Even though it may never see a drop of water in its life, it's reassuring to know that the waterproof watch on your wrist will not malfunction, or worse, explode into tiny bits (somehow) if you're ever 100 metres below the ocean's surface. Or more realistically, in a bubble bath.
It's a similar case with SUVs which are big and strong enough to tackle most terrains. We see these huge shapeless things every day and yet most of them are spotless. Not a hint of mud or dirt on them. That's because most SUV drivers never take them off road. Why have a massive, four-wheel drive V8 monster if you are just going to park it at the mall? How heavy can your shopping bags be? I'm not the biggest fan of these things, but I despise those who own SUVs and don't put them to their proper use. What a waste, just like that watch. So, when I went to test drive the new Toyota Land Cruiser, kitted out by Icelandic vehicle modification company Arctic Trucks, I knew I wouldn't be driving any old run-of-the-mill SUV. On the contrary, it would be something extreme. And it literally was — in name and nature.
They call it the Xtreme and the half-hour behind its wheel will live long in my memory.
We took the Xtreme, based on the GXR and VXR models, to its natural habitat — the massive dunes of Hatta. And what an adrenaline rush it was.
It was a blast to thunder up and around the desert with Arctic Trucks' general manager Orn Thomsen as my navigator. Not that I paid much attention to his directions since there was nothing blocking the path of the 271bhp, 4.7-litre V8 behemoth.
I was intent on creating my own route and laying a fresh pair of tracks wherever I could. However, my lack of dune bashing experience was getting the better of me, so rather than tackling another enormous slope, I turned back and we rolled down the glistening golden sand as he began telling me about the modifications his crew has made to the hulking SUV.
"The enlarged 35in wheels provide higher ground clearance and their large footprint ensures minimal disturbance to soft ground such as sand," he beamed. "This core benefit is called flotation which means even if it stops on a steep upward slope in loose sand, it's possible to shift into the crawl gear, allowing the wheels to spin without sinking and move to the top by floating on the sand."
With a new-found confidence and belly full of fire, I tried again in the hope of banishing any lingering thoughts of my feeble first attempt to the consigns of history. With my right foot floored, the Xtreme took it all in its stride as we hovered over dips, curves and drops with consummate ease. Then we swapped seats. "Hang on!," he roared. I knew I was in for a battering.
The Xtreme was chomping at the bit and begging to be let off its leash. Orn duly obliged, as it started flinging sand from all four wheels as far as the eye could see. As we crashed down over one particularly huge dune, the Xtreme's suspension simply cushioned the huge impact as if we were standing still. Any other off-road vehicle would be stranded on its chassis, its axles smashed and wheels buried deepafter the drop we had just taken, butwe simply kept on going in search of bigger obstacles.
That's because it's been lifted by 40mm giving a total ride height increase of 70mm and it features specially tuned, large Koni shock absorbers which are supplemented by heavy duty bump stops. Thomsen explained that the enhanced size of the suspension delivers a superior damping force and houses an increased volume of oil which can absorb more heat.
This means it can endure the toughest off-road terrain while protecting its damping properties. He added that the ride stability, comfort and handling are all integral considerations in the modification process and the new suspension meets these demands.
Since it features 17in alloys with huge 35in tyres, the wheel arches had to be shaved to accommodate them. Arctic Trucks also added fender flares made out of tough ABS plastic and rounded off the new look with a side step.It's given the Land Cruiser an aggressive stance.
It feels sluggish when you step on it, not that it was ever exceptionally quick, but with the mods comes extra weight, almost 2,500kg of it in total.
Because of those balloon-like tyres, you are given a loftier seating position which can become slightly disorientating. There is some body roll and understeer but nothing to set the alarm bells off while the ride is very comfortable indeed.
The Cruiser has been conquering the most challenging of terrains all over the world for 60 years and by the looks of it, there isn't a sand dune high enough for the Xtreme.
Prices start from Dh262,000 and it's available through Al Futtaim Motors. It may sound like a lot but you'll soon forget the cost. The thrill of launching yourself into the air and landing without shattering your teeth is priceless.
Specs & ratings
Model Land Cruiser Xtreme VXR
Engine 4.7-litre V8
Transmission Six-speed auto, AWD
Max power 271bhp @ 5,400rpm
Max torque 409Nm @ 3,400rpm
Top speed 220kph
0-100kph 9.0sec
Price Dh262,000
Plus The suspension and monster truck size tyres
Minus Sits too high on the road
Arctic who?
For over 25 years, Arctic Trucks has been modifying vehicles to reach the most remote parts of the world and in the worst conditions. In a special tie-up with Al Futtaim Motors, it's tricking out the legendary Land Cruiser to make your dune-bashing experience one to remember.
