A UMM 4x4, powered by a 2.5 litre turbo intercooled Peugeot diesel engine has confounded tipsters by clinching joint overall victory in this year’s 4WDriving Force competition.

The UMM is a new and comparatively unknown 4-wheel drive vehicle in the UK, having only recently been launched. In consequence, there was much surprise and interest when the rally’s results were announced.

The 4WDriving Force trophy is competed for by drivers from the British Army, Police and HM Customs & Excise. The gruelling event lasts three days and is a test of both reliability and durability of the vehicle, and technique and skill of the driver and his navigator.

Over 70 vehicles started the competition, including more than forty Land Rovers, and 4x4 models from Nissan, Bedford, Lada and Auverland, entered by forces teams from across the country.

Providing the driving skills for the winning UMM 4x4 were Sgt Stuart Hinks and co-driver PC Alex Meaden, representing the Metropolitan Police Force. Sgt Hinks is now based in Tooting, South London, but their driving partnership was formed while driving a patrol car together in Southall, Middlesex. This was the third Driving Force competition the pair had entered.

The rally was the first occasion that Hinks and Meaden had driven the UMM 4x4, but a quick practice drive convinced them of the vehicle’s potential. "We liked the idea of being the ‘dark horse’ of the event," commented Sgt Hinks, "and despite the fact that the vehicle was completely unmodified, we felt sure that the UMM 4x4 was tough enough to give everyone a surprise."

Their hunch proved right. The first stage of the competition took place overnight across Salisbury Plain. After the night navigation, Hinks and Meaden were lying in 16th place, but it was on the second stage at Clyro Court in South Wales that the UMM 4x4 showed its true strength and ability. The timed course ran through a forest section, providing an assortment of sharp turns and steep slopes, all taken at speed. The UMM took everyone by surprise by winning this and a subsequent section outright.

By the final day Hinks and Meaden were lying in fourth place. Then came the trials section, which demanded slower, more skilled manoeuvers designed to test the abilities of traction, steering and driver technique. The UMM team again proved their skill with an excellent performance, clearing all nine tests without fault, and leaving them overall joint winners with an Army team in a Land Rover.

"We were obviously delighted to win", said Alex Meaden. "The UMM is a superb off-road vehicle, which does everything you ask it to; I can’t fault it."

Said Peter Jones, Technical Director of UMM, "I think this tremendous win at 4WDriving Force ‘90 has proved beyond doubt what a capable off-road performer the UMM 4x4 is. Having also taken the manufacturers trophy at the Parkfield sponsored British Off-Road Championships late last year, I am convinced that we have a sales winner on our hands!"

UMM - The Vehicles

The vehicle that jointly won 4WDriving Force ‘90, was a UMM 4x4 Station Wagon powered by a turbo intercooled 2.5 litre Peugeot diesel engine, which develops 110 bhp DIN @ 4,150 rpm. (A normally aspirated engine is also available).

UMM vehicles are manufactured in Portugal and imported into the UK by SMC Industrial Products of Bristol, the first shipment arriving towards the end of 1989.

The UMM range is priced from £8,763 + VAT for the Soft Top model, and also includes Pick-up, Hard Top and Station Wagon derivatives. The UMM is designed primarily as a working vehicle and targeted at the commercial or agricultural vehicle operator.

The vehicles are particularly noted for their strength of construction, and are built from 2 mm steel body panels, and mounted on a separate 4 mm steel ladder chassis. The combination of strong construction and Peugeot power, give the UMM a level of reliability and durability that has ensured sales success with municipal authorities and armed services across Europe and the Middle East.

Other features of the vehicle include a payload of 1,110 kg (over 1.1 tonne) and a 3,500 kg (3.5 tonne) towing capacity. Standard equipment includes a 5-speed gearbox, chain driven transfer box, dual circuit brakes with ventilated front discs and Dana Spicer/GKN axles. There is a choice of turbo intercooled or normally aspirated diesel engines, 100" or 121" wheelbase, luxe and base trim. Options include power steering, special wheels, tyres and winch. Power-take-off (PTO), snow plough attachment and a hydraulic platform are also available, making the UMM ideal for specialist

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