Ep 5. Two Mighty 4 x 4's

In the fifth episode of season 27 of Fifth Gear, the team is putting two 4x4s to the test in tough driving conditions.

First up is the new Land Rover Defender, a highly anticipated addition to the off-road vehicle market. Host Vicki Butler-Henderson takes the Defender through its paces on a challenging course. She tests out the car's impressive technology, including the new Terrain Response 2 system that adapts the car's settings based on the terrain it is driving on. She also puts the Defender's towing capabilities to the test by hauling a heavy trailer through deep mud. Vicki even tests the car's wading depth by driving through deep water.

Next, host Jonny Smith takes on the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Truck, a pickup truck that has been tuned for extreme off-roading. Jonny schedules several challenges for the truck across a remote Scottish island, including a steep climb up a rocky hill and several river crossings. With a powerful engine and oversized tires, the Arctic Truck is a formidable vehicle on rough terrain. Jonny also experiences the truck's rugged suspension, which provides a surprisingly comfortable ride even over the roughest surfaces.

Throughout the episode, the hosts offer their expert opinions on both vehicles, breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of each. They also discuss the viability of off-road vehicles in general, examining whether they are practical for everyday use or simply niche vehicles for extreme enthusiasts.

In addition to the two main vehicle tests, the episode also includes a feature on performance upgrades for high-end cars. Host Jason Plato visits a specialist garage to see how they tune luxury cars to deliver even more power and speed. He gets a firsthand look at some of the modifications that can be made to boost a car's horsepower, such as custom exhaust systems and tuning the engine control unit.

Overall, Fifth Gear's fifth episode of the season is a must-see for fans of off-road vehicles and tuning enthusiasts alike. With challenging terrain, highly capable vehicles, and expert hosts, this episode is sure to be an exciting and informative hour of television.