The Solihull 4x4 maker celebrated 65 years since the first model was unveiled at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1948, by staging the biggest celebration in its history at the legendary Packington Estate near Coventry, a stone’s throw from the factory where they’re built to this day and the present day head office in Whitley, writes Phil Weeden.

Land Rover may be 65 years old now, but it’s showing no signs of needing its free bus pass any time soon. In fact, far from being a fading British brand, a relic from long-gone halcyon days, Jaguar Land Rover (comprising the two survivors of the dim British Leyland era) is fighting fit and enjoying a confidence like never before thanks to a product-led renaissance unseen anywhere else, certainly not in North America or Europe.

We are looking forward to a few issues time when we take our annual view of the side-by-side utility terrain vehicle market, so it was great to hear about the makeover for the John Deere XUV 855D Gator. We were so impressed with the build quality of the version we tested last year, and the bright in-your-face colour scheme. For 2013, this model has a new digital instrument cluster, larger capacity alternator and a much larger (27.6-litre) fuel tank  - obviously allowing for long working range. Engine braking has been improved which should aid performance, especially down muddy slopes, where UTVs traditionally have a tendency to ‘toboggan’. Price of the 2013 XUV 855D 4x4 Gator utility vehicle starts at £12,227 (€14,385 in Ireland) for the base machine in familiar green and yellow livery, fitted with standard seats and Terrahawk all-purpose tyres. The power steering option adds £512, while there’s an olive and black version with power steering as standard starting at £12,843 (€15,110). All prices exclude VAT.
Check out www.johndeere.co.uk