Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2025 i NZ4WD

Launched at the end of 2024 and on sale from mid-January, LDV's range-topping LDV T60 Max Plus gets engineering tweaks, a fresh face, and a revised cabin. The Max Plus features a range of upgrades over existing Elite and Lux versions. It has been a while since NZ4WD drove a T60. In 2021 we tested the regular T60 and found it pretty competitive at its price point. Two years later we briefly drove the RWD electric version and came away underwhelmed. These days, the T60 faces increasing competition fromJAC, BYD, GWM and others. So the Max arrives just at the right time to ramp up the rivalry. Aimed directly at tradies, the Max also has an interior that will appeal to families and weekend warriors. The whole T60 range is…

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the oldest and among the longest-running nameplates in the US car market, first appearing in the brand's off-road SUV range in 1986. But like all Jeeps, the Wrangler traces its roots back another four-plus decades to the Willys MB, which served as the US Army's workhorse during World War II. Jeep is honouring the Wrangler's legendary forefather with a new special edition, the 2025 Wrangler 4XE Willys ‘41. The Wrangler's military roots shine through in the olive-drab-inspired ‘41 paint colour, as well as the tough-looking 17-inch aluminium wheels in the same hue. The tyres are 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 and the wheel centre cap features a silhouette of the classic Willys MB. Sprinkled across the exterior are an array of callbacks to the…

Tough enough. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has approved a militarised version of the Land Cruiser 70 for active duty in the fight against Russia's invasion. The Ukraine conflict calls for a light, fast 4WD with armour-protected seating for four. Smaller and lighter than a Humvee or Warrior 6X6, the 70 Series fits the bill. The armed forces of Ukraine know the all-road capable vehicle internally as Dzhura, and its chassis is nothing short of normal. The vehicle is based on a Land Cruiser 70 Series with an Australian-spec factory-style side tub by Praktyka, a Ukrainian defence contractor, and comes with extensive battle-ready modifications. A wall of armour wraps around the cabin from top to bottom, providing protection against automatic rifle rounds and grenades, though not against landmines or improvised…

In the USA, Ford's Ranger-based Bronco is attracting the attention of aftermarket builders. Saleen Automotive, famous for its high-performance muscle cars and in particular Ford performance ‘specials’, has taken things to a new level with the release of the company's new Bronco Big Oly. This limited-edition off-road SUV is an homage to Parnelli Jones’ iconic 1971-72 Baja 1000-winning Bronco, combining classic desert racing heritage with modern technology. It isn't just a one-off though. This thing is built for sale, and it has a lot of American 4WD fanatics excited. The Bronco Big Oly's engine is a Saleen-tweaked 2.7-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 279kW and 677Nm torque. That power and torque goes to the wheels through a Ranger-based drivetrain. A Saleen Racecraft mid-travel suspension system with BVS technology and a…

It can't be easy to overhaul an entire car company, but that's precisely what KGM tasked with in transitioning from the brand formerly known as SsangYong. The process started with the change of name, but it's really kicking in now with the arrival of the first all-new model launched under the fresh ownership. The Torres is a solid start for this reborn brand, with excellent amounts of cabin space and generous equipment lists. Performance is respectable, efficiency is on par with most rivals, and the styling is distinctive inside and out. Torres aims to win converts from established Korean and European rivals. Together with the EVX and the forthcoming hybrid it's a bold step forward from the Ssangyong of old. In AWD or EV version, the Torres is neither a…

Sometimes in life – the planets really do align – but for it to happen twice is a bit weird. Two years ago, I was contacted by ol’ mate Cameron Craigie and asked if I wanted to go on a Land Rover Series 1 run in North Canterbury up the Virginia Valley in Hurunui. While I was trying to work out how I was going to wangle a trip to the South Island from Auckland a few weeks before Christmas, I received ‘Works-Orders’ to inspect three Comms ‘high-sites’ near Palmerston North, which is south – well close enough for me anyhow. I also required a medical ‘procedure’ due to prolonged periods on a surfboard when I was younger. Two years later, Cameron got in-touch with a ‘Works-Order’ for three high…

