Continental’s New Off-Road Tyre, CrossContact A/T² Hits Indian Roads

Continental Tires, a leading global tyre manufacturer, marked the Indian launch of its new all-terrain product, the CrossContact A/T², with an adventurous Continental Tires’ Track Day at Dot Goa 4X4. With this, the country becomes one of the first few markets globally to introduce this next-generation product, which blends German engineering precision with rugged versatility to ensure a smooth ride across challenging terrains.

The highly anticipated launch of the CrossContact A/T² reiterates Continental’s growing commitment to the Indian market.

“India’s 4×4 vehicle segment is experiencing sharp growth, driven by a growing passion for adventure and long-distance travel. With our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we continually innovate to meet the demands of Indian road conditions and deliver enhanced driving experiences. The CrossContact A/T² delivers high performance across the diverse terrains and topographies that India offers,” said Samir Gupta, Managing Director, Continental Tires India.

He further added, “India is the first market globally to introduce the CrossContact A/T². This decision is a testament to Continental’s commitment to the Indian market. We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to our Indian customers.”

CrossContact A/T²: Engineered for Performance. Designed for Adventure

Built for power, performance, and precision, the CrossContact A/T² is engineered for SUVs and 4x4s, offering superior grip across all surfaces: mud, gravel, sand, wet highways or rocky trails. Designed for modern, adventurous lifestyles, it brings a confident on-road feel and unshaken off-road capability. Key Technologies in CrossContact A/T²:

●       BlackPaw™ Compound: Adaptive traction tech that maintains elasticity and control across hot, cold, dry, and wet surfaces.

●       Self-Cleaning Shoulders: Open tread patterns and stone ejectors dislodge slush, mud, and debris to keep you moving clean and steady.

●       Rigid Tread Block Geometry: Reduces hydroplaning and enhances braking efficiency with precisely angled groove design.

●       Reinforced Sidewalls: Built tough to resist cuts, abrasions, and trail damage, ensuring long-term durability and control.

Mastering The Mud: Isuzu’s Guide To Mud Driving

Isuzu has released an interesting list of do’s and don’t to guide you through the thrilling yet challenging world of mud driving with the Isuzu D-Max pick-up. With its rugged build and high-performance features, the D-Max is designed to power through the stickiest of terrains.

Equipped with a versatile 4-wheel-drive system, the Isuzu D-Max’s 2H, 4H, and 4L modes ensure you’re ready for any off-road adventure. The rear differential lock proves invaluable when traversing deep, slick mud, providing extra traction where it’s needed most. Its lightweight design (around 2 tonnes), electronically assisted steering, and excellent ground clearance make the D-Max a master of navigating rough, muddy paths.

Here’s the 10-step guide to mud driving with your Isuzu D-Max:

Pack for the Mud: Before heading out, pack a recovery kit with essentials like a tow strap, shovel, traction aids (recovery boards), gloves, and an air compressor in case of tyre pressure adjustments.
Check Your Tyres: Opt for all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres to improve grip. Mud tyres with larger, self-cleaning treads are ideal for dispersing the mud and maintaining traction.
Engage 4WD Mode: Switch to 4H or 4L depending on the depth of the mud. 4H is suited for general muddy conditions, while 4L offers more torque for deeper or thicker mud.
Maintain Steady Momentum: Keep a consistent speed without sudden acceleration or braking. A smooth, steady pace helps avoid wheel spin and sinking.
Keep Your Wheels Straight: Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead as much as possible. Turning in thick mud increases resistance and the risk of getting stuck.
Use the Rear Differential Lock: Activate the rear differential lock when facing deep mud or inclines. This ensures both rear wheels move together, improving traction and helping you power through.
Avoid Over-Revving: Spinning the wheels too fast in mud will dig them deeper. If you feel a loss of traction, ease off the accelerator to let the tyres regain grip.
Recovery from Stuck: If you get bogged down, don’t panic. Gently rock the vehicle back and forth by alternating between forward and reverse gears. Using traction boards or shovelling mud away from the tyres can also help.
Post-Mud Cleanup: After the adventure, clean your D-Max thoroughly, focusing on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and brakes to remove all traces of mud and prevent potential long-term damage.
Inspect for Damage: Check for any damage to your tyres, suspension, and undercarriage to ensure everything remains in top condition. Pay particular attention to steering and braking systems to ensure there’s no issues.

To showcase D-Max’s exceptional off-road capabilities, Isuzu has recently built a one-off special project, the Mudmaster. Building on the V-Cross trim, it comes fully accessorised to enhance your muddy adventures. It features a snorkel for water wading, a winch for self-recovery, lifted suspension for increased ground clearance, and powerful lamps for superior visibility. These enhancements ensure you’re well-equipped to tackle the toughest muddy terrains.

George Wallis, Isuzu UK Head of Marketing, shared, “When it comes to mud driving, the 4×4 Isuzu D-Max pick-up is built to tackle the toughest terrain, so you can get down and dirty with confidence. Also, being responsible off-road doesn’t mean being a stick in the mud, the 4×4 D-Max will help you really enjoy the mudness.”