear from Opposite Lock.

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Web-based campsite booking systems are flawed – Ron Moon

Moonie hit a soft spot with readers when he penned this column on the farcical web-based campsite booking systems – and we realised it’s an issue affecting many off-roaders. The system, designed by someone with no clue about the requirements of the travelling public, requires a tourer to plan their trip to the last detail before you’ve left the front door. Unrealistic, we know.

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