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OPENING SHOT
Owning a 4WD like this Mazda BT-50 ute can open up parts of New Zealand’s ‘Great Outdoors’ you would never contemplate venturing into in a conventional 2WD car. Photo courtesy Paul Richards.
FROM THE EDITOR
Kiwi-as – since ages ago! Hello, and welcome to NZ4WD
A N N U A L
magazine’s 2020 Annual and 4WD Ute,
Editor
SUV & Station Wagon Buyer’s Guide. than ‘ha ha’) old things, and as more and more ‘content’ (aka stuff you want to read accompanied by pictures you’d like to look at) migrates from print to online ‘platforms’ it would appear that they are becoming an endangered species. Which, I for one, think is a bit of a shame. holding in your hands right now, is produced in November for sale in December and reading - given that magazines are picked up, put down, skim read, then put back down for ‘future’ reference any number of times by all sorts of people – through the last days of the old year and first of the new ‘un. Which is one of the reasons the content differs from a typical Feb-Dec issue of NZ4WD. For a start the Annual is the home of our 4WD of The Year awards. The Annual also gives us an opportunity to put together a themed ‘Group Test’ which over the years has erred towards 4WD SUVs but this year – for instance – has bowed to what I can only describe as crushing market demand and tested three of the best of the current crop of turbo-diesel double cab (TD DC) utes. Then there is the opportunity to let one of our veritable stable of talented local 4WD photo-journalists loose on a favourite recent event, drive or journey. This time it is Overlanderextraordinaire Aaron Rich (currently en route to the UK via Russia, Mongolia, the ‘stans etc. with wife Sylwia and their three kids) offering us his opinion on some of the South Island’s best offroad routes. Many of you, will (because I know I do) spend hours, also, poring over the NZ 4WD sector’s only truly independent
Buyers’ Guide, carefully comparing and contrasting figures on vehicles you have a particular interest in, or would have... ‘if you won Lotto!’
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
Ross MacKay
EMAIL: editor@nz4wd.co.nz
Events Manager Ashley Lucas EMAIL: Ashley@nz4wd.co.nz Contributors: Mark Baker, Graham Hughes, Aaron Rich, Sean Willmot Advertising Sales Annie Cope EMAIL: annie@adrenalin.co.nz Group Sales Manager Dan Prestige EMAIL: dan@nz4wd.co.nz Publisher Cathy Parker EMAIL: cathy@adrenalin.co.nz Subscriptions Manager & Enquiries Annette Colbert EMAIL: subs@nz4wd.co.nz Proofreading George Ward
Annuals are funny (as in ‘odd’ rather
The Annual, for instance, you are
2 0 2 0
NZ4WD Editor Ross MacKay I don’t know about you, but I am constantly surprised by how many new models are actually available here, given the relatively small size of our new vehicle market, and our low-wage economy. One of the (many) things I have learned over the years, however, is that you can’t tell a Kiwi no! If he or she wants to do something badly enough they will find a way, no matter how little they earn or how many hours they have to put in to do so, to get it. Which – again – is one of the reasons the 4WD scene in this country is so
Adrenalin Publishing Ltd 720a East Coast Road, Pinehill PO Box 65092 Mairangi Bay, Auckland 0754 Phone: 09 478 4771 Subscriptions: NZ4WD magazine is an 11 issue magazine plus one Annual Subscription in New Zealand is $75 (incl GST). Please call us for overseas rates. Copyright: NZ4WD is copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. Neither editorial opinions expressed nor facts stated in advertisements are necessarily agreed to by the editor or publisher of NZ4WD and, whilst all efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility will be taken by the publishers for inaccurate information, or for any consequences of reliance on this information. Printing: ImagePrint Distribution: Gordon & Gotch ISSN 1175-1827 (Print) ISSN 2253-2773 (Online)
active, so varied and so vibrant. Want to pack a thermos and some sammies and take the road less travelled? No problem. Jump on TradeMe and you can find perfectly suitable, albeit older, 4WD MItsis, Nissans, Jeeps etc, for chump change. Like the idea of battling the terrain as well as your mates? Then check out a Winch Challenge or 4x4 Trial next time there’s one in your neighbourhood. Again, $$$ will not be an issue – not to get you started anyway. It’s the way we have always done things here in New Zealand, getting all excited about something and jumping in ‘boots-and-all.’ It’s the Kiwi way, after-all, and we’ve been doing it... since ages ago! Good reading and let’s do it all again this time next year! Ross MacKay Editor
Check out our website: www.nz4wd.co.nz Log in and sign up for our FREE newsletter. www.facebook.com/NZ4WD
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landscape with the extra versatility of 4WD a key reason for buyers of work or private vehicles to make the move. If you are in the market for a new 4WD SUV or Ute our annual Buyer’s Guide is for you! 86 YOUR4S PHOTO COMP Each month we showcase the skills of a keen amateur photographer in our Your4s feature. And each year we pick the best single shot and award the shooter a set of Kumho 4x4 tyres.
04 4WD OF THE YEAR Diversity is a wonderful thing. You only need to look at the class winners and overall victor of this year’s NZ4WD
Magazine 4WD of the Year awards to see that.
10 COMPARISON TEST – KING OF THE TOY-HAULERS Weekday work warrior and weekend toy hauler? Is one of our top-selling Kiwi utes way better than the others? Or are they much of a much-ness? We rustled up three of the best and took a day off ‘work’ to find out... 22 4WD ACCESSORIES & PARTS GUIDE Adding that all important personal touch to your 4WD has never been easier – or more affordable. 42 HOME THOUGHTS FROM ABROAD Kiwi Aaron Rich took up serious 4WDing while on his OE in the UK. On his return home, therefore, he was able to see his homeland and its myriad off-road attractions, through fresh eyes. 58 NZ4WD BUYER’S GUIDE SUVs and utes are transforming New Zealand’s new ‘car’
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
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Accessorised Hilux SR5 Cruiser shown. *Engine type, maximum braked towing capacity and torque varies across models.
4WD OF THE YEAR
Small wonder Diversity is a wonder ful thing. You only need to look at the class winners and overall victor of this year’s NZ4WD Magazine 4WD of the Year awards to see that. Story by Ross MacKay. Photo by Ashley Lucas.
Big or small, size was definitely a defining factor when we set about narrowing down our choices for our annual 4WD of The Year awards. In doing so we decided that 2019 was actually something of a watershed year for 4WD aficionados, be they hard-core Overlanders or tradie-based life-stylers. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the response to Suzuki’s new four thgen Jimny. OK, while it was absolutely no surprise just how good the cute, wee retro/modern Jimny was offroad, it was a quite some surprise
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
to see the interest in it from the mass market. If you didn’t put down a deposit (or pay an estimated RRP up-front like some keen Kiwis apparently did) the minute Suzuki released the first official press shots of the thing, you had to go on a waiting list to secure one, a function of unprecedented demand in all the key markets Suzuki is in around the world. Suzuki will in fact be playing catch-up well into 2020 and perhaps even into 2021, an absolutely unprecedented
state of affairs. But one which proves conclusively what we here at NZ4WD Towers have been saying for several years now. Where once we might have been seen as ‘outsiders looking in,’ and our tough, robust,’ ready-for-anything’ 4WDs as niche vehicles suitable only for hobbyists and/or farmers, these days it is these same vehicles which have turned new car sales and rego stats on their head. Leading the way is Ford’s Ranger utility which is – in all its various
iterations up to and including this year’s 4WD Ute of the Year, the frankly amazing Ford Raptor. Where once Ford in this neck of the woods threw all its resources behind its Aussie-built Falcon, the end of local assembly across the Tasman has led to a global search for suitable local market sectors and – if models like the US-fettled/Aussie fine-tuned and Thai-built Ranger line are anything to go by then it is we the consumer who is benefitting. Which is where the unfettered and, in a lot of cases flagrantly and blatantly ill-advised, push by vested interests to supposedly see us all driving electriconly cars by 20-something is so wrong. Right now utes like the Ranger are outselling conventional ‘cars’ three-toone and if punters are not plumbing for a ute then they are plunking down their hard-earned cash (or credit rating) on SUVs. While there does appear to be a move away from larger models like last year’s Large 4WD SUV and overall 4WD of the Year, Toyota’s big, extremely capable Land Cruiser Prado, there is still a need out there in the marketplace for a true seven-seater. As there is a desire to have – at least the option – of 4WD. Freed now from the straightjacket that was coming up with a new Commodore model every five or six years, Holden – like Ford – has been able to tap into a truly global source of models appropriate to local ‘Kaussie” (as in Kiwi and Aussie) conditions. While its up-front, bombastic and very ‘US’ styling might not be to everyone’s taste there is no denying the all-new Acadia SUV's impressive interior space, chassis and engine/ transmission credentials – which is why we awarded it our top Large 4WD SUV gong this year. Finally, while politicians talk about draconian punitive (i.e. taxes) measures to ‘encourage?’ those of us who either need or just plain like the current crop of petrol or diesel-fuelled (so-called) ‘gas guzzlers,’ Mitsubishi has been quietly going about the business of providing a viable Hybrid-based petrol/electric alternative for the past four years.
That alternative is the Outlander PHEV, and this year the latest model earns its place at the ‘top table’ not because we felt it necessary to ‘find something electric’ to give an award to show we are ‘hip with the kids,’ but because in our opinion it is the best model in the Outlander range! That’s more than enough background though. The 4WDs that we considered were ‘best-in-class’ and ‘best overall’ in 2019 were:
all the hype, hyperbole and out-andout B.lls..t that comes with it. Yet while other car makers promise a bright electric-only future, Mitsubishi has been quietly and efficiently converting career petrolheads with a Hybrid 4WD SUV, the Outlander PHEV, for the past three years. Large 4WD SUV of the Year 2019 : Holden Acadia
Compact 4WD SUV of the Year 2019: Suzuki Jimny
Small but perfectly formed, Suzuki’s allnew Jimny is – literally – the little 4WD that could. Key to its appeal to us are its serious off-road credentials. But we can also appreciate its appeal to those who will never take theirs beyond the city limits.
There’s definitely no denying Acadia’s US roots. From the tough feet wide apart/arms-folded stance to its almost pillow-like ride it definitely stands out in a sea of ‘look-and-sound-alike’ Euro and ‘by-the-number’ AWD & 4WD Japanese SUVs. From behind the steering wheel, however, it is an immediately engaging drive, containing core strength and AWD capability with room for seven and as sophisticated a suite of user-friendly electronic aids as you will find anywhere. 4WD Ute of the Year 2019: Ford Ranger Raptor
Medium 4WD SUV of the Year 2019: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
As I said at the NZ4WD of the Year awards ceremony the big problem with the whole ‘electric-cars-are-thefuture’ thing at the moment is not range anxiety or even battery life. It is
Modelled on the look and feel of a Baja 1000-style Pre-Runner ‘truck’ the Raptor is an absolute tour de force! Tough, powerful, and supremely capable off the road it is also smooth, quiet and comfortable – while still being able to tow a trailer full of quads or jet skis – on the road. Sure it’s pricey but in terms of ‘bang-for-your-buck’ (four wheel coil spring Fox suspension and disc brakes front and rear etc). it really is Ford at its best.
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
4WD OF THE YEAR
Overall 4WD of the Year 2019: Suzuki Jimny Every so often a new vehicle comes along and immediately captures the hearts and minds of the buying public. This year that vehicle was Suzuki’s new fourth-generation Jimny. The new square-rigged design is the perfect mix of retro and modern – as
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
is the combination of ladder chassis, four-wheel-coil suspension, and transfer case-based ALLGRIP ‘Pro’ driving mode package. In short, we loved it, and – if Suzuki can ever meet global demand for it – we think adventurous Kiwis will too!
COMPARISON TEST
King of the Toy-Haulers Week day work warrior and weekend toy hauler? Is one of our top-selling Kiwi utes way better than the others? Or are they much of a much-ness? We rustled up three of the best and took a day off ‘work’ to find out… Story by Mark Baker. Photos by Graham Hughes.
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
COMPARISON TEST Work hard all week. Check. Look forward to the weekend. Check. Join the Friday exodus out of town. Check. But how do we take our fave toys with us, and what do we drive? A turbodiesel double cab 4x4 ute of course, aka ‘the Swiss Army Knife’ of the current vehicle fleet. We take a look at alternatives at a spec level and price point to suit all tastes and budgets. We assembled three strong options across spec level and price point for the title of top toy-hauler, whether your toys of choice are mountain bikes, quads, jet skis, motocrossers or UTVs, and took them out on a variety of road surfaces including a neat little rat run that enables commuters to
flee Auckland southward without using too much of the motorway. More of the route later, though, first the vehicles. Three’s company Mitsubishi’s Triton in its recently-refreshed and award-winning 4WD GLX-R Diesel format, double cab auto, priced at a frankly amazing (currently on special offer) $41,990 +ORC. Toyota’s evergreen Hilux SR5 Cruiser Diesel double cab auto with a ‘no-more-topay’ Toyota Driveaway Price of $56,990. And the Ford Ranger Raptor, 4WD Diesel double cab auto with a RRP of $84,990. So why the Raptor and not the XLT or Wildtrack? After all, it’s a little like bringing a handgun to a knife
fight, isn’t it? In our defence, the Raptor gives us that spread of offerings to suit all capabilities and budgets. It’s also NZ4WD’s 4WD Ute of The Year this year. And if given the choice, wouldn’t you jump at the Raptor? Especially in all-black wheels and bodywork and even more so with the S mode selected. In the end, horses are for courses and this gave us three very capable haulers to test. These are the vehicles our tradies (bless ‘em) are buying or aspiring to; families all want for the Saturday sports run and we would jump for when it’s time to join the Friday afternoon commute to our favourite camping spot, river, lake or beach. The message is: you really can take it all with you. Keeping it safe when you
do requires the addition of a rear canopy, and there are any number of options there, ranging from the standard sliding closure to a full size canopy that creates massive storage and security. None of these three came with canopies, but none of them would even notice the additional weight. Once there’s a canopy in place then tent fly/shelter attachments come into play too, making the truck the hub of a campsite. So what did we – that’s myself, regular test ring-in Mark Baker, NZ Company Vehicle Editor and selfconfessed commercial vehicle ‘liker’ Sean Willmot, and hard-driving (of his contributors as much as his cars, motorcycles and old Skyline drifter) NZ4WD magazine Editor Ross MacKay.
Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 bi-turbo/10-speed auto
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R U O Y y r Car
E R U T N E V D A r e h t r fu
COMPARISON TEST
Mark Baker Big, bold, black with a strong beating four-cylinder twinturbo diesel heart, I found driving the Ranger Raptor addictive, once I found S mode among the six options available. Seriously, the thing is a torque monster, and coupling the engine with the new auto trans is a masterstroke for New Zealand B-roads. I admit to being one of the early sceptics – could a 157 kW turbo 2.0 four really stand in the place of the 3.2-litre five? Now after more time with the four-cylinder I am a convert. Talk about torque! It makes a mad amount of torque for its size (500Nm between 1750 and 2000 rpm) and does so in a lovely
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
even spread across the rev range, assisted by that ten-speed transmission. In our unscientific real world economy check we recorded 10.2 L/100km for the whole trip. More frugal and thoughtful driving would certainly edge this figure down. That torque means it’s foolishly easy to chirp the 285/70 BF Goodrich all terrain tyres out of low speed corners, but never in such a way that you look like an idiot (speak for yourself, Baker. Ed). Once moving, the Raptor is sure footed and predictable, loaded or not. It rewards a classic slow entry to a corner, then roll-on of the throttle as the apex is reached. I’ve never liked the fact people buy these trucks then mess with them and try to drive them
like sports cars. Just don’t do that, people. It’s dangerous and you look like try-hards. Having said that, the Raptor is supremely user friendly, and for a big truck so high off the deck it communicates its intent to the driver very clearly. On the old, low grip tarseal of Paparimu Road I wondered if it were going to be a handful but there was never any hint of sustained loss of traction, the stability control worked subtly to keep the truck pointed along the tarmac. We spent a whole day swapping in and out of trucks and while they all have good seats, I’m going to pick the Raptor’s as best because of their great side location and lower back support. That run to the Coromandel (or, for our southern compatriots, up to Twizel) with the Surtees on the trailer just became that little bit more enjoyable. Walk around the Raptor, and the styling speaks volumes about its intent. Those big popped guards, the bash plate, the step down each side all evoke the American ‘prerunner’ ethos. The big disc brakes gleam out from behind the
17-inch alloy wheels. The signature blue anodised shock absorber rod ends of the Fox suspension package peek out from the front. Air intakes all over the front end. A truck bad enough to recce the Baja, more or less. From the driver’s seat, the bonnet gives a clear indication of where the front wheels are and enables accurate placement in corners. Dash controls are simple and clear, set out in logical groups. The reversing camera makes backing up to load a trailer the simplest of actions. Something many will appreciate. Quibbles? Really just the one. Bringing the torque monster home that evening involved getting up our narrow driveway, which has in the past caused grumbles from my brother in his Nissan Titan. Turns out the Raptor is not much narrower until or unless you fold in the door mirrors. Reversing is slightly easier because the camera is excellent. Sean Willmot “I’m on the Highway to H...” Oops, sorry – bit of residual AC/DC current there. But that’s what happens when you strap on a Raptor. This is one of those vehicles which just brings out the, hmm – larrikin – in the driver, and I knew that from the moment I first set eyes on Ford’s super ute. It’s taken me the better part of a year to actually get behind the wheel and in that time, I’ve developed a toughened skin when it comes to Raptor – I was going to take some convincing to be as impressed as the rest of the committee. In addition to which – putting on my Editor’s hat for NZ Company Vehicle – a
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COMPARISON TEST Raptor is a hard vehicle to justify, unless of course, you really, really want one, in which case, it’s not hard at all. Given its apex predator position in our three-way shootout, it’s kind of hard to find fault with the Raptor. I thought the massive mudslinging tyres were overkill and on road, they would be excessively loud. They weren’t, they were nicely noisy, just enough to be badass with a deliciously wicked hint of ’light up’ on take-off. Once you were rolling, the Raptor’s ‘king-of-the-road’ mode kicked in and while the white lines on either side disappeared under those Goodrich’s – who cared? The Raptor looked planted from behind and the amazingly tricked up suspension gave the ute an innate appearance of road and gravel dominance. Yes, there was some body roll but again, it was “good body roll’’ as opposed to ‘’eew, that felt squirmy.” My colleagues have commented on the S Mode functionality at length, so I won’t bore you with how cool
it was and what a massive difference it makes – I’ll just be a bit more visceral in my comments and quote an international man of mystery: “yeah baby, yeah!” There’s obviously Rangeresque design in the dash layout and the instruments, but it’s all very well “Raptorised” so you don’t feel short-changed and it’s all cohesively designed to give you all the data you need. Performance-wise, oh come on! Do I even need to comment? That bi-turbo is the best thing that happened to Ranger and for the Raptor... puhleese! I know there are plenty of naysayers out there, but I’ll say this... 500 newton metres of torque, boneheads! Now take your “it’s not enough” comments, write ‘em down on a piece of road somewhere and watch the Raptor tear up the tarmac you’ve chalked ‘em on. Twin turbos rock and 10 speed transmissions trump, well, pretty much everything... Ross MacKay Forget the ‘leaps tall buildings’
marketing hype, the Raptor can of course perform stunningly well off-road but at $85K it is a premium ‘my reward for putting my arse on the line’ purchase for all those self-employed tradies and trade-based company owners out there, meaning it is destined for as much dayto-day running on the roads as ‘the boss’ travels between sites and/or jobs as it is ‘aerial antics down the quarry/riverbed’ of a weekend. Once he (or she!) is used to its sky-high cab, and superstaunch, broad shouldered ‘outa-my-way’ stance, I’d imagine these very same boss-types will get to think that all current model utes have such fantastically allday comfortable seats, such similarly brilliant engines and perfectly-matched transmissions and smooth, compliant magic carpet ride. But (how can I put this?) they don’t. Only the Raptor, for instance, comes complete with gen-u-ine aftermarket Fox shock absorbers (one of the reasons for the price premium).
Toyota Hilux SR5 Cruiser 2.8 auto
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Those Fox shocks and carefully matched spring rates are a revelation too. They endow the Raptor with such a smooth, compliant ride that it’s easy to forget you are driving a highriding/high CoG utility vehicle. Combine the action of the suspension with the prodigious grip of the wheel-tyre package, which creates massive contact patches on the road thanks to a 285-width all terrain spec tyre from off-road masters BF Goodrich, and you have a level of tenacious grip the like of which I have only ever experienced before in a purpose-built track car. You just have to accept that it is nicest to drive in Sport mode, which requires you to push a button on the steering wheel and select it. Because the default ‘road mode’ is just a tad too ‘soft’ for the performance, grip and all round goodness Ford has built into this ‘frankly remarkable Raptor.’ Oh, and I almost forgot. Though it gives away 1000kg of braked towing capacity (2500kg cfm the 3500kg of the other two) the four-wheel coil-sprung Raptor towed our jetski trailer like a Boss!
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COMPARISON TEST wise then went on TradeMe where it went to $70,000 overnight from a $1 starting bid. Gasp.
Mark Baker Having worked for the Department of Conservation on the East Coast in the 1990s, I have a soft spot for the Hilux. We ran a few elderly four cylinder (petrol!) Hiluxes there and were changing out to the 2.8 diesel double cab with five speed manual transmission. No such thing as SR5 trim when you are driving Government-spec trucks. Not, in those days, even a hint of an electric window control. Real trucks, old school diesel engines, all done by 3800 rpm in each gear. I’m betting the boys in the field centre at Gissy would have loved to get hold of one of the latest Hiluxes – they have come a long, long way.
