Off road capability?

[Bennettp]

Hi - I'm looking to do some fairly mild off roading/green laneing and am looking at a Frontera.

It will need to be a petrol and a SWB model. Anyone got any views on suitability? e.g - damper mods, coil sprung v leaf and motor variant - is the later 2.2 much better?

Any views appreciated.

[lutonman12]

I got a leaf sprung swb 2.0 sport standard apart from big ass AT tyres and it ll pretty much go anywhere,Im amazed at its off road capabilities, im quite new to this scene and was told "dont get a fronty there s@@T!!!!"But im glad i did its the nuts!!!
And on road there actually a good car!!!Ever done 75mph in a vitara???Scary!!!!lol
Hope this helps!!!!

[dbb123]

Hi there,
In the past I have done mild and not so mild laning and my swb always coped with ease.
There are several mods to the front and rear suspension and tyres etc, just depends on how you want your own truck and how much you want to spend.

[Bennettp]

Thanks for the heads up. Actually I'm looking to do some higher speed stuff in a road rally type event over Thetford way. Thinking of 2.2 Ecotech varient which I think has coil springs at rear - how are dampers standard?

[Sir-Doris]

As standard all the vehicles are very capable. If going for an A series (91' to 98') then aim for a coil sprung model (95' on). More comfortable on road and decent articulation off road.

At that age the dampers are more then likely past their best and new or upgraded units are easily available. long wheel bases are more stable at speed. short wheelbase models have a much tighter turning circle and are far more manoeuvrable but provide a bumpier ride.

If its speed you want then go for either a 2.5 Disiesel or a 2.8 Disiesel. Both are Turbo units and offer a fair turn of speed. the 2.2 petrol is not fast but will accelerate steadily up to 100 MPH. and will cruise on the motorway quite happily at 75/80mph.

Later B Series Fronteras are far more refined inside and have plenty more toys to play with as well as shift on the fly 4wd. Push the button to get 4wd at speeds of up to 60mph. Airbags and ABS etc.
the 2.2 diesel B series offers a fair turn of speed and is quite economical as well.

Both models are equelly capable offroad but the A series has slightly more ground clearance as standard.

Ideally test drive as many models as you can, should help you make your mind up.

[jellybaby]

2.0 sport 2" lift and mud terrain tyres very confident off road cheep to mod did cannock chase not a problem .

[bobbinsjob]

[Sir-Doris]

I wouldnt want to completely alienate the B owners now would I