No matter what you think your skill level in any discipline is, you should never pass up an opportunity to hone it. Or, in my case, learn something completely new. Members of the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) get regular invites to training events, and I took up the offer to attend a basic off-road driving course presented by SAGMJ in association with Mahindra.
As my primary mode of transport is on two wheels, this was going to be a brand-new experience for me. We gathered at the Mahindra Off-Road Academy in Tierpoort, Pretoria, on a rather miserable, rainy morning. As I was early as usual, I walked around the track, and the previous night’s rain had made some of the obstacles we would be facing look downright intimidating.
After a freshly brewed coffee and some snacks, we sat down for our obligatory theoretical session, presented by our coach, Derek Crous. He explained the technicalities of where we would be driving and introduced the vehicles we would be using. I expected there to be a Mahindra Pik Up Karoo Double Cab bakkie, but I was not convinced that the Scorpio-N, which is essentially a family SUV, was a good choice for where we were about to go. However, Derek highlighted its electronic off-road systems and clearly did not share my scepticism. We would just have to wait and see!
Once the presentation was done, it was time to put what we had learned to the test. As Derek walked us around the track, one of the other instructors, Dominique, followed in a Mahindra Karoo. Then it was our turn to get behind the wheel. I was left with no choice but to get into the Scorpio-N, and we set off. My passengers buckled up and held on for dear life.
The first obstacle was a deep, muddy hole, and when I cleared it in low range with hardly any input from me, my opinion started to shift. Maybe this SUV was as capable as they claimed.
The next obstacle was going to be the real test: deep cross-axle ruts that would see the Scorpio-N hanging at least one wheel in the air at any given moment. You could feel the vehicle’s traction control searching for grip as individual wheels spun, stopped, caught traction, and slowly edged this large seven-seater forward.
After that, my confidence grew rapidly. I tackled a rocky section, a steep incline, and even utilised the Scorpio-N’s Hill Descent Control to let the car manage the drop safely. I must admit, I was not expecting a family SUV to be this capable.
It is worth noting that while these obstacles represent extreme conditions, you might only encounter one such scenario on a real-world trail. Knowing you have tackled it in a controlled environment—and that the vehicle can handle it—is a huge confidence booster when you are out in the wild.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day. While this is by no means an exhaustive 4×4 course, experiencing just how far vehicle technology has come was a true eye-opener. Stephen Covey wrote The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and Habit 7 is precisely what training days like this are all about: Sharpen the Saw. Never stop honing your skills.
For more information, visit: www.mahindraadventure.co.za
