4WD Newz

Holden Colorado breaks cover – here mid year

2012-02-17T22:12:00.001+13:00

Photos released today by Holden of the next Colorado prompt 4wdNewz to again wonder what they were on when they did the exterior styling? Still, if you're going for "odd" might as well do a Hilux with mumps rather than something from Fairyland, like Mazda's BT-50. Not to worry though; under its skin the Colorado has some good stuff, including two new diesels and braked towing of 3500kg from the bigger of the two engines chosen for the New Zealand lineup. The ute will be here in June.

It's good to see that Holden hasn't gone made in the torque race, making do with a quite adequate 350Nm from the 2.5 litre 110kW diesel and 470Nm from the 2.8 132kW unit that most people will want. That output drops to 440Nm on five-speed manual models.

Like its newer rivals, Colorado has lots of safety stuff, including driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Electronic Stability Control. "Lifestyle and comfort" features include Bluetooth, aircon, power windows, auxiliary plug and USB port, two auxiliary power outlets and an iPod compatible audio system.

Presumably traction control will also be part of the Colorado package, but Holden's initial dripfeed of information makes no mention of it.
Here's our first look at the truck.

Those were the days: Land Rovers in the early 50s

2012-02-15T10:56:00.000+13:00

I've had these photos for ages; they were sent to me by Ken Sibly, the well-known writer on 4WD matters, including the South Island off-road guides. Click on any of the pictures to enlarge.

Thirteen new Land Rovers outside the Christchurch Car Exchange in St Asaph Street near the corner of Colombo Street in 1950. Wonder where they all went? Standing at left is Laurie Smith and on the right, Jack Carthy. The Christchurch Car Exchange was the agent for Rover cars after the Second World War so naturally became agent for the Land Rover. The company name later changed to Carthy Motors.

New Land Rover, somewhere in Christchurch.

Bruce Kahn (left) and Max Carthy (right) with a new Land Rover outside the Christchurch Car Exchange.

Land Rover negotiates the Avon River just downstream from the Armagh Street Bridge in the centre of Christchurch.

The Land Rover comes up the stone ramp by the Armagh Street Bridge.

A new Land Rover and a new 1949 Rover 75 outside the Sydenham Fish Supply in Colombo Street (1950)

A Land Rover equipped to load Tiger Moths in the early days of aerial topdressing.

New Land Rover with an unknown driver somewhere in Christchurch.

Tribute to a great all rounder

2012-02-15T10:15:00.001+13:00

An early petrol Surf takes on the mud … until its electrics got too damp.

Surfs are up! The no nonsense Toyota is one of the most popular 4WD used imports. The Hilux Surf, or 4Runner as it was known in export markets including New Zealand, was conceived as a wagon bodied Hilux, primarily for the North American market. Those that began to filter into to New Zealand in the dawn of the used import era came first with the two litre petrol motor or the 2.4 litre turbo diesel. In 1987, the 1998cc motor was replaced by the larger 2247cc motor and fuel injection replaced carburetion. A 3.0 V6 petrol version, developed principally for the North American market, was sold here both new and as an import, but its improved performance and smoothness came at the cost of relatively high fuel consumption.

When imported new, the 4Runner was available with the 2.4 litre petrol motor producing 75kW of power and 185Nm of torque (at 2800rpm); the 2.8 diesel producing 65kW and 183Nm (at 2400rpm); and the V6 producing 105kW and 240Nm (at 3400rpm).

Although the five speed manual rules the roost, Surfs were imported with a four speed automatic gearbox.

The Surf gradually became more refined, getting four doors, a fully integrated wagon body and double wishbone independent front suspension replacing the beam axle. Although the IFS was quite good off-road, some serious owners retro-modified their Surfs to a beam front axle.

By 1989, the part time 4wd system had become more sophisticated, Toyota ditching the basic auto hubs for units that electrically engaged by a switch on the transfer case lever.

A weak point of the four cylinder (and V6) petrol motor, as is the case with all petrols, is the vulnerability to water of its electrical system, but otherwise was a good alternative to diesel for people using it off road. It had an ability to lug nicely at tickover speed and, on road, had a reasonable turn of speed. Off road, though, it’s hard to look past the diesel, which particularly impressed with its ability to climb steep hills at almost an idle.

4WD questions to ponder

2012-02-11T22:31:00.000+13:00

Two photos regarding question 10; these were taken years ago when the P38s were still in production and expensive … but some owners were prepared to wallow.

A baker's dozen of things you, too, may have noticed or been wondering about 4WDs:

1. Why do people keep saying the Suzuki Jimny is a good 4WD off-road?

2. Why won't Land Rover fit an automatic to the Defender?

3. Ditto Toyota and the Land Cruiser 70. The box from the 200 Series would do nicely.

4. Does it also astonish you that the Land Cruiser 70 LX wagon now lists at more than $80,000?

5. When will Jeep put the KK Cherokee out of its misery and give us a new one that lives up to its predecessors?

6. Has the Nissan Patrol had any credibility since they dropped the TD42 diesel?

7. How do you think the Hummer H3 would have gone with a decent engine? Too late now, don't bother answering.

8. What was Toyota thinking when it signed-off the lousy outward vision of the FJ Cruiser?

9. Does anyone use the current-model Pajero seriously or semi-seriously off-road?

10. Why are so few P38 Range Rovers used as club trucks? They're cheap enough.

11. How quickly do owners get sick of their four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?

12. Regarding question six, should we petition Nissan to put the two-door GQ back into production?

13. Have you noticed how owners of straight, low mileage Suzuki Samurais can pretty much name their price?

Let's clog up the courts

2012-02-09T10:23:00.004+13:00

The police threat to permanently lower the speeding tolerance to 4km/h is ridiculous; despite modern electronic speedos four kilometres an hour is within the margin of error for many vehicles. The change will do nothing to lower the road toll, only further alienate the police and the public and clog the courts as the number of defended tickets spirals. As an aside, driving home from National Park on low-tolerance Waitangi Day with cruise control set at 100km/h in an effort to tame the Jeep's thirst for fuel, almost every vehicle overtook me, including vans and cars towing caravans.

The easiest way to fix a track hazard

2012-02-07T14:00:00.001+13:00

Hand a spade to enthusiastic Auckland 4WDer Peter Vahry, then casually look the other way while he does all the work. Disclosure: Being a bit mischievous here with this example of how the camera lies. Martin Langridge (left) of the King Country 4WD Club and Jack Talbot (centre), Auckland 4WD Club, were pitching in before becoming momentarily distracted. For the How and Why, see the next item.

Preparing for National Park

2012-02-07T13:59:00.001+13:00

Hmm, will this bridge stand up to another safari pounding?

Spent Waitangi weekend helping – and I use the term loosely as the others did all the work – prepare for the Auckland 4WD Club's National Park safari, now coming up to its fourth year on March 3-4. It’s open to anyone with the $70 entry fee and a 4WD that has low-range gearing. This year, it raises funds for Ruapehu Alpine Rescue. It's a great spot among some equally great scenery and the Waitangi weekend mission was to make the run as different as possible from last year's event. The two Landcorp farms are littered with tracks, so the mission has been pretty much accomplished. It was mainly a matter of finding out which new ones were drivable and whether they really went where the map indicated.

