Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2016 i NZ4WD

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? Then why not join a (fully guided) self-drive or tag-a-long tour organised by High Country Journeys? High Country Journeys is now run by Maniototo-based John Mulholland who took over in May 2015. John and his wife Susan have long family and farming ties to the area and live near Ranfurly. John has been involved in the 4WD scene in the South for many years and has been well known through the province as one of the organisers of the local Maniototo Lions Club’s famous 4WD trips that have spanned nearly twenty years. Station to Station High…

Maserati has announced the New Zealand pricing and specification for its groundbreaking new AWD SUV, the Levante. The Levante arrives in New Zealand in three versions, all powered by a 2987cc/202 kW turbo-diesel V6 engine, driving through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and intelligent four-wheel-drive system. Allied to the standard Skyhook adjustable air suspension which has a total ride range of eight centimeters, and the ZF transmission’s five different drive modes, the Levante maintains Maserati’s reputation for on road ability and, at the same time, gives the Levante level a of off-road ability that has not been previously offered by Maserati. Pricing starts at $136,990 +ORC for the ‘entry level’ Levante Turbo Diesel at $136,990 plus on road costs and goes to $155,990 +ORC for the Levante Sport or Levante Luxury…

In the ‘I-just-want-one’ file this month comes the latest V8-powered Titan pickup from Nissan in the US. Following the debut of the all-new, category-busting Titan XD last year, Nissan’s all-out assault on the full-size truck segment continues for 2017 with the debut of the all-new Titan half-ton pickup. Powered by Nissan’s new 290kW (390hp) 5.6-litre V8 engine, the Titan half-ton will initially be offered in a Crew Cab body in both 4x4 and 4x2 configurations and in five grade levels. Single Cab and King Cab variants, along with a V6 engine, will follow at later dates. The new half-ton model is projected to be the highest volume Titan, competing in the heart of the full-size pickup marketplace. Though the half-ton shares key styling cues with the XD it is built…

Toyota’s quasi works off-road racing arm, Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa, has unveiled the all new - now 2WD – Hilux it will use in the 2017 Dakar Rally in South America. The new rear-wheel-drive model was shown for the first time at the South African Festival of Motoring event at the Kyalami circuit near Johannesburg at the end of August. While still powered – like the 4WD 2016 version – by the latest (2UR) version of Toyota’s 5.0l ‘Lexus’ V8 engine, the new Dakar challenger has been built to the more open 2WD regulations with overall event victory very much in mind. Weight is way down (to 1300kgs from 1915kg) and in 2WD form the Hilux can now use 37 in. dia. tres rather than the 31 in. dia.…

September 16th 17th 2016 Mainland Winch Challenge Series Round 5; Timaru, venue to be confirmed. Friday night stages, Saturday day stages. For more information email Vicky at mainlandwinching@gmail.com October 1st – 2nd 2016 Waipaoa Community School Bus 4WD Fundraiser Weekend; Classic East Coast, North Island event as chronicled by our own Murray Taylor in the Dec 2015 issue of NZ4WD. Through forestry and farm land. Please note event is limited to 35 vehicles so if you’re keen get in quick. The Waipaoa community will provide Saturday night dinner, Sunday breakfast and a late lunch for an inclusive cost of $50 per person. Entry fee is $130 per vehicle, $50 per person for the meal deal. You can pay by internet banking: 03 0638 0222980 00 using your vehicle rego number…

Another Southern sojourn is in the planning stages for February or March 2017 depending on interest. Here is the basic info. Duration of trip not more than 15 nights as this seems about the perfect number of days on the road separating fantastic from fatigue. You will need a capable 4WD with good ground clearance and all terrain tyres as a minimum, low range would be an advantage and a snorkel, while not essential (500mm maximum wading depth), would probably be a comfort. Driver experience: There will be experienced leaders with well-equipped vehicles on hand to encourage and guide the less experience driver but you should be prepared to have a go at the odd challenge along the way. I think 99 Rivers is best suited for couples as most…

Fridges, air conditioners, televisions and laptop computers are some of life’s little luxuries commonly found in today’s caravans and RVs. These accessories place demands on the vehicles’ electrical system which standard starting batteries are not designed to handle. Running a separate deep cycle battery system is the ideal way to power life’s little luxuries and stay safe whilst away from home. Starting batteries provide concentrated bursts of power to crank over and start your vehicle's engine. The capacity used is then replaced when the battery is recharged by the vehicle's alternator. In contrast, deep cycle batteries are designed to deliver sustained power at a lower current draw over extended periods of time. Century’s range of flooded and AGM deep cycle batteries are available in a range of sizes up to…

It was a steady run up from Wellington to Shannon where we took advantage of our last contact with civilisation to grab a late morning tea at one of our popular café stops before heading into the Tararuas via the little settlement of Mangaore. This is the location of the Mangahao power station, once the biggest in New Zealand but now, even with upgrades, the smallest. With typical Kiwi ingenuity, the Mangahao Stream just downstream from the power station has been set up as a whitewater kayaking centre and competitive slalom course to take advantage of being able to control the stream flow by controlling the discharge from the power station. Care required From here the road turns to a narrow, somewhat potholed, gravel track that is wide enough for…

From time to time motor vehicles get swamped by water. It could be flooding, a deluge, a wave, or a failed river crossing. For 4WDs it’s most likely the last of those. I know, having dunked 4WDs, cars and dirt bikes. I once floated down a river beneath a bike. Beaut day, lightly clothed. Didn’t know the river. Cold front came through, we were soaked, we froze. Got self and bike ashore. Pulled spark plug, turned bike upside down, yanked kick starter till all the water was out. Right way up, replaced plug, drained carby, gave it a kick and away it went. (Been there, done that! Ed) Two-strokes are easy... It’s more complex when it’s a four stroke. Not wise to run one with water in its oil. Water…

When I delivered the parts Lloyd had ordered to his home it became apparent pretty quick that this was by no means his first foray into the aftermarket 4WD scene. High up on the two poster was a heavily modified Rangie covered in bar work that looked like it had been thoroughly driven to its limits. It turns out that Lloyd had made the decision to build a tourer for himself and partner Glenda so they could travel the backroads and beyond of New Zealand. Yeah fair enough, that’s a really good idea. Step 1 Step 1 – was picking up the Toyota 79-series dual cab, a mighty 4WD by anyone’s standard. The V8 turbo diesel could easily handle all of the situations thrown its way and the blank canvas…

The last thing Sherryll Leeson expected to see when she opened the motoring supplement of the NZ Herald was a picture of her father, but, in a recent edition, that’s exactly what happened. Set amongst a story on Jeep’s 75th Anniversary was a picture of then New Zealand Prime Minister Peter Fraser and Lieutenant-General Bernard Freyberg pictured during World War Two, sitting in a Willys Jeep, with her father, Driver Ted Leeson, at the wheel. “I simply could not believe it,” says Sherryll. “We’d heard the stories from Dad about being Lieutenant-General Bernard Freyberg’s driver and how he met Peter Fraser, but we’d never seen a picture. So I discussed it with my sister, trying to work out whether it really was Dad, but when we showed the picture to…

Honda NZ has added a new AWD model to its recently launched HR-V SUV line-up. The HR-V is a new generation of crossover vehicle and is now available with Honda’s Real Time AWD, with Intelligent Control System, for outstanding all weather traction and driving dynamics. The HR-V AWD is powered by a 1.5L DOHC, i-VTEC engine delivering 96kW of peak power and returning 5.3 L/100 km. Buyers can choose the HRV AWD with either a 6.2” touch screen Pioneer CD/DVD Audio, or Honda G5 with built in Navigation, or the Pioneer Premium Audio with the latest in smartphone connectivity including Pandora, Spotify, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Intelligent Real Time AWD system provides power to all wheels in low grip driving conditions such as snow, rain and unpaved road…

Volkswagen NZ believes it is on to a real Kiwi winner with its new Tiguan SUV. Key improvements over the outgoing Tiguan include: • Dimensions. The new model is longer and wider and has more cabin space and 145 litres more boot space. • Performance. The 162kW TSI 4Motion accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds (the same as a Golf GTI). • Capability. Maximum tow rating has been increased to 2,500kg on the TSI & TDI 4Motion models. • Off-road capability. New models feature new 4Motion Active Control and special off-road pack option. Since 2008, more than 2.7 million Tiguans have been sold worldwide. There are three spec levels (Comfortline, Highline and R-Line) and three seven-speed DSG auto trans-equipped 4WD models (1 x petrol, 1 x diesel and 1…

Jaguar Land Rover plans to create a fleet of more than 100 research vehicles over the next four years, to develop and test a wide range of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technologies. The first of these research cars will be driven on a new 65km test route on motorways and urban roads in Great Britain later this year. The initial tests will involve vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technologies that will allow cars to talk to each other and roadside signs, overhead gantries and traffic lights. Ultimately, data sharing between vehicles would allow future connected cars to co-operate and work together to assist the driver and make lane changing and crossing junctions easier and safer. Tony Harper, Head of Research, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Our connected and automated technology could…

A team from Australia has won the Land Rover 4x4 In Schools Global Education Challenge, an initiative that has helped the company reach more than three million young people since 1999. The team of 16-year-olds was named Land Rover 4x4 in Schools world champions at the event held in Coventry, UK. The teams spent three to six months designing, building and testing miniature remote-controlled 4x4 vehicles to complete challenging off-road tracks in regional and national finals. They were judged on all elements of their projects from engineering and marketing to design and travelled from countries all over the world including the USA, South Africa and Brazil to compete. The winning ‘Wombat Warriors’ team from Strathpine Queensland impressed the judges with the best overall performance and verbal presentation awards and achieved…

Prediction: Holden is onto a winner with it’s new-look Colorado ute. Seriously. After launching an – in retrospect – slightly underdone Gen 2 model (developed jointly with Isuzu) in 2012, the General has been playing catch-up. Looks and numbers-wise there was little wrong – at the brochure anyway – with the original Gen 2. But behind the wheel it was a different story. Steering was vague with at least one turn too many lock to lock, ride was jiggly round town but wallowy on the open road and the quoted 500NM of peak torque felt more like 425Nm in the real world. A quick rejig for the 2013 model year addressed some of the more pressing – largely engine and NVH related – issues, and though it was well-specced and…

The value equation offered by new Colorado is better than even before, with new standard features equating to thousands of dollars of added enhancements, says the Managing Director of Holden New Zealand, Kristian Aquilina. “Pleasingly, we have been able to maintain carry-over pricing for two-wheel drive models and just a $1,000 increase for four-wheel drive variants.” Pricing starts at just $39,900 for the entry 2WD LS model, while the top of the range LTZ and Z71 trims add a new level of safety and convenience with Front Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Tyre pressure monitor, power folding exterior mirrors and rain-sensing windscreen wipers with the RRP topping out at $66,990. Launching in conjunction with the new model is a wide-ranging suite of 28 all-new genuine accessories (taking…

If anyone knows just how important it is to regularly service a working 4WD, it is Geoff Cottle. Geoff, who is a qualified diesel technician, did his time with the New Zealand Forest Service at their Woodhill workshop. He started his business, Cottle Motors & Auto Electrix Ltd in Kumeu, north-west of Auckland, 29 years ago and now employs a staff of nine, with six technicians in a state-of-the-art workshop. As well as being part of the Auto Super Shoppes’ network Geoff’s business is the Ironman 4x4 distributor and dealer for the greater Auckland area, the West Auckland dealer for Rhino Roof Racks, Safeguard Cargo Nets, GME Radios and Trojan trailer parts as well as being a major auto electrical parts supplier. He has also just signed up as North…

Perth-based Holden one tonne ute owner Dave Mitchell was so pleased with the performance of his Monroe shock absorbers that he wanted to ensure that the company knew about it. Dave Mitchell, a former heavy duty drainage contractor who is now retired, acquired his Holden one tonner and registered it on February 16, 1978. Monroe shock absorbers were fitted as original equipment to this car as they had been on most Australian manufactured cars of that era and beyond. Fast forward 38 years, one 253 cubic inch V8 engine, two 308 V8 engines, several manual transmissions and differentials, a respray and more than 1,000,000 kilometres travelled – and the same original rear Monroe shock absorbers continue to perform brilliantly to this day! “The original Monroe shock absorbers on the front…

Wow, what a weekend! This year the double-header Top of The South meeting was definitely a biggie. As well as each venue (Blenheim on Friday night and Saturday, and Nelson on Sunday) hosting a round of this year’s Mainland Superwinch Challenge the event also doubled as the winch challenge world’s annual North vs South (Island) Challenge, and national NZ1 event. Two and a half days of hard out winching by 27 teams, seven from the North Island team (two from Hamilton and five from Wellington) and the balance for the South. They came from all over the Mainland too, from as far south as Balclutha to Dunedin, Queenstown, Timaru, Christchurch and three teams from Blenheim and six from Nelson. Nelson certainly is Jeep country, with five of the crews Jeep-based.…

There’s no shortage of big truck action in the national championship this year and as we head for the national final at Twizel over Labour Weekend an unlimited class truck carries maximum points south to fight for the outright title. Raana Horan’s mighty four-wheel-drive V8 Nissan Titan is the northern championship winner, and few would deny him the top points he takes as a result. His flamboyant driving style and the truck’s amazing grip in the greasy slush at Palmerston North had the 1,000-strong crowd on its feet. At Twizel he meets some tough competitors from the south as well, including the fast but formerly fragile Nissan V8 ute of Carl Gardiner. His truck has been smashing up front suspension components this year, but some attention from the Dumbass Racing…

Adrenalin Publishing office manager Pauline Yorston recently went on the Wellington Seal Coast Safari out to Tongue Point – home to a colony of amazing fur seals. Pauline tells us that her group travelled in off-road vehicles through private land and then onto the beach, and then they arrived at the colony viewing point. Host and guide extraordinaire Kent Clark (as opposed to Clark Kent!) supplied hot drinks and the most delicious muffins. Pauline says she thoroughly enjoyed the trip and recommends it as a must if visiting Wellington. For more info check out Seal Coast Safari at www.sealcoast.com or contact Kent Clark on Ph: 0-4-801 6040 or email: safari@sealcoast.com…

Ford New Zealand has moved early to confirm that the vehicle known globally as the Ford Edge (see cover story NZ4WD August 16) will sell here, starting in 2018. The company says that the Territory-like Edge will sell alongside the Everest SUV which went on sale here late last year. “With an emphasis on technology, the Ford Edge will offer consumers new levels of interior and exterior styling, and features usually found on vehicles at higher price points,” a Ford spokesperson said. “It will also reflect the high uptake of the flagship Titanium variants across Ford’s SUV range, and will offer greater passenger interior space than the current Ford Territory.” The naming of the Ford Edge for the New Zealand market is still to be confirmed. A local nomenclature strategy…

The Land Rover Discovery family has amassed three honours at this year’s Tow Car Awards in Great Britain. Topping the list was the Discovery itself, named ‘Tow Car of the Decade’ thanks to winning the annual award for the seventh year in succession and ninth time overall in the awards’ 10-year history. This year the Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 won its weight class in the ‘1900kg+’ category and impressed the panel of experienced judges from Practical Caravan, What Car? and the Camping and Caravanning Club magazine with its sheer breadth of capability. David Motton, Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravan magazine, said: “Sometimes our judges take a long time to reach agreement over the merits of different rivals, but the discussion over this award for our first Tow Car…

Holden hinted at the direction new Colorado was taking earlier this year when it shared the limelight cast on the new Xtreme concept ‘truck’ with Thailand’s Chevrolet importer at the Bangkok International Motor Show. Designed and built at Holden’s GM Australia Design Centre in Port Melbourne, the Xtreme was a tribute to the ‘lift-kit’n-winch-bar’ look which originated in the United States and has become popular here and in Australia, but up until now very much the preserve of the aftermarket. “This truck is in direct response to consumer’s desire to personalize their vehicles,” Vice President of GMI Design Michael Simcoe said at the official launch in Thailand. “Not only does this integrated accessory range looks fantastic but our priority was to ensure they were, first and foremost, practical and useful…

Maintaining existing 4WD access to public wilderness areas is proving an increasing challenge everywhere and that’s certainly true for enthusiasts here in New Zealand. We can point a very obvious bone at the rising tide of bureaucratic and departmental do-goodery compelled by a desire to save New Zealand from its citizens. Certainly we all shudder at the headline-grabbing behaviour of an arrogant minority whose thoughtless actions only lend strength to the arguments calling for access restriction. But there are also other less obvious forces in play, both commercial and private, competing for and demanding exclusive rights of access. Shrinking public access is now a real problem for many of us in the North Island and so we are understandably grateful for the wonderful 4WDing opportunities that still abound in the…

Terrain Tamer have recently introduced a new range of OE-manufactured replacement steering components, including tie rod ends, relay rod ends, rack ends and ball joints, as well as rebuild kits for power steering pumps and boxes. Having been independently tested against both genuine parts and those of another leading Japanese brand, Terrain Tamer’s tie rod ends were recently found to be higher in carbon content in both the body and tapered ball end, improving on the general strength of the part. Terrain Tamer’s tie rod ends also outperformed others tested in both Rockwell Hardness Testing, measuring the hardness of the part’s body, and a ductility test, measuring the performance of the part under tensile stress. Terrain Tamer’s growing range of tie rod ends are currently available for all popular Toyota…

The black colour in oil is from soot (unburnt carbon) produced when diesel is burnt in an engine. The oil should go black as it disperses and suspends the soot. If not held in a finely dispersed form by the oil, the soot particles would stick together forming sludge that could block oil-ways. This is overcome by the dispersant additives in the oil. Additionally detergent additives prevent soot from building up on metal surfaces (like a non-stick coating on a fry pan). One of the major concerns in modern engines is wear to bearings, cam lobes, followers and rockers from the abrasive effects of soot particles joining together. Hence engine manufacturers specify limits for soot in used oil and that the oil still has enough detergency to stop the soot…

Contemporary turbo-diesel double cabs utes don’t get much better than Mazda’s BT-50, yet it’s Ford’s co-developed version, the Ranger, which is the more popular of the two. Why this is the case is anyone’s guess... some commentators put it down to looks, others to the size – in comparison – of Ford and Mazda’s dealer networks. Bottom line? Nobody really knows for sure. And rather than sit around and bemoan the fact, Christchurch Mazda dealer Blackwells decided to do something about it. Since the earthquakes in the city the dealership has been operating out of sister company Blackwells Commercial's Sockburn site west of the city centre. But with the move back to brand new, purpose-built showrooms on Moorhourse Avenue, Dealer Principal, Seth Ovens, wanted to produce an eye-catching promo vehicle…

While not being an intended target for the recent Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, four-wheeling as a part of a club and even just with friends, can be impacted by that Act. Some areas of our recreation can even fall within the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016. For most of us, these rules simply reinforce what we generally do and that’s to think about how and what we’re about to do and what our fellow participants are doing. We all know that there is a quick way and a safer way to do most things and the rules remind us that we must think ‘safe’ at all times. The New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association (NZFWDA) national executive body has been looking at how…

In freezing conditions, with the West Melton track turning to cold slush, qualifying threw out a surprise. Kevin Nankivell’s unique unlimited class Honda-powered single seater took fastest time ahead of the Can Am of Slim Slee and the Yamaha of Bob Uttridge. Slotting in behind them was local racer Wayne Moriarty, one of the most experienced – and quickest – drivers in class three for cars with engines up to 1650 cc. There were a couple of northern drivers in the 32-strong grid: Brendon Old is contesting class three in the south this year and qualified ninth, one place ahead of Whangarei’s Jardyne Lammers. As the race started, Nankivell was out-sprinted by Slim Slee who took the lead into the first corner. Mike Blackmore led the big trucks out in…

Our monthly feature showcases 4WDs doing just about anything except rolling over or burning! We will award a grand prize of a set of four Kumho 4x4 tyres in the NZ4WD Annual issue. This contest is open to all readers who are not professional photographers. IMPORTANT: Photographs must have been taken by the person entering them, or have the photographer’s written permission. Email your digital images and a detailed caption to: editor@NZ4WD.co.nz Send your prints and detailed captions to: Your4s with Kumho, PO Box 65-092, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 0754. Be sure to include your postal address! Submitting photos The basics: as with any photo, there’s no substitute for an image that’s sharp – in focus and free of camera shake. It should be well-exposed. Size and type The ideal submission…