As some of you may have heard, Dave has bought his first Land Rover. It was always going to happen, it was just a matter of settling on what model and when. The Volvo XC40 had been a fun car to drive but when it broke; we realized that not being able to fix it ourselves was a problem. It was all electric, and we have no way of verifying what the problem was.

So, off it went, to find a new owner elsewhere.

Dave was thrilled when we welcomed the Range Rover L405 into the breakdown. I’ve been told that the collective noun for Land Rover’s is a breakdown. I must admit it is a very smart looking car and comfortable to be a passenger in too. The heated seats are a definite bonus in the colder mornings, and I appreciate the height of the vehicle too.

When we were asked to go on the recent reccie for the Series 123 Club, we opted to go in ‘Monty’. Larry’s steering column needs replacing and the last thing I wanted was for that to snap while we were halfway up climbing a mountain. Dave was very happy to test out his new Land Rover, and I was content to be chauffeured around for the day.

The views were stunning, and it was while I was admiring this that I came to realize what it was about the L405 that irked me. There are so many buttons and knobs to press, twist and select. So many different modes to assist the driver regardless of the terrain or outside conditions. The ride height is adaptable, and there are cameras from every angle that aid the driver in seeing where they are going. I am not going to list everything the car has, because it would make a dull read.

Monty is a tour DA force of gadgetry, but is that a good thing?

One look at Dave told me he loved it. Pressing things, watching the car respond and then take him where he wanted it to go. Part of me thought this was brilliant. Don’t get me wrong, it is a feat of engineering and programming that the creators of Minty, Ian’s 1967 Series 2a probably didn’t even dream about.

For me though, it takes some of the skill away. Alright, my Discovery 2 has Hill Descent Control, Traction Control and ABS, which makes going up soggy lanes easier, but I still have to drive him. I am in control of the gears, and I have to select which one to use. He seems a lot simpler to me. I like having that connection to the car. When I go green laning, I want to test my skills as well as the cars.

I spoke to Dave about this, and then followed that up with looking forward to taking my Series 3 out on the lanes when she is finally back on the road. (hopefully, there will be a significant update on that soon). The only gadget she has is a 4-wheel drive mode and hi-low range. I won’t be as comfortable, but my skills will be put to more of a test.

I don’t think gadgets are bad. I’m not for a moment saying that Dave’s experience is invalid because of them. We both had a fantastic day and he was buzzing all the way home. Only that we enjoy our Land Rover’s in different ways – and there is nothing wrong with that at all!