Hard-working engines and transmissions place huge strain on lubricants. In the 4WD world, there's additional stress from mud-plugging, low speed climbs, towing a big off-road caravan or boat. Because a 4WD tests many components to extremes, it can be tricky to keep components working. Enemy number one is heat. An engine should run between 100-110 degrees C; a transmission needs to run below 100 degrees C. The only way to deal with excess heat is to fit an aftermarket cooler. Unfortunately, very few vehicles have engine or transmission oil temperature gauges, so the first warning of a problem is likely to be a whiff of hot burned oils followed by a spray of steam-hot lube out the breather. A transmission is expensive to replace - $10,000 or more. That pales…

It's big, bold, and flying in the face of ‘electric everything’ car engineering it is petrol-only. The latest Y63 Nissan Patrol is the seventh generation of a full-size Japanese off-roader that traces its origins back to 1951. Like the current Y62, the next-generation Patrol is large: 5.2 metres long, weighing in at 2.7 tons, with V6 engine options including a 3.5-litre twin-turbo that develops 316kW and 700Nm. There are no diesels and no hybrids. A big part of the reason for that is because of where the Patrol will be sold: 28 countries including Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the Philippines. It will not be sold in Europe. Or Japan, for that matter. This is a car designed, engineered, and developed from the ground up to excel in the Middle…

After almost 40 years of manufacturing off-road racers, Bowler has shut its doors. The company was founded by engineer Drew Bowler after he modified a Series I for racing. His most famous creations were the Bowler Tomcat, a rugged off-roader built on the Defender 88in or 100in chassis, which became popular among rally drivers in the UK and Europe; the Wildcat, a purpose-built rally car designed specifically for endurance events, such as the gruelling Dakar Rally, that used features from a Discovery Series II; and the Nemesis, built off the bodywork of the Range Rover Sport. Bowler became synonymous with the conversion and modification of Defender models, enhancing their power, handling, braking and comfort, often on a bespoke basis. And it was the company's can-do attitude, technical know-how, and ability…

A 2025 upgrade for the GWM Cannon 4WD ute brings updates and enhancements in power, towing capacity and design to meet the dynamic demands of Australasian consumers. The new Cannon will be equipped with the larger, more powerful 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine (already available in its larger sibling, the Cannon Alpha), providing increased power outputs of 135kW and 480Nm. GWM says the upgrade to the larger powertrain with a nine-speed automatic transmission will deliver enhanced performance and efficiency, ensuring the vehicle is ready for any challenge thrown at it. Braked towing capacity has been increased to the class benchmark of 3,500kg, up from the previous 3,200kg. GWM's engineers continue to deepen their understanding of the Australasian market, particularly regarding how consumers use their vehicles. Comprehensive design updates include a refreshed…

Elon Musk's controversial and slightly weird Cybertruck has been roundly derided by Americans who go off-road. Its incapability on the dirt has spawned meme after meme, blog after blog. By contrast, General Motors’ decision to revive the Hummer nameplate for its premier electric off-roader has been a gold mine. It's been associated with waste, excess and wannabe MMA ‘celebrities’, but the Hummer has always been an off-road hero, and the latest GMC Hummer EV SUV is a step beyond every other wheeler in GM's portfolio. Arguably, it's a class above any other manufacturer's, too. It may be the least efficient EV on sale, but the Hummer vibe isn't about eco-conscious minimalism. The GMC Hummer EV SUV is smaller than its pickup companion. General Motors chopped nine inches out of the…

Catherine and Graham Beaven are living the off-road caravan lifestyle from their base in Whanganui. The couple prefer less-travelled roads and freedom camping in New Zealand's wild places. When their British-built caravan ‘rattled itself to pieces’ under the assault of long kms on New Zealand's gravel roads, they went looking for a more robust locally made replacement. A single-axle off-road caravan was the target, one with good bathroom and kitchen and a standalone bed. A phone call to GLI Caravans in Christchurch narrowed down the search. Prospects improved further when they focused in on GLI's 16 series campers and GLI offered to fly them down for a look. “We wanted a smaller van and the 16C met all our needs. Even better, it came in under $100,000. GLI's one of…

