Innholdsfortegnelse for Annual 2020 i NZ4WD

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…

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 heavy-duty coil and leaf springs, to ensure superior vehicle stability and comfort, 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…

Black Duck is New Zealand’s pioneering distributor of Australasia’s number one selling canvas heavy-duty 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…

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…

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…

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. 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. BMW X3 The third generation X3 is a beauty, very much in keeping with the looks of the hugely popular…

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,…

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…

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…

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 winch-compatible 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 premium grade materials and components to deliver an unmatched mix of stylish good looks and protection. All Ironman 4x4 bull bars are made from the highest quality…

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 information out there when it comes to 12V electrics, and it can be easy to get caught up with all…

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…

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 Q3 New look focusing more…

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 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. 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…

Congratulations to our February (and Aug) 2019 featured photographer Paul Richards from Geraldine in South Canterbury 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!…

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 turbo-diesel 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…

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…

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…

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: •…

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 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…

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…

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 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…

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. 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. NISSAN JUKE AWD Distinctive styling and nimble handling make…

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. 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. 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…