Despite the presence of a couple of tough-truck Nissan Safaris, this is an event easily do-able by any 4WD with low range and a driver with a modicum of off-road skills. But don't get too complacent, as the organisers have thrown in a few surprises that might cause a few butts to clench. You can get information on the trip and accommodation here. I reckon that at 70 bucks for one and-a-half days, it's the best value on this year's tag-along calendar. On top of that, the trip finishes around noon on the second day at the 42 Traverse so those who want "one more trail" can knock it off, too.

No, Martin Langridge isn't taking a quick heave; he's confirming that it looks like the bridge will, indeed, stand up to another safari, or so it seems from the underpinnings.

"Hey, I like the cut of your BFGs, big fella."

It's a bit boggy here, but the group fails to get stuck.

Group of spectators decide it'd be better to flock off.

Martin Langridge leads the team.

We stop for lunch at the 42 Traverse, while swarms of blowflies dine on the animal dung that has accumulated on our trucks. The Jeep tasted delicious.

The Trooper gets a hand across the hazard that Peter Vahry is seen digging in the item above.

Chrysler trivia

2012-01-31T16:01:00.001+13:00

Chrysler has just built its one millionth Pentastar V6, the one now going into the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee Laredo. The milestone was 18 months after start of production at the Trenton factory in Michigan.

SUVs rule the market, just not the ones we like

2012-01-31T14:12:00.006+13:00

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) now represent the largest new-vehicle segment in the market. Figures from the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) show 18,684 sales in 2011, for a 29 per cent share of the market, up from 16,326 and 26 per cent a year ago. A press release from the Motor Trade Association (MTA) says, "the result is that models such as the Toyota Highlander, Holden Captiva, Ford Territory, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Santa Fe, amongst others, all experienced good volume growth in 2011." It's interesting that not one of these has low-range gearing. Most of the growth has again come at the expense of the large-car segment, which, at nine per cent, is now the smallest in the market. Five years ago, SUVs and large cars together made up 38 per cent of passenger car sales, the same proportion as they did in 2011, only now in significantly different ratios.

Today's best value new 4WD wagon

2012-01-26T16:55:00.001+13:00

I've been spending time with the base-model Grand Cherokee Laredo, which lists for $65,000 when fitted with the V6 Pentastar petrol engine, and five grand more for the diesel. If you've been checking prices of new 4WD wagons recently, that's outstanding value. You can spend almost $100,000 for a top-model Grand Cherokee, and a gorgeous Range Rover-challenging wagon it it, but the Laredo's still really well equipped and tempting for people who might actually want to go off-road sometime, despite not having the variable-height QuadraLift air suspension.

Despite not being able to put more air under its belly at the touch of a button, the Laredo has enough ground clearance for at least medium-duty off-roading and still has the various dial-in modes for different terrain. Either engine would be good for off-roading. Although the diesel's clearly better on paper – 550Nm at 1800rpm compared to 347Nm at 4300rpm – I think I'd go with the Pentastar, given its lower price, the relative thirst of the diesel, and that the torque deficit never posed a problem when I have driven other Pentastar Grand Cherokees. The diesel returned 13.5 litres per 100km overall during the time I had it, not significantly less than the various Pentastar Grand Cherokees and Wrangler Unlimiteds I've driven. A Land Cruiser 200 with its twin-turbo V8 did better, but maybe with more mileage the Jeep engine's consumption will improve, as if by magic.

If you want to spend $70-something on a Pajero, or $80-something for a Prado go ahead, but do look at this Jeep.

Anniversary for Jeepers

2012-01-26T08:58:00.002+13:00

Mopar celebrates its 75th anniversary on Jan 31. Originally intended to identify Chrysler group's motor parts, Mopar morphed into a catch-all word for the company's car lines and, particularly, for performance products. Jeep bought-in when it was purchased from the failed AMC-Renault.

With top Defenders, you get free naan bread

2012-01-26T08:51:00.001+13:00

Some interesting new info on the next Defender from Autocar UK, including the news that it will be built in India, with some models sent CKD to the UK. Talk about changing times!

It could be in the bag, literally

2012-01-25T13:30:00.002+13:00

Seems like quite a few 4WD owners are building mounts for their iPad in front of the dashboard. Not quite sure why, although it might be a good way to display Google or other maps. There's quite a lot of discussion on 4WD forums about the best way to make some kind of support. But potentially there's a big problem on vehicles with a passenger airbag; the mount may interfere with the correct functioning of the airbag, some of which inflate to cover an area from the passenger door to almost the driver's seat. The picture is an example. Other airbag designs inflate to a width no greater than the passenger seat, so you really need to know which one you have. Of course, it's only a problem if you have a decent prang and an airbag is only a supplementary system; having the seatbelt on is the first line of defence. But with all the other hassle that follows a crash, I'm not sure I'd want to add to the list having to explain to the insurance company/cops why I'd purposely obstructed the proper functioning of an airbag. Just a thought.

One from the archive

2012-01-13T16:51:00.003+13:00

SCRATCH ROVER, a well-known 1985-model Rangie in the Auckland area, on one of the popular Ramarama safaris a few years ago. Contemporaries included BODGE ROVER and HANG OVER.

Updated ’Cruiser 200: read all about it

2012-01-13T16:41:00.000+13:00

Toyota's promising an upgraded Land Cruiser 200 this year. Again, Autocar in the UK has the scoop and it's here. It has at least one interesting innovation, so take a look even if you're not an admirer of the big Toy.

New path for Pathfinder

2012-01-09T15:21:00.000+13:00

Friends of the Nissan Pathfinder can see what the next model will look like here.

So they're not after the enthusiast market, then

2012-01-08T14:25:00.001+13:00

Here's what UK's Autocar has to say about the new Range Rover, coming later this year:

"The most radical and technically advanced model in Land Rover’s history will feature aluminium body technology and Evoque-derived styling, including a sloping roofline. With a slightly longer and wider footprint than today’s model, the new model puts much of the interior focus on the rear seats to satisfy the burgeoning ranks of chauffeur-driven Range Rovers. Interior quality is said to equal or better Bentley’s. Engines will largely be carried over, while the alloy body will reduce the kerb weight by about 450kg, to improve fuel economy and cut emissions. Given the hugely improved spec, prices are set to climb considerably. High-spec models will easily break the £100k barrier when the Range Rover is unveiled in the autumn."

No bollocks, they're looking at the Balero

2012-01-08T13:20:00.000+13:00

Keep hearing that a local company wants to import the Indian Mahindra Bolero, a 4WD that looks like a cross between a Mercedes G-Wagen and an old Pajero. Here's a link to a review. Could be interesting if it happens and the price is right.

Defender concepts off to India

2012-01-06T08:47:00.001+13:00

Another report from Autocar in the UK on the Land Rover Defender concepts. They're repainted and off to India.

Sad about Stratos

2012-01-05T16:48:00.010+13:00

It's too bad that Stratos, a public broadcasting channel on Freeview, has closed. Stratos carried the excellent Australian 4WD TV series, which included a lot of New Zealand coverage. Stratos was for some – including myself – the only way to watch episodes on the big flat screen. (An alternative is to stream them from the 4WD TV website and watch on the computer.) According to the show's website, it's also shown on Auckland's Triangle TV, CTV in Canterbury, Channel 9 in Dunedin, Mainland TV in Nelson, Sawyer TV in Napier and Family TV in Rodney. But for those of us unable to access any of these regional UHF channels it's Goodnight 4WD TV. I'm hoping 4WD TV might be able to get it on one of the other Freeview national channels. Simon Christie, who runs 4WD TV with his wife, Miranda, told 4wdNewz, "we are still in total shock … we know we have a great following in New Zealand."

What you can do

4WD enthusiasts need 4WD TV available nationally on Freeview, particularly in light of the show's substantial and ongoing commitment to New Zealand coverage. Basically, this means being on TV One, TV Two, TV3, Prime or the Southland station, Cue. Please take a minute to email, write or phone the channel(s) of your choice and tell them that you'd love to see the show on their channel now that Stratos has folded. TV stations do listen to public opinion, so please do it now. Information on how to provide feedback is published on each channel's website.

Take care out there, guys

2011-12-30T22:10:00.005+13:00

From tonight's news (reported by Fuseworks): "The Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter was responded to a 4WD vehicle accident at Puketitiri. The vehicle with two occupants had rolled 100m down a bank before stopping. The woman sustained head, pelvic and arm injuries and the man sustained minor back injuries. Both occupants of the vehicle were airlifted by rescue helicopter to Hawke's Bay Hospital. The ages of the man and woman are not known - they are believed to be in their twenties."

And the winner is ...

2011-12-30T21:20:00.005+13:00

Holy crap, Top Gear NZ has given its 4WD of the Year award to the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Hang on, just let me scribble something on this piece of paper and seal it in the envelope: "and the 4wdNewz vehicle of the year award goes to, envelope please, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo." Crowd breaks into wild applause. PS: The award would have gone to the Mercedes G-Class, but it's too damned expensive.

Flashback time

2011-12-28T15:56:00.001+13:00

Who remembers the Vitara Safaris in Woodhill Forest near Auckland back in the late 1990s? Never have so many Vitaras been seen in one place – at least in New Zealand. The safaris were so successful that Suzuki did the obvious thing … and dropped them.

Hilux makes it 30 in a row

2011-12-28T11:30:00.000+13:00

Toyota's Hilux has now been the country's best selling utility for 30 years in a row. Steve Prangnell, the general manager of sales and operations, said in a press release just before new year, “Hilux is a mainstay of heartland New Zealand, with more than 86,700 sold here since 1976." Toyota was expecting Hilux sales to top 3800 for 2011. Worldwide, it sells more than 500,000 a year.

Time for a change

2011-12-23T22:13:00.004+13:00

Don't worry, it's still the same 4wdNewz; we've just tweaked the appearance a bit. Well, a lot to tell the truth. Pretty much a complete makeover. That's the older version at right, so you can see why it had to be changed.

Something for Land Rover nerds

2011-12-22T16:43:00.001+13:00

If you're a Land Rover nerd, know what a PTO is and have a sense of the ironic, check this posting from OvalNews.

More glitz for Grand Vitara

2011-12-22T10:16:00.005+13:00

Not the 1.6 litre Jimny with 40mm more ground clearance I'd been hoping for,* but Suzuki has introduced a Special Edition Grand Vitara with extra stuff for its $39,990 list price. You can tell it by the 18-inch, 10-spoke alloys on 225/60R18 tyres, or by the silver finish roof rails and bonnet vents. Also added: Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control, GPS, three (!) trip computers, a reversing camera with 3.5-inch screen in the rearview mirror, Bluetooth, and something called a Pantera command centre that works equipment and tracks route, speed and time.

* Don't get your hopes up for this actually happening, it's just a fantasy of mine!

Twelve questions for 2012

2011-12-21T19:13:00.002+13:00

1. Have you noticed how few Defender 90s are on the used market?

2. But is that because nobody wants to buy one?

3. Have you noticed that the Tigerz11 is emerging as one of the top Chinese winches?

4. Does anyone know whether there was a Tigerz1 to 10?

5. But would you buy a Chinese winch anyway?

6. How many more North Island paper roads will be blocked in 2012?

7. Will we grow sick of winch challenges in 2012?

8. Will 2012 mark the start of a run on portal axles so real off-roaders can dump those little 35s and size-up to 40s and 44s?

9. Why doesn't the Christchurch City Council make a giant 4WD park in one of the abandoned suburbs?

10. Aren't petrol 4WDs a pain in the arse on wet club trips?

11. When is someone going to do a good website all about 4WD tracks, an electronic successor to the Sibly-Cockroft books?

12. How many times in 2012 will the media brand 4WDs as gas-guzzling monsters?

Cherokee stays four-paw this side of Tasman

2011-12-21T15:34:00.001+13:00

Jeep's introducing a 2WD version of the KK Cherokee in Australia, in Sport and Limited trim with the 3.7 litre V6. Over here? I put the question to the Jeep New Zealand boss, Todd Groves. "No, not at this point," he replied. The "at this point" might be a bit of a worry to those concerned with the dumbing-down of the brand, but since I don't much like the current Cherokee, I don't care either way. As an aside, 2WD Cherokees have sold well in the US since coming available in 1987.

G-Professional a step closer

2011-12-16T16:20:00.008+13:00

Factory photo of a G-Professional

For almost a year, Mercedes has been dangling the carrot of a more basic G-Class (aka G-Wagen) for the Australian and New Zealand markets. Talking to Mercedes executives today, it seems the holdup has been adapting ESP to the G-Professional, and fitting a passenger airbag. These problems are now apparently sorted. Mercedes says it has to bring the wagon in at under $100,000 in Australia, which would put the New Zealand price north of $120,000.

Here's an earlier item on the G-Class. And have a look at this.

Good info on next Range Rover

2011-12-16T16:14:00.001+13:00

The UK magazine Autocar has just published some good information on the next Range Rover here. It's worth a read even if most of us will never be able to afford one.

Diff locks: is back then front back to front?

2011-12-13T17:12:00.007+13:00

Came in on the tail of a conversation the other day about differential locks, when the consensus was you only need one on the rear. I don’t agree; you need them on the front and back. And if you can only fit one, I’d argue, against conventional opinion, that it should be on the front.

An ARB demo rig.

I’ve spent almost 15 years with vehicles that have diff locks at both ends and over that time it’s often been the front one that’s done the trick. For example, during the climbout from a muddy hole in the track traction’s often lost because the rear wheels have sunk into goo that’s too deep for a locker to help. It’s the front one that helps the steering wheels help the vehicle out.

The problem with a front locker is its effect on steering. The turning circle suddenly becomes huge. But it’s just a matter of knowing the vehicle and the characteristics of a locked front diff. However, the suppliers of lockers are understandably worried about liability issues. Sets of lockers are always wired so that the front one won’t work unless the rear one has been activated. That’s also the way it is on factory lockers, like those on the Land Cruiser 70 series, or on my Wrangler Rubicon. But if I were building a strictly off-road 4WD and could only afford one locker, it’d be on the front, for sure.

A visitor, A A Brown, left a comment that I've posted here rather than in the comments section because it provides a useful balance to the item above. He writes: "I have read what you have to say about front diff locks and I have to agree with the general thrust of the comment. However, a front locker can bite you badly if you're not quick with the 'off' switch. And it should never, ever be used on road or any high friction surface."

The new header photo

2011-12-12T18:57:00.000+13:00

Had a couple of compliments for the new heading picture; thanks guys. The unusual perspective was due to an extreme wide-angle lens and the shot was taken a few years ago from a previous-model Jeep Grand Cherokee at the now-closed Extreme 4WD Park near Auckland. I always thought of doing something with the picture one day – now I have!

Fuel and horses – Wrangler's new engine

2011-12-08T13:10:00.006+13:00

Probably the most anticipated change to the Jeep Wrangler since the introduction of the current JK was the new Pentastar 3.6 litre V6 engine. Chrysler's new "hero" V6 will be widely used across its product range. 4wdNewz has already tried the Pentastar in the Grand Cherokee and Dodge Journey. It endowed the big Jeep with performance not much different from the Hemi V8, an impressive accomplishment. I've now had a chance to drive a Pentastar-powered Wrangler Unlimited on- and off the road. Although it's a good engine, I'm not sure it deserves the rapturous publicity afforded it by Jeep publicists and some motoring writers.

It all fits nicely, but there's not much spare room.
Note the air intake lower centre.

The new motor produces some 40 per cent more power, at 209kW, than the outgoing 3.8, but torque is up by only about 10 per cent to 347Nm, which is really neither here nor there. I was expecting the new Wrangler to really bolt, given all those extra kWs, but although it's undeniably quicker, it's nowhere near as "quicker" as the 40 per cent figure suggests. On the road, it knocks a couple of seconds off the 0-100km/h time, but when you think about it, that's not really a lot: "One-Mississippi, two-Mississippi." That's all. More usefully, its overtaking times are better, a safety enhancement. Driving some of the new tracks at the Jeep Woodhill 4WD Adventure Park I found no off-road advantage compared to the 3.8 in my two-door Rubicon. Except for one thing:

14.8 overall, including off roading!

As part of the package, the Pentastar comes with a new five-speed automatic transmission. This adds a ratio over the old box and manual tiptronic-type changing for when that's an advantage. This engine and gearbox combo provide outstanding fuel consumption compared to the outgoing model. After a session in low range, my 3.8/four-speed would be recording something like 19 litres per 100km, maybe more. After what I considered a reasonably hard workout, the Pentastar would do no worse than 16.5! This advantage is also apparent on-road, where it routinely saves around 2.5 litres per 100km compared to my 3.8 JK, despite the two-door being lighter than the Unlimited.

Happy in my ignorance

2011-12-08T13:08:00.006+13:00

As the owner of a 3.8 litre Wrangler (see above item), I’ve been following with interest overseas reports of the 3.6 litre Pentastar model since it appeared in August. Apart from its high fuel consumption I have had no problem at all with the old motor and quite liked the idea of buying one late in its production life when, surely, all the bugs will have been well worked out and when there is an aftermarket full of reasonably priced parts. True, the 3.8 has a humble background, developed more than 20 years ago primarily for minivans and people movers, but it worked quite well in the Jeep, where it replaced the bulletproof 4.0 straight six.

But almost universally, the early reports derided the outgoing motor. Its replacement was long overdue. It was wheezy, anaemic, underpowered, rough, dismal. One reviewer said that joining a freeway would no longer be a white-knuckle experience. And here I was thinking my JK joined the motorway flow very well. Too many motoring writers have a horrible habit of slagging an outgoing car or part of a car. Fair enough, I suppose, but where were their voices warning us what a load of crap we were driving, while the vehicle was still in production?

I’ve lived through this before. My Land Rover Defender was one of the last imported with the 300TDi engine. When the Td5 arrived, the earlier powerplant was derided as noisy, agricultural, underpowered, rough, unreliable and … you name it. In fact, the 300TDi is today often sought after by those who know Land Rovers. When the Td5 made way for the current Ford engine, the slaggers quickly jumped on it, of course. Land Cruiser owners had a taste of the same thing when the wonderful straight-six turbo diesel made way for the V8 diesel. Both are worthy engines, but all of a sudden the six was “problem laden”, “clunky”, “too heavy for its output” and so on.

No wonder that journalists are down the bottom with car salesmen when jobs are ranked by public perception of the credibility and integrity of those doing them.

Something else sheep are good for

2011-12-05T12:11:00.002+13:00

I'm quite keen on New Zealand-made Prolan as a corrosion inhibitor for the Jeep's chassis. It's made from wool grease and you'll find an earlier report here. The Tauranga based company has now developed a new product, Prolan Enduro, for under-chassis corrosion protection. It dries to a shiny finish and is said to be very durable. I've sprayed my chassis and will report back later. The fancy looking red and white nozzle is also new and seems to work just like the old one! I had a leaking problem with the old nozzle, so this might be the fix. By the way, those of us who use the lanolin product are in good company, the cranes and barges trying to get containers off the Rena are coated in the stuff. Here's Prolan's home page.

Some good news for Wrangler enthusiasts

2011-11-26T20:57:00.002+13:00

Defender owners have their cross to bear with that DC100 concept running around, clearly signaling that Land Rover intends to dilute the Defender name. Jeep Wrangler owners have had their own cross to bear in the form of ongoing suggestions that the vehicle will be built in Italy or, even worse, hung on a Fiat platform for its next generation. However, the big boss, Sergio Marchionne, insists Wrangler production won't take place outside of Toledo, Ohio. Anything else was "unthinkable", he said. The factory can build about 160,000 vehicles a year. As for a Fiat platform, surely you wouldn't think so.

Yes, well it's different

2011-11-26T06:01:00.000+13:00

Spotted this at the Nissan dealer in Edinburgh. It's the V6 Navara we're getting in the new year (see the item below) and has this weird canopy, available as an accessory in the UK. It looks okay, if you like that sort of thing, but the raked back really cuts into the usable space. Don't expect to see it in New Zealand.

Letter from abroad

2011-11-24T05:18:00.001+13:00

4wdNewz is currently in London, staying in the upmarket Little Venice area. This must be England's off-road capital of the rich. Every second vehicle is a black Range Rover or Range Rover Sport. There's barely a common Discovery to be seen, and as for Japanese 4WDs … well, it seems like there aren't any. I did see a short wheelbase Series III behind one gate, but it must have been a pet; its garage-mates were a Lamborghini and an Aston Martin DB9.

Nissan to reclaim ute torque supremacy in Feb

2011-11-24T05:11:00.000+13:00

Nissan's D40 Navara with the 550Nm Renault V6 will go on sale in February, reclaiming the title of torquiest Japanese ute that it lost to the new 470Nm Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50. The 450Nm Navara previously held the title. Does anyone need 550Nm in a one-tonne ute? Probably not, and even Nissan's New Zealand boss, John Manley, admitted to 4wdNewz today that he expects it to be a low volume "hero" model. Perhaps even more interesting than the torque-dripping engine will be its seven-speed automatic, derived from the one in the 370Z sports car.

And for those wondering when the new Patrol will be here, the answer is: not for ages. It's not even available in RHD yet.

A nice little RWC souvenir

2011-11-17T15:41:00.003+13:00

Most of the Rugby World Club Land Rovers and Range Rovers have sold, even though you could buy more than 450 copies of the overpriced Adidas All Blacks jersey for the price of one Discovery 4. Apparently most buyers have asked their dealer not to remove the decals. They'd be gone in a flash were one mine; the example I've been driving has attracted so much attention it might as well have been painted bright red with flashing lights. I'm not sure whether they're admiring my choice of vehicle, or looking to see if there's an All Black on board, or just wondering what kind of wanker with too much money would drive around in an SUV decked out like that!

The future of urban off-roading?

2011-11-16T19:20:00.003+13:00

I was at Land Rover's HQ today picking up a Discovery 4 in full Rugby World Cup (RWC) colours and spotted in the yard a trailer that contained a Terrapod, ready to be sent back to the UK. For those who don't know it, a Terrapod is an artificial off-road course developed by Land Rover to show off its products in such places as city centres. The course is assembled like a giant Meccano model and it's quite surprising that it all fits in a relatively small trailer. This Terrapod had been used in Auckland during the RWC, providing rides for the public. (The example in the photo is ripped from the Internet and shows a Discovery 3 at the Land Rover Owner magazine show at Malvern in the UK.) Land Rover NZ was pleased with its borrowed Terrapod and is looking carefully at having one built. And that got me thinking that, with the ever-diminishing off-roading opportunities in and around urban areas, maybe the Terrapod represents the future of our favourite recreation. Even though your truck doesn't get dirty and there's nothing to scratch its bodywork, it's a worrying thought.

Of course, there's a point of view that Terrapods are only for sissies:

Defender concept toughens up

2011-11-16T09:05:00.006+13:00

Possibly stung by a lukewarm reception to the new Defender DC100 concept by enthusiasts and hard-core users, Land Rover is showing a "tougher" kitted-out version at the Los Angeles motor show. Added gear includes "off-road" 20-inch alloys with Cooper all-terrains, a snorkel, winch and roof rack. The roof rack and20-inch rims suggest, however, that they're still some distance from reality. Here's an earlier report.

The (reasonably) cheap Jeep

2011-11-15T18:22:00.003+13:00

Jeep will introduce a "poverty pack" Grand Cherokee Laredo (above) at the start of December. It'll cost $64,990 with the new Pentastar 3.6 litre V6, an engine that almost matches the V8 Hemi. The new V6 diesel will be available for $5000 more. Actually, it's hardly poverty pack – the Jeep still looks really good and retains the essential features, although the air suspension is replaced by a conventional steel suspension and so loses the ability to crank-up high for off-roading.

And here's a case where more might be less – the company is actively considering a 2WD version.

For Wrangler fans, the 2012 model with the Pentastar V6 is due in December.

And now, the business news

2011-11-15T08:40:00.001+13:00

After not so long ago being up a muddy track without a recovery rope, Jaguar Land Rover is doing very well, thank you. The company has reported a sales growth of almost 14 per cent over the first half of 2011 compared to the same time last year. Sales for January-June reached 130,090, an increase of 13.8 per cent over January-June 2010. The good news was attributed to a "better product and market mix" along with strong growth in China and Russia.

So you're running 35s, eh ...

2011-11-10T21:20:00.005+13:00

There I was four-wheelin' along the Wairau River when all of a sudden ...

Safari season Up North

2011-11-10T16:38:00.000+13:00

Two organisations are planning safaris Up North in March. The Opononi and District Lions Club is teaming up with the Kauri Coast 4WD Club to run the Project Promise Hokianga 4WD Safari, March 9-11. A few weeks later, the Otamatea Christian School and the Rodney Off Road Ciub are running the second OCS 4WD Safari, March 24-25.

The Hokianga safari will tour through blocks of the Waimamaku west coast area in terrain that includes farms, rivers and mud tracks. The organisers say It's "a family affair with enough interest to keep the more adventurous entertained. Shiny and tough truck tracks are separated but join for lunch around a river site." A base camp is set up at the Waiotemarama complex, southeast of Omapere. It Includes a camping area. The trip is limited to 60 vehicles and costs $160 for the driver and one passenger; extra passengers $50 and children under 14, $25 each. Contact the event organiser Dirk Annemans, at opo4wd@maxnet.co.nz

The Otamatea school is offering two runs at its event, play or safari. The first run is over challenging terrain with short safari stints and plenty of mud time. The safari option meanders over rolling farmland and along bush tracks. Both runs are expected to come together at a mudhole on the Saturday afternoon “to show off skills and/or to be entertained”. The trip costs $170 with additional passengers $40 each, children 5-12, $20 Contact Julia Leaf at pjleaf@ubernet.co.nz

Dash it all – Ranger vs BT-50

2011-11-03T12:06:00.003+13:00

On the basis that not everyone's sick and tired of all the new utes yet, here's a couple of photos showing the dashboard arrangement of the Ford Ranger (below) and the Mazda BT-50 (bottom). The Ford has a manual gearbox, the Mazda, an automatic. In both, the drive mode us selected by the rotary switch that's shown below and just left of the Ranger's shift lever. Either one is good, but I'd choose Mazda's.

In by a nose: the new Mazda BT-50

2011-11-02T14:51:00.000+13:00

Back from the Mazda BT-50 launch near Taupo. It's the same as the Ford Ranger only … different. I thought "traditional" ute buyers would avoid it like the plague because of its styling, leaving it to find a niche in the suburbs. But maybe not; after a few hours in its presence it kind-of looks okay. Mazda takes only the five cylinder turbodiesel and some of its suspension settings are different from Ranger's. It seems slightly less jiggly than the Ford when running without a load.

Here are the key earlier BT-50 posts: Accessories, the Freestyle cab, world introduction.

As with the Ranger, BT-50's superb hill descent control allows slow and steady descents even on relatively slippery surfaces.

Doesn't look much in the photo, but this section of track was really slippery, and off-camber as well. Two minders keep a close eye on the BT-50 as it proves yet again that when the street tyres clog up and there ain't no traction, none of its electronic aids or rear diff lock are going to help.

A milestone: Ranger scores five out of five

2011-10-27T10:44:00.007+13:00

This is what a 50km/h head-on into a stationary object looks like on the first five-star ute.

If you drive a ute and worry about having a major prang, the message seems to be to buy a Ford Ranger. The Ford has become the first ute to achieve a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. (A day later, the Australian ANCAP announced it had also awarded a five-star rating.) Ranger scored 89 per cent for overall safety, the best score ever earned by a ute and one of the highest recorded by Euro NCAP for any type of vehicle. It also achieved 81 per cent for pedestrian protection, the highest rating of any vehicle ever tested by Euro NCAP.

Double cabs take big bite of the NZ market pie

2011-10-25T16:13:00.004+13:00

There's nothing like some good pie charts to liven up a website so … I knew double cab utes dominate the market, but wasn't sure by how much. I put the question to Toyota NZ who quickly came up with the above, showing the dominant share of double cabs over the last 12 months followed by extended cabs (Extra Cab) and single cabs. These are industry-wide figures, not just Toyota's.

DC100 bit of a damp squib with enthusiasts

2011-10-21T15:43:00.003+13:00

Some of the media rabble listen to John Edwards, Land Rover's global brand manager, after lunch in Auckland.

The stylish DC100 Defender concept has ben greeted with less than boundless glee by Land Rover enthusiasts, says John Edwards, the global brand manager for Land Rover, who was in Auckland today. He outlined some of Land Rover's plans during a media lunch just over the road from the RWC's Party Central. However, Land Rover's message to enthusiasts seems to be: get used to it.
He also confirmed the item below about the current Defender remaining in production until 2017, but says it could be even longer: "We'll build it as long as there's demand." He expected continued demand would come from "emerging" rather than traditional markets.
He said versions of the new Defender will be rolled out gradually from around 2015 and that it would be some time before a full range was available. He said the DC100's still very much a work in progress; important items like the engine and drivetrain are far from finalised.
Here's the original post.

Ute shortage looms

2011-10-21T09:23:00.001+13:00

The flooding in Thailand, where our Japanese utes are built, is likely to cause a shortage. Although the factories themselves may not have been damaged, those of many suppliers have been. Toyota told 4wdNewz that 13 of its 30 suppliers have been affected and "six haven't even responded". The latest shipload of Hiluxes was supposed to comprise 222 units, but the vessel has sailed with 26. Expect similar stories from the other manufacturers. Any shortage probably won't last for long.

Defender's obituary apparently premature

2011-10-21T09:08:00.001+13:00

According to the UK Autocar magazine, much of the current Defender range is likely to continue in production until 2017 or later, at least two years after the launch of the Defender replacement in 2015. The long-wheelbase 110 and 130 versions are likely to be beneficiaries of the reprieve, the magazine predicts. How come? Check the article here.

Thought for the day

2011-10-19T13:08:00.001+13:00

Nothing whatever to do with 4WDs or four wheel driving, but a friend in Canada sent me this piece of wisdom and I couldn't resist sharing it.

What a difference 1000km makes

2011-10-19T13:00:00.002+13:00

Just been driving the new Toyota Hilux double cab manual for a week. Still a nice truck despite being somewhat eclipsed by the new Ford Ranger, but what a horrible gearbox – vague, sticky and generally unpleasant. Was this because the truck had done less than 1000km and the mechanism needed to free-up? I've just swapped into an SR5 extended-cab version (above) with about 2000km and what a difference. Same gearbox, but it's slick and almost smooth; not exactly sports car, but a night-and-day difference. The other thing I've learned in this changeover is that I wouldn't pay extra for the "luxury" SR5 over the standard-spec version, the extra features aren't worth it and I far preferred the standard sound system over the annoying touch screen "media centre" of the SR5.

On diff locks and recovery points

2011-10-19T12:46:00.001+13:00

ARB's newsletter is always worth reading – it's more like a full sized magazine than a newsletter – but the new one (photo, right) is particularly interesting. It describes in detail the two-piece diff lockers that are superseding the older three-piece designs for which the company is so well-known. It also explains why those useful recovery points have been disappearing from many of its bumpers, and what they're doing about it. All sorts of other interesting articles, too. You can view or download it as a PDF here.

Food for thought

2011-10-16T13:04:00.003+13:00

If the old yellow Hilux 4WD flat-deck chef Al Brown uses on his Get Fresh TV series (TV One, Saturdays) looks past its prime, that's because … it is. The 1981 2.0 litre petrol-powered truck is coming up to 400,000km! Its role in the show is as a mobile kitchen for on-site cooking demonstrations. Best bit, other than the fact that it's still going, is the neat wind-out canopy. Meanwhile, here's an earlier posting on the Jeep featured in Annabel Langbein's last TV series.

Mixing fuel and water

2011-10-06T13:13:00.005+13:00

Ford Ranger's 800mm wading depth, the best for a Japanese ute, begs the question, which one's worst? The answer, Nissan Navara D40 (and its wagon equivalent the Pathfinder) at just 450mm. Most are rated for 700mm. But the figures usually need to be taken with caution. Manufacturers usually have small print somewhere in the manual saying at what speed that depth is achievable, usually between 5 and 10km/h and usually, sensibly enough, in calm water.

Grand Cherokee: more of a splash than a wade.

Lowdown on the Gen4 Range Rover

2011-10-06T13:04:00.000+13:00

Here's a fascinating article from the UK Autocar magazine on the fourth generation Range Rover, due out next year.

Getting tyred

2011-10-02T16:24:00.002+13:00

Here's an excellent article on tyres – better than anything I've read in a 4WD magazine. If you're thinking of sizing up, changing sizes or generally playing around with your rims and rubber, have a read. It's on a Jeep site, but has nothing specifically to do with that brand.

So you think you'll go for a hoon up the beach ...?

2011-10-02T14:01:00.000+13:00

Mitsubishi tickles the Triton

2011-10-01T13:25:00.000+13:00

Heck, it seems like 4wdNewz is becoming a ute site (pickup, for North American visitors). Toyota has done Hilux, Ford has introduced Ranger and now Mitsubishi has announced a bunch of, albeit small, changes to the 4WD Triton, namely:
GL Single Cab
• Wider steel wheels and 245/70R16 tyres
• Grey painted wide flares
• New 2 DIN audio unit with Bluetooth and USB port (also on the GL Double Cab)
• Three-spoke urethane steering wheel with cruise control
GL Club Cab
• Braked towing up from 2700kg to 3000kg
• Wider steel wheels and 245/70R16 tyres
• Wide colour-keyed front flares and similar rear flares on the wellside
• 2 DIN audio with Bluetooth and USB port
• Three-spoke urethane steering wheel with cruise control
• Two additional tray hooks for a total of six
GL Double Cab
• Wider steel wheels and 245/70R16 tyres

• 2 DIN audio with Bluetooth and USB port

• Wider colour keyed front and rear flares
• Three spoke urethane steering wheel with cruise control
• Two additional inner tray hooks
GLX Double Cab
• Chrome grille
• 2 DIN audio with Bluetooth and USB
• Two additional tray hooks
GLS Double Cab
• Factory Bluetooth with controls on steering wheel
• USB port in glove box
• Chrome step bumper
• Two additional tray hooks

Ten things to like about the new Ford Ranger

2011-09-29T16:47:00.003+13:00

4wdNewz has been to Oz for the New Zealand launch of Ford’s Ranger. These days it’s cheaper for a company to tag onto the end of an Aussie launch than stage one on our soil. Ford has done a fabulous job (see item 10) and I like the new truck for all sorts of reasons. Ten of these are listed below. You might have to click on 'older posts' to get to the end of the list.

There's a (shorter) list of things that aren't so great here.

1: Fantastic off-road electronics

2011-09-29T10:29:00.000+13:00

Ranger has more electronic aids than you can shake an acronym at and brings to ute owners the full suite of gizmos that owners of mid-price and above cars have enjoyed for some years. Good on them for that. The off-road electronics are the best I have encountered. Ford took us up some steep, hairy and loose trails in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia and the traction control responded with a degree of easy precision that I’ve never before experienced. It was so good, and worked so well without having to pump-on acceleration to get it going, that not once did we have to resort to the rear locker (see below). You might think hill descent control (HDC) would be pointless on a diesel, particularly a manual diesel, but it isn’t. We went along a number of trails that could easily be driven in high range, yet with some really steep downhills that would have required either low range, lots of brake, or maybe both. With the HDC (you can leave it on, ready to work when needed), the driver can head into the descent and let the electronics do it all. The rate of descent can be altered by the driver. My favourite way was via the cruise control switches on the steering wheel. Like all good HDCs, Ranger’s also works with the box in neutral. It takes a bit of guts to try this on a really steep descent, but man does it work well.

2: AND a mechanical rear diff lock for all models

2011-09-29T10:26:00.001+13:00

The locker is electrically engaged via a dashboard switch, like the Mitsubishi Triton’s, so there’s no compressor noise and no air-lines to leak. The locker is standard on some models and optional across the entire range, including the 2WDs, which is really smart thinking and a cause that ARB has for years championed in its marketing.

3: Flexible five-cyl motor with 470Nm of torque

2011-09-29T10:21:00.000+13:00

What a cracker of an engine. Developed by Ford-PSA, the 3.2 litre turbo diesel produces 147kW but more important, 470Nm of torque anywhere between 1500rpm and 2750rpm. That wide range of peak torque allows you to do silly things with the manual, like start off in third. In fact, third really is a hero all-purpose gear. The other thing is that it puts Ford at the head of the torque race that’s been going on among ute manufacturers, at least until Nissan gets the (probably expensive) 550Nm Navara into its local pipeline.

Engineer discusses the new engine.

4: 800mm of wading AND a factory snorkel

2011-09-29T10:19:00.001+13:00

A Land Rover Defender can only wade in 500mm of water due to the stupid placement of its air intake. Some can wade at 700mm; few can manage 800mm. But there’s more, in the form of an optional factory snorkel. This wasn’t something worked up by Safari or Airflow, but designed in Ford’s offices as part of the overall project. It’s said to blend unobtrusively with the A pillar and not create a blind spot. And you don’t have to chop into the sheetmetal, simply unbolt the side fender grille, as Ford calls that piece of decoration between the wheel arch and door (see photo), and bolt-on the snorkel. Unfortunately none was shown at the launch, otherwise there would be a photo here.

5: Front towhook rated to 6000kg

2011-09-29T10:17:00.001+13:00

Okay, it’s not snatch-recovery Nirvana, but full marks for effort. Too bad they didn’t do the same at the back.

6: It’s not a sports car, but …

2011-09-29T10:16:00.001+13:00

Dumping the torsion bar for coils up front, throwing out the recirculating ball steering for rack and pinion, redesigning the rear leaf springs, and putting in the best electronics on a ute mean that the Ranger handles more like a sporting car than a truck. The rack and pinion steering is a revelation, yet doesn’t come back and bite on rough tracks. Many manufacturers already know this; rack and pinion pretty much rules in the 4WD world these days. The manual six-speed, once the driver is used to it, is heaps of fun. Close your eyes (no, don’t; you’re driving) and it might be a sporty car’s. Actually, it is; you’ll find it in the Mustang. Electronics tame the light rear end. It’s like a vehicle with a split personality – an on-road tourer, an off-road weapon.

7: A master of its own space

2011-09-29T10:11:00.001+13:00

Full marks for all the work the development team put in on getting the double cab interior right. It looks good, feels good, and is good. There’s a zillion places to put things. The glovebox holds a 15-inch laptop. The console on top models is chilled by the aircon to cool the cans of soft drink you’ll be carrying, so leave the Engel at home. There are bins under the rear seats, more space for stuff behind the folding back of the rear seat. That back, by the way, is raked for comfortable travel and there’s leg- and knee-room for big blokes.

8: The new chassis rocks

2011-09-29T10:03:00.001+13:00

Changing times call for changing ideas of what a chassis should be like. Ford ditched the plans and jigs for Ranger’s old underpinnings and came up with a new sexy-looking chassis – the longitudinal rails are curvy – for a whole host of reasons, but perhaps primarily to provide killer (in the good sense) crushability. Whack this baby into a wall at 50km/h (see photo) and the cabin doesn’t know anything’s happened. Other reasons included better rigidity, addressing NVH, and improving driveline clearances for off roading.

Gary Boes, the American who headed the Ranger programme, discusses the vehicle during the launch.

9: It just goes on and on

2011-09-29T10:02:00.002+13:00

Wow, an 80 litre fuel tank (a capacity shared with the Nissan Navara ST-X). Teeny, still, compared to some Land Cruisers, but you don’t usually see a juice holder of this size on a ute. Drive with economy in mind and you’ll not need to stop for 1000km. Or go bush without a jerry can or two n the tray.

10: Ford’s really come up big this time

2011-09-29T09:45:00.001+13:00

It’s not that I’m easily impressed – I wouldn’t have many 4WDs if you gave them to me – but the new Ford Ranger is excellent. It’s possibly the most-developed ute in the history of utes. One day it will be old and desperately in need of an upgrade but right now Ranger’s king of the hill, top banana, number one, the big cheese. Hilux will, of course, continue to outsell it but that’s because people are welded to the brand, and because Ford’s marketing of light commercials isn’t all that good. There won’t be any point buying the Mazda BT-50 version because of its silly nose. So despite the Volkswagen Amarok and its Euro cleverness, a Ranger really is the only ute to buy right now, unless you want a single cab, which is sold to order only and thus probably too much bother.

Things that aren't so great about the Ranger

2011-09-29T09:44:00.001+13:00

You'd think with all that development work they might have come up with a transmission that can be used full-time on-road in 4WD, like the top Triton.
With a curb weight of around 2160kg for the top Double Cabs, it's a heavy bunny. Hilux SR5 and Triton GLS are in the low- to mid-1900s.
Approach angle of 28deg is fairly modest. Triton GLS can do 30deg.
Turning circle of 12.7m is unremarkable; the Triton manages 11.8m, but the Navara D40 needs 13.3m.

Does this make it a Land Ranger?

2011-09-28T19:47:00.000+13:00

Here's a bit of a surprise, the latest Land Rover Defender engine at the Ford Ranger launch. Well, it's not quite like that. The Defender engine comes from Ford, and it's one of three available in the new Ranger ute. However, we won't be seeing much of the four cylinder turbodiesel in the Ford, as it's available only only a few models to special order. New Zealand's range is based around a more powerful five-cylinder sibling. The cutaway was well done and quite interesting to watch in action, powered by a hidden electric motor. Here's an earlier posting on the engine.

Snaps from a Hilux launch

2011-09-20T10:43:00.001+12:00

So here we all are at Queestown Hill Station with the facelifted Hilux that's going to have to go up against the new Ranger, BT-50, Colorado, et al. The engines and drivetrains are mostly as before, although the diesel has been tweaked to do away with the intermediate 7500km filter and oil change.

Double Cab kitted out with some Toyota accessories takes a breather at the Shotover River. Vehicle Stability Control, which includes electronic traction control, extends further into the range and, eventually, all models will have it.

Trekking over trails on old gold mining tailings. The traction control handled this well.

The bonnet scoop is wider and now centered, rather than off-set.

Extended Cab decked out with Toyota accessories, more than 200 of which are now available. Don't think ARB has much to fear from the bulbar, though.

New tail-light treatment. All double cabs now ride on 17-inch rims; this size is needed to accommodate the VSC modules.

Eight-speed Amarok headed this way

2011-09-17T11:22:00.001+12:00

Looks like we'll get the eight-speed auto Amarok announced at the Frankfurt motor show. It will probably be packaged with the Amarok’s permanent f4WD system and a new 132kW/420Nm version of the 2.0 litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel. This setup would make Amarok a quick ute, with a claimed top speed of 179km/h in seventh gear. Braked tow rating is also likely to be increased to 3200kg from 2800kg. The transmission is understood to be the same, or similar to, that in the Touareg wagon.

How to break your winch rope

2011-09-16T14:44:00.002+12:00

The United Four Wheel Drive Association's magazine, The Voice, is out again and includes a worthwhile article on winch rope failure. Download it here, then flick through to pages 30-31. The association is US-based but international in scope. It has strong New Zealand connections, including the editor, Peter Vahry.

A bit more on the Defender concept

2011-09-14T14:12:00.006+12:00

Sport version of the DC100 has cut-down screens and a twin-humped fastback tonneau to shroud its rear seats and payload area. Like its fixed-head twin, it rolls on 22-inch alloys and ultra-low-profile tyres.

A press release on the two Defender DC100 concepts at Frankfurt, Land Rover offers little new insight, other than:

• "Both are based on the same lightweight, mixed-alloy platform, with three-abreast 'social seating' that is inspired by the very first Land Rovers.

• "A driver-activated spiked tyre system can be deployed at the touch of a button and permanent four-wheel drive with an eight-speed transmission, Intelligent Stop/Start and transfer case.

• Driveline Disconnect physically decouples the rear axle to save fuel when all-wheel drive is not required. The concepts are powered by 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities.

• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Leisure key is a waterproof, lightweight alternative to the control fob and 'Always-on' connectivity and telematics allow for car-to-smartphone, car-to-car and car-to-base communication."

Here's the original posting. And here's a link to a useful UK Autocar article.

Jimny's back and ticking away

2011-09-13T10:07:00.001+12:00

Suzuki Jimny has evidently been scarce after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, but now it's back in full supply, says the company. Not only that, the latest versions are upgraded. That part of the press release grabbed my interest. A 1.6 litre engine, maybe? A wider track, a decent manual transmission, traction control? None of those, just a "more versatile" Sony MP3-compatible audio and a storage pocket and clock below the sound system in the centre of the dashboard. Well, that's something. The Jimny was by my reckoning the only vehicle on sale in New Zealand without a clock. Oh, and the price for the base JX five-speed manual has gone up by $1000 to $19,990, but the higher-spec manual and auto Sierras remain at $22,990 and $24,500 respectively.

When newest isn't always best

2011-09-10T17:09:00.002+12:00

Have you noticed how new models often don’t look as good – or function as well off-road – as their predecessor? For example, the second-generation Prado (ie the first to come to NZ, replacing the 4Runner) compared to the current one; or a second-generation Pajero versus its successors. Or an original Jeep Cherokee compared to today's oddity. I took the photo above in 1994 of a then-new short wheelbase 3.0 V6 manual Pajero; doesn’t it look good and fit for purpose? In those days, it had a separate chassis, decent clearances, a solid rear axle … and few of today’s safety features. Fit a decent front bumper, proper tyres and it would be ready for some fairly serious off-road adventures. Below is a current-shape 3.2 litre diesel Exceed about to get friendly with some rocks during its 2007 launch at Waiouru. Okay, it’s a four-door, but ignoring that it’s still fat, too close to the ground, and it’s too easy for that front bumper assembly to take a wallet-punishing hit. On top of that, its styling has gone strange. This isn’t an anti-Pajero tirade; I’m just using it as an example of how, as designs evolve, they become less suitable for us off-roaders as well as looking, well, silly.

Incidentally, both Pajeros are still going strong. The ’94 has amassed some 228,000km and the Exceed, getting on for 70,000.

Speaking of which …

2011-09-10T17:00:00.001+12:00

Speaking of 4Runners in the item above, here's one of the last to be registered in New Zealand, taking a breather near Coromandel. The 1995 model is still on the road and has clocked almost 350,000km – probably without much more than a lube and oil change. Bloody Toyotas.

The next Defender

2011-08-31T13:10:00.013+12:00

Here's the 2015 Land Rover Defender – or something quite close to it. 4wdNewz is the first medium in New Zealand to publish photos of the DC100 concept to be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show starting Sept 13. Land Rover's head designer, Gerry McGovern, said of the DC100, "replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide. This isn't a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century." Despite that, the DC100's lines are likely to be similar to those of the final vehicle. The company now plans to "engage with existing and potential customers to help finalise the details of the new vehicle." No word on engines, suspension or platform.

UPDATE: If this posting interests you, have a look here. And check the comments (below) for Duncan Munro's well reasoned view on why this is not, and never will be, a Defender.

And some computer generated photos following the concept's Frankfurt unveiling. The "sports car" version is sort-of interesting.

Mazda sets date for BT-50

2011-08-29T12:19:00.000+12:00

Mazda will launch its BT-50 ute to the media near Taupo Nov 1-2, nearly six weeks after is kissin-cousin, the Ford Ranger. It will be on general sale about the same time.

At a premium

2011-08-29T12:13:00.006+12:00

They say that taxi drivers and hairdressers know everything, so on the basis of a conversation with a Corporate Cabs driver taking me to the airport, and bolstered by some 20c/litre supermarket discounts, I've been fuelling the Jeep's V6 with premium. The taxi driver, who claimed to keep detailed records, said his Caprice got much improved mileage using premium and that the savings more than paid for its extra cost. I've had a couple of tanks-worth through my thirsty 3.8 litre and, doing the same mix of driving I did on 91 octane, seem to be getting around one litre per 100km better. I'll stay with it for a few more tanks-full and work out the overall improvement and whether it has been cost-effective. And no, I haven't noticed any improvements in power or smoothness.

Comments invited from readers who have been down the same path, with any make or model.

UPDATE: My test was flawed as it wasn't possible to replicate the driving I did using 91 octane. But after doing similar driving on several tanks of BP 98 I'm thinking there has been a small improvement, but certainly less than one litre per 100km and not worth the extra cost. That doesn't mean that your engine won't provide better economy on premium. I noticed no improvement in performance or smoothness, although others report quite differently (see comments, below).

We meet our favourite 4WD photographer

2011-08-24T17:26:00.001+12:00

Here's a photograph taken by Nick Dimbleby of your 4wdNewz host driving the new Evoque at speed in a forest … well not quite, down the driveway of our lunch stop, using a slow shutter speed to get the blur.

Nick Dimbleby is a name familiar to many New Zealand Land Rover enthusiasts for the books he has authored and/or photographed on their favourite make. I had the pleasure of working with Nick, whose outstanding work I have admired for years, on the Range Rover Evoque launch in North Wales and Liverpool last week and found him to be a thoroughly likable guy who was more than willing to put himself out to accommodate the needs of some Antipodean motoring writer. These days, Nick points his camera at much more than Land Rovers, having become a notable vehicle and motorsport photographer and even manages to fit in weddings and other commercial work. Here's a list of Nick's books.

Land Rover gets its fleet on the ball

2011-08-22T16:34:00.000+12:00

Land Rover has handed over 30 Range Rover Sports and Land Rover Discoverys to the Rugby World Cup organisation. They all bear RWC signage, personalised number plates and commemorative badging. Land Rover is also supplying another 42 other vehicles for Land Rover VIP and international media use. Their retail value is in excess of $8 million. They’ll be sold via the Land Rover dealer network.

Hilux, Ranger launches set for September

2011-08-20T07:25:00.001+12:00

Toyota's facelifted Hilux is drawing close. The media launch is set for Sept 19-20, out of Queenstown, so expect it to be on sale on or around those dates. Its arch-rival the Ford Ranger launches on the 27th and 28th in a joint Oz-New Zealand event in rural South Australia.

Foreign correspondent

2011-08-20T07:09:00.004+12:00

4wdNewz has been in the UK for the Range Rover Evoque launch, which included off-roading supervised by the Land Rover Experience organisation. These guys are so professional in what they do. Here, at the end of an off-road session in North Wales, a team washes