Mountain goat and beach boss, the Suzuki Jimny is New Zealand's favourite small 4WD for a reason. It goes places bigger 4WDs can't and has ‘fun’ stamped on its DNA. Planning to enter the Jimny's natural habitat? Suzuki has a huge range of gear to make it easy. Start with some basic protective measures – rubber floor mats. They're easy to remove, hose down and throw back in for the next set of muddy gumboots or sandy feet. Same applies for cargo in the back. Cover the rear seats and boot with a durable cargo tray or a rubber mat to keep the organised mess from becoming permanently applied. Take care of the underside with a diff guard and topside with a slick looking (and UV resistant) bonnet protector. Install…

Having explored the southern coast of the North Island over the last couple of months, we decided to use one of the rare fine days over Christmas to complete the exploration of the area by driving around Lake Wairarapa, also known as Wairarapa Moana, and taking every road in towards the lake. While we have visited many of these places before, the scenery changes with the seasons and I have included a few photos from other trips to show some of the variety. For this trip, our plan was to do the circuit of the lake, then stop at the campsite at the northern end of the lake for dinner and an overnight camp before a leisurely trip home the next morning. We left SH2 at Featherston and headed down…

Paint. There's spots of it all over me. We're painting the roof. I hope we're not painting the truck accidentally and concurrently! It's parked below and should be safe. But I'll move it anyway. I doubt random grey over green camo would appeal… Holidays – we went north of south for a 4WD camp. Funny wee site, a few huts, ablutions, good camp sites, sheltered. Good access to power points so I could run my 12v fridge continuously. Excellent. We seemed to luck the weather. Many areas had bad, ours was mostly good bar a couple of wet days with a thunderous storm. Trips from there were all one-dayers so we didn't need to cart the fridge around with us. Always a plus. We use a small 12v piezo cooler…

We are right into the 4WD safari season and what a big season it is proving to be. After two or three years without too many events on the calendar, we now have an almost over abundance. No matter where you are there is an event to suit everyone. Auckland Anniversary weekend had two major events to choose from, the Motu Safari and the King Country 4WD Clubs Matiere 4WD Safari. With plenty to do around the place I wasn't planning on heading away but at the last minute, Steve Kernot from King Country advised that due to someone having to pull out, there was a spot available if I wanted it. I paid my money, packed the Discovery and was soon on the road to the small settlement of…

LDV's testing a new ute in Australia. The Terron 9 is bigger than the current T60 and will go on sale in 2025. The new-generation LDV Terron 9 ute series – with a choice of electric or diesel power – is one step closer to Australasian showrooms. Two prototypes of the LDV Terron 9 ute are in Australia for final validation testing ahead of local showroom arrivals by mid-2025. Engineers have been testing the LDV Terron 9 on a range of Australian roads to validate advanced safety systems such as speed-sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance, and other electronic aids. The electric version is being pitched to Australia's mining industry. The company says it will not leave traditional ute buyers behind; the Terron ute series will broaden its offering across the ute…

Imagine heading off to work, jumping into your Range Rover, putting an actual key in an actual key slot and turning it. Hearing an original 3.5-litre V8 crank into life, breathing through twin SU carburettors. For a fortunate few, Land Rover can now make this dream a reality. The company is now sourcing classic ‘Rangies’ and also original Landie, the tiny Series I, restoring them and selling them with factory warranties. The work is done in a 14,000m2 state-of-the-art facility that brings all the company's classic operations under one roof, with 54 individual workshop bays and strip down areas, a dedicated engine shop and space for 480 vehicles. For devoted Landie fans, it is also putting on events where the classics can be driven off-road – well, in England, anyway.…

