VAUXHALL has teamed up with Olympus to create a special version of its Frontera, which it somewhat imaginatively calls the Vauxhall Frontera Olympus.
This is an increasingly common ploy, in which a manufacturer eyes another in a completely different field and asks to use their name to create the right image.
It happened between Swiss watch maker Swatch and German motor manufacturer Mercedes-Benz to produce the smart city car, for example.
Some marriages would never work, such as an alliance between Skoda and Rolex, but Olympus was happy to oblige.
So, what's new about the Frontera Olympus, you might ask? And the answer is the colour. That's it. Nothing else.
According to Vauxhall its colour scheme and interior design are inspired by the Olympus IS All-In-One SLR camera series ``with integrated zoom.''
In other words, it's a sort of silver colour, unless of course you want black, which is also available.
The theory seems rather naff, but the vehicle looks good nonetheless.
It costs £17,995 for the 2.2-litre 3-door Sport, with dealers prepared to take about £1,000 less in the face of intense competition from a host of rivals, some of which are newer.
The usual life-expectancy for the on-sale period of a modern car is rarely more than five years, at which point it often begins to seem old-fashioned and buyers look elsewhere.
This is probably less dramatic in the case of off-road vehicles, which tend to be fairly conventional in their design anyway, in keeping with their role as workhorses.
The problem is that these days they have to play a fashion role too, and are usually bought more for reasons of lifestyle than practicality.
There has been something of an explosion in the market, so competition has become intense since the arrival of Vauxhall's Frontera many years ago.
Recently it was time to give Luton's finest a second facelift, although you have to look hard to notice the changes.They are purely cosmetic, and do little or nothing to enhance its driving dynamics, which have never been outstanding anyway.
The Frontera is an average vehicle in its class, and this is the way that it now stays. However, for many buyers it will actually be more than adequate, if only they are prepared to give it a chance.
If the purpose of buying such a vehicle is to achieve a commanding driving position within a package that offers a rugged image, and occasional 4WD capabilities, then the Frontera fits the bill.
There is a 3.2-litre V6 petrol version, with list prices rising to £21,000, and a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel, from £17,995 for the three-door Olympus Sport, rising to £20,865 for the estate.
My favourite is the last of these, with the extra torque of the diesel engine being best suited to the heavier and roomier five-door format.
Although the Frontera has received little critical acclaim, and sales have always been relatively low, it is actually an adequate all-rounder.
However, the best bit is the amount that you can now get one for. Pay scant regard to the so-called sticker price, because that is quite meaningless.
Choose the model you want, indicate your interest to the dealer, and marvel at the lengths they are prepared to go to get your custom.
FAST FACTS
Vauxhall Frontera Sport Olympus
Price: £17,995
Mechanical: 134bhp, 2198cc 4cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5spd gearbox
Max Speed: 100mph
0-62mph: 13secs
Combined mpg: 25
Insurance Group: 9
CO2 emissions: 265g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles