Biking festivals have become immensely popular in India over the last decade or so. Infact, they have become so popular, that different manufacturers have created separate festivals that put the focus on their brands. Delhi-based Cougar Motorsports is trying to do something by creating a festival with brings together 4×4 enthusiasts together, create safe and well designed off-road trails and also create a platform for manufactures to showcase the offroad abilities of their cars.
Among manufacturers, Isuzu will be there with the D-Max V-Cross and their range of single cab pickup trucks, along with Land Rover with the Discovery Sport. Both will have their all wheel drive systems put through the paces by a team of expert drivers on the proving grounds. Along with the cars, a large number of off-road equipment companies will also set-up show to display their wares. The proving grounds will be accompanied by three different tracks designed in various levels of difficulties which can driven on by visitors to the show. Or they can opt to spend a day off-road in trails situated at the base of the Western Ghats in South Goa. Also, 12 special stages of the Rainforest Challenge, in which Force Gurkhas participate in; will be held at the 4×4 Week.
There will be some static exhibitions too, like a section for vintage 4wd vehicles from all over India, like a 1948 Dodge Power Wagon, classic Range Rovers from a famous collection and some variants of the recently discontinued Land Rover Defender. Of particular interest should be the presence of a restored Toyota FJ40 Landcruiser, the model which marked the birth of the Landcruiser line.
Visitors can also try their hand at off-road ramps which are designed to show certain suspension system behaviors, like articulation. They can also listen to a panel of experts comprised of people like Sameer Tandon and David Metcalfe who would be talking about some off-roading essentials like suspension articulation, winching, off-road jacks, differential locks etc.
The India 4×4 Week kicks off from the 22nd of the July till Sunday at the Dona Paula in Goa.