GWM-Haval is launching an H6GT PHEV based on the flagship ‘Ultra’ model. Powered by a 1.5L turbocharged hybrid engine and boasting exceptional performance and efficiency, it will deliver an impressive 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 4.9 seconds, with a combined output of 321kW and 762Nm. Equipped with a class-leading 35.4 kWh battery, it offers an electric-only range of up to 180 km — more than double that of its nearest in-market competitor — ensuring unparalleled versatility for Australasian drivers. The new model is part of GWM's commitment to making advanced, eco-friendly vehicles more accessible while delivering outstanding value. With its sleek coupe-inspired design, remarkable hybrid performance, and state-of-the-art safety features, the Haval H6GT PHEV sets a new benchmark in the SUV segment.…

Ram Trucks Australia has teamed with Paramount to create a special edition Ram 2500: the Yellowstone Edition, named for the US drama series that follows the lives of the Dutton family, owners of the largest ranch in Montana. The Ram 2500 is centre-stage throughout the series. Based on the 2500 Heavy Duty model, the Yellowstone Edition will be instantly recognisable by the following elements: • Exclusive Yellowstone Edition graphics on the rear of the cargo tub, badges on front doors and a Yellowstone Edition badge above the rear cabin sliding window. • Black badging, mirror casings, and front grille. • Black 18-in aluminium alloy wheels. “Ram Trucks have featured heavily throughout each of its five full seasons, so we're delighted to launch an officially-licensed 2500 Yellowstone Edition in Australia. This…

It's been a while since NZ4WD drove a Hyundai. Before Covid, in fact. Way back when the previous Santa Fe had a mid-life refresh. The arrival of the very new fifth generation Santa Fe in late 2024 called for a test drive though. The new version is visually striking, moving away from the stylish curves of the outgoing model and aligning more with the bigger Palisade. The Santa Fe model range is now three models: the Active, the Limited and the premium Calligraphy. It's taken us a few months to get into this one, but it's well worth it. And in our defence, UK magazine Autocar only reviewed the SUV in November last year; Top Gear only got it in December. The Santa Fe can be seen as the tech…

Bull bars are one of the first accessories to be added to any 4x4, improving and frontal protection. A bull bar is first line of defence on rural roads and off-road tracks. Ironman 4x4 bull bars are engineered to protect a vehicle's vital components while providing mounting points for winches, lights, tow hooks and aerials. From low-profile designs to more aggressive heavy-duty configurations, Ironman 4x4 bull bars cater to every need and preference. The company's engineers have tested bull bar designs to guarantee compliance with all relevant regulatory standards. All Ironman 4x4 bars are winch, airbag and ADR compatible. The installation process is simplified thanks to fitting kits which include all the hardware and instructions required. Authorised dealers and technicians are also available to provide support. Customisation Ironman 4x4 offers…

No 4WD on sale today has stayed as close to its origins as Suzuki's Jimny. This ‘proper’ 4WD SUV traces its roots back to Suzuki's first mainstream global success, the LJ50. Born in 1970, the series started with Kei class domestic market models, the LJ10 and 20. But it was with the two-stroke featherweight LJ50 that international sales began in earnest, and that also saw the start of the accessory craze for Suzuki 4WDs. The first steps were wheels and tyres, replacing the skinny rims and bar-tread crossply tyres with wider steelies and aggressive Dunlop or Firestone mud-tread tyres. With its light weight and bigger boots, the Jimny could float across bogs that left Land Rovers, Land Cruisers and Jeeps wallowing. Then Jimny mania became more mainstream with the arrival…

Manukau has kicked off the off-road racing season in fine style. When the proposed summer series at Colin Dale Motorsport Park late last year stumbled for lack of entries, the club pivoted neatly to create a single three-way event that put rallycars and off-roaders on the purpose-built track and ran three events in one at the start of February: the stand-alone Mickey Thompson Tyres Off-road Grand Prix, a Dunlop-backed rallysprint and the opening round of the national championship. In the off-road racing heats and grand prix, the men to beat were defending champion Carl Ruiterman, class 8 racer Nick Hall and unlimited class legend Tony McCall. Ruiterman dominated the S-class UTV heats, leaving the pursuing pack so far behind in most heats that his dust had settled before they emerged…