Stewart’s Auto Sales’ 4×4 Off-Road Challenge – Part 1

My thoughts are at present, not as coherent as I would want them to be but, I must press on. It is often said that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! At times, being a part of this fraternity has its unique advantages and I am grateful.

So, there I was, thinking that I was being given the VIP treatment, being promoted to the ‘special’ category, when I received a formal invitation from none other than Stewart’s Group, Public Relations Manager, Miss Camille Fender, to attend a Suzuki and Mitsubishi bacchanal jam session at Barbican Circle. She said it was a 4×4 off-road challenge. Lucky me.

I was glowing in the aura of my elevated status when I heard an advertisement on the radio inviting everyone to pass through Barbican Circle where they would be taken for a ride in the machines which would allow them to enjoy a slice from the cake of their true potential. I was wounded, but, as I watched my ego deflate, I remained committed to the task and made myself the promise that I would attend.

What I heard via the advertisement, sounded too good to be true – everyone, aka John Public, was being invited to have a thrill ride on a specially designed course at Barbican Square, in – ‘still in plastic’ – brand new machines, courtesy of Stewart’s Auto Sales! But wait, there is more – John Public and his friends would also be allowed to drive the machines on the aforementioned course as well! Not true! That was the response from my defiant mind.

I had settled on visiting Barbican Circle on Saturday (9th) and when I eventually slid into a parking spot, exited ‘Nevo’ (the name given to my Mitsubishi – not an Evo) and embraced the natural countenance of what was Barbican Circle, the bee hive of activity I saw from a distance, confirmed that what was promised (in the advertisement) was being delivered without fear or favor!

This is what I saw -

Stewart’s Auto Sales in the building!

Christopher ‘Teach’ McFarlane’s rally machine was present, but spectating.

The stars of the assault on dirt included -

Suzuki Grand Vitara

Mitsubishi ASX

The Boss – Mitsubishi Pajero

Colin Hines and company from radio-land were in the building.

John Public was cordially invited and he carried the kids – nice touch!

The question – How did the machines actually perform when the various obstacles/challenges were thrown at them? That, I will address in a matter of hours. I will tell you this though – eyes which were previously wide shut to the actual capabilities of the machines Stewart’s Auto Sales had on display at Barbican Circle, have seen the light!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer