Innholdsfortegnelse for Annual 2018 i NZ4WD

The Holden Equinox, the latest addition to the brand’s new model portfolio went on sale on December 01 with pricing starting at $35,990. All-new Equinox is a family-friendly SUV with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, a variety of active and passive safety systems and an extensive range of trim levels. The new range starts with an LS front-wheel drive model which offers highlights including a total of six frontal and side impact airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto, Passive Entry, Push Button Start and Rear Park Assist with rear camera. All models in the range feature new Active Noise Cancelling technology which helps to create a quiet cabin environment. Additional content is added to each model throughout the range, with the LS+ benefitting from…

Lexis has waved a ‘refresh’ wand over its local NX 300 line, the seven-model range now featuring sharper styling and handling, improved ride, additional safety equipment and a new all-wheel drive electric hybrid model replacing the entry level front-wheel drive version. “NX continues to be a very important part of our range,” said Paul Carroll, the Senior General Manager of Lexus New Zealand. “It contributed to a quarter of our total sales in 2016, and half of those were the increasingly popular electric hybrid model. “We’re in the unique position of offering performance turbocharged models and the fuel saving electric hybrids, which both perform very strongly,” said Mr Carroll. The NX 200t models will now also carry NX 300 badging to align with the new Lexus naming convention for its…

Airplex is New Zealand’s leading accessory ‘one-stop-shop’ for your ute, truck, car and 4x4. Airplex have been manufacturing and supplying the OEM (original equipment market) and aftermarket with quality accessories since 1982. Focusing mainly on exterior accessories, Airplex covers the full range of accessories from nudge bars and bonnet guards on the front through to the tow bar at the rear. Although some may recognise the Airplex brand from their high quality manufactured door weathershields, bonnet guards and headlight protectors, the company has expanded its range over the past 15 years into one of the most comprehensive ute and vehicle accessory range in the country. Steel canopy first Ten years ago Airplex lead the market with the introduction of the revolutionary SMM SteelTop ute canopy with an impressive list of…

With warm weather upon us and drivers starting to think about the places they’ll head with their 4x4s this summer, it’s a good idea to make sure that everything on your vehicle is up to spec. Your choice of tyres makes a massive difference to how your vehicle will perform, and finding the one that’s right for you will depend on what you’re doing with your vehicle. To give you something to start with we’ve compiled some information on the key Maxxis 4x4 patterns and the applications they’re designed for. MT764 Bighorn MT: If you do serious mud and you’re also running on the highway, this is Maxxis’ genius all-rounder. Incredibly grippy in the mud and impressively confident on the highway. MT762 Bighorn: Super tough tyre. Whether you’re a recreational…

Time to protect your 4WD. Now 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. Tried and true, Rugged Valley seat covers have survived the heaviest punishment and have been put to test in harsh New Zealand conditions. We understand Kiwi drivers. We know how hard you work and make seat covers that work as hard as you. Rugged Valley seat covers are 100% waterproof, tailor made to fit your specific vehicle right here in NZ. Utes, trucks, vans, tractors, excavators, quads and ATVs, we’ve got you covered.…

NZ Adventures is a long established tour company currently offering five different multi-day tours across the back country of the South Island. The most popular of these is the High Country Heritage six-day which is a 1250km trek down the eastern side of the Southern Alps from Blenheim to Cardrona. Other tours include the West Coast Explorer basically centred in the Buller region, and the Eastern Explorer down the alpine foothills of Canterbury and Otago. New Big Sky trip There is also the new Big Sky trip which is another six days on a massive loop in the Mackenzie and Central Otago areas. Plus there is the extremely popular 46 South, a five-day odyssey along an imaginary line from the Catlins across Southland and into Fiordland. Owned and operated by…

OVERALL WINNER Congratulations to our July 2017 issue Your4s featured photographer Greg McQuaid of Auckland for his winning shot taken at Lake Rotoroa (in the Nelson Lakes region of the South Island). Our judges were mightily impressed with the composition of what looks like a simple shot but which many have tried and few succeeded to capture in the way Greg did. ‘I defy anyone with a 4WD and sense of adventure not to be moved in some (good) way by this picture,’ one judge said. “The photographer has captured the essence of what it is to own a 4WD and head off on a tour of the South Island.” For his efforts Greg wins a set (four) of Kumho 4x4 tyres.…

It’s on its way here now for an April ’18 launch and Mercedes-Benz has just announced local X-Class ute range and pricing details. M-B Van dealers around the country will have 13 different models for you to pick and choose from, across three ‘grades,’ basic Pure, mid-range Progressive and top end Power. Common to all is a 2.3 litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, albeit in two power levels, 120kW with single turbo and 140kW with twin puffers helping things along. Entry level dollar-wise is just $53,300, but that is for a RWD-only 120kW six-speed manual cab/chassis unit. The cheapest wellside is the 120kW Pure RWD with six-speed manual with an RRP of $54,200. However, to match a typical – say – auto trans XLT-spec Ford Ranger you’re going to have to…

Projekt Grenadier – the code name given to cashed-up British chemical company INEOS’ new 4x4 car venture – is moving into top gear with the company now seeking a production site for the vehicle. Whilst the UK remains INEOS’s favoured location, the company has received a number of offers from European sites keen to build the car. INEOS is planning to invest many hundreds of millions of pounds producing the world’s most uncompromising 4x4, and Dirk Heilmann, CEO of INEOS Automotive, says that the company is looking for a site capable of producing at least 25,000 cars a year to an extremely high standard.” Tom Crotty, INEOS Director of Corporate Affairs, says, “We’ve already had high level discussions with the UK government as well as a lot of international interest.…

It’s enough to bring a tear to the rheumy eye of all the diehard 4x4 types out there. Bar the extremes of a winch challenge or 4x4 Trial event most electronically function-managed showroom stock AWD SUVs can now go more places than their prized Series 1 or 2 ‘Landy’ ever could. The fact that most SUV buyers remain woefully ignorant of the off-piste capabilities of their ‘kid collector’ is a shame. But in saying that more and more are being pressed into service to tow a caravan, boat or bar rack full of mountain bikes so all is not lost. Like Auckland property prices there has to be a point where new ‘car’ buyers say ‘enough-is-enough’ and the number of new vehicles sold month on month steadies or even –…

Needs must, they say, the only issue being, when does a ‘want’ become a ‘need,’ and a need, in turn become a ‘must-have.’ Hobbyist four-wheelers and their (usually long-suffering) partners know all about this conundrum. And while most of us guys accept a price more or less on face-value and simply factor it into the equation, partners (usually, again) have an entirely different concept of value, prompting such classic ‘on-discovery’ outbursts as ‘but the bloody thing already has a perfectly good set of wheels, why do you have to spend (insert four-figure sum here) on another?’ Splitting the bill (in this case for wheels then tyres) might seem like a good idea at the time and when you are amongst peers. But trust someone who has tried this approach only…

Whether you use your 4x4 for work or for play, Australian-based specialist aftermarket manufacturer and distributor ARB will have a product to suit. Founded in 1975, ARB spends extensive time and resources on research, design and field testing to ensure its products remain the safest, strongest and most reliable on the market. From Bullbars and Old Man Emu suspension to recovery gear and Air Lockers, all equipment is designed to withstand the rough and tumble of offroading. Today, ARB is Australia’s largest manufacturer and distributor of 4x4 accessories, employing over 1000 internationally. The company’s network extends through more than 100 countries across the globe, including New Zealand. Here, ARB stockists are spread across the North and South Island. Their range includes: Protection equipment Bullbars (including airbag-compatible), siderails and steps, rear…

Today’s heavy duty diesel engines are expensive, more technically advanced than ever before, with ever-increasing oil drain intervals. A customer’s fleet is often the backbone of their business, with reliability and component life meaning everything. Gulf Western Top Dog Indestructible has been formulated using Gulf Western’s indestructible additive technology, which the company says makes engines stay cleaner, use less fuel, and last longer. Top Dog Indestructible 15W-40 meets the majority of modern engine manufacturers’ specifications. It is formulated to meet API CK-4, which is the latest heavy duty diesel engine oil classification released in January 2017 by the American Petroleum Institute. It meets the specifications of modern and older engine manufacturers and OEMs, and is backward compatible with API CJ-4 and CI-4 engine oil specifications. It is suitable for heavy…

Why replace fuel pumps, injectors or turbochargers when they can still be serviced and repaired cost effectively? The growing consumer habit of replacing instead of repairing parts isn’t new to the automotive industry. This practice extends to fuel pumps, injectors and turbochargers. However, service and repair of these core components remains a practical and cost-effective option. Parts are still available. Genuine manufacturers parts are recommended when it comes to the fuel system although there are still some cheaper after-market parts available. Local servicing offers the advantage of local calibration and the components can be checked to confirm diagnostics and operational efficiency. Next time consider repair by a specialist - you save money and get your original components back. Scott and the team at Diesel Pumps in Christchurch are fuel injection…

My brother and I had hired a local guide and gone fishing. Mongolia is famous for extraordinarily big trout-like fish called Taimen. Someone we knew had caught one a bit over a metre long and we fancied our chances – but first we had to get to the spot. The going there was easy; the fishing wasn’t that great although we did manage to catch a tiddler, and we were treated to an extraordinary lunch of a freshly killed marmot cooked by way of having its insides dragged out and replaced with hot rocks! The meat was incredibly tough but the ‘soup’ was delicious! Now to get back to camp. It had started to rain and the way in had been over grass and an occasional track. The tyres I…

Queenstown-based 4WD Expeditions is owned and operated by Del Rayis, an experienced commercial 4WD driver and guide with over 26 years’ experience. Del offers a full range of passenger and guided tagalong tours and aims to give people a memorable and authentic experience of the best back country New Zealand has to offer. Queenstown is an ideal base for a 4x4 trip with amazing mountains, crisp clean air and a mind-bogglingly beautiful hinterland. It is easy to fly into and out of with increasing number of flights, to the point, Del says, where you can have a fantastic weekend 4WD adventure without needing to take time off work. Hire and passenger options mean you don’t even need your own 4WD! For more information check out the ad in Trading Post…

In what you could call the ultimate ‘test drive’, five all-new SsangYong Rexton SUVs successfully completed a 50-day, 13,000 kilometre drive from the SsangYong factory at Pyeongtaek in South Korea, via Beijing and the Silk Road to the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt in Germany and – for two of the five – on to the SsangYong-sponsored Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in Oxfordshire in the UK. The Rexton Trans Eurasia Trail travelled through ten different countries, including China, Kazakhstan and Russia, and company CEO Mr Johng-sik Choi, CEO of SsangYong Motor said afterwards that: “The Trans Eurasia Trail gave us the ultimate test drive opportunity, and a superb way to launch the car in Europe. “This was a huge challenge for the cars and their drivers, and the ultimate…

A combination of sleek coupe lines with the freedom of movement of an SUV sees Mitsubishi NZ break new ground with its Eclipse Cross available as a 2WD or AWD in XLS and VRX editions. “The arrival of this smart and stylish compact SUV marks a significant addition to our line-up,” said Mitsubishi NZ general manager of vehicle sales and marketing Daniel Cook. “In terms of size, it sits between Outlander and ASX. In terms of styling, performance and technology, it is in a league of its own. It is our most advanced vehicle yet, packed full of features.” The Eclipse Cross is the first local Mitsubishi to get the company’s all-new 1.5L Direct Injection Turbo engine and CVT with eight-speed Sport Mode. It also breaks new ground inside. Mitsubishi’s…

OK, the pitch here was simple. Entertainment. Every other car mag (the ones that still exist, anyway) and the big internet sites do these big, sector-specific, comparison tests based on an assumption that – say, you are in the market for a ute – you want to know the minutiae about every single one on the market. I don’t know about you, but whenever I have been serious enough about buying something, I have already narrowed down my search and don’t give a toss about the other (worthy I’m sure but not my cup of tea) models in the sector. Like most of you I suspect, too, I’ve never had the luxury of true, unfettered choice... there have always been compromises… be they budgetary, familial or just a plain old…

Ironman 4x4 products have been developed in the harshest proving ground in the world – Australia, and have been available to 4WD users for over 50 years. Sold in more than 120 countries, Ironman 4x4 will deliver the comfort and safety you demand as well as quality and value for money. With one of the largest ranges of suspension in the world and top-of-the-line accessories, you will find what you need at your local Ironman 4x4 distributor. Bullbars The range of bullbars is extensive with an entry level commercial black bar which is airbag and winch compatible, a deluxe bar which is similar to the commercial bar but has an integrated driving light and the protector bar with a grey finish and stainless steel hoops. All have an aerial lug…

Sleek, light weight and easily mounted, the popular LED Light Bar 350 from Hella produces 145,000 candela of luminous intensity to light the road ahead. Available in two different beam patterns (high beam and pencil beam), these road-legal lamps are designed to fit most vehicles. An innovative thermally conductive non-metal housing ensures long term reliability in harsh conditions and is hermetically sealed to keep all dust and water out. Hella’s 350Llight Bar are proudly designed and manufactured in New Zealand and supported with a leading five-year warranty for complete peace of mind. For more information go to Hella’s website at: www.hella.co.nz…

With the holiday season fast approaching why not Raptor your ride this summer! Since its launch, U-POL Raptor has fast become the coating of choice for many hard-core 4X4 enthusiasts looking for a simple no fuss way to tidy up, toughen up and protect their ride. Is it hard to apply? We will let you be the judge of that but U-POL have made it as easy as fill, shake and shoot. With a little preparation just about anyone can spray Raptor. Raptor can be rolled or even brushed on, and it dries rapidly into a hard coating with excellent UV protection. With many examples on the web and social media you too could confidently customise your 4X4. Why not go to www.raptorliner.co.nz then head to our Facebook page where…

Last season High Country Journeys introduced two new fully guided tour options to complement their original tour, namely the ‘South Island High Country Grand Slam’ and the ‘Great Mackenzie Country and Central Otago Explorer.’ Both have proved extremely popular. ‘The Grand Slam’ is a seven-day/eight-night package that starts in Blenheim and takes in Molesworth Station and the North Canterbury high country then follows the usual route from Lake Coleridge and the Rakaia River area down through the Mackenzie Country to Cardrona/Wanaka in Central Otago. ‘The Great Explorer’ is a six-day/five-night tour that starts near Lake Ohau and takes in the rugged tussock lands and majestic high country of the lower Mackenzie Country/ Lindis Pass and Central Otago area also ending in Cardrona. Great response High Country Journeys is owned and…