Innholdsfortegnelse for Annual 2016 i NZ4WD

Times, it’s fair to say, are changing. But learning to drive is still one of those real ‘rights-of-passage’ things here in Godzone. Racing great Denny Hulme might have once commented, when asked, that all a father did when he taught his son or daughter to drive was pass on his bad habits (how true is that?). But in the absence of the government-sponsored ‘in-school’ programmes available in most other civilised countries, what – literally – is a man to do? You could ask the same question of driving off-road? While the basics are the same, there is a world of difference between cruising along a modern motorway on or near enough to the speed limit in a late model car, and gingerly inching down a steep, rutted papa clay-based bush…

When Toyota New Zealand was planning the media and dealer launches for the new Hilux the company’s sales and marketing executives knew they needed to kit out a couple of the models with a range of official aftermarket accessories. One was a new Double Cab, the other an Extra Cab. Both got the usual – front bar, snorkel, tyres – and the Extra Cab got a twist, a slide-out BBQ (which proved very useful on the launch!) The explosion in interest in kitting out utes, 4WD staton wagons and now even SUVs has added a whole new element to owning and using a utility vehicle, not to mention added a second (actually a third if you take the financing of a vehicle into account) profit centre for franchised dealers. Toyota…

Feb 15: Fiona Henchman from the ‘Naki Mar 15: Gail Smith from Carterton Apr 15: Sandra O’Donnell from Christchurch May 15: Cherie Mortensen from Tauranga Jun 15: Kyle Birchall from Tuakau Jul 15: Jean-Luc Marshall of Christchurch. Aug 15: Kelly Hyslop from Auckland Sept 15: Jason Marsden from Christchurch Oct 15: Riaan de Bruyn from Paraparaumu Nov 15: Sandra O’Donnell from Christchurch Dec 15: FJ Mike from Auckland. OVERALL WINNER Congratulations to our April and November winner Sandra O’Donnell from Christchurch for being the overall winner of NZ4WD magazine’s annual Your4s readers’ photography competition sponsored by Kumho Tyres. Our panel of judges were sorely tested this year with voting being split twice before a final unanimous decision gave Sandra’s November shot the nod, a sure sign that there are some…

Who would have thought, even just a year or so ago, that the days of the humble farm quad were numbered? Or that race-style UTVs would be taking on - and beating – the best off road racers in the ENZED national championship? Yet from small beginnings around 10 years ago the rise of the UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) or ‘Sideby-Side’ is well and truly with us. From true utilitarian vehicles for the farm or yard, to the latest hi-tech recreational/ race models for competition or fun, UTVs are practical, cost-effective and…fun! With seat belts and roll protection UTVs are also far safer to operate - particularly in unskilled hands – than the quads they are largely replacing on farms around the country.. UTVs make more sense because you sit…

Last year we dubbed 2014 “The Year of The Ute.” And so it was as Ford’s Ranger did the unthinkable – toppled Toyota’s Hilux as the country’s top-selling ute, a feat achieved after an unbroken 32-year run by the Japanese manufacturer. Not only did we vote the outstanding Ranger Ute of The Year, we also – after due consideration – voted it our overall 4WD of The Year. Since then we have seen all-new utes from Nissan and Mitsubishi, mid-life upgrades from both Ford and Mazda, and the pending release (literally as our Annual rolls off the printing press) of Toyota’s own all-new Hilux. What all-new Hilux will do is a subject for the crystal ball. What we know for sure in terms of the models already released, is that…

You might remember a short-lived Toyota New Zealand ad campaign (if not you can check it out on Youtube at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCkjBKjCikU) in which Barry Crump’s sidekick Scottie exacted his revenge on his backblocks-loving mate by driving helter skelter round Wellington in a then new Hilux SR5 ute. It might be hard to believe now, but at the time the ad outraged those charged with the nation’s road safety and was quickly consigned to the archives. I raise the ad for a reason – that the majority of utes and SUVs bought these days spend most of their time on tarmac in the CBDs and surrounds of our major cities. This is partly because despite the rural-based imagery we are presented with every day in the news media, most of us…

The Coromandel Peninsula is a quintessential slice of Kiwi, from the laid-back olde-worlde charm of Coromandel town itself to the chic architect-designed excess of man-made beach ‘burbs like Pauanui and Matarangi. At Christmas and New Year the place packs out with Aucklanders and Hamiltonians seeking sun, sea and sand. And how do they get there? More often than not these days it is in an SUV! The Coromandel has been my destination of holiday choice since I arrived in Auckland in the late 1980s. Then the road ‘over the hill’ from Coromandel to Kuaotunu, where family friends have a bach, was gravel, and getting to and from was all about choking dust in summer and slips and washouts in winter. A DIFFERENT WORLD Today the ‘loop’ from Coromandel to Whitianga…

New Zealand has varying countryside from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island. The terrain and tracks are so varied, in fact, that it is almost impossible for someone to be an expert in all conditions. Surfaces can also change within metres so it’s all about reading the ground ahead and preparing for changes. Undulating ground, ruts, slide slopes, rocky, mud, clay, sand, snow, we have it all. And each has to be driven differently, some being more challenging than others. The old saying “look before you leap” is particularly important and it pays to get out and check before attempting obstacles. But before starting up that track or heading off road where traction is likely to be lost, engage 4WD ensuring the freewheeling…

The tagalong safaris that are often advertised in this magazine are an excellent way to see parts of the country that most people never get to visit. For many people, however, there is a bit of the fear of the unknown, and I often get asked by visitors on club trips whether their vehicle and family would be able to cope with some of these safaris. VEHICLE CAPABILITY While generally the answer is ‘Yes’ it does depend a bit on the safari. The normal safari is usually very family-friendly and only requires a vehicle with low range and reasonable quality AT (all terrain) tyres. Some safaris are easier, allowing recreational all-wheel-drive vehicle to take part. At the other end of the scale, however, there are a few specialist safaris that…