Car review: Wildcat 300 STR

Off-roading just got seriously sexy after one British manufacturer decided to take a walk on the Wildcat side.

For Cornwall-based Qt Services has just produced the roughest, toughest, 4x4 ever, the Wildcat 300 STR, in a cute, curvy skin that puts amorous and awesome together for the first time.

The Qt 300 STR's voluptuous lines house a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine that gives this meanest of mud-plugging machines some eye-popping performance figures, such as zero to 60mph in 5.8 seconds, and it is sturdy enough to hit three-figure speeds over rutted tracks and treacherous terrain.

No mpg figures are given, though, but anyone bringing out the beast in this powerplant is unlikely to get much above 20mpg.

And this Wildcat is considered virtually unbreakable, thanks to its fully-welded sturdy tubular chassis and supple, heavy-duty suspension, differentials, and driveshafts.

But the two-seater 300 STR is also fully street-legal, and with prices starting from around £65,000 it makes a truly interesting, talking-point alternative to the luxury off-roaders to be found in that price bracket.

This model is Qt's first Wildcat designed to take on the dual role of urban prowler and hill climber, and it builds on the winning rally experiences of big all-terrain brothers the 400 NSR and 500 DKR.

The 500 DKR is Qt's fully rally-ready package for serious and seasoned competitors and has a strong following, but it's the more customised, earthy look of the 300 STR that will attract buyers wanting to get away from the smooth, cosseted surroundings so coveted by the Aston Martin and Mercedes crowd.

And the baby Qt Wildcat gets a few creature comforts, too, to be enjoyed while strapped in via the five-point competition harnesses — 300 STR specification includes air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity,

an iPod dock, and a premium sound system.

All Wildcats come with the benefit of experience, too - Qt's managing director is Dave Marsh, a former marine engineer who has been involved in off-road motorsport for more than 25 years.

As each vehicle is built to order, there's a few 300STR options available, such as rear storage for golf clubs. For more information about the 300 STR, or any of the other two Wildcats, visit the firm's website.