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On that, I note the Hilux has been part of the New Zealand landscape for a staggering 42 years. We’ve come a long way since Crumpy and Scotty flew one off that bush-covered cliff in the old ads. In fact it’s a measure of how good those old Hiluxes were that they stole a march on other ute makers and completely owned the category for several of those four decades. I’m still a fan. These days the engine-transmission match is very good, delivering 134 kW and 450 Nm torque between 1600 and 2400 rpm. The shorter fourcylinder engine helps keep weight distribution adjacent to the wheelbase, keeping
the truck agile on the B roads of our route and the load space is as good as either of the other trucks. Kerb weight approaches 2.1 tonnes, towing capacity is 3500 braked. In-cab I’m less comfortable – ergonomics are slightly harder to tailor to my preference. Subjective and personal, but there it is. The instrument placement is great, delivers what the driver needs, though I’m not a fan of the placement of the big screen, still feeling like it was an iPad-and-duct tape afterthought. Hilux styling can seem a teeny bit conservative alongside the brash and brawny Raptor, but it also starts at a price advantage that would enable the owner to dress the truck to stand out. There is no end of aftermarket or Toyota product that add to the SR5 trim level – and anyone wanting to go the whole hog needs only to take a look at the Hilux Toyota put together when it was working with Willie Apiata VC, or more recently at the Gladiator concept which did the rounds PR and sales-
Sean Willmot Out of the three, the Hilux felt to me to be the odd one out. Lining all three utes up, side by side, the Hilux naturally fits in the middle; in pretty much every respect. It has the mid-sized engine, the least dramatic exterior styling and the least cohesive interior. In terms of price, the Hilux represents the middleman too. It’s just – there, Joe Average. But not so much in terms of its drivability. I felt the Toyota to be the unladen champion of twitchy-ness with a disquieting ‘floating feel’ at the front end in comparison to the other two. The Hilux also looked – and later felt – to be the least composed at the back end, taking longer to settle down than either of the other two utes. In terms of its performance, I can’t honestly say the engine was good or bad. It did what it was called upon to do without complaint, but there was nothing to recommend or crucify it, which in itself is representative of what many perceive Toyota to be – good, reliable, dependable. And the Hilux 2.8 ticks all those boxes. Toyota has put time and effort into the Hilux design and that is something that should not be taken away as it proves the tried and true can keep up with the times. Sure, there will be some out there who don’t agree with the look the designers have gone for, but the new nose is not sufficiently ‘out there’ to cause offence. As a wise Southern man once said, “It’s a hard road finding the perfect compromise, boy.”
While Toyota’s truck has set itself up to remain the fixture it is for the foreseeable future, I find myself asking the question: what does Toyota need to do to get the Hilux back to its former glory as number one?” Right now, while it’s capable enough and well equipped in terms of safety kit and performance, it seems to lack the X-factor to take it from good to great... Ross MacKay I like the Hilux. Particularly in Sport mode where the
2.8 litre Toyota engine and six-speed auto are pretty well perfectly matched. In fact if I didn’t know that Ford had created its current Ranger line I’d think that overall the Hilux was pretty good – for a ute. I like the look of the thing now that Toyota has sorted the nose and front end styling. And I don’t mind the (still a bit jiggly and floaty ride – now that Toyota has finally sorted the ‘too-stiff ’ rear end. I liked the feel and look of the ‘leather accented’
seats Toyota includes in its SR5 Cruiser spec though they lack a little in bolster support. I liked (most) of the safety tech that helps earn a Hilux its five ANCAP stars too – except for the intervention of the Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist Function. Where similar systems on other cars and utes will warn you with a chime and a flashing light on the dash the Toyota one also ‘provides a small amount of assistance by applying a small braking force to help
the driver keep the vehicle in its lane.’ The reality is a quite offputting ‘duck and swerve’ to the left or right that feels at first like a front tyre has deflated. Definitely gets your attention. Otherwise the Toyota has a familiar look and feel which I like. It’s not possible to see a Hilux on the road and wonder what you just went past; the brand is unmistakeable. That new nose styling has freshened the look, but in a very ‘Hilux’ way.
Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R 2.4 diesel auto
Mark Baker Cost effective off the showroom floor and just plain effective on the road, the Triton gives a good account of itself in this company taking into account the price difference.
The engine works hard, making almost as many kW as its rivals though of course not as much torque as the newer Raptor. Coupled to a six-speed auto transmission and running through the company’s Easy Select four-
wheel-drive transmission, the MIVEC unit isn’t embarrassed in any circumstances. You’d just get to Pauanui a little slower than if you used one of the others. Speaking of which, none of these three were used on
the open road in four-wheeldrive. Even though there were rain showers marching around the South Auckland/ Hunua/Thames area, there was no reason to. Rear wheel drive and a decent wheelbase gets the job done. Hook up
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
COMPARISON TEST
the front wheels when the surface changes to dirt by all means, it does then make a difference. And Triton has a secret weapon here. New
this year is a super ‘low-low’ range in the transmission, which is worth noting. It’s going to enable you to crawl slowly up a slippery boat
Don't settle for less – use the best!
ramp, or reverse your boat or caravan around a corner of the house to its parking place. Having learned to drive in a series two Land Rover, I’d never considered how useful a low range shift can be in this respect until I had to do the same thing in a car. Strewth. Like the Toyota, the Mitsi is good for 3500 of braked, towed payload. Its workmanlike origins are apparent when unladen though, the pitching and bounce are unwelcome additions to the dynamics of a truck grappling with patchy, bumpy tarmac. Pack some toys in the tray and it’s different. Much more civilised. Sean Willmot I’m actually quite astonished at what Mitsubishi has done with the Triton. I wouldn’t have thought it possible for a vehicle to come as far as it has with one generational change. I’m also surprised that while the Triton may appear a bit of an ‘also ran’ it has the chops to take on anything in class and impress with its performance. Having pitched the
BD0718
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
Triton against other utes, I can’t – hand on heart – not acknowledge the Mitsi’s abilities, appearance or aspirations to become a number one contender. What Mitsubishi’s engineers have done with the suspension that is so masterfully hidden by the new Diamond Shield exterior, has made such a huge improvement over the ute’s handling, it beggars belief. I have driven the Triton loaded and empty, and for me, the suspension is so well sorted that the ute’s handling is unflustered either way. The exterior design has found favour with most and it certainly has made a striking change from the beaky look of the preceding model to the squared off “in your face’’ look which is finding its way across other Mitsubishi product lines. You saw it first in the Triton though and while there is still something unmistakably Mitsi about the new look, there’s no arguing the Triton has presence. In cab, the Triton could be considered a little plain Jane and that’s going to be a hard one for Mitsubishi to counter. There’s nothing wrong with it and all the elements are there in terms of information you need to access, but there is still a lingering sense of being a little too practical and needing a little jazz. On the other hand, the pricing is reflective of this and the Triton bills itself as a working truck after all. This was the GLX-R specification and if you want leather and highlighted bits, there is always the VRX grade to deliver a little pizazz. Performance-wise, the 2.4 litre engine has history – and that’s a nice way of saying it’s been around a long time – but there is
you’ll be surprised at how good it actually is.
still a lot of life left in it as Mitsubishi has proven with a tickle up here and there and the upgrade to the six-speed trannie. I never once felt the engine lacking in go or refinement and yes, there were times when it put a smile on my dial as all aspects of the ute came together during some spirited driving moments.
Put up against the other two, the Triton may appear to be the underdog entry, but that’s not an accurate assessment. There’s good reason why Mitsubishi went from number five in the ute rankings to number three with this current iteration and it wasn’t all about price. Once you drive the Triton – even if you’re sceptical –
Ross MacKay I’m on record about the new look – I love it. I’ve also liked the engine since first trying it. The revvy, willing 2.4 litre MIVEC engine was never found wanting in our drive test. It makes 135 kW from its smaller displacement and 430 Nm of torque. That’s said, swapping in and out of the three trucks, I did find the Mitsi’s engine slightly unruly or peaky in its delivery with the most turbo lag of the three. In isolation the Mitsi does everything well but in company it is smaller, narrower with less room inside. Under that neat new front end treatment, a revised
OE REPLACEMENT
PERFORMANCE
4WD
front suspension does a decent job on-road and transforms off-road grip. Again, however, when the back is empty and the road is bumpy it can at times feel a bit like riding a teabag which someone is jiggling. The general specification is high, meaning the Triton isn’t as much out of scope as it might seem in such a group. But then, the Mitsi is about value for money end and it’s always delivered in this respect.
COMMERCIAL
AGRICULTURAL
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
COMPARISON TEST
Conclusion These utes are all clever ways to take family, mates and/ or plenty of gear away for the weekend. Drive in on a Friday afternoon, turf out the work gear, load up and go. Enjoy a commanding position in that slow traffic crawl out
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
of Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch on a Friday afternoon. Fit one of these trucks with a canopy and they are as secure as – or more secure than – their SUV equivalents. Arguably quieter too,
since the air volume in the ‘people’ area is less and the transmitted road noise is not able to resonate as much. So although the decision might seem like an emotive one, it’s actually – as mentioned earlier – horses
for courses. The Mitsi is definitely the winner based on value for money, and it does everything the Raptor does but as half the cost. We should mention that the Triton also has a ten year engine and drivetrain
warranty and a five-year general warranty. Sticking with the knife and gun fight metaphor, the Mitsubishi Triton is our favourite and much loved paua knife, familiar to the hand and useful from the start of the
job to the very end. The Hilux is always right there too, well specified, comfortable, relaxed on B roads and of course backed by Toyota’s impregnable reputation for reliability. As a knife at a gun fight, the Hilux
is our Santoku – the general purpose chef’s knife, finely honed over the years and so adaptable it will do anything without fuss. The Raptor? If money is no object, or if you’re the boss of the subbies, then a jet black
Raptor with your business logo on the side is just the trick. On that basis, and leaving aside the dollar factor, it’s our clear winner too because in this battle the Raptor is not so much a knife, as a gun – a .357 Magnum handgun at that!
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
4WD A CCESSORIES & PARTS
Parts and accessories can transform your truck.
A lift here, a nip and a tuck there We’re all individuals so it’s good to see more and more 4WD owners adding that allimportant personal touch to their work, family or weekend fun truck. Words by Ross MacKay. photo It has never been easier – or cheaper – to personalise your 4x4. Flick through the pages of this very magazine and you will be able to find inspiration plus an idea of the ‘look’ you are after. Depending on what you do with your ‘truck’ or the type of off-roading you either already do or you plan on doing, there will be a certain way a truck sits – high, low, with a lot of droop at the front, sag at the back, or absolutely flat – that you like or don’t like. Just as there will be an amount of lift some of you will think looks absolutely ‘right-on,’ while others will ask you when the next Monster Truck meeting is on in your neighbourhood? Not so long ago, of course, you had
to take what you were given – or were actually able to buy – in this country, and most of us drove cookie-cutter vehicles distinguished only by the their colour, set of ‘genuine factory accessory’ mudflaps and/or aftermarket ‘Monsoon’ shield clipped to the driver’s door. Now, with import licensing, a strict quota system and a public servant often making the call on what even individuals could bring in from overseas (thankfully) a distant memory, the sky is literally the limit as far as ‘bling’ of any description is concerned with the results obvious to us each and every day, Want to ‘smarten up’ your new 4WD ute? Easy. As easy as adding a new lease on life to that old Patrol/
supplied.
Safari/Surf you can’t kill. Wheels, tyres, bars front back and sides, snorkels, suspension kits, roofracks, recovery gear, no matter how vivid your imagination is, if you can dream it (or sketch it on the back of an envelope) you can buy and fit it/have it fitted here. The aftermarket is traditionally where the action is but with record numbers of new 4WD work and lifestyle vehicles being sold, more and more manufacturers are offering factorysupported genuine accessories from mag wheels to winch-ready bullbars. To give you an idea of just what is available out there we surveyed the local scene and came up with this feature. Enjoy!
We customise vehicles Trade - Farm - Leisure The ultimate upgrades with robust designs suitable for ALL CONDITIONS 5
4 1
2
3
From $538
From $1879
From $460
From $459
1
Bull bar - $1979
2
Winch - $1649
3
Side steps - $929
4
Scrub Rails - $370 (requires side steps)
5
Snorkel - $459
From $860
From $469
Prices do not include freight or fitting and are subject to change without notice.
www.ironman4x4.co.nz
0508 IRONMAN
(476 6626)
4WD ACCESSORIES & PARTS
Tried & trusted 4x4 accessories from ARB There are less animals, reptiles and insects that can kill you on this side of the Tasman but companies like ARB are proof that the Aussies know a thing or two about making and selling world-beating accessories and parts for 4WDs. The extreme conditions of the Australian Outback mean that even the most minor product defect can rapidly turn into a major flaw with the potential to immobilise a vehicle. With this very much front-of-mind Melbourne-based 4x4 accessory and parts specialist ARB was founded back in 1975 to make high quality and durable gear which 4WDers the world over can count on through thick and thin. Company engineers and product specialists regularly get their hands dirty too, spending long hours and resources on research, design and field testing to ensure all ARB products remain the safest, strongest and most reliable on the market. From bull bars and Old Man Emu suspension to recovery gear and Air Lockers (diffs) all equipment is designed (and tested out in the real
world) to withstand the rough and tumble of off-roading. Back at the factory the design and engineering teams make the most of the latest CAD, CAM parametric modelling systems and finite element analysis packages. They, in turn, are supported by specialist subcontracting companies and universities for special projects like vibration, strength and crash testing. State-of-the-art In terms of the actual manufacture of the company’s many and varied product lines ARB’s production facilities are similarly equipped with a range of stateof-the-art machinery. Incorporating highly advanced, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) sheet fabrication facilities, its manufacturing capability
extends to guillotining, robot grinding, CNC bending, machining and turning. In-house laser technology produces super fine cuts with no heat distortion, enabling the folding and welding processes to maintain 100 percent accuracy throughout the entire production process. The factory also has an extensive MIG, TIG, robot and spot welding capability plus its own powder coating and spray painting centres, ensuring that all ARB accessories maintain optimum fit and appearance, and meet relevant industry standards. Not surprisingly, ARB is Australia’s largest manufacturer and distributor of 4x4 accessories, employing over 1000 internationally. The company also has a strong international presence, with an export network that extends through more than 100 countries across the
THE KEY TO TAMING UNBEARABLE CONDITIONS
Terrain Tamer Heavy Duty Bearing Kits feature bearings designed and manufactured for vehicles operating in extreme conditions. Made in Japan with a Rockwell hardness rating that is 2.5 points higher than the OE equivalent, these bearings combine a new forging technique with an upgraded heat treatment procedure to enable longer service. Each kit also includes an innovative new range of Heavy Duty hub seals which rotate on their own
internal surface, without relying on the condition of the shaft for their function. These seals utilise a labyrinth construction to better prevent the loss of oil and lubricating fluids and protect against the ingress of dirt and other contaminants. This makes them perfectly suited to harsh muddy and dusty conditions and ensures extended seal and bearing life.
For more information please visit terraintamer.com/bearings or phone (09) 263 6021
4WD ACCESSORIES & PARTS globe, including New Zealand. ARB stockists are spread across the North and South Island to help ensure that regardless of where 4WDers are, ARB gear and service is still accessible. No matter if you’re in Christchurch or Kaitaia, you can count on ARB, your partner in adventure since 1975. Work or play Whether you use your 4x4 for work or for play, ARB will have a product to suit. The company’s range includes: Protection equipment – Bull bars (including airbag-compatible), siderails and steps, rear protection bars and towbars. Old Man Emu suspension – Designed and developed in Australia specifically for 4x4s, OME offers is a fully integrated suspension system which can be tailored to your requirements to improve handling, ride and wheel travel. ARB’s Engineering Department carry out their own suspension development and testing in-house to provide the best solution for your 4x4. Airlocker differentials – These provide maximum traction on demand at the push of a button. ARB Airlockers keep you moving in all conditions and let you tackle the toughest terrain. Proven over 30 years of worldwide use. Recovery equipment – Proper recovery equipment is essential when heading off-road. ARB has a range of quality products including snatch straps, D shackles, hi lift jacks, exhaust jacks and winch equipment to suit your needs. Roofracks and rooftop tents – ARB make a range of 4x4 vehicle suitable, heavy-duty roofracks designed to endure the rigours of use off-road. A range of touring rooftop tents and awnings is also available. Able to be erected in minutes they are comfortable and convenient. An ARB portable fridge/freezer also keeps your food in prime condition throughout your trip. Plus – snorkels, air compressors, tyre gauges and deflators, Bushranger products, IPF lights and much more. ARB Products are sold and fully supported throughout New Zealand by the ARB Network. For further information or a free catalogue phone 0800 ARB 4WD (272 493) or go to www.arb4x4.co.nz.
ARB Products – built tough for use on and off the road.
You can buy one ARB Product or deck your truck out with a catalogue full.
ARB Tred Pro tracks are a great way to dig then drive yourself out of trouble in sand, mud, even snow!
LOAD CARRYING?
Load carrying components available separately
LOOKING FOR A LIFT? Heavy Duty Raised Height Suspension System • Up to 50mm raised height • Shocks, springs, bushes • RAW 4x4 heavy Duty Shocks Absorbers or upgrade to Monroe Gas Magnum or Bilstein Performance shocks • Fits: Ranger, Colorado, D-Max, BT50, Triton, Navara, Hilux, Amarok, etc
Coil Springs Dobisport heavy duty standard height or raised height available
Load Hog helper springs Bolt-on DIY. Attaches to original leaf springs Up to 450kg additional load carrying capacity
Leaf Springs RAW 4x4 heavy duty raised height, 40-50mm Medium or constant heavy load options available
The new Titan Tray roof rack from Rola.
New Rola Low Mounts add style and practicality A Titan Tray from Rola adds significantly more carrying capacity to any vehicle, especially for off-road adventures, but at other times you don’t need the extra visual impact, weight or windage. Rola’s new low mount system adds roof bars and allows the base of the Titan Tray to remain fixed in place and ready for use, but its sleek profile is unobtrusive when the tray is not in use. It has much less impact on the overall style and proportions of your vehicle, and it reduces overall height and drag. It’s especially effective on the shorter roofs of utes where bulkier mounts and bars have a much more dramatic impact on the vehicle’s proportions.
They are also ideal for SUVs when a full length rack is not needed. They offer lower overall height, which also makes loading the rack or installing components of the Titan Tray system that much easier. Vehicle specific The Rola Low Mount system is vehicle specific, offering four different types of mounting attachments. Rola has produced mounting feet for four different vehicle's' open or solid rails, for specific anchor points and for gutter mounts. Vehicle owners can find the right low mount for specific vehicles at titantray.co.nz.
The low mount comprises three types of components. It comes with the right mounting feet for the specific vehicle – one of the four options above. It comes with interlocking blocks that fit between the inner panels of the Titan Tray. They strengthen the tray and add the stability needed to maintain the tray’s full capacity. It also comes with low profile bars which connect to the end supports, or feet, and the tray. The Titan Tray is the ideal complement to the low profile Rola Low Mount system. The Titan Tray can be converted from a low profile flat tray to a full basket tray with the addition of separate sturdy bolt-on side rails, sold
The Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit with advanced b ake pads and rotors, braided lines and a host of ancillary items is the ultimate brake upgrade for the latest 4WD vehicles such as Ranger and Hilux.
Contents 2 × Ultimate Brake Rotors 1 × Set of Ultimate 4WD Brake Pa 1 × Vehicle Set Ultimate Brake Ho 1L Heavy Duty Brake Fluid 1 × Can Bendix Cleanup 1 × Tube Ceramasil Brake Parts Lu 1 × HD touring case Installation details
This comprehensive kit includes specially compounded high performance CERAMIC material brake pads for increased stopping power in extreme conditions plus the latest Bendix Ultimate Rotors designed and developed specifically for Australia’s demanding conditions.
ULTIMATE 4WD BRAKE PADS FEATURES:
BENEFITS:
ULTIMATE 4WD ROTORS FEATURES:
BENEFITS:
Ceramic Material
Low Dust, Low Noise, while providing high temperature stability and excellent fade resistance
Mechanical retention system backing plate
MRS technology used in commercial vehicle brake pads, for improved pad attachment strength, for heavy duty operating conditions
High Carbon Metallurgy
Designed for Slotted Rotors
Works best with slotted rotors, delivers confident stopping in all conditions
Noise damping, thermal conductivity, improved durability and increases brake performance & stopping power
SwiftFit
Protective zinc coating which is ready to fit
Pillar Construction
Improved thermal stability
Diamond Tip Slot
Allows gasses to escape in heavy duty driving, delivering consistent output Better self cleaning for off road conditions
Find solutions for every brake job at www.bendix.com.au Or freecall the Bendix Brake Advice Centre on 1800 819 666 Bendix is a trademark of Honeywell International Inc.
ULTIMATE BRAKE HOSE FEATURES:
BENEFITS:
Braided line with protection sleeve
Delivers a firm brake pedal, that won’t over expand under high pressure
Meets SAE J1401
Compliant to international design standards, won’t affect warranty
Designed to fit
Fits your application without any modification
4WD ACCESSORIES & PARTS in pairs for any or all of the four sides, which provide many cargo securing points. One of the most versatile features of the Titan Tray is the ability to add attachments to the tracks on the top side and outside edge of the frame rails all the way around the rack, as well as on the centre plates. Accessory range Rola’s accessories include water or jerry can or gas bottle mounts, which secure the load with fabric strap tie-downs. These are stronger and more durable than some metal clamping systems. Other accessories include holders for high-lift jacks, axes and spades, spare wheels, recovery track racks, light bar mounts and awning brackets. Rola also has New Zealand buyers covered with their range of three weather-proof storage bags, from the massive expandable Platypus roof top bag with the ability to expand out to 453 litres by simply unzipping. The Storm-proof roof top bag is aero dynamically shaped to reduce drag, and finally the Rolling Duffle bag is the baby of the trio, and an ideal back for either on the roof or in the storage area of your vehicle. New Zealand buyers are benefitting from user feedback following the thousands of kilometres of real-world use in harsh Australian conditions which went into the development of this second generation of Titan Tray. The corner pieces have been redesigned to slot into new mitred rail corners, which were also made beefier to shoulder more of work. The mounting slots on the bars were also braced to resist deformation. Loads weighing up to 300kg can impart a lot of twisting force on the mounting points in a sideways lurch. The structure around the slots was redesigned to be much stronger. Titan Trays are available in 1200x1200, 1500x1200, 1800x1200, and 2000x1400 sizes. The larger full-length sizes are obviously best paired with Rola’s highly regarded heavy-duty roof-bar mounting or low mount systems. For more information, see titantray. co.nz or, call 0800 698 227.
New 4WD or older, there’s a Titan Tray to fit.
Titan Tray perfect for modern SUVs as well.
KYB Tena Force: the heavy-duty option KYB’s Tena Force line of OEM replacement struts and shock absorbers has been designed with today’s hard-working, hard-driving tradie very much in mind. Designed and tested to withstand the heavy loads and environments required of tradesman utes, courier vans, and salesman wagons/SUVs, they are valved to balance industry-leading heavyduty coil and leaf springs, to ensure superior vehicle stability and comfor t, while maintaining excellent on road performance. Typically a Tena Force valve calibration is 20 percent to 35 percent higher/firmer for both compression and rebound movements from Original Equipment valving, offering a serious, heavy-duty option while retaining the same ride height of the vehicle they are fitted to when it left the factory. Spec-wise all Tena Force strut and shock absorbers feature a twin-tube design with a hardened chromed 16mm diameter piston rod, four-step multi-lip seals to help eliminate contamination, thereby maintaining oil and gas integrity, and hard chromed sintered iron pistons and guide rods that reduces friction and heat build-up. Seamless eye ring mounting and cylinders, eliminate weak points and seam failure and ensure a snug fit around the mounting bush. Multi-stage compression and rebound valving offers instant response and fast recovery to varying
conditions, while highstrength Teflon bushes protect internals during extension strokes. KYB is represented here by suspension specialist Stocks. To find out more
about the Tena Force or any other KYB product, check out the company’s website www.georgestock. co.nz, email par ts@ georgestock.co.nz or tel 0-9-270-7222.
4WD & SUV SHOCK ABSORBERS • Extended and compressed lengths match Original Equipment. • Twin Tube design consisting of hardened chromed 16mm diameter piston rod, results in superior strength under extreme conditions. • 4 Step multi-lip seals help eliminate contamination, thereby maintaining oil and gas integrity. • Micro-smooth, hard chromed sintered iron pistons and guide rods that reduces friction and heat build-up. • Seamless eye ring mounting and cylinders, eliminates weak points and seam failure.
• Seamless eye rings ensures perfectly round eye rings for a snug fit around the mounting bush. • Speed Sensitive Valving: Multi stage compression and rebound valve offers instant response and fast recovery to varying conditions. This increases vehicle control and decreases nose diving under braking. • High strength Teflon Bushes to protect internals during extension strokes. • All weather fluids maintain constant viscosity regardless of temperatures, providing consistent control.
Phone 09 270 7222
Email: parts@georgestock.co.nz
www.georgestock.co.nz
4WD ACCESSORIES & PARTS
Rhino-Rack’s guide to roof racks Among the wide array of accessories being frequently applied to 4WD utes and SUVs are roof racks. Of these vehicle types, utes in particular are the vehicles that are widely utilised for either trade or general business applications. However, there is also a significant move to these same utes being frequently purchased with the intension of use as family-orientated recreational vehicles in the same way as 4WD SUV wagons. The requirements in setting up these roof rack systems suiting these varied vehicles types often needs particular carrying needs being met.
Rhino-Rack has an extensive array of roof racks and a myriad of accessories suiting these sometimes very different applications. Trade or commercially used roof racks are often required to carry items such as ladders and building materials and are accessorised accordingly. Recreational use roof racks see these being accessorised to carry anything, from the likes of bikes and kayaks over the summer through to skis and snowboards over winter and general luggage in between. Popular add-on items can include weatherproof luggage boxes or the Pioneer alloy platforms and tray
seat covers for 4WD’s
UTES | VANS | WAGONS | TRUCKS | QUADS & ATVS FORESTRY EQUIPMENT | AGRICULTURE MACHINERY
• EXTREME 12 OZ CANVAS • TAILOR MADE • WATERPROOF • AIRBAG CERTIFIED MODELS
REA ADV OR F
ORDER NOW AND PROTECT YOUR SEAT FROM WEAR & TEAR.
0800 478 443 RUGGEDVALLEY.co.nz
systems that Rhino-Rack are well known for. These have become very popular with the ‘overlanding’ community over recent years. Overlanding, or off-road touring refers to those vehicle owners who want to be self sufficient kitting out their vehicles for camping, exploring the scenic backcountry and generally getting away from it all. Rhino-Rack excel with a wide selection of product available within this segment with many owners kitting their vehicles out with roof top tents that are then complemented by the popular Rhino-Rack Batwing and Sunseeker awning products. Rhino-Rack has long been a dominant force within
Australia, where they began 28 years ago and have been supplying the New Zealand market now for over 20 years. The local New Zealand warehouse is Wellingtonbased with a full stockholding and a customer service team backing up a network of enthusiastic on seller stores across the country. Alongside Rhino-Rack’s Australian HO and USA warehouse is product being distributed across more than 50 countries to date. A Rhino-Rack fit for your vehicle can be checked out at www.rhinorack.co.nz as can the location of a convenient store for expert advice, supply and installation
Protect your seats with Rugged Valley Protect your fleet with hard wearing New Zealand made canvas seat covers. Available for easy ordering online at ruggedvalley.co.nz. Rugged Valley seat covers have been used and abused in the roughest testing grounds by fishermen, hunters, tradies, sparkies, four-wheel drivers and weekend enthusiasts. Hard working Kiwis tend to give their vehicles a tough time, both on the demanding worksite and on the weekend. Seats are a high wear zone in a vehicle as we slide in and out day in and day out. It’s important to protect the seat with a hard-wearing cover, from daily wear and tear, spills, water, dogs, dirty
site equipment and maybe even passengers – kids, mates or workers! Rugged Valley seat covers are 100 percent waterproof, and tailor-made to fit your specific vehicle right here in New Zealand. Utes, trucks, vans, tractors, excavators, quads and ATVs, Rugged Valley has got you covered. All seat covers come with a two-year guarantee. From Toyota vans, to the latest model macho Ford Ranger Raptor Ute, the Ssangyong Rhino and more. Rugged Valley now sells PVC-moulded SandGrabba floormats for utes, designed to trap the mud and protect your floor. No need to be precious that you are damaging the
A set of NZ-made Rugged Valley seat covers. automotive cloth, or your leather interior. Jump right on in. Time to protect your seats and floor from your lifestyle, and future-proof your vehicle’s resale value?
To order seat covers and floormats simply call Rugged Valley on 0800 478 443. Or, shop online for seat covers for your whole fleet at www.ruggedvalley.co.nz.
CUSTOMISE THE ROOFTOP OF YOUR UTE OR SUV WITH A RHINO-RACK PIONEER PLATFORM SYSTEM Then accessorise your Pioneer Platform in the format that best suits your carrying needs. Contact sales@rhinorack.co.nz for more info or visit your local Rhino-Rack dealer.
rhinorack.co.nz | 0800 866 322
4WD ACCESSORIES & PARTS
Be seated with Black Duck Black Duck is New Zealand’s pioneering distributor of Australasia’s number one selling canvas heavyduty custom tailored seat covers. No matter what type of commercial vehicle, Black Duck will have a seat cover solution. With over 1000 seat cover patterns to suit the agricultural, construction, contracting, mining, forestry and domestic use market, Black Duck covers will protect your vehicle seats and maintain or add value to your vehicle at sale or trade in. Pioneered by Black Duck and continually improved, the canvas seat covers are the ultimate in durability, fit, workmanship and tailored perfection. Unlike other materials Black Duck canvas offers a superior level of resilience and is perfect for resisting tears, rips, spills and general mess as the canvas is fully waterproof. No better protection Investing in high quality canvas seat covers to prolong the life and protect your seats is a smart choice. Designed to be comfortable, to fit snugly and able to be cleaned, there is no better protection. In keeping with Black Duck’s highest quality expectations all seat covers are independently tested and certified for those vehicles with seat air bags. All models are subjected to this testing to ensure full air bag compliance so that the safety of occupants is not compromised in any way. With more commercial vehicles being used by
Black Duck – your seat cover specialist. families, Black Duck has introduced the Denim seat cover which is available across the entire seat cover pattern range. Black Duck denim is a heavy duty fabric which incorporates a layer of high density foam for extra comfort. It is a comfortable alternative and exudes style through the tailoring and snug fit. Available in grey or black just like the canvas. New product In keeping with Black Duck’s ongoing development of high quality seat covers and material used in the seat covers has resulted in a new product called 4Elements being introduced into the market. The new 4Elements range of seat covers was launched to exceptionally positive response from
customers and is described as being a game-changer in the seat cover industry. Tested and proven to withstand tough conditions without compromising on comfort this new material features a 19.2 oz cotton twill composite made in Australia. 4Elements is heavy weight product with a soft flexible feel providing the ultimate in seat protection. Made from 100 percent waterproof and UV-resistant material that is also machine washable thereby keeping your vehicle interior in pristine condition, 4Elements is available in either grey or black and is also available across the entire Black Duck pattern range. All covers where applicable are fully tested and certified for the seat
mounted airbags and are of course tailored and manufactured to fit the seat perfectly. No matter what you use your vehicle for, work, play or everything in between Black Duck seat covers with the introduction of 4Elements to the canvas and denim range has a product that will complement your lifestyle. If you are serious about protecting your vehicle investment by looking after the seats, providing comfort, saving on seat repairs and damage and maintaining re sale values then there is only one solution. To find out more call Black Duck on 0800 158 479 or visit our new website www.blackduck.co.nz
“I have raced on other brands of tyres but haven’t found anything else that can offer as much traction as the GT Radial Komodo. Whether racing, going offroad or simply from A to B - give them a go, you won’t be disappointed.” Bryan Chang
4WD ACCESSORIES & PARTS
Choose Ironman 4x4 for a full range of 4x4 accessories Ironman 4x4 offers a full range of accessories for your 4WD including bull bars, suspension upgrades, side steps and rails, rear bars, underbody protection, lights, winches, snorkels and camping gear. The company’s nationwide network of dealers is also a great place to go for helpful advice and over 50 years of 4WD industry experience. Ironman 4x4 bull bars Ironman 4x4 offers a range of replacement winchcompatible bull bars which are designed, engineered and tested in Australia. Every Ironman 4x4 bull bar is carefully modelled using 3D vehicle scanning techniques to achieve optimal cosmetic design whilst providing maximum vehicle collision protection then crafted from pre grade materials and components to delive unmatched mix of styl good looks and protection. All Ironman 4x4 bull bars are made from the highest quality SPHC oil and pickled steel (not mild steel) to give maximum strength and rust resistance. The finish on Ironman 4x4 bull bars is also top quality using the Akzo Nobel powder coat system, which gives a thicker, smoother and more durable coating. It also means that Ironman 4x4 bull bars can be colour coded to match your new truck colour. Bull bars are available for most modern vehicles and can be fitted at authorised dealers throughout the country.
Want your truck to look like this? Ironman 4x4 can help! Ironman 4x4 lighting To help enhance your current vehicle lights, Ironman 4X4 produces a range of lights including the Gamma 175
L D Light bars are a popular part of Ironman 4x4’s accessory line-up. Ironman 4x4 winches Ironman Monster winches are becoming very popular with two in the range, a 9500lb and a 12000lb. The gearbox on the winches has an upgraded design with hardened gears to eliminate float for precision operation along with an improved sliding clutch with straight cut gears which eliminates any gearbox slip. The rotatable gearbox allows positioning of the clutch handle to allow easy hand access on most bull bars.
The company has a ange of nster ches. Winches come complete with a wireless remote with a 40m range as well as a three metre lead remote. The 12000lb monster winch has a six hp (4.5kw) motor which is fully sealed and is supplied with a breather tube for mounting high on the firewall away from water. Winches have 28m of steel cable or the option of 28m of synthetic rope.
H3 halogen with a pencil and spread beam, the Vega 220 H1 halogen and the Supernova HID 35W with internal ballast, a glass lens, polycarbonate lens cover and with a range of up to one km! A recent addition is a range of LED lights from small modular types through to a 756mm long LED bar producing 90W of power at 8100 Lumens.
Wherever you are GULF WESTERN has the technology to protect your engine and drivetrain! Top Dog® Indestructible 15w-40 • Greatly exceeds the API CK-4 specification. • Low SAPS - compatible with EGR systems, Diesel Particulate Filters, and AdBlue systems. • Available in 20L pails (320021) and 205L drums (300021).
Super Blue Grease • Extreme load carrying and anti-wear properties for long service life under high load and shock • Rust, oxidation and corrosion inhibitors to protect in hard environments – even up to 200 degrees! • Extreme resistance to water wash-out, and resists squeeze out under load • Available in 450g cartridge (40451), 2.5kg pail (42562), 20kg pail (42051)
Marine and Premium Wheel Bearing Grease • Excellent corrosion protection, even in salt water! • Good adhesion and water resistance • Extreme load carrying and great anti-wear protection • Available in 450g cartridge (40441) and 500g tub (40541)
BOSCH IS A TRUSTED NAME, AND THEIR QUALITY, DEPENDABLE PRODUCT WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!
SM Mega Power
SM Mega Power Silver
Dependable and at the right price
Ultimate performance and life
• Fully Maintenance Free • 90D26R B (NS70) is 620 CCA • 95D31R B (N70ZZ17) is 710 CCA
• Fully Maintenance Free • Silver alloy grid for better performance Fully sealed with tough, encased plates to prevent overheat or overcharge short circuits • 110D26R B (NS70) is 680CCA • 125D31R B (NZ70ZL15) is 760CCA
HIGHTEC EFB Enhanced performance in demanding conditions • Fully Maintenance Free • Patented Calcium-Silver alloy tech • Reliable in extreme temperatures • Great handling of high drain driving lights, accessories, inverters etc • Q85L B is 660CCA • T110L B is 820CCA
4WD ACCESSORIES & PARTS Ironman 4x4 produces a full range of Recovery options for your 4x4. for most late model 4WD proved performance are Harrop Engineering, they use vehicles including Nissan, ailable for most makes an electromagnetic design Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Isuzu d models. Ironman 4x4 which is maintenance free and Mitsubishi. ck absorbers are available and have been engineered 35mm Nitro gas or to capture 100 percent of Camping accessories 41mm Foam cell. These the available torque sending The range of camping ave longer travel and are it equally to both ends of accessories from Ironman built stronger to deliver the axle. Recovery equipment 4x4 is always expanding with performance in all conditions. Ironman 4X4 dealers can the proven rooftop tents and Leaf and coil springs are Underbody protection offer you an extensive range awnings available and a new made from high quality Ironman 4x4 has developed of recovery equipment range of fridges from 30-50 SUP9 steel and are available a range of underbody including snatch straps, litres, camping chairs, tables, in different load ratings protection kits which give recovery kits, high-lift jacks swags, tent lights and picnic from ‘comfort’ to ‘extra enhanced protection from and exhaust jacks. All come sets recently released, there constant load’. rocks, mud and debris. These in sturdy carry bags and you is something for everyone kits are made from three can feel confident of having who enjoys the outdoors. Diff locks and four mm pressed steel, the right equipment should The Ironman 4x4 range of Ironman 4x4 dealers stock have easy bolt on installation you get stuck. accessories is extensive. For a and recommend the state-ofwith no drilling or welding full run down see the website the-art diff lock Harrop/Eaton required, allow oil changes Suspension www.ironman4x4.co.nz or E-Locker. Manufactured without removal and are Suspension kits and phone 0508 IRONMAN. in Australia in conjunction semi-gloss powder-coated components with raised with Eaton Corporation and for long life. Kits are available height, long travel and
Bosch Batteries for 4WDs Modern vehicles demand a lot from the battery, and so it is not something you want failing. Fortunately, whether you are heading for the school car park or a National Park, Bosch has a battery to suit. Multimedia head units, navigation, parking sensors, lane change warnings, radar cruise control, electronic stability control, ABS braking, active suspension – these are just some of the vehicle systems on modern vehicles that can stress a lesser battery. Some modern vehicle computers can even measure the battery health and start turning off ‘nonessential systems’ such as air conditioning (!) as they age and stop performing. SM Mega Power The SM Mega Power series from Bosch is powerful, dependable and well-
priced. The batteries are designed for long life, optimal performance and assured safety with: • Special positive plate coatings and high tin content grids – reduced corrosion, better conductivity and no shedding of active material. • Central lug for high cranking power and maximum current flow. • Completely sealed, maintenance free thermoplastic casing, highly resistant to environmental damage such as oil and gas exposure. • Fully encapsulated negative plate prevents short circuiting from overcharging or overheating. • Flame arrestors to prevent explosions due to internal sparks. SM Mega Power Silver The SM Mega Power
Silver series is a stepup, for the ultimate lifespan and performance. In addition to the features of the SM Mega Power Plus, the Mega Power Silver contains: • Stable Silver alloy grids outperform High Tin content grids, and decrease rates of self-discharge. • Silver alloy increases conductivity and charge acceptance, for a more powerful battery. • Spin crimp terminals are specially sealed to prevent acid leakage. • Designed to Exceed the performance of the OE battery. Which makes it a great choice for taking the vehicle somewhere remote! ST Hightec EFB The ST Hightec EFB from Bosch is the next step up. EFBs are designed to deal with the demands of stop
Bosch has a battery to suit every 4WD start vehicles – so lots of charge and discharge cycles. They give you: • Handling for high power consumption at slow speeds or standing still – think light bars, inverters, fridges. • Ability to discharge and recharge. • Immediate and fast power delivery for starting. • Extreme temperature handling. Bosch also has a great range of chargers and other accessories to suit 4WD. Automotive Supplies NZ is the authorised Bosch Battery distributor and importer for NZ, and you can contact the company on 0800 275 888.
Autolign has the brands you can trust Suspension specialist Autolign has released the new Lift Junkie raised height suspension kit range for common late model 4WD utes. Using a number of premium brand components these suspension systems enhance the usability of light commercials with up to two inches of extra ride height. Avoiding ground obstacles, the ability to carry heavier loads, greater handling control or simply improving driver sight lines, Lift Junkie is the ultimate combination of increased suspension functionality and affordability. No modification is required, all you have to do is replace the original components with the uprated heavy duty shocks and springs. The country’s leading suspension parts importer
also offers some of the most highly regarded names in ride control and handling in today’s four-wheel drive market. Brands such as; Monroe – the world’s largest shock absorber manufacturer has a wide range of applications to suit New Zealand’s diverse light commercial and 4WD fleet. The “Adventure 4x4” shock with its high-durability European design has been a popular choice for many years. The “Gas Magnum TDT” range has undergone continuous refinement and now comes with advanced ‘Twin Disc Technology’ valving for greater response and control. Bilstein – one of the world’s premier high performance brands. An OEM supplier for some of the most exclusive makes – Bugatti, Porsche, Mercedes – it also
offers a performance range of 4x4 and off-road dampers. RAW – This Australian manufacturer produces a wide range of shocks, spring and related components for the serious 4WD enthusiast market. Large bore and monotube shock absorbers are a speciality. SuperPro – Another wellknown brand from across the Tasman, SuperPro specialises in complete handling solutions, utilising stabiliser or sway bars, alignment correction and bushings as well as a huge range of urethane bushes, suspension arms, and related parts to greatly enhance articulation and maintain control that the likes of rubber parts cannot achieve. Dobinson Springs – as the name suggests coil springs, leaf springs and associated components from
a 4WD specialist. Lift kits, canister shock absorbers, and a diverse range of other 4x4 parts to cater for the huge off-road Aussie market. Roadsafe – an icon in the 4WD market. An extensive array of specialist parts including ball joints, steering parts, trailing arms, spacer lift kits, panhard rods, tow points, mud flaps, protection plates, and much more. Contact Autolign for your nearest distributor by emailing sales@autolign.co.nz
BNT have the complete 4x4 solution Your friendly local BNT branch has everything you need to fine-tune your 4WD.
For instance it has: LED driving lights and light bars – Narva’s latest range of LED driving lamps and light bars. Innovative technology complemented with top tier and exceptional value for money means there is a lamp for every application. This includes a selection of E marked, road legal LED driving lamps and light bars. Ceramic brake pads – Endurance
(CX) is a modern technology low copper ceramic friction material that is specifically designed for 4WD and larger SUV vehicles here conditions may vary from city driving across the paddocks. Heavy duty 4WD filter kits. Demand Donaldson, the industry-leading heavy duty filtration solution for offroad diesel engines. Spend more time pursuing serious off road adventures and less time in the workshop with Donaldson filtration Heavy-duty 4WD cutch kits – Xtreme Outback heavy duty
4x4 and SUV clutch kits offer improvements in performance and durability for a broad range of vehicles whist retaining near factory type drive-ability 4WD Drive Line – BNT offers a wide range of 4WD Drive Line specialty products. The range includes free wheeling hub kits, hub and bearing kits, universal joints, and spindle kits. The free wheeling hub kits are designed and manufactured for Australasian conditions. To see for yourself what BNT NZ has for you check out the company’s website at www.bntnz.co.nz
4WD ACCESSORIES & PARTS
Ultimate 4WD brake upgrade kit released by Bendix Bendix Brakes has launched what is aptly named the ‘Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit’ for 4WDs. With advanced brake pads and rotors, braided lines and a host of ancillary items to make for a smooth changeover, the kit is presented in a practical heavy duty touring case which will be sought after by every 4WD enthusiast. The comprehensive kit includes specially compounded high performance ceramic material brake pads for increased stopping power in extreme conditions plus the latest Bendix Ultimate Rotors
The ultimate 4WD brake upgrade kit from Bendix designed and developed specifically for Australia’s demanding conditions. The new rotors are manufactured to the highest level of precision engineering based on OEM
specifications and incorporate innovative technology such as high carbon metallurgy for increased braking performance plus special diamond tip slots and a special bi-directional pillar design to quickly and efficiently expel gases, water, dust and grit. Together this provides the driver with absolute control when braking in extreme conditions with instant response and even friction. The outcome from the high performance brake kit with its technically advanced additional strength ceramic brake pads and the ultimate slotted rotors is its sensational stopping power especially under load conditions. Measured in a direct comparison with OEM brakes at 100km/h, tests revealed an impressive improvement in stopping distance of up to five metres for the vehicle fitted with the Bendix Ultimate Brake Upgrade Kit. Exhaustive testing also revealed a firm brake pedal that won’t over expand under pressure, a reduction in brake dust and braking noise along with thermal
stability in high temperatures and resistance to brake-fade. Easy to fit braided brake hoses with a protective sleeve that won’t expand under pressure are included, each designed and manufactured in compliance with SAE J1401 specifications. With the technically advanced Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Kit not only is there the keenly sought after heavy duty touring case for the 4WD enthusiast but the case contains everything for a smooth changeover to the new high performance 4WD Ceramic Brake Pads, Ultimate Rotors and Braided Brake Hoses. There is also Bendix heavy duty brake fluid, brake cleaner and parts degreaser, Ceramasil brake parts lubricant and brake clean rotor wipes. To help you celebrate once the upgrade conversion is installed there is also a Bendix stubbie holder so you can enjoy a cold one. The new Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit will fit the vehicle application without any modifications; it is compliant with international standards and will not impinge on the vehicle warranty. Ideally suited to fit a range of the latest 4WD vehicles such as Ranger, Hilux, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, etc. the Bendix ‘Ultimate 4WD Upgrade Kit is available from leading automotive, 4WD outlets and Bendix stockists at a recommended price of approximately $1,199.00 (incl. GST).
Let a Boss airbag assist system help you
Airbags systems are designed to assist a vehicle’s factory suspension set-up. Need a helping hand when it comes to really loading up your 4x4 ute or truck with a particularly heavy load? Then check out airbag assist specialist Boss. Boss Air Suspension airbags are designed to assist your factory suspension. They can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the air pressure. With the base kit you manually fill the bags from valves with your own compressor, the local service station, or as we have heard a few times a standing bicycle hand pump. The most common place these valves are installed is at the rear next to the tow ball When installed, Boss Air Suspension kits allow you to raise the vehicle back to standard ride height using air pressure to compensate for any added weight. This
helps to keep the vehicle level while towing or carrying that half metre of builders’ mix and prevents rear sagging, bottoming out, and excessive pressure on your vehicle’s tyres. Airbags work best with proper functioning factory springs, they are not a fix for tired springs and here at Boss we always suggest bringing your suspension back to standard before installing an air assist suspension package. We get asked why not just beef up the leaf springs or get heavier duty coils? In some circumstances, once we know the vehicle use, we may advise our customers to look into this option. However, the economics of having a dedicated work vehicle and personal car at home for the weekend are gone, in no small part instigated by our vehicle manufacturers
when the plush double cabs stepped up and could become a 4/5-seater weekend family car. So now we load the ute during the week for work and empty it for the weekend. If you have decided to install the heavier springs your ride becomes hard and bouncy when emptied. Boss airbags offer the adjustability you need, letting you adapt to the load in/ on the vehicle, giving you a similar ride with 500kg loaded or just two kids in the back seat. Also when your vehicle is loaded and you are only on factory springs, which have sagged a bit, allowing the rear to drop, the vehicle weight balance is upset and your front suspension does not engage fully. This could mean your front wheels are light on the road and
steering is compromised. In the same situation driving at night, your headlights will appear on high-beam to all oncoming traffic. For those that often change their load weights away from an available compressor, Boss Air Suspension also offers a range of on-board inflation kits, from the simple where you manually adjust from your cab, to the auto levelling where the system will engage your air compressor system automatically and keep you at a pre-set level ride height. Boss Air Suspension holds stock ex-Auckland for most available kits in the Boss range. All the company’s kits come with simpleto-follow instructions. If you want to see if airbags are right for you, email info@bossairsuspension.co.nz or give Boss a call on 09 415 7117.
4WD ACCESSORIES & PARTS
Calculating your 12V requirements One of the first things to consider before you start building your dream 4WD is how much power you’re going to need to get you to your destination and back. It’s not as daunting as you may think. So, let us guide you through calculating your vehicle’s 12V requirements. When doing your research on a vehicle’s 12V system it can be very hit and miss; dodgy salesmen pushing their ideas and a long-list of products usually results in a mixed bag of products that sort of work, but in the end though, it is common that these gadgets will come up short in critical situations. There is almost too much
long-term, self-sufficient, long distance travelling or travelling with comforts of home, then the next step is to consider your load requirements.
What type of 4WD traveller are you? information out there when it comes to 12V electrics, and it can be easy to get caught up with all the hype. It’s important that you take the time to develop what your requirements will be by looking at your essential needs.
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? ONE OF THE SAFEST, MOST DURABLE AIR SUSPENSION AIRBAGS & LOAD ASSIST KITS AVAILABLE • Single, Double and Triple bellow bags available. • Forged Alloy Ring and Stamped End Plate assemblies. • Maximum working pressure of 160psi. • 4-1/2” – 10” lift capabilities. • No drilling or modifications in almost all kits. Check out our ever growing selection of Load Assist Airbag Kits on https://bossairsuspension.co.nz/load-assist-kits/
Phone 09 415 7117 info@bossairsuspension.co.nz
What type of traveller are you? Before you design your setup, ask these questions which will help decide the type of travelling you want to do. How will you travel – i.e. Will you be towing? Or will you live out of your 4WD? Type of touring – Do you want to live off the grid? Or do you want to use powered sites? Time on the road – Are you considering weekends or prolonged periods on the road? Type of traveller – Do you want to take all comforts of home with you? Stay longer or move on – Will you set up and stay put for days on end, or will you be moving daily? This is important for how you recharge your batteries. If answering these questions puts you in the category of – remote,
Load requirements Let’s work out the electrical products you want to travel with and their loads. You should make a list of all the things that would need power and charging such as fridges, phones, torches, laptops and lights. Then there are creature comforts such as stereos, fans for heating and cooling, and any 240v appliances you would like to travel with. Most 12V items will have the amps or watts usage labelled on the product. To determine the total amps you plan on consuming, you need to calculate the Amp Hours (A/H) that would need to be covered by battery capacity. For example, if your total daily usage was 60A/ Hs you are now able to talk battery specification. But before doing so, there is one more step you need to calculate, and that’s how will you recharge those A/ Hs that you drain from your batteries. For this, ideally you want to aim for a system that has a greater charging
A Redarc Manager30 BMS installed.
capacity than usage. A good rule of thumb is to aim to discharge your system by approximately 30 percent of its capacity. This means you will start the next day at 70 percent capacity. That way you have a greater supply than demand which will allow you to be back to 100 percent capacity early the following day. As you use more power during the morning recharging your creature comforts, this leaves enough time in the afternoon to ensure we are back to 100 percent before the days end. Knowing state of charge This is critically important because knowing how much charge you have left at any given time allows you to adjust well in advance.
Relying on a 12V gauge gives you an indication but only provides part of the answer. Therefore, having a gauge that calculates the amps being used and the amps being recharged back into your battery bank can give you a more accurate reading as to what capacity is still remaining in your batteries The Manager30 battery management system This is the solution you need to monitor the health and charge of your auxiliary battery, control the State of Charge and provide you with all the information required to decide when, where and how long you should recharge all your gadgets. All this can be viewed, monitored and altered from a handy remote monitor in
A close-up of the system. real time. The Manager30 operates like six separate products. It charges an auxiliary battery from the vehicle while on the move, it’s a 240-volt charger, a solar regulator, a battery isolator, a load disconnect controller, all with a remote battery monitor. Redarc products come with a two-year warranty,
on top of that, there is New Zealand wide back-up with after-sales service to answer any questions that may arise. If you’re heading out into the wild and want to get there and back again safely – Redarc is the brand you can trust. For more information visit redarcelectronics.co.nz
4WD ACCESSORIES & PARTS
Terrain Tamer – the legacy continues Terrain Tamer have continued their legacy of heavy duty, innovative parts in 2019, with the release of two new and exciting products. The first is a range of heavy-duty wheel bearing and combination swivel housing kits, available for a growing number of Toyota Hilux and Landcruiser models, and specifically designed and manufactured for vehicles operating in extreme conditions. Practical for unforgiving terrain and extreme applications such as mining, the kits are comprised of bearings that have been made in Japan, with a Rockwell hardness rating that is 2.5 points higher than the OE equivalent. These bearings combine a new forging technique with an upgraded heat treatment procedure to enable a longer service life. They also include an innovative new heavy-duty hub seal, which rotates on its own internal surface, without relying on the condition of the shaft and thus eliminating wear on other components.
These seals utilise a labyrinth construction to better prevent the loss of oil and lubricating fluids and better protect against the ingress of dirt and other contaminants, making them perfectly suited to harsh muddy and dusty conditions and ensuring both extended seal and bearing life. As with all Terrain Tamer bearing kits, the new heavy Duty kits also include all required components, such as gaskets, nuts, gear lever seats and bushes, boots, washers etc, and all parts are covered by a 12-month warranty. They have also recently released a parabolic leaf spring for Toyota Hilux KUN25/26 and GGN25 models, utilising the same impressive parabolic design as the popular spring released for Land Cruiser models in 2018, and adding to their extensive existing suspension range. Applying modern technology to an established idea to provide a quieter and more comfortable ride, Terrain Tamer’s parabolic design contains fewer leaves
than regular leaf springs and get their name comes from their tapered parabolic design, meaning the spring is thicker in the centre and thinner toward the ends, rather than the usual linear design. The new heavy-duty Eliminating the weight of wheel bearing kit. often heavy, thick traditional Extensive research and leaf packs, the parabolic development has found that the design dramatically reduces new shape allows better axle the unsprung weight of articulation, as well as almost the vehicle. no interleaf friction, minimising The design works to help any issues with rust build up, the spring flex, while still one of the major causes of keeping it strong enough to failure in standard leaf springs. bear the weight of heavy The parabolic design allows the loads. This is particularly useful spring to compress or extend in 4WD applications, when with ease, without the leaves carrying excessive load on the touching each other until there is driveline or when challenged a reasonable load on the vehicle, with difficult terrain, as the up to 500kg. New applications flex allows the spring to give for the parabolic leaf spring are a little when the driver hits due for release in 2020 a bump in the road, allowing For more information on the differential housing to Terrain Tamer’s product range, rotate with the springs and visit terraintamer.com effectively reducing the shock transferred to the crown And a parabolic wheel and pinion. Standard leaf spring. leaf packs stay set with almost no flex at all, and the same force would cause more shock to the vehicle and driver.
New Trailer Socket w/ battery connector Automotive lighting and electrical company, Narva, has released a new seven-pin flat trailer socket with a built-in heavy-duty battery connector. Developed with camping, caravanning or boating enthusiasts in mind, the product is ideal for people who regularly tow vehicles requiring battery maintenance to the trailer or caravan, to power on-board equipment. The seven-pin trailer plug delivers power to operate the standard stop, tail, reverse and licence plate lights, while also providing a built-in, heavy-duty battery
connector that delivers up to 50A of power to the battery to charge, maintain or power equipment such as fridges. “With so many demands these days from an increasing number of devices on a caravan or boat, it’s very easy for a battery to become depleted and unable to provide vital power, especially to fridges and freezers,” says Tim Paterson, National Sales Manager for Giffiths Equipment, which distributes Narva products in New Zealand. “This new socket and connector enables things like fridges and freezers
to be powered while being towed, so you don’t arrive at your destination with spoiled food.” When not in use, the connector can be sheathed for protection using its hard-wearing rubber tab, while the 7-pin socket spring loaded protective cover benefits from side tabs, making it easier to open. For added performance, this product includes silver-plated copper contacts to suit 8mm² (8B&S) cables. More information is available on the www.narva.co.nz website.
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RRP $1149 WITH 270 DEGREES OF SHADE AND A MASSIVE 11 M² COVERAGE, THE RHINO-RACK BATWING IS THE PERFECT ADDITION FOR ANY ADVENTURE.
RHINO-RACK BATWING!
The all new Batwing is packed with style and function, boasting features designed for aesthetic and easy use. With 270 degrees of shade and 11m2 of coverage, the Batwing is the perfect addition for any adventure. It is made from a heavy duty, water and mould resistant material that has been tested and rated to UPF 50+, offering maximum sun protection. It is available in both left (33100) and right (33200) mounts.
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OVERLANDING 101 – NEW ZEALAND
Home thoughts from abroad Kiwi Aaron Rich took up serious 4WDing while on his OE in the UK. On his return home, therefore, he was able to see his homeland and its myriad offroad attractions, through fresh eyes.
Story & photos by Aaron Rich
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Still climbing in the Clarence. 49
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
OVERLANDING 101 – NEW ZEALAND I’ve clocked up quite a few miles touring on and off-road with my young family overseas; we’ve explored a number of countries between Morocco in North Africa, East and West Europe, the Balkans and as far as Turkey. All this 4WD experience was gained overseas; in fact, prior to departing New Zealand to spend a decade working in London, I had done little 4WDing at home. I grew up in a Kiwi family that neither owned a 4WD, nor had the inclination to use one. Despite this my zest for adventure and love of the outdoors had led me to pilot a Prado to Macetown a couple of times with some friends, in rather amateurish fashion admittedly, but that was about the extent of it. Consequently, when I returned home to New Zealand three years ago, bringing with me the same 4WD that I knew so well from my family’s foreign overland adventures, New Zealand suddenly became like an all new country to explore! NZ’s ‘most epic’ adventures I discovered that so many of this country’s ‘road ends’ are only truly the end of the road for cars; they’re so often the beginning of a marvellous adventure in a 4WD. I was determined to get out and see what New Zealand had to offer, and over the past three years I certainly have. Most of my exploring has been in the South Island, which is where some of New Zealand’s most epic off-road adventures are to be had. A concern I had upon returning to New Zealand was whether I might feel restricted 4WDing in a small country with sea borders; i.e. in contrast to Europe, where we’ve crossed borders off-road high in the Alps, or in comparison to our routes through Morocco’s vast deserts, New Zealand’s borders are unquestionably the end of the road. I was pleased to discover, however, that New Zealand’s world class wilderness is very accessible by 4WD Furthermore, some of the routes I will describe herein are long enough and remote enough to fully capture the essence of what 4WD overlanding is
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High in the beautiful and unique Clarence Valley.
And on the track to Goose Flat.
all about. And if that’s not enough you can then link a few routes together and construct some awesome mini expeditions in the South Island. Something else I love about the South Island is its diversity. From the many river valleys that can be explored westwards as far as the Southern Alps permit, to the high-country vastness and rich history of Central Otago, or the seemingly impenetrable rain forests along the West Coast. The abundance of backcountry huts maintained by DOC is unique to New Zealand and usually means there is a bed waiting for you at the end of a day’s adventure. Though we usually prefer to camp in summer, in winter it’s a real treat to be able to continue exploring off-road by staying in a cosy hut equipped with a wood burner. 4WD overlanding is also safer in New Zealand than abroad. If you ever have to walk out you generally could, and you may even have the good fortune to pass by a number of DOC huts on your way. Break down or get stuck in 50+ degrees in the Moroccan desert, without shade, and you’d better be well-equipped and have an effective contingency plan! Aaron’s Pick ‘n Mix In this article I offer a selection of my favourite South Island routes. Some of these routes are well known to me, whilst others I completed for the first time in early 2019 as part of final vehicle testing ahead of my family’s expedition across Central Asia this year. (We’re driving overland from the Russian Far East to England; along the way visiting Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, retracing an ancient silk route through the 7,500 metre high Pamir mountains of Tajikistan, venturing out into the ‘ship graveyard’ that remains of the Aral Sea and much more beyond the Caspian Sea.) I have produced videos for a number of the routes I’ve under taken in New Zealand, which are available to view on my website: www.5gooverland.com/videos Some of the accompanying photos show other of my favourite tracks not described in this article.
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
OVERLANDING 101 – NEW ZEALAND The Hopkins River Valley Accessed south of Twizel at the head of Lake Ohau, this is a simply stunning river valley. I still recall the first time I drove up this valley – with tightly forested mountains, waterfalls streaming down and snow-capped mountains rising high above the valley, I turned to (my wife) Sylwia and proclaimed that the beauty of this place was right up there with the best of anything we’d experienced overseas; she agreed. And this remains one of my favourite places in New Zealand. There are about six huts dotted up the valley, though DOC stipulates that you only take a 4WD as far as the first three. The first hut is on the true right of the river and should be accessible in just about any weather, but it’s not far enough up the valley to see the best of what’s on offer. Going further requires you to cross the river and drive up the river bed. As with any South Island river, this is only advisable in the right conditions and with a keen eye on weather forecasts, as even if it’s OK to cross today it might not be possible to return tomorrow if there’s rain in the mountains. ‘Red Hut’, on the true left bank, makes a cosy hut to head for and has a lovely setting. Winter can be a good time to explore South Island river valleys, as river levels are typically at their lowest. Old Man Range to Old Woman Range This is Central Otago high country at its best. It’s a huge area, characterised by its highly unusual rock formations, and offering several choices of routes and direction. I undertook a route from south to north, beginning from the DOC campsite at Piano Flat. That campsite, amidst beautiful surroundings, is situated at what would be the ‘road end’ for regular cars. Getting from Piano Flat up onto the tops was once considered one of the roughest routes in the country, but since a bulldozer went over the top a couple of years ago it’s been tamed. It’s still not for ‘softroader’ SUVs however, as a real 4WD is needed to contend with a section referred to as the rock steps. These are a unique challenge
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
Ant sized dot circled is our 4WD atop Mt Patriarch.
Ascending Cluden-Lauder on a summer’s evening.
Lunchtime in the Upper Godley River Valley.
Take your pick on the Old Man Range.
‘The Obelisk’ aka Old Man Rock.
Crossing the Rees River near Glenorchy.
– my video on this route shows the obstacle well. It’s worth taking a detour to ‘Potters Hut’, where you can see two historic huts and read the DOC placards that will give you some appreciation of the extreme hardships faced by early gold miners in that area. Most will want to visit the large rock formation known as ‘Old Man Rock’ while they’re in this area. Whilst we could have exited this area by taking one of two routes down towards Roxburgh or Alexandra, we instead back-tracked to pick up a less used route connecting the Old Man Range to the Old Woman Range. This gives the option of spending a night at Old Woman hut and then exiting down towards Cromwell. Although all 4WD routes are typically more enjoyable on clear blue sky days, this is one that you would really want clear skies to make the most of the views available from the elevation you’ll gain. Macetown This one just has to be on this list. It’s usually an easy 4WD trip, despite the more than 20 river crossings required (in typical conditions – the river is often low). It’s also a short route, taking just an hour from Arrowtown. You could do this as a day trip from Queenstown in a standard 4WD, but if you take your camping gear DOC permits free camping and it’s a great experience to spend a night in a place like this rather than just visit during daylight hours. Be sure to explore a bit beyond Macetown itself – you can take your 4WD a few minutes further to the end of the track, where a collection of impressive gold mining relics and information can be seen. This includes a massive stamper battery. The autumn colours in this part of the country are most impressive. The Oteake Conservation Area This is one of my favourite places to explore by 4WD. It’s not just a route, but an entire conservation area with a truly remote feel. Several DOC huts are in the park and crystal-clear streams and rivers flow throughout – many with refreshing swimming pools that are
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
OVERLANDING 101 – NEW ZEALAND There are numerous tracks crisscrossing through the Oteake that can be explored; these often go to historic huts. These secondary tracks are in rougher condition than main tracks and can be more difficult, so be cautious with these. In good weather you could spend a few days up here soaking in the experience. I have a great recent video of the Oteake on my website.
4WDing is a real family activity for the Richs. worth stopping at on a hot day. A standard 4WD is all that is needed, though some of the routes into and out of the area marked for experienced 4WDers may not please squeamish
passengers, as being cliff edge can tend to raise anxieties. Also, less experienced drivers should not attempt to ascend at Johnstone’s Creek track – descending there will be far easier.
Aaron Rich Aaron Rich is a Kiwi 4WD overland adventurer who returned ‘home’ in 2016 after living and working in the UK for ten years. With partner Sylwia he has a son and two daughters. While in the UK Aaron bought a Mitsubishi Shogun (Pajero) and converted it into an off-road tourer suited to the type of (well) off the beaten track overlanding he prefers. After basing themselves in New Zealand for the past three years Aaron, Sylwia and the kids are now back on (or rather, off) the road, returning to the UK via Central Asia.
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
Cluden – Lauder Easements arranged by DOC permit 4WD travel between these two farm stations and offers a great 4WD shortcut between the Lindis Pass on State Highway 8 to just south of St Bathans. The Oteake sits just above St Bathans, making this route combinable with it. You’re likely to encounter mud bogs up on the top between Lindis Pass and the halfway point, though I found these manageable on all terrain tyres. The second half offers a harsh, but beautiful, rocky landscape with great
‘Rock Steps’ on the Old Man Range.
views – see the photos. Gate code required via DOC website. The Avoca Valley Close enough to Christchurch to be easily accessible, this one makes the list because it’s a relatively short route that delivered more than I expected from it. After paying a $20 gate fee at the farm homestead you make your way up the Harper and then the Avoca Rivers. This starts out with the scenery being very ‘Canterbury’, but by the time you get as far as Basins Hut (a DOC hut where you can spend the night or camp nearby) you’ll almost feel as if you were on the West Coast. Actually, you almost are! It’s an easy one-night route that could make for a great weekend ex Christchurch and give you a complete change in scenery. I have a short video of this route on my website.
Article author Aaron Rich and his Mitsubishi Shogun.
The Clarence Valley Some will be put off by the $100 gate fee, but it is a beautiful and unique area. This area was seriously affected by the earthquakes. Some very nice DOC huts are to be found and the area is
of historical farming interest – the old farm homestead and buildings are still there to explore. This route starts by climbing up a zigzag cliff edge track into the mountains. When we did it we were shrouded in thick cloud on the way up, but upon reaching the top it became obvious the cloud was all hanging on just one side of the mountains and once over the pass it was clear blue sunny skies all the way. The track is well maintained all the way down to the Clarence River. When I visited, the track to Palmer Hut was inaccessible, but another headed the other direction to Goose Flat was ok. A word of warning though – some tracks in the area have an unusual soil content that goes from fine in the dry to instantly horrendous in the wet. When wet, the soil loses all structure and even a good mud tyre will struggle more than you might imagine. A cliff edge track is not the place to be sliding about – definitely leave this one for dry weather! Rainbow Road This is the easiest route on this list, but not any less spectacular. It’s only open for a short period each year and there is a gate fee of $40. This is the only route on the list that can ordinarily be safely accomplished in a ‘softroader’ SUV as opposed to a true 4WD though conditions are subject to change. Indeed, I sometimes use this as a shortcut to tow my 1.8 tonne boat home, so it can’t be too difficult, even if I do get a few interesting stares. If you’ve got a ‘softroader’, or just want to start out really easy with your first forays into 4WDing, then this route would be ideal. And there are great DOC campsites at Lake Tennyson and Coldwater Creek along the route, with a DOC hut situated in between. Beware the ferocious winds that come through Lake Tennyson at times. If you have a real 4WD then you can take in side routes including the Maling Pass and Edwards Pass, however for these you’ll need to go online before you set off to register your vehicle and receive gate codes – a simple Google search will reveal the relevant DOC page.
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
OVERLANDING 101 – NEW ZEALAND
NZ Adventures’ 4x4 Tours
Experience the best of the South Island back country with NZ Adventures NZ Adventures has been offering four wheel drive and back country tours since 2003 mainly in the South Island although June 2020 will see the company venture into the North Island with its first back country tour in the north. Owner operators Robbie and Connie Crickett are
entering their seventh season with NZ Adventures although Robbie’s association goes right back to the late 1990s when the company offered only motorcycle tours. Multi-day tours For the 2020/21 season NZ Adventures expects to offer
SELF DRIVE 4x4 TOURS FOR 2020/21
For more information
info@nzadventures.co.nz Phone: 03 218 8569 027 550 6727 or 027 435 4267
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
a total of eleven separate multi-day tours spread from the West Coast Explorer five-day in November through to the Heartland six-day in the North Island in June just prior to the National Field Days. The final of the South Island tours for the season is the West Coast Explorer in April and the other South Island tours are : High Country Heritage. Generally a six-day (seven in March) this long established and very popular trip takes participants down the eastern foothills of the alpine divide from Blenheim to Cardrona taking in sheep stations and conservation reserves with lunches on some of the stations and some of the most expansive vistas it’s possible to drive a vehicle to in New Zealand. Eastern Explorer A five-day tour down the eastern foothills of South Canterbury and Otago this tour takes in some of the lessor known areas such as the Hunter Hills and the Strath Taieri along with the tussock vastness of the inland Otago ranges. A diverse tour with farming, mining, forestry and scenery
all featuring large as the tour progresses from Geraldine to Alexandra. Big Sky Six days in the mountains, valleys and upland plains of South Canterbury and Central Otago. This tour also starts in Geraldine and takes in overnights in Omarama, Cromwell and Cardrona before basing in Alexandra for three days of loop drives out of the heart of Central Otago. Big Sky touches on Northern Southland where it’s possible to virtually step from the sunburnt and arid to the verdant green. 46 South NZ Adventures’ most popular trip is a five-dayer travelling mainly along an imaginary line across the lower South Island from the Catlins to Fiordland from a start point in Lawrence to a finish in Cromwell with an amazing diversity of content along the way. Included is a ferry crossing of the Clutha to coastal cliff tops and the big station country of Western and Northern Southland with some time in vibrant Invercargill on one afternoon. Contact www. nzadventures.co.nz for further information.
High Country Journeys’ tour option proves a winner
On tour with High Country Journeys. Three seasons ago High Country Journeys introduced the ‘South Island High Country Grand Slam’ tour to complement their older original tour that started near Lake Coleridge and ended in Central Otago. The’ Grand Slam’ as it has become widely known, is a seven-day/eight-night package that starts in Blenheim and takes in Molesworth Station and the North Canterbury high country, then from the Lake Coleridge and Rakaia River area follows the usual route down through the Mackenzie Country, the Maniototo and Central Otago to finish in Cardrona or Wanaka. ‘Great response’ High Country Journeys is owned and operated by Ranfurly-based John Mulholland and as he says: “After running this newer ‘Grand Slam’ Tour for a couple of seasons we have been absolutely rapt with the response”. He adds: “A lot of our clients are coming down from the North Island
anyway so it was a logical progression to offer them an option to do Molesworth on the way. Keeping our tours smaller and using iconic hotels and lodges and local farmstays whenever we can is one of the reasons they are so popular” Another popular option At the same time another tour option - known as the ‘The Great Explorer’ and which has some absolutely stunning tracks - was also started, mainly to cater for clients who wanted to come back and do a different tour. This is a six-day/five-night tour that has a little more challenge and starts near Lake Ohau and takes in the rugged tussock lands and majestic high country of the lower Mackenzie Country and Lindis Pass area, Central Otago and Northern Southland and also ends in Cardrona or Wanaka. Adventure and a holiday These packages are an adventure as well as a holiday that combine
fine hospitality in very comfortable rural farmstays and lodges, good food, farming tales, high country yarns and four-wheeldriving through stunning scenery with passionate local guides who really know the country. You will be able to drive your own 4WD vehicle (or a hired one) and travel at a more relaxed pace from station to station as part of a smaller more personal group of vehicles (with radio contact in each one) with access to remote tracks, some only available
to High Country Journeys. If you have ever wanted to get into the back country and travel through many of the iconic South Island sheep stations and experience the isolation and majestic scenery of the high country in your own time contact John and join a fullyguided self-drive or tag-along tour organised by High Country Journeys. Don’t delay though as he informs us that spaces for this season are pretty much full and they are already taking bookings for the 2020/21 season.
HIGH COUNTRY JOURNEYS Drive from station to station and experience the majestic South Island High Country
TWO STUNNING SELF DRIVE 4WD SAFARI OPTIONS FOR 2020/21 ‘South Island High Country Grand Slam’ Self drive your own 4WD from Blenheim to Cardrona in Central Otago through a network of high country tracks including Molesworth on this 7 day 8 night tour. ‘The Great Explorer’ Self drive from Lake Ohau to Cardrona through the majestic high country and Tussocklands of the Mackenzie Basin, Central Otago and Northern Southland with this 6 day 7 night tour.
Both these Tours are; Fully guided with radio contact; Fully catered and stay in very comfortable lodge and farmstays; Made up of smaller tour groups (5-7 vehicles) and travel at a quieter pace. For further information contact: John Mulholland RANFURLY Phone 03 4449703 Mobile 027 2288152 Info@highcountryjourneys.co.nz www.highcountryjourneys.co.nz
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BUYER’S GUIDE S M A L L S U V
Is there a 4WD SUV (Sport or Suburban Utility Vehicle) in your future? If there isn’t, you will soon be in the minority as these practical, cost-effective vehicles blur the lines that used to exist between the various car and light commercial sectors. 4WD SUVs take up the lion’s share of space in our annual guide. We have split the listings along standard industry lines Small, Medium and Large. And added a separate section for 4WD Utes. If it is for sale it will be here! AUDI Q2 AWD Performance all the way, the Audi Q2 is Audi’s smallest SUV and – in addition to high levels of sophistication and customization – comes with the hero Quattro system and a stunningly powerful SQ version.
AUDI Q2
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Q2 TFSI 140kW Quattro Sport
$65,900
5
7-spd Auto
Petrol
4/1968
140
320
6.4
5 Star
SQ2 TFSI 221kW Quattro
$82,500
5
7-spd Auto
Petrol
4/1984
221
400
7.2
5 Star
AUDI Q3 New look focusing more on the new front face for Audi SUV line, the Q3 looks wider, more muscular and more athletic. Yes, it is more of an on road off-roader, but the Audi does have the technological backup of the brand’s patented Quattro system to match its good looks and performance.
AUDI Q3
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Q3 Advanced 45 TFSI
$74,900
5
7-spd Auto
Petrol
4/1984
132
320
6.7
5 Star
Q3 S-Line 45 TFSI
$84,900
5
7-spd Auto
Petrol
4/1984
169
350
7.6
5 Star
BMW X1 AWD BMW New Zealand has rationalised the X1 range, reducing its x-Drive offering to one model option and it’s a good one – the TwinPower turbo diesel, paired to BMW’s Steptronic sports automatic, matched to BMW x-factors which include high levels of agility and driving dynamics.
BMW X1
PRICE
x-Drive 20d 4x4
$79,900
SEATS
5
TRANS.
8-spd Auto
FUEL
Diesel
CYL./CC
4/1995
kW
Nm
140
400
AVE. L/100km
4.8
SAFETY
5 Star
BMW X2 AWD More car than SUV to look at, the BMW X2 still has SUV (or SAV in BMW-speak) credentials with targeted aerodynamic improvements, less weight, BMW EfficientDynamics package and the BMW TwinPower turbo engine technology contributing to this intriguing vehicle.
BMW X2
x-Drive 20i 4x4
58
PRICE
$73,900
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
SEATS
5
TRANS.
8-spd Auto
FUEL
Petrol
CYL./CC
4/1995
kW
141
Nm
280
AVE. L/100km
6.5
SAFETY
5 Star
HONDA HR-V AWD The HR-V makes up one half of Honda’s SUV offering, although it is the model with the least number of offerings in AWD variants. Still, the HR-V is a solid player in the market with a lot of love from the manufacturer built in. Yes, it does have a slightly underpowered feel to it when pushed, but this would be the only shortcoming. Comfort and specification levels are right up there as are technology and safety attributes.
HONDA HR-V
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
AWD
$35,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1497
96
155
5.3
5 Star
HYUNDAI KONA AWD With two variants sporting AWD systems, it’s no wonder the Kona has proven to be such a success for Hyundai. It’s certainly helped that Kona has two all-electric versions to lend more marketing muscle. AWD Kona’s have the smaller displacement but much more powerful gasoline direct injection engines and 7-speed dual clutch transmissions.
HYUNDAI KONA AWD
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
1.6T AWD
$36,990
5
DCT
Petrol
4/1591
130
265
6.7
5 Star
1.6T Elite AWD
$41,990
5
DCT
Petrol
4/1591
130
265
6.7
5 Star
JEEP RENEGADE Jeep’s truly compact SUV is underpinned by the legendary off-road manufacturer’s proven technology and toughness. The Trailhawk offers low gearing 4WD to get you way out there – as Jeep says, it’s an ‘invitation to adventure’. Classic Jeep styling combined with thoroughly modern convenience, this is a small car with a big heart.
JEEP RENEGADE
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Trailhawk 4WD
$44,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2360
129
230
7.5
5 Star
LEXUS UX250 The baby of the Lexus SUV fleet and arguably the most elegant, not to mention the most affordable. Designed by the same female engineer responsible for the CT200, the UX250h combines Lexus modern styling with urban luxury and hybrid technology. Performance is excellent though bootspace suffers at the expense of the styling.
LEXUS UX250H
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
2.0 Hybrid AWD
$65,900
5
Auto
Pet/Elec
4/1987
135
190
4.7
5 Star
2.0 Limited Hybrid AWD
$75,900
5
Auto
Pet/Elec
4/1987
135
190
4.7
5 Star
MAZDA CX-3 AWD Mazda CX-3 looks sensational, is brilliant to drive, is incredibly well made and is packed to the gills with technology. In fact, the CX-3 is so good it actually makes you wonder why you would buy the Mazda3. Which is also excellent, so there you go…
MAZDA CX-3
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
GSX AWD
$38,695
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1998
110
195
6.7
5 Star
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BUYER’S GUIDE S M A L L S U V
MERCEDES-BENZ GLA 4MATIC In Mercedes-Benz-speak, the GL letters denote an SUV and the last letter the platform on which it is based. Thus, the GLA is a small SUV based on the excellent A-Class platform, and, as to be expected, it is just superb.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLA
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
250 4Matic
$81,300
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1991
155
350
7.0
5 Star
AMG 45 4Matic
$111,200
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1991
280
475
7.5
5 Star
MITSUBISHI ASX AWD Towards the end of 2019, Mitsubishi introduced a refreshed and revamped ASX. The popular little SUV saw a new face, very much in keeping with the rampantly successful Triton. In addition, the range was rationalized to the point that the only AWD option is the diesel-powered vehicle, which has always been the standout engine. It needs to be mentioned however, that the 2WD ASX hero vehicle is now powered by a 2.4-litre petrol engine. MITSUBISHI ASX
XLS AWD
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$41,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/2268
112
366
6.0
5 Star
NISSAN JUKE AWD Distinctive styling and nimble handling make the Juke a great little city SUV. Dubbed a compact sports crossover by Nissan, this is a funky, fun and personality-packed offering that certainly stands out from the crowd. Plus, there’s loads of peppy power from the 140kW turbo.
NISSAN JUKE
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Juke Turbo
$39,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1618
140
240
7.4
5 Star
SSANGYONG KORANDO Probably more a town and around SUV than a hardcore off-road SUV but a very popular one, nonetheless. At time of writing, Korando had seen a recent upgrade overseas and the upgraded version was eagerly awaited here.
SSANGYONG KORANDO
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
2.0 TDi SPR
$36,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1984
129
360
7.3
5 Star
SUBARU XV AWD One of the crossover-style SUVs based off the popular Impreza, the XV is an impressively competent little package both on and off road, with strong engines and fantastic AWD dynamics.
SUBARU XV
2.0i Sport 2.0i Premium
60
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$34,990
5
Auto
Petrol
H4/1995
115
196
7.0
5 Star
$39,990
5
Auto
Petrol
H4/1995
115
196
7.0
5 Star
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
SUZUKI JIMNY 4X4 Revised for 2019, the Suzuki Jimny soared in popularity all over the world, which limited stock availability here. Still the Jimny has gained appreciation by 4WD experts and sales have been solid and constant ever since. An increase in engine size, an upgrade to safety tech and the Inclusion of Suzuki’s ALLGRIP PRO have contributed to Jimny’s success.
SUZUKI JIMNY
Sierra Sierra 2 tone Sierra Auto Sierra Auto 2 tone
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$26,990
5
Manual
Petrol
4/1462
75
130
6.4
3 Star
$27,490
5
Manual
Petrol
4/1462
75
130
6.4
3 Star
$28,500
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1462
75
130
6.9
3 Star
$29,000
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1462
75
130
6.9
3Star
SUZUKI S-CROSS Roomy five-door practicality recently facelifted though with just the one AWD in the model line-up, Suzuki’s S-Cross is a small SUV with a big heart, great build quality and good pricing.
SUZUKI SX4 S-CROSS
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
LTD AWD
$33,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1586
88
156
6.3
5 Star
SUZUKI VITARA Based on the S-Cross platform but far more inspiring and interesting, the Vitara has become something of a flagship model for Suzuki, encompassing fun and family values with a focus on vehicle safety. The most recent Vitara has seen significant upgrades In high tech safety features complementing its bold styling and colour palette.
SUZUKI VITARA
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
JLX AWD Turbo AWD Turbo AWD 2 Tone
$33,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1586
86
156
6.3
5 Star
$37,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1373
103
220
6.2
5 Star
$38,790
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1373
103
220
6.2
5 Star
TOYOTA C-HR AWD Upgraded in late 2019 for the 2020 model year, the fresh and funky CH-R has seen a little bit of a tone down in its polarising looks and added a self-charging hybrid engine option at the same time. CH-R also gains the Toyota Safety Sense suite to keep it in line with the Toyota range offering.
TOYOTA C-HR
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Turbo AWD Limited AWD Limited AWD 2 tone
$34,490
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1197
85
185
6.5
5 Star
$36,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1197
85
185
6.5
5 Star
$37,390
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1197
85
185
6.5
5 Star
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
BUYER’S GUIDE M E D I U M S U V
ALFA ROMEO STELVIO AWD All-new Stelvio (name comes from a famous pass in the Italian Alps) brings unmistakable Alfa Romeo style and brio to mid-size SUV sector. Three trim levels and both petrol and turbo petrol, plus turbo diesel models are available, each equipped with an 8-speed auto transmission and Alfa’s Q4 AWD system.
ALFA ROMEO STELVIA
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Stelvio 2.0 petrol AWD
$74,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1995
148
330
7.0
5 Star
$77,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/2143
154
470
4.8
5 Star
$94,990/900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1995
206
400
7.0
5 Star
Stelvio 2.2 TDi AWD Stelvio 20 Ti AWD
AUDI Q5 The middle-sized entrant in Audi’s SUV range adds more space over the small Q3 without going all massive and pretentious like the large Q7. Packed with clever tech the Q5 features Quattro Ultra Technology -- a centre differential which disengages the all-wheel -- Quattro -- drive to improve economy. It re-engages automatically as required.
AUDI Q5
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
TD1 quattro 140kW Sport
$96,900
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1968
140
400
5.1
5 Star
$103,500
5
Auto
Diesel
6/2967
210
620
6.0
5 Star
$113,500/900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1984
185
370
7.1
5 Star
TD1 quattro 210kW Sport
TFSI quattro 185kW Sport
BMW X3 The third generation X3 is a beauty, very much in keeping with the looks of the hugely popular X5. Ever so slightly bigger than outgoing X3 the new ‘un retains appealing mix of muscular yet not overpowering looks and simple, practical yet still somehow chic interior.
BMW X3
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
xDrive 20d AWD
$96,550
5
8-spd Auto
Diesel
4/1995
140
400
5.7
5 Star
$103,700
5
8-spd Auto
Petrol
4/1997
185
350
7.4
5 Star
xDrive 30i AWD
BMW X4 Stylish, striking and powerful, the X4 is primarily a city street car that just fits the SUV label. Quick off the mark in xDrive35d form and yet surprisingly fuel efficient. With four-wheel drive underpinnings you won’t be spinning wheels in the wet, either.
BMW X4
xDrive 20d AWD XDrive30i AWD
62
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$100,600
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1995
140
400
5.8
5 Star
$109,600
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1998
185
350
7.8
5 Star
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
FORD ESCAPE Ford offers a comprehensive range of all-wheel-drive options for Its Escape model for 2019, but the company Is holding Its powder dry for a 2020 release and an introduction of a hybrid model. In the meantime, the Escape makes up a significant model selection for Ford with an excellent cross section of specification and fuel options.
FORD ESCAPE
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Trend AWD EcoBoost
$44,490
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1999
178
345
8.6
5 Star
$46,490
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1997
132
400
5.4
5 Star
$49,495
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1999
178
345
8.6
5 Star
$53,490
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1999
178
345
8.6
5 Star
$54,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1997
132
400
5.4
5 Star
Trend AWD Diesel
ST Line AWD Ecoboost
Titanium AWD EcoBoost Titanium AWD Diesel
HOLDEN EQUINOX Equinox has an extensive range and has proved Itself to be an excellent replacement for the Captiva. Equinox Is far better equipped and offers a much more flexible AWD range with more sophisticated options in terms of specifications and fuel alternatives.
HOLDEN EQUINOX
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
LTZ AWD petrol
$52,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1998
188
353
8.4
5 Star
$55,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1598
100
320
5.6
5 Star
$57,490
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1998
188
353
8.4
5 Star
$60,490
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1598
100
320
5.9
5 Star
LTZ AWD diesel
LTZ-V AWD petrol
LTZ-V AWD diesel
HONDA CR-V Honda has taken its CR-V product forward in leaps and bounds in 2019, introducing new spec levels and including a seven-seat option as well as a more practical and spacious ‘’boxy’’ body design. Engine and transmissions are as refined as ever and CR-V for 2019/20 shows that it still has what it takes to be a force to be reckoned with.
HONDA CR-V
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
CR-V AWD Sensing
$42,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1498
140
240
7.4
5 Star
CR-V AWD Sport Sensing
$48,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1498
140
240
7.4
5 Star
HYUNDAI TUCSON Hyundai Tucson’s model line-up is extensive with six of the eight vehicles in the range being AWD models and featuring the HTRAC AWD system which allows torque to be distributed on demand to maximise fuel efficiency. Tucson is very well specified at the top end and the diesel is a real cracker.
HYUNDAI TUCSON
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
1.6T AWD
$47,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1591
130
265
7.7
5 Star
$51,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1995
136
400
6.4
5 Star
$52,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1591
130
265
7.7
5 Star
$56,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1995
136
400
6.8
5 Star
$59,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1591
130
265
7.7
5 Star
$63,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1995
136
400
6.8
5 Star
2.0R CRDi AWD 1.6T Elite AWD
2.0R CRDi Elite AWD 1.6T Limited AWD
2.0R Limited AWD
63
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
BUYER’S GUIDE M E D I U M S U V
JAGUAR E-PACE First compact SUV from Jaguar. Available in either petrol and diesel-fuelled S, R-Dynamic and R-Dynamic SE spec levels in a package as impressive dynamically as well-received big brother the F-Pace.
JAGUAR E-PACE
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
E-Pace S D150
$69,900
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1999
110
380
5.6
5 Star
$69,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1999
147
340
8.0
5 Star
$74,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1998
249
365
7.7
5 Star
$79,900
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1999
180
430
5.6
5 Star
$79,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1998
184
365
7.7
5 Star
$84,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1998
184
365
7.7
5 Star
$89,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1998
221
400
8.0
5 Star
E-Pace S P200 E-Pace S P250
R-Dynamic S D180 R-Dynamic S P250
R-Dynamic SE P250 R-Dynamic SE P300
JEEP COMPASS Jeep’s Compass has a fresh look, core Jeep 4x4 tech and state-of -the art safety and convenience features in a keenly priced multi-model line-up covering every possible use from school run to extreme 4x4 trails.
JEEP COMPASS
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL/CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Limited 4WD
$49,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2359
129
229
9.7
5 Star
$54,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2359
129
229
9.8
5 Star
Trailhawk 4WD
JEEP CHEROKEE Thoroughly refreshed In the MY19 model year the Cherokee nevertheless retains its distinctive American style. The initially polarizing looks quickly grow on you, while the off-road ability is still mighty impressive, especially behind the wheel of the Trail-Rated Trailhawk version.
JEEP CHEROKEE
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Limited
$59,990
5
Auto
Petrol
6/3239
200
315
9.8
5 Star
$64,990
5
Auto
Petrol
6/3239
200
315
10.2
5 Star
Trailhawk
KIA SPORTAGE Sportage brings a well-appointed (although admittedly less adventurous) interior and sharp dynamics to the small(ish) SUV segment. Although some of the base models are a bit less convincing, the higher spec offerings are very impressive.
KIA SPORTAGE
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CC
KW
NM
AVE. L/100KM
SAFETY
2.0 LX AWD
$41,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1995
136
400
6.4
5 Star
$42,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2359
135
237
8.5
5 Star
$43,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1995
136
400
6.4
5 Star
$51,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2359
135
237
8.5
5 Star
$54,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1995
136
400
6.4
5 Star
2.4 EX AWD
2.0 LX Plus AWD 2.4 GT-Line AWD 2.0 GT-Line AWD
64
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT It was once billed as a replacement for the Freelander, but the Land Rover Discovery Sport has now forged Itself a permanent place In the Land Rover line up. It uses new technology and has peaked and tweaked Its specification levels to make It a formidable SUV which does have the ability to off road capably and comfortably.
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
P200 R-Dynamic S
$77,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1997
147
320
7.9
5 Star
P250 R-Dynamic S
$82,900
7
Auto
Petrol
4/1997
184
365
7.9
5 Star
D180 R-Dynamic S
$82,9000
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1997
132
430
5.6
5 Star
P250 R-Dynamic SE
$87,900
5+2
Auto
Petrol
4/1997
184
365
7.9
5 Star
D180 R-Dynamic SE
$87,900
5+2
Auto
Diesel
4/1999
132
430
5.7
5 Star
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE One of the first Land Rovers to encourage a new generation of buyers to the marque with its massive street savvy appeal and genuine off road ability, the Evoque keeps on charming its way into the hearts and minds of new buyers who respect the vehicle for its abilities, technology and specification rather than for the name alone.
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
Evoque P200 R-Dynamic S
Evoque D180 R-Dynamic SE Evoque P250 R-Dynamic SE
Evoque D180 R-Dynamic HSE Evoque P250 R-Dynamic SE
Evoque P300 R-Dynamic HSE
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$92,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1997
147
340
7.7
5 Star
$102,900
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1999
132
430
5.7
5 Star
$102,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1997
184
365
7.9
5 Star
$109,900
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1999
132
430
5.7
5 Star
$109,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1997
184
365
7.9
5 Star
$117,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1997
221
400
8.1
5 Star
LEXUS NX AWD Refined and sharply styled, this luxury compact crossover cuts a fine figure in the urban jungle. Lexus is synonymous with quality, and the NX is certainly no exception. Sporty, comfortable interior is packed with technology, while safety features abound. All-wheel-drive and hybrid variants add versatility to the extensive range.
LEXUS NX
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
300h
$87,300
5
CVT Auto
Pet/Elec
4/2494
145
210
5.7
5 Star
$96,200
5
CVT Auto
Pet/Elec
4/2494
145
210
5.7
5 Star
$96,200
5
CVT Auto
Pet/Elec
4/2494
145
210
5.6
5 Star
$85,800
5
6 Spd Auto
Petrol
4/1998
175
350
7.9
5 Star
$95,000
5
6 Spd Auto
Petrol
4/1998
175
350
7.9
5 Star
$95,000
5
6 Spd Auto
Petrol
4/1998
175
350
7.9
5 Star
300h F Sport
300h Limited 300 Turbo
300 Turbo F Sport
300 Turbo Limited
MAHINDRA XUV500 Distinctive Indian 7-seat SUV designed first and foremost to appeal to the market by virtue of its performance, specification and keen pricing as reflected in the front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive commands a significant premium but is still very affordable especially given the appointment levels.
MAHINDRA XUV
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
XUV500 AWD W10
$40,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2179
103
320
8.1
4 Star
65
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
BUYER’S GUIDE M E D I U M S U V
MAZDA CX-5 Arguably the most popular SUV In the New Zealand market, the CX-5 has seen significant refreshes throughout Its life, with the latest being the Inclusion of the 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine shared with the Mazda6 and the extremely refined Takami grade of specification. Even with these upgrades, the winner is still the diesel engine variants.
MAZDA CX-5
GSX AWD petrol
GSX AWD diesel
Limited AWD petrol
Limited AWD diesel
Takami AWD turbo petrol
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$46,745
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2488
140
252
7.4
5 Star
$48,995
5
Auto
Diesel
4/2191
140
450
5.7
5 Star
$55,995
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2488
140
252
7.4
5 Star
$58,245
5
Auto
Diesel
4/2191
140
450
5.7
5 Star
$61,495
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2488
170
420
8.2
5 Star
MERCEDES-BENZ GLC Upgraded for 2019 and pushed along somewhat with a significant marketing campaign, the GLC SUV and SUV Coupe from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates just how seriously the German brand is taking its foray off the autobahn and into the outback, so to speak. Two AMG-modded models are available in SUV or SUV Coupe form.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLC
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
300 AWD
$101,400
5
9 G-Tronic Auto
Petrol
4/1991
155
350
7.8
5 Star
$105,5900
5
9 G-Tronic Auto
Pet/Elec
4/1991
90
440
8.1
5 Star
$130,900
5
AMG Speedshift 9
Petrol
6/2996
287
520
10.4
5 Star
$182,400
5
AMG Speedshift 9
Petrol
8/3982
375
700
12.2
5 Star
$111,000
5
9 G-Tronic Auto
Petrol
4/1991
190
370
8.1
5 Star
$136,800
5
AMG Speedshift 9
Petrol
6/2996
287
520
10.4
5 Star
$187,400
5
AMG Speedshift 9
Petrol
8/3982
375
700
12.2
5 Star
300 e AWD
AMG 43 AWD AMG 63 S
Coupe 300 AWD
Coupe AMG GLC 43
Coupe AMG GLC 63 S
MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS The Eclipse Cross has not enjoyed the attention it deserves sitting as it does in the shadow of the larger Outlander and the freshly updated ASX. The turbo engine and CVT transmission with stepped 8-speed sports shift is a brilliant combination and a showcase of Triple Diamond technology and refinement.
MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS
XLS AWD
VRX AWD
66
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$43,690
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1499
112
254
7.7
5 Star
$47,590
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1499
112
254
7.7
5 Star
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER Latest Outlander is a massive improvement over a vehicle that wasn’t all that bad to begin with. The addition of a strong diesel engine to the lineup strengthens it even more, while the Plug-in hybrid model (PHEV) is stunningly good, extremely economical , still capable of heading off the road and now considerably cheaper.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
LS 4WD CVT
$43,990
7
Auto
Petrol
4/2360
126
224
7.2
5 Star
$47,490
7
Auto
Petrol
4/2360
126
224
7.2
5 Star
$49,990
7
Auto
Petrol
4/2360
126
224
7.2
5 Star
$54,490
7
Auto
Petrol
4/2360
126
224
7.2
5 Star
$56,990
7
Auto
Petrol
4/2360
126
224
7.2
5 Star
$49,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2268
112
366
6.2
5 Star
$56,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2268
112
366
6.2
5 Star
$60,990
5
Auto
Pet/elec
4/2360
94
199
1.9
5 Star
$67,990
5
Auto
Pet/elec
4/2360
94
199
1.7
5 Star
$61,990
5
Auto
Pet/elec
4/2360
94
199
1.9
5 Star
$68,990
5
Auto
Pet/elec
4/2360
94
199
1.9
5 Star
XLS 4WD CVT
XLS SPORT 4WD CVT VRX 4WD CVT VRX 4WD 6AT
XLS 4WD 2.3D
VRX 4WD 2.3D
XLS PHEV 4WD (outgoing)
VRX PHEV 4WD (outgoing) XLS PHEV 4WD (new)
VRX PHEV 4WD (new)
NISSAN X-TRAIL Latest X-Trail abandons the chunky, square look of all previous models in favour of Nissan’s swoopy new styling. The redesign seems to be resonating with buyers too, as X-Trail registrations increased from 2018 to 2019 despite Increased sector competition.
NISSAN X-TRAIL
ST 4WD
ST-L 4WD Ti 4WD
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$42,490
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2488
126
226
8.3
5 Star
$47,490
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2488
126
226
8.3
5 Star
$53,490
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2488
126
226
8.3
5 Star
PORSCHE MACAN AWD The Cayenne’s smaller brother packs some serious performance and an even more road-oriented approach with petrol N/A, diesel and petrol turbo options Appeal is in badge, build quality and spec, while looks and performance seal the deal. Off-road ability present, but limited by the big, fat road rubber.
PORSCHE MACAN
Macan
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$105,900-$165,900
5
Auto
Petrol
1984/3604
185-324
370-550
8.9-10
5 Star
RENAULT KOLEOS 4X4 Based on the same platform as the Nissan X-Trail and Qashqai, the Koleos is strangely easy to overlook in the segment but is every bit as good as its Japanese counterparts. especially now with a sharp new look and choice of two spec levels on both petrol and diesel models.
RENAULT KOLEOS
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Intens/Sport 2.5 4x4
$51,990-$56,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2488
126
226
8.3
5 Star
$58,990 - $$63,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1995
128
380
5.5
5 Star
Intens/Sport 2.0 4x4
67
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
BUYER’S GUIDE M E D I U M S U V
SEAT ATECA VW-owned Spanish brand SEAT has seen two years In New Zealand, and the ranges within the brand have been rationalised somewhat, thanks to the arrival of the performance brand CUPRA and an Increase In the SUV offering from SEAT Itself. The Ateca range covers three model variants -- the AWD boasting the most powerful engine.
SEAT ATECA
FR 4Drive
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$51,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1984
190
320
7.0
5 Star
SEAT TARRACO The third and final SUV for the SEAT brand, the Tarraco competes In the demanding 7-seat SUV category. As with the smaller Ateca, the Tarraco offers a three-model line up with the AWD model being top-of-the-tree. Tarraco focuses more on substance and style as opposed to the performance offering of the Ateca.
SEAT TARRACO
Xcellence 4Drive
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$59,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1984
190
320
7.3
5 Star
SKODA KODIAQ No longer new, but still a darling In the SUV world, the Skoda Kodiaq has seen a couple of performance models In the range and they are performance plus. We thought the Sportline was Impressive, but the RS Is where the really hot action was for 2019 and still Is for 2020. In the meantime, the Kodiaq continues Its popular rise with Kiwi buyers.
SKODA KODIAQ
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Style TSi 4x4
$58,490
7
Auto
Petrol
4/1984
132
320
8.1.
5 Star
$63,490
7
Auto
Diesel
4/1968
140
400
6.3
5 Star
$64,490
7
Auto
Petrol
4/1984
132
320
8.1
5 Star
Style TDi 4x4 Sportline
SUBARU FORESTER The fifth generation Forester takes itself from medium AWD station wagon It might have been perceived as and has transformed Into a family-friendly AWD SUV, though this time around , there are no turbocharged or diesel versions. Forester Is however, imbued with an extensive array of technology, including X-Mode for AWD ability.
SUBARU FORESTER
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
2.5i Sport 4x4
$39,990
5
Auto
Petrol
H4/2498
136
239
7.4
5 Star
$44,990
5
Auto
Petrol
H4/2498
136
239
7.4
5 Star
$47,490
5
Auto
Petrol
H4/2498
136
239
7.4
5 Star
2.5i Sport Plus 4x4 2.5i Premium 4x4
68
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
TOYOTA RAV4 Revamped completely in 2019, the new RAV4 showcases the direction Toyota Is taking with hybrid technology. Most of the RAV4 range Is now hybridised and uses the new E-Four All wheel drive system, while the Americanised squared off design amplifies the impression of RAV4’s ability to go anywhere with family comfort In mind.
TOYOTA RAV4
GXL 4x4 petrol Adventure GX Hybrid GXL Hybrid Limited Hybrid
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$41,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/2494
152
243
6.7
5 Star
$48,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/2231
152
243
6.8
5 Star
$40.490
5
Auto
Pet/Elec
4/2494
131
221
4.8
5 Star
$43,990
5
Auto
Pet/Elec
4/2231
131
221
4.8
5 Star
$50,490
5
Auto
Pet/Elec
4/2494
131
221
4.8
5 Star
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Volswagen’s Tiguan has seen a significant history of upgrade and Improvement to what It Is today, a very capable and very well-specified SUV with a well defined split between its five and seven-seater models. Volkswagen has taken diesel options out of the mix but turbo-petrol engines deliver smooth and powerful performance.
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
TSI Highline 4x4 TSI R-line 4x4 Allspace TSI Highline 4x4 Allspace TSI R-Line 4x4
$57,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1984
132
320
7.4
5 Star
$65,990
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1968
162
350
7.8
5 Star
$59,990
7
Auto
Petrol
4/1984
132
320
7.7
5 Star
$67,990
7
Auto
Petrol
4/1984
162
350
8.1
5 Star
VOLVO XC60 Fresh look and feel for XC60 thanks to ground-up re-design on Sino/Swedish company’s own SPA platform. Impressive dynamics and innovative drivetrains bode well as brand ramps up presence in local SUV megamarket.
VOLVO XC60
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
T5 4x4 D4 4x4 D5 R-Design T6 4x4 T8 R-Design hybrid
$84-$89,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1969
187
350
7.3
5 Star
$86-$91,900
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1969
140
400
5.2
5 Star
$96,900
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1969
173
480
5.5
5 Star
$97,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1969
235
400
7.7
5 Star
$125,900
5
Auto
P/E
4/1969
246/65
440/240
2.1
5 Star
BUYER’S GUIDE L A R G E S U V
AUDI Q7 AWD Space, comfort and those distinctive Audi brand values. What’s not to like about the range-topping Q7? Supremely capable on-road, surprisingly adept off it Q7 deserves a place on any large SUV shopping list.
AUDI Q7
V6 TDi quattro 160kW V6 TDi quattro 200kW SQ7 TDi
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$117,400
5
Auto
Diesel
V6/2967
160
500
5.8
5 Star
$133,400
7
Auto
Diesel
V6/2967
200
600
5.9
5 Star
$183,900
7
Auto
Diesel
V6/3956
320
900
7.2
5 Star
69
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
BUYER’S GUIDE L A R G E S U V
AUDI Q8 AWD Showpiece for the sleeker and more dynamic face of Audi introduced in 2019, the Q8 fills out the Q fleet and delivers the best of two worlds: Audi’s vorsprung durch technik brilliance and refined luxury that only a four-ringed 8 can offer. Diesel engine is the powerhouse, with a petrol option available.
AUDI Q8
3.0 TDi quattro 210kW
3.0 TFSi quattro 250kW 4.0 TDi Quattro 320kW
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$152,500
5
Auto
Diesel
V6/2967
210
600
6.8
5 Star
$152,500
5
Auto
Petrol
V6/2995
250
500
9.1
5 Star
194,400
5
Auto
Diesel
V8/3956
320
900
7.8
5 Star
BMW X5 AWD BMW’s unofficial flagship of the X Line, the X5 Is the aspirational BMW SUV and accordingly, the range Is the most comprehensive when It comes to x-Drive variants. For 2020, the big news Is the plug-In hybrid which gives you all the chocolate without the calories. Diesel, petrol, hybrid and performance options are now available.
BMW X5
X5 xDrive30d
X5 xDrive40i M Sport X5 xDrive45e Plug in X5 M50d
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$135,200
5
8-spd Auto
Petrol
2993
250
450
9.2
5-Star
$147,900
5
8-spd Auto
Diesel
2993
294
760
7.5
5 Star
$155,500
5
8-spd Auto
Pet/Elec
2993
210
600
2.5
5 Star
$177,900
5
8-spd Auto
Diesel
2993
294
760
7.5
5 Star
BMW X6 AWD A little unusual in terms of its shape, adopting a more overtly coupe-style than SUV/SAV, the X6 nonetheless is unmistakably BMW, with all the technology and sumptuousness we have come to expect of the brand. As you might expect, there is a performance variant available.
BMW X6
xDrive 30d M50d
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$146,600
5
8-spd Auto
Diesel
6/2993
195
620
7.1
5 Star
$183,600
5
8-spd Auto
Diesel
6/2993
294
760
7.8
5 Star
FORD ENDURA 4WD Ford’s global reach has also given us the Endura, a slick, roomy, up-to-minute mid/medium size go anywhere/do anything 2.0L Turbo Diesel-powered SUV designed to take on everything from a Toyota RAV4 to a Porsche Macan. An 8-speed automatic transmission helps balance the conflicting demands of speed and economy with the option of All-Wheel-Drive kicking in on ST-Line and Titanium models.
FORD ENDURA
TREND
ST-LINE
TITANIUM
70
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$56,490
5
8-Spd Auto
Diesel
4/1995
140
400
6.7
5 Star
$64,990
5
8-Spd Auto
Diesel
4/1995
140
400
6.7
5 Star
$69,990
5
8-Spd Auto
Diesel
4/1995
140
400
6.7
5 Star
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
FORD EVEREST 4WD First major upgrade for Ranger-based but full-time 4WD, 7-seat ‘tough-SUV’ sees adoption of Ford’s all-new smooth, refined twin-turbo 2-litre engine and 10-speed transmission. Very well equipped, handles nicely on the road, formidable off the sealed stuff: a thoroughly convincing package.
FORD EVEREST
Everest
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
$79,990
7
Auto
Diesel
CYL./CC
4/1996
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
157
500
7.1
5 Star
HOLDEN ACADIA AWD The first American-built Holden arrived here in 2018 and It was met with mixed reaction. Acadia has since earned a number of awards and has won over the New Zealand market by virtue of Its appeal to our marketplace and diverse active lifestyles. Onetime criticised soft ride is now recognised and respected for Its luxurious appeal.
HOLDEN ACADIA
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
LT 3.6 AWD petrol
$53,990
7
Auto
Petrol
V6/3649
231
367
9.3
5 Star
$59,990
7
Auto
Petrol
V6/3649
231
367
9.3
5 Star
$71,990
7
Auto
Petrol
V6/3649
231
367
9.3
5 Star
LTZ 3.6 AWD petrol
LTZ-V 3.6 AWD petrol
HOLDEN TRAILBLAZER AWD Colorado ute-based Trailblazer brings a tough, go anywhere/do/tow anything vibe to SUV sector. With seven seats, low range off-road capability, good road behaviour as well as parochial Aussie truck appeal, this large SUV wagon offers a heck of a lot for a low-$60K family vehicle.
HOLDEN TRAILBLAZEr
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
LTZ AWD
$62,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2776
147
500
8.6
SAFETY
5 Star
HYUNDAI SANTA FE AWD Arguably Hyundai’s most popular nameplate and just as arguably, the Large SUV sector’s most commanding vehicle by a substantial margin, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a light year jump over its preceding models with spectacular levels of safety and technology as well as some especially refined diesel engines.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL. /CC
kW
Nm
AVE L/100km
SAFETY
2.4 petrol AWD
$59,990
7
Auto
Petrol
4/2359
138
241
9.3
5 Star
$66,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2199
147
440
7.5
5 Star
$69,490
7
Auto
Petrol
4/2359
138
241
9.3
5 Star
$76,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2199
147
440
7.5
5 Star
$75,490
7
Auto
Petrol
4/2359
138
241
9.3
5 Star
$82,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2199
147
440
7 .5
5 Star
2.2 diesel AWD
2.4 petrol AWD Elite
2.2 diesel AWD Elite
2.4 petrol AWD Limited
2.2 diesel AWD Limited
71
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
BUYER’S GUIDE L A R G E S U V
ISUZU MU-X AWD MU-X is the SUV version of Isuzu’s signature ute, the D-Max. 2017 ‘tickle-up’ made it an even better 7-seat family all-rounder, with the same go-anywhere off-road ability of the D-Max but with all the comforts of an SUV, now including 18 in. alloy wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen.
ISUZU MU-X
MU-X 4x4
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL. /CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$66,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2999
130
430
8.1
5 Star
JAGUAR F-PACE AWD Style, luxury, performance - aka ‘pace with space’ - as luxury AWD SUVs go, this is one that’s unlikely to leave the tarmac for the really rough stuff, however that’s probably immaterial – it’s been dubbed Jaguar’s ‘most practical sports car’, which is about right.
JAGUAR F-PACE
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL. /CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Prestige 20d
$89,900
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1999
132
430
5.1
5 Star
$94,900- $99,900
5
Auto
D/P
4/1999-4/1997
177-221
500-400
5.8/8.9
5 Star
$114,900
5
Auto
Petrol
V6/2993
280
450
8.9
5 Star
$114,900
5
Auto
Diesel
V6/2993
221
700
6.0
5 Star
$157,900
5
Auto
Petrol
V8/5000
405
680
11.9
R-Sport 25d/25t/30t S
Sd
SVR
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AWD New-generation Grand Cherokee is an impressive beast. Superbly comfortable, well-specced and becoming more popular by the day. Off-road ability of dedicated Trailhawk version is unquestioned as is on-road/track performance of outrageous Trackhawk!
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Limited 4x4 V6 petrol
$84,990
5
Auto
Petrol
6/3604
13
347
10.0
5 Star
$89,990
5
Auto
Diesel
6/3000
184
570
7.0
5 Star
$94,990
5
Auto
Diesel
6/3000
184
570
7.0
5 Star
$94,990
5
Auto
Diesel
6/3000
184
570
7.0
5 Star
$121,540
5
Auto
Petrol
8/6400
344
624
13.5
5 Star
$169,990
5
Auto
Petrol
8/6200
522
868
16.8
5 Star
Limited 4x4 V6 diesel Trailhawk 4x4 V6d Overland 4x4 V6d SRT
Trackhawk
JEEP WRANGLER 4WD The Wrangler is built for one purpose: to be spectacular off the road. New model In the form of the JL gives us two 2 door models and three 4 door (Unlimited models) still with the Wrangler’s endearing qualities of an upright seating position and vague steering. Refinement has Improved in JL model and ability has In no way been compromised.
JEEP WRANGLER
PRICE
SEATS
Sport S
$67,990
5
$84,990
5
$72,990
Overland
Sport S 4 dr
Overland 4 dr Rubicon 4 dr
72
TRANS.
CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
347
9.6
1 Star
Petrol
6/3604
209
Auto
Petrol
6/3604
209
347
9.6
1 Star
5
Auto
Petrol
6/3604
209
347
9.7
1 Star
$89,990
5
Auto
Petrol
6/3604
209
347
9.7
1 Star
$92,990
5
Auto
Petrol
6/3604
209
347
10.3
1 Star
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
Auto
FUEL
KIA SORENTO AWD Solid mainstay of the Kia New Zealand fleet, though it is frequently overshadowed by new model releases. The 7-seat SUV enjoys high levels of specification, an excellent 2.2-litre, diesel engine across the range and most recently two upgrades which includes an 8 speed automatic and most recently the inclusion of rear seat occupant detection.
KIA SORENTO
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
SX - GT-Line Premium
$62,990 – $73,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2199
147
441
7.2
5 Star
LAMBORGHINI URUS 4WD Ultra hi-tech twin-turbo V8 and trick full-time 4WD system complete with Torsen-type limited-slip central diff, 4-wheel torque vectoring and rear wheel steer, Urus is truly a force of nature, offering Supercar performance in a practical 5-door SUV package.
LAMBORGHINI URUS
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
URUS SUV 4x4
$339,000
5
Auto
Petrol
V8/3996
478
850
14.5
SAFETY
5Star
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4WD Latest Discovery trades set-square-drawn traditional lines for smooth, sculpted look while continuing to successfully bridge the gap between Land Rover utility and Range Rover luxury. Not as large or imposing as the traditional Range Rover, the Discovery still offers unique mix of luxury and legendary off-road capability.
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
SE Td6/Si6
$115,900
7
Auto
P/D
V6/2995/3
190/250
450/600
7.5/10.9
5 Star
$127,900
7
Auto
P/D
V6/2995/3
190/250
450/600
7.5/10.9
5 Star
$139,900
7
Auto
P/D
V6/2995/3
190/250
450/600
7.5/10.9
5 Star
HSE Td6/Si6
HSE Luxury TD6/Si6
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT 4WD Puts the ‘S’ into ‘SUV’. The Sport is as agile, dynamic and responsive as a Range Rover can get. Lighter, faster and more fuel efficient than before, the Sport had to do a lot to live up to its name, given the Vogue’s impressive on-road ability, but it has. And then some. Seven seats an option as is hybrid powertrain.
LR RANGE ROVER SPORT
HSE SDV6 HSE Dynamic SDV6 HSE Dynamic SDV8 HSE Dynamic V8 S/C PHEV P400e HSE Dynamic Autobiography V8 S/C SVR
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$149,900
5
Auto
Diesel
V6/2993
225
700
7.0
5 Star
$161,900
5
Auto
V6/2993
225
700
7.0
5 Star
$167,940
5
Auto
Diesel
V8/4367
250
740
8.4
5 Star
$167,900
5
Auto
Petrol
V8/5000
386
625
12.8
5 Star
$174,900
5
Auto
Pet/Elec
4/19997
297
640
3.1
5 Star
$179,900
5
Auto
Petrol
V8/5000
386
625
12.8
5 Star
$209,900
5
Auto
Petrol
V8/5000
423
700
12.8
5 Star
Diesel
73
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
BUYER’S GUIDE L A R G E S U V
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER VELAR 4WD Velar is a new design-driven addition to Land-Rover line, based on sister company Jaguar’s successful F-Pace model. New, smooth lines, chic interiors and eager diesel or petrol V6 engines and slots into marque range between Evoque and Range Rover Sport and Range Rover.
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER VELAR
Velar P250 S Velar P250 R-Dynamic S Velar D275 R-Dynamic S Velar P340 R-Dynamic S Velar D300 R-Dynamic SE Velar P380 R-Dynamic SE Velar D300 R-Dynamic HSE Velar P380 R-Dynamic HSE Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL. /CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$109,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1998
184
365
7.6
5 Star
$114,900
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1998
184
365
7.6
5 Star
$124,900
5
Auto
Diesel
6/2993
202
625
6.6
5 Star
$124,900
5
Auto
Petrol
6/2995
250
450
9.4
5 Star
$134,900
5
Auto
Diesel
6/2993
221
700
6.4
5 Star
$134,900
5
Auto
Petrol
6/2995
280
450
9.4
5 Star
$144,900
5
Auto
Diesel
6/2993
221
700
6.4
5 Star
$144,900
5
Auto
Petrol
6/2995
280
450
9.4
5 Star
$187,900
5
Auto
Petrol
V8/4999
405
680
11.8
5Star
LEXUS RX AWD Mid-size RX350/450h pair build on the Lexus touchstones of luxury and sophistication and saw a major overhaul in late 2019 to Incorporate Lexus Safety System +, Active Cornering Assist, Bladescan light enhancement system as well as Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Qi wireless charging for enhanced connectivity.
LEXUS RX
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
350 AWD 350 F-Sport 350 Limited 350 Limited/F Sport AWD 350 Limited 7-seat 450h hybrid 450h F-Sport 450h Limited 450h Limited 7-seat
$97,400
5
Auto
Petrol
V6/3456
221
370
9.6
5 Star
$109,600
5
Auto
Petrol
V6/3456
221
370
9.6
5 Star
$114,900
5
Auto
V6/3456
230
335
5.7
5 Star
$108,900
5
Auto
Petrol
V6/3456
221
370
9.6
5 Star
$109,500
7
Auto
Petrol
V6/3456
216
358
10.2
5 Star
$116,400
5
Auto
Pet/Elec
V6/3456
230
335
5.7
5 Star
$127,600
5
Auto
Pet/Elec
V6/3456
230
335
5.7
5 Star
$126,900
5
Auto
Pet/Elec
V6/3456
230
335
5.7
5 Star
$127,500
7
Auto
Pet/Elec
V6/3456
230
335
5.7
5 Star
Petrol
SAFETY
MASERATI LEVANTE AWD Canny modern motor industry marketing metrics meet glorious Italian tradition of bespoke (sports) car building to produce the Levante, a brilliant new luxury SUV pitched at heavy hitters who want the very best and are prepared to pay for it.
MASERATI LEVANTE
Luxury Sport Turbo Diesel
74
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$149,990
5
Auto
Petrol
V6/2979
257
500
12.0
5 Star
$155,990
5
Auto
Petrol
V6/2979
321
580
10.9
5 Star
$136,990
5
Auto
Diesel
V6/2987
202
600
7.2
5 Star
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
MAZDA CX-8 AWD The Mazda that’s smaller than a petrol powered CX-9 but larger than a CX-5, the exclusively-diesel powered CX-8 is surprisingly only making half the registrations of its much larger stablemate. Handling is stunning, performance is exceptionally smooth and sophistication is redefined in this practically-sized large SUV.
MAZDA CX-8
GSX Limited Takami
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$56,495
5
Auto
Diesel
4//2191
140
450
6
5 Star
$62,495
5
Auto
Diesel
4/2191
140
450
6
5 Star
$64,195
5
Auto
Diesel
4/2191
140
450
6
5Star
MAZDA CX-9 AWD New, second-generation CX-9 has won kudos from critics and satisfied owners alike. The latest beneficiary of Mazda’s SkyActiv engine tech is loaded with family and driver-friendly features. Seven seats, heaps of space and powerful 2.5-litre turbo petrol engines, making big Mazda hard to beat.
MAZDA CX-9
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
GSX 4x4
$59,695
7
Auto
Petrol
4/2488
170
420
8.8
5 Star
$65,295
7
Auto
Petrol
4/2488
170
420
8.8
5 Star
$67,895
7
Auto
Petrol
4/2488
170
420
8.8
5 Star
Limited 4x4 Takami
MERCEDES-BENZ GLC SUV/COUPE AWD Not a typical SUV, nor – for that matter - a coupe, the GLC coupe is Mercedes-Benz making a statement, by taking the best qualities of each genre to create a new one. Raised ride height five seat hatchbacks never looked so good or were as versatile.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLC
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
300 SUV/COUPE
$101,400/$111,000
5
Auto
Petrol
4/1991
190
370
8.1
5 Star
$105,500
5
Auto
Pet/Elec
4/1991
155
350
na
5 Star
$130,900/$136,800
5
Auto
Petrol
6/2996
287
520
10.4
5 Star
$182,400/$187,400
5
Auto
Petrol
8/3982
375
700
12.2
5Star
300 e SUV
AMG 43 SUV/COUPE AMG 63 S SUV
MERCEDES-BENZ GLE AWD Not to be confused with the equally impressive GLE coupe, the GLE SUV is Mercedes-Benz at its best. Build quality and materials remain top-shelf, while performance – even that of the small-engined variants – is impressive thanks to upgraded drivelines and improved economy.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLE
PRICE
250d–AMG GLE 63 S
$108,900-$207,900
SEATS
5
TRANS.
FUEL
CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Auto
P/D
2143-5461
150-430
500-760
6.0-11.8
5 Star
75
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
BUYER’S GUIDE L A R G E S U V
MITSUBISHI PAJERO 4WD One of the last of a hardcore breed, the Pajero Is showing It’s age, but It still delivers the goods with Its go anywhere-ability, excellent towing capability and rugged build, whichh Includees the ladder chassis Inherent In the design of Mitsubishi’s super strong seven seater.
MITSUBISHI PAJERO
PRICE
Exceed 4x4
$87,5990
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
Auto
Diesel
4/3200
143
448
9.1
5 Star
7
MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT AWD Upgraded model has seen a refreshed Interior with an 8-Inch colour monitor taking pride of place In the cabin. Pajero Sport adopts a power tailgate, remote control locking from your smartphone and electronic driver aid upgrades Includes lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.
MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
VRX 4x4
$66,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2442
135
437
8.0
5Star
NISSAN PATROL 4WD True off-road capability, 3500kg towing capacity, powerful V8 and eight seats, the Nissan Patrol is one of the most versatile vehicles around. It has a long and illustrious heritage as an off-roader, and now it’s better than ever on the tarmac, too. Ti-L now offers 7-seat option
NISSAN PATROL
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
Patrol Ti & Ti-L
$107,500-127,500
5-7
Auto
Petrol
V8/5552
298
560
14.5
SAFETY
4Star
NISSAN PATHFINDER AWD Only the name remains from the big, square-rigged Pathfinder of old. This recently face-lifted SUV has a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine and CVT transmission across the range. Monocoque body trades ultimate offroad ability for a spec which majors in school run spaciousness.
NISSAN PATHFINDER
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
STAWD
$59,990
7
Auto
Petrol
V6/3498
202
340
10.1
5Star
$65,990
7
Auto
Petrol
V6/3498
202
340
10.1
5Star
$69,990
7
Auto
Petrol
V6/3498
202
340
10.1
5Star
ST-LAWD Ti AWD
PORSCHE CAYENNE AWD Porsche first foray into the world of SUVs and while at the time, it was a polarising vehicle, today Porsche has developed a raft of SUVs all imbued with the brand’s patented performance attributes with a hybrid option also available.
PORSCHE CAYENNE
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
Porsche Cayenne
$138,900-$259,900
5
Auto
Petrol
1984/3604
185-324
370-550
6.1-9.1
5 Star
$161,900 -$304,900
5
Auto
Pet/Elec
6/2995
462
700
3.2-3.4
5 Star
Porsche Cayenne
76
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
SAFETY
SSANGYONG REXTON AWD Long serving traditional nameplate, the Rexton 7-seater G4 model retains robust body-on-ladder-chassis design and sells here in Teammate and high-specSPR guises with 2.2-litre diesel engine, 7-speed transmission with part-time 4WD.
SSANGYONG REXTON
PRICE
SEATS
Teammate AWD
$44,990 $67,990
SPR AWD
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2157
133
420
8.3
n/a
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2157
133
420
8.3
n/a
SUBARU OUTBACK 4WD Current Outback retains all the core Subaru values and on/off-road composure Kiwi car buyers have come to know and trust, while at the same time adding an extra layer of quality, luxury and innovative safety technology which - at these prices - make it a veritable bargain as well.
SUBARU OUTBACK
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
2.5i Sport 4WD
$44,990
5
Auto
Petrol
H4/2498
129
235
7.3
5 Star
$49,990
5
Auto
Petrol
H4/2498
129
235
7.3
5 Star
$59,990
5
Auto
Petrol
H6/3630
191
350
9.9
5 Star
2.5i Premium 4WD
3.6RS Premium 4WD
TOYOTA FORTUNER AWD Large ‘ruggedised’ SUV wagon from Toyota has low-range gearing, excellent road manners and loads of space. Based on the Hilux ute, so it’s rugged and strong yet has that SUV comfort and ride for family touring. Range rationalised for 2020 and safety levels upgraded without price increase to Include Toyota Safety Sense suite.
TOYOTA FORTUNER
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
GXL AWD Limited AWD
$54,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2755
130
450
8.6
5 Star
$58,490
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2755
130
450
8.6
5 Star
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AWD V6 Highlander is not short on power. Neither is it short on equipment or luxury, as the latest generation climbs closer to the Prado in terms of size, specification and price. Highlander works very well in New Zealand, though It has suffered with new arrivals. Highlander Is still a way off a freshen up to catch up to the competition.
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
GX AWD GXL AWD Limited AWD
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$54,490
7
Auto
Petrol
V6/3456
218
350
9.5
5 Star
$57,990
7
Auto
Petrol
V6/3456
218
350
9.5
5 Star
$69,990
7
Auto
Petrol
V6/3456
218
350
9.5
5 Star
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
BUYER’S GUIDE L A R G E S U V
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PRADO 4WD The 2018 upgrade to 4WD Prado brought re-styled front end, increase (to 3000kg) in braked towing capacity, revamped interior plus addition of Toyota’s new Safety Sense (TSS) package across GX, VX & VX Ltd spec grades. Big, supremely capable all-rounder only (just) starting to show its age
LAND CRUISER PRADO
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
GX 4WD VX 4WD VX Ltd 4WD
$70,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2799
130
450
8.0
5 Star
$79,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2799
130
450
8.0
5 Star
$91,990
7
Auto
Diesel
4/2799
130
450
8.0
5 Star
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG 4WD Like its popular predecessors, new, latest-generation Touareg shares base DNA with VAG Group cousins the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. Trimmed down MY19/20 lineup loses V8 TDI model in favour of two 4Motion (full-time 4WD) V6 turbo diesels, including torque-meister S with 210kW and 600Nm!
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
TDI V6 4WD TDI V6 S 4WD
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$95,990
5
Auto
Diesel
V6/2967
170
500
8.7
5 Star
$109,390
5
Auto
Diesel
V6/2967
210
600
8.7
5 Star
VOLVO XC90 AWD Volvo’s XC90 is a confident statement of the Swedish manufacturer’s commitment to safety, style and cutting-edge engine tech. Three trim levels, Momentum. Inscription and R-Design with lineup covering petrol, diesel and – of course! – a trick petrol/electric hybrid.
VOLVO XC90
D5 AWD D5 / T6 AWD D5 / T6 / T8 AWD
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$104,900
7
Auto
Diesel
4/1969
173
480
5.7
5 Star
$110,900 -$116,900
7
Auto
Petrol
4/1969
246
440
8.0
5 Star
$112,900 - $149,900
7
Auto
P/Elec
4/1969
311
680
2.1
5 Star
BUYER’S GUIDE E X T R A L A R G E S U V
BENTLEY BENTAYGA AWD To quote VW-owned British luxury car maker Bentley, the new Bentayga is ‘the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world’... and who are we to argue. Now available here with V8 petrol as well as 4 litre V8 diesel turbo.
BENTLEY BENTAYGA
Bentayga Petrol
Bentayga Diesel
78
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$275,000
7
Auto
Petrol
V8/3993
404
770
11.4
5 Star
$285,000
7
Auto
Diesel
V8/3956
320
900
8.0
5 Star
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER 4WD Range Rover gets more dynamic on and off the road with each new generation. The latest version is packed with a remarkable amount of the latest technology and luxury, as well being incredible to drive. Off-road, of course, it remains equally impressive. All models are 4WD. All Autobiography models are supercharged, as is top end Vogue.
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER
Vogue TDV6
Vogue SDV8/SE SDV8
Vogue SE V8 S/C Vogue SE PHEV P400E Autobiography V8 S/C
Autobiography V8 S/C LWB
SV Autobio. V8 S/C Dynamic
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$181,900
5
Auto
Diesel
V6/2993
190
600
6.9
5 Star
$195,900-221,900
5
Auto
Diesel
V8/4367
250
740
8.4
5 Star
$221,900
5
Auto
Petrol
V8/5000
386
625
12.8
5 Star
$223,900
5
Auto
P/Elec
4/1997
297
640
na
5 Star
$237,900
5
Auto
Petrol
V8/5000
386
627
8.4
5 Star
$247,900
5
Auto
Petrol
V8/5000
386
625
12.8
5 Star
$270,000
5
Auto
Petrol
V8/5000
416
700
12.8
5 Star
LEXUS LX 4WD Luxury-length Lexus LX570 (petrol) and Land Cruiser 200-based Lexus 450d retain all of its Toyota donor’s legendary off-road ability while adding even more comfort, luxury. Smart, stylish, sophisticated and both supremely comfortable on road as well as impressively capable off it.
LEXUS LX
LX 450d 4WD LX570 4WD
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$160,100
7
Auto
Diesel
V8/4461
200
650
9.5
5 Star
$181,400
7
Auto
Petrol
V8/5663
270
530
14.4
5 Star
MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 4WD Massively spacious, M-B’s top-of-the-line seven-seater is luxurious, supremely comfortable and packed with technology. Ride is superb on the road, with cutting edge suspension and damping engineering, and all-wheel-drive versatility.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLS
GLS 350d/Sport 4WD GLS 500 4WD
GLS AMG 63 4WD
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
$141-162,800
7
Auto
Diesel
V6/2987
190
620
7.6
5 Star
$201,900
7
Auto
Petrol
V8/4663
335
700
11.3
5 Star
$242,900
7
Auto
Petrol
V8/5461
430
760
12.3
5 Star
MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS 4WD New, revamped G-Class (nee G-Wagen) has subtle styling changes on the outside and major suspension revamp underneath. Three diff locks and low range gearing offer the ultimate traction in rough terrain while now it is even more comfortable, safe and refined for daily road use.
MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS
AMG G 63 4WD
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
$263,900
5
Auto
Petrol
V8/3982
430
850
n/a
SAFETY
n/a
79
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
BUYER’S GUIDE E X T R A L A R G E S U V
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 200 4WD Toyota’s unburstable twin-turbo V8 diesel engine powers the impressive and luxurious Land Cruiser 200. Highly specced and supremely capable on and off the road, the 200 Series is a comfortable, relaxed cruiser guaranteed to go the distance in any conditions.
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 200
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
AVE. L/100km
SAFETY
VX 4WD
$115,990
8
Auto
Diesel
V8/4461
200
650
9.5
5 Star
VX Limited 4WD
$133,990
8
Auto
Diesel
V8/4461
200
650
9.5
5 Star
BUYER’S GUIDE U T E S
The Ute as a replacement for the traditional car – is gaining more ground month-by-month. New contenders for this year include SsangYong and Mahindra, while Mitsubishi upgraded its evergreen Triton. Ram trucks from the US increased its range offering in this country while some Holden dealers independent of their parent company here, introduced Dodge Silverado product. Great Wall out of China had seen a mild upgrade with the promise of better to come in 2020, with Hyundai hinting at a ute developed over a five-year timeframe. Meantime, the conventional players continue to consolidate market share and dominance over each other, the top brands developing ‘hero product’ to shore up their existing ranges. FORD RANGER 4WD The standard by which all contemporary turbo-diesel utes must be judged. Rides like an SUV, steers and handles like a sporty sedan yet tough, powerful, practical, well-specced and with a muscular presence perfect for the current gung-ho mood of the market. Ford’s Wildtrak models gain new engines and new transmissions while Ranger Raptor continues to be the aspirational ute Ford intended it to be.
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
8.7
5 Star
750 - 3500
Auto 6
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
8.7
5 Star
750 - 3500
5
Auto 6
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
8.7
5 Star
750 - 3500
$58,490
5
Auto 6
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
8.3/8.7
5 Star
750 - 3500
XLT Double Cab wellside
$63,990
5
Auto 6
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
8.7
5 Star
750 - 3500
XLT Sport Double Cab wellside
$65,490
5
Auto 6
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
8.7
5 Star
750 – 3500
Wildtrak Double Cab wellside
$70,990
5
Auto 6
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
8.7
5 Star
750 – 3500
Wildtrak D/C wellside
$71,990
5
Auto 10
Diesel
4/1996
157
500
7.4
5 Star
750 - 3500
Ranger Raptor
$84,990
5
Auto 10
Diesel
4/1996
157
500
8.2
5 Star
750 – 2500
FORD RANGER
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
XL Single Cab/chassis
$49,990
2
Auto 6
XL Super Cab wellside
$56,990
2+
XL Double Cab c/c
$55,990
XL Double Cab wellside
FUEL
FOTON TUNLAND 4WD Big, robust easy-to-like ute made in China using bought-in tech from Cummins, Dana and Getrag, and now with the 6-speed auto trans model, ZF. Basics are all there, ride is impressive and keen pricing no longer only reason to include on your short list. New auto model is good news for urban lifestylers. Run out specials apply through 2019.
80
FOTON TUNLAND
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
4WD Double Cab T3 (M)
$26,990
5
Man 5
Diesel
4/2776
130
365
8.7
3 Star
2500
4WD Double Cab T3 (A)
$28,690
5
Auto 6
Diesel
4/2776
130
365
8.7
3 Star
3000
4WD D/C TS1
$33,900
5
Man 5
Diesel
4/2776
130
365
8.7
3 Star
2500
4WD Double Cab TS1 (A)
$36,080
5
Auto 6
Diesel
4/2776
130
365
8.9
3 Star
3000
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
GREAT WALL STEED 4WD Having seen a mild facelift, the Steed out of China’s Great Wall motor company is showing the Chinese propensity for cloning. Looking remarkably like a first-generation Ranger, Steed has a commanding on road appearance and will continue to serve in its market niche for a little while longer. This year, Great Wall announced its intention to launch an electric ute, which has set the e-cat among the pigeons as far as the ute market here is concerned.
GREAT WALL STEED
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
4x4 single cab c/c or w/s
$22-23,990
2
Man 6
Diesel
4/1996
110
310
9.0
3 Star
No data
4x4 Double Cab (P)
$27,990
5
Man
Petrol
4/2378
100
20
12.7
3 Star
No data
4x4 Double Cab (D)
$31,990
5
Man
Diesel
4/1996
110
310
9.0
3 Star
No data
HOLDEN COLORADO 4WD Major mid-life engine, chassis and running gear upgrade transformed the Colorado from bit player to the sort of leading man role hitherto reserved for Ranger, Hilux or Amarok. Now steers, handles and rides like a boss.
HOLDEN COLORADO
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
LS 4x4 single cab/chassis LS 4x4 Spacecab/chassis LTZ 4x4 Spacecab wellside LS 4x4 Crewcab/chassis LS 4x4 Crewcab wellside LT 4x4 Crewcab wellside LTZ 4x4 Crewcab wellside Z71 4x4 Crewcab wellside
$49,490 - 51,490
2
M/A
Diesel
4/2766
147
440/500
7.9/8.6
5 Star
750 - 3500
$50,990 - 52,990 $59,490-61,490
2+ 2+
M/A M/A
Diesel Diesel
4/2766 4/2766
147 147
440/500 440/500
7.9/8.6 7.9/8.6
5 Star 5 Star
750 - 3500 750 - 3500
$52,490-54,490 $55-57,490
5 5
M/A M/A
Diesel Diesel
4/2766 4/2766
147 147
440/500 440/500
7.9/8.6 7.9/8.6
5 Star 5 Star
750 - 3500 750 - 3500
$56-58,990 $60-62,990
5 5
M/A M/A
Diesel Diesel
4/2766 4/2766
147 147
440/550 440/500
7.9/8.6 7.9/8.6
5 Star 5 Star
750 - 3500 750 - 3500
$64-66,990
5
M/A
Diesel
4/2766
147
440/500
7.9/8.6
5 Star
750 - 3500
HSV COLORADO SPORTSCAT 4WD 2019 saw Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) relaunch its Sportscat with new branding for its bold, dynamic and capable performance utility. based on the Colorado, the Sportscat enjoys a wider track and more aggressive styling, yet it retains all the practicality of the working ute.
SPORTSCAT 4x4 Double cab SV 4x4 Double Cab V
PRICE
$73,990 - $75,990 $80,990 - $82,990
SEATS
5 5
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
Auto M/A
Diesel Diesel
4/2776 4/2776
147 147
500 440 - 500
8.6 7.9/8.6
5 Star 5 Star
750 - 3500 750 - 3500
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
BUYER’S GUIDE U T E S
ISUZU D-MAX 4WD Ready for its incipient 2020 upgrade, the Isuzu D-Max has become a fixture in the ute market here, with a constant series of cosmetic upgrades to make its appeal of being an affordable, dependable, go anywhere and do anything ute, that much more attractive.
ISUZU D-MAX 4WD
PRICE
SEATS
LX single cab/chassis 4x4
$44,690 - 46,690
LX Spacecab/chassis 4x4
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
5
M/A
Diesel
4/2999
130
430
7.9/8.1
5 Star
750 - 3500
$50,390 – 52,390
2+
M/A
Diesel
4/2999
130
430
7.9
5 Star
750 - 3500
LX Double cab 4x4
$51,490 -53,490
5
M/A
Diesel
4/2999
130
430
7.9/8.1
5 Star
750 - 3500
LS-M Double cab 4x4
$54,990
5
A
Diesel
4/2999
130
430
7.9/8.1
5 Star
750 - 3500
LS Double cab 4x4
$57,490 – 59,490
5
Auto
Diesel
4/2999
130
430
7.7
5 Star
750 - 3500
LS-T Double cab 4x4
$62,490
5
Auto
Diesel
4/2999
130
430
8.1
5 Star
750 - 3500
LDV T60 4WD Making a run at the light commercial market, LDV first presented us with a disruptively priced van which cemented the brand in the hearts and wallets of the New Zealand consumer. The company which is a division of China’s largest automaker SAIC, introduced the T60 in 2018. The T60 represents serious competition for established players in booming ute market, thanks to built-tough ethos, feature-for-feature comfort and spec levels and full 5 Star ANCAP safety rating.
LDV T60
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS.
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
T60 4x4 Elite 4x4
$34,488.50 - $36,788.50
5
Man
Diesel
4/2776
110
360
8.8
5 Star
750 - 3000
T60 Luxury 4x4
$39,088.50 - $41,388.50
5
Man
Diesel
4/2776
110
360
8.8
5 Star
750 - 3000
MAHINDRA PIK UP 4WD Launched for the second time in this market, Mahindra is back with it’s A-game, an immensely practical and rugged utility which espouses all a working ute should be – including being affordable. Made in India to answer global market needs, the Pik Up is an excellent reintroduction to the Mahindra brand.
PIK UP
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
Pik Up 4x4 S6 S cab/chassis Pik Up 4x4 S6 D cab/chassis Pik Up 4x4 S10 D cab Wellside
$26,990
2
Man
Diesel
4/2200
103
320
8.6
5 Star
750 – 2500
$30,990
2
Man
Diesel
4/2200
103
320
8.6
5 Star
750 – 2500
$34,990
2
Man
Diesel
4/2200
103
320
8.6
5Star
750-2500
MAZDA BT-50 4WD Now settled into its own skin after a mild mid-life restyle further distanced it from joint venture partner Ford’s Ranger, Mazda’s BT-50 sells on the strengths of distinctive chassis and suspension tune, cool, ‘cutabove’ interiors and strong warranty/service package. An upgrade is expected in 2020.
82
MAZDA BT-50
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
4x4 GLX single cab/c
$45,295
2
Man
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
9.7
5 Star
750 - 3500
4x4 GLX Freestyle c/c
$50,295 - 51,795
2+
M/A
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
10
5 Star
750 - 3500
4x4 GSX F/style c/c
$54,395
2+
Auto
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
10
5 Star
750 – 3500
4x4 GLX D/C w/s
$51,895-53,895
5
M/A
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
10
5 Star
750 - 3500
4x4 GSX D/C w/s
$55,795 --57,795
5
M/A
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
10
5 Star
750 – 3500
4x4 Ltd D/C w/s
$59,795
5
Auto
Diesel
5/3198
147
470
10
5 Star
750 - 3500
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
MERCEDES-BENZ X-CLASS 4WD Highly anticipated entry into booming turbo-diesel Double Cab ute sector by luxury car specialist Mercedes-Benz, the X-Class has been a little slow to get moving, but its not for lack of trying. Promised V6 has now arrived, giving the brand an excellent range offering as one might expect from the three-pointed star brand.
MERCEDES-BENZ X
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
Pure 220d w/s 4matic m Pure 250d c/c 4matic m Pure 250 d c/c 4matic a Pure 250d w/s 4matic m Pure 250d w/s 4matic a Progressive c/c 4matic m Progressive c/c 4matic a Progressive w/s 4matic m Progressive w/s 4matic a Power 250d w/s 4matic m Power 250d w/s 4matic a Power 350d w/s 4matic V6
$56,500
5
Man
Diesel
4/2298
120
403
7.8
5 Star
750 - 3500
$57,500 $60,200
5 5
Man Auto
Diesel Diesel
4/2298 4/2998
140 140
450 450
7.7 7.9
5 Star 5 Star
750 - 3500 750 - 3500
$58,400 $61,100
5 5
Man Auto
Diesel Diesel
4/2298 4/2298
140 140
450 450
7.7 7.9
5 Star 5 Star
750 - 3500 750 - 3500
$59,300 $62,000
5 5
Man Auto
Diesel Diesel
4/2298 4/2298
140 140
450 450
7.7 7.9
5 Star 5 Star
750 - 3500 750 - 3500
$60,200 $63,000
5 5
Man Auto
Diesel Diesel
4/2298 4/2298
140 140
450 450
7.7 7.9
5 Star 5 Star
750 - 3500 750 - 3500
$66,200 $69,000
5 5
Man Auto
Diesel Diesel
4/2298 4/2298
140 140
450 450
7.7 7.9
5 Star 5 Star
750 -3500 750 - 3500
$88,325
5
Auto
Diesel
6/2987
190
550
N/A
5 Star
750 - 3500
MERCEDES-BENZ G 300D 4WD Mercedes-Benz tough truck is built to do the hard yards and based on a military-spec cab chassis. The G Professional is powered by the three-litre turbo-diesel and features three locking differentials to get it places even the wildlife fear to tread. Not for the faint of heart.
MERCEDES-BENZ G
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
G300D Professional
$129,900
2
Auto
Diesel
6/2987
135
400
9,9
No data
750 - 2210
MITSUBISHI TRITON 4WD 2019 will be remembered as a watershed year for Mitsubishi, it being the year the Triton ute became the hero product for the Triple Diamond brand. With a major overhaul to the front end, which goes more than just cosmetically skin deep, and upgrades to the suspension, brakes, transmission and 4WD system then wraps to the back with new LED lights and a revised tray, the 2019 Triton might as well be an all-new model. Very aggressively priced for the mainstream, the Triton made waves within its first three months of going on sale and successfully adopts the mantle the Lancer once wore – Mitsubishi’s champion.
MITSUBISHI TRITON
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
4WD GLX single cab/c
$46,190
2
Auto
Diesel
4/2442
135
437
7.5
5 Star
750 - 2500
4WD GLX Clubcab c/c
$45-47,190
2+
M/A
Diesel
4/2442
135
437
7.2/7.5
5 Star
750 - 3000
4WD GLX Clubcab w/s
$47,190
2+
Man
Diesel
4/2442
135
437
7.2
5 Star
750 - 3000
4WD GLX Doublecab c/c
$46-48,490
5
M/A
Diesel
4/2422
135
437
7.2/7.6
5 Star
750 - 3500
4WD GLX Doublecab w/s
$54,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/2422
135
437
7.6
5 Star
750 - 3500
4WD GLX-R D/C w/s
$52-54,990
5
M/A
Diesel
4/2422
135
437
7.2/7.6
5 Star
750 - 3500
4WD VRX D/C w/s
$62,990
5
Auto
Diesel
4/2422
135
437
7.6
5 Star
750 - 3500
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new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
BUYER’S GUIDE U T E S
NISSAN NAVARA 4WD Freshly fettled and definitely better for it, the latest NP300 Navara was the first local turbo-diesel doublecab ute to get coil spring suspension front and rear. Broad model range over single and twin turbo 2.3 litre engines and aggressive pricing policy makes sure the new NP300 model ticks all the key consumer boxes, while still retaining the high torque ratings Kiwi buyers have come to love.
NISSAN NAVARA
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
RX King cab/chassis 4x4 RX Double cab w/s 4x4 SL Double cab w/s 4x4 ST Double cab w/s 4x4 ST-X Double cab w/s 4x4
$48,990
5
Man
Diesel
4/2298
120
403
6.6
5 Star
750 - 3500
$52,490 $52,490
5 5
Man M/A
Diesel Diesel
4/2298 4/2298
120 140
403 450
6.6 6.5/7.0
5 Star 5 Star
750 - 3500 750 - 3500
$57,290 $62,490
5 5
M/A M/A
Diesel Diesel
4/2298 4/2298
140 140
450 450
6.5/7.0 6.5/7.0
5 Star 5 Star
750 - 3500 750 - 3500
RAM 1500/2500/3500 4WD Born in the USA but converted to RHD across the Tasman for Good Old Boys here and in OZ these highriding 4WD RAM Trucks are a contractor’s dream-come-true. Tough enough to get to any work site, and big enough inside to hold a board meeting in the hero product, Ram has sensibly introduced the 1500 model for 2019, not that you lose that much in the grand scheme of things…
RAM
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
RAM 1500
$89,990
5
Auto 8
Petrol
8/5700
291
556
12.2
n/a
750 - 4500
Ram 1500 LARAMIE
$114,990
5
Auto 8
Petrol
8/5700
291
556
12.2
n/a
750 - 4500
RAM 2500
$164,990
6
Auto
Diesel
6/6590
276
1084
10.6
n/a
750 – 3500/4500 or 6942
RAM 3500
$169,500
6
Auto
Diesel
6/6590
276
1084
10.6
n/a
750 - 10432
SSANGYONG RHINO 4WD A very logical successor to the Actyon Sports ute in every respect, the Rhino is a little late to the party by virtue of global demand. As such SsangYong NZ has a lot of ground to make up having been six months without a utility vehicle. Fortunately, the Rhino is extremely capable, very well priced and has endeared itself to many as a result. Available with a short and long deck, the Rhino features a SsangYong-built engine with a choice of supplied transmissions.
SSANGYONG RHINO
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
Rhino Sport 4WD man Rhino Sport 4WD auto Rhino SPR 4WD auto
$40,238 $42,538 $50,013
5 5 5
Man 6 Auto 6 Auto 6
Diesel Diesel Diesel
4/2157 4/2157 4/2157
133 133 133
400 420 420
7.9 7.9 8.6
n/a n/a n/a
750 - 3500 750 - 3500 750 - 3500
TOYOTA HILUX 4WD Well and truly back in the game, new Hilux is back duking it out with Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi’s new Triton for ‘top ute’ status here and across the Tasman. Jiggly on-road ride now a thing of the past as new wider range offers everything the modern ute buyer could want, including a comprehensive factory-backed accessory line.
84
TOYOTA HILUX 4WD
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
4WD SR s/c & x/cab c/c
$41-45,490
2/2+
M/A
Diesel
4/2755
130
420/450
8.1/9.0
5 Star
750 - 3500
SR Extra Cab w/s
$43-47,390
2+
M/A
Diesel
4/2755
130
420/450
8.1/9.0
5 Star
750 - 3500
SR D/C c/c m & a
$43-46,990
5
M/A
Diesel
4/2775
130
420/450
7.6//8.5
5 Star
750 - 3500
SR5 D/C w/s
$50,990-53,490
5
M/A
Diesel
4/2775
130
420/450
7.6/8.5
5 Star
750 - 3500
SR5 Cruiser D/C w/s
$55,990
5
A
Diesel
4/2775
130
450
8.5
5 Star
750 - 3500
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 70 4WD UTE Back with a flourish in significantly updated and uprated form iconic Land Cruiser is one tough truck. Turbodiesel V8 is a thing of torque-laden beauty while chassis and electric driver aid upgrades mean big ‘Cruiser is as user-friendly as a Hilux.
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
Single cab/c LT & LX
$67-74,990
2
Man
Diesel
8/4461
151
430
Double cab/c LT & LX
$71-78,990
4
Man
Diesel
8/4461
151
Wagon LT & LX
$77-79,990
2/5
Man
Diesel
8/4461
151
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
10.6
5 Star
750 - 3500
430
10.6
5 Star
750 - 3500
430
10.6
5 Star
750 – 3500
VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK 4MOTION Firm favourite of urban-dwelling ute buyers, Amarok is big, beautifully built and supremely capable on and off the road. 4Motion 8-speed auto is more than a match for dual-range transmissions and new V6 diesel is exceptional. Pricing is however, more of a handicap than it has been in the past and low uptake proves the point.
VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK
PRICE
SEATS
TRANS
FUEL
CYL./CC
kW
Nm
L/100km
SAFETY
TOWING
4WD Comfortline TDI
$60,000
5
Auto
Diesel
4/1968
132
420
8.5
5 Star
750 - 3000
4WD V6 TDi
$70,000
5
Auto
Diesel
6/2967
165
550
9.0
5 Star
750 - 3000
4WD V6 Highline TDI
$79,000
5
M/A
Diesel
6/2967
165
550
9.0
5 Star
750 - 3000
4WD V6 Aventura TDI
$90,000
5
Auto
Diesel
6/2967
165
550
9.0
5 Star
750 - 3000
85
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
FEB 19
2019 Your4s finalists
Paul Richards
JUL 19
AUG 19
Jason Marsden
OVERALL WINNER Congratulations to our February (and Aug) 2019 featured photographer Paul Richards from Geraldine in South Canterbur y for his
NZ4WD magazine Your4s/ Kumho Tyres overall 2019 competition-winning photograph. It’s a simple pic but one which says a lot about how easy it is ‘get away from it all’ in this fantastic country of ours if you own a 4WD vehicle like Paul’s nicely set-up Mazda BT-50 ute. For his efforts Paul wins a set (of four) Kumho 4x4 tyres. Thanks to everyone who entered, and remember, if you like taking photos (on a dedicated camera, or Smartphone) and you think you have some great shots of 4x4s in action share them with us (email to editor@ nz4wd.co.nz). That’s what Paul did and look where it got him!
86
MAR 19
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
WINNER Paul Richards
Dave Currie
SEP 19
Paul Richards
Wayne Duffy
APR 19
JUN 19
MAY 19
Richard Brown
NOV 19
OCT 19
Kristen Fellers
Terry Austin
Scott Gray
DEC 19
Sarah Ivicevich
Jay Sanders
87
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
TRADING POST
e v i t c A 4x4
and light commercial dismantlers Audi BMW Ford Foton Holden Hyundai Isuzu Jeep Nissan Mazda Mercedes Mitsubishi Porsche alwayWe betwe s have Ssangyong to 300en 200 Toyota in sto 4x4s Volkswagen ck Phone: 09 622 1000 Fax: 09 622 1001 Freephone 0800 FOURXFOUR 12 Alfred Street, Onehunga, Auckland. www.active4x4.co.nz
Email: active4x4@xtra.co.nz
88
new zealand four wheel drive annual 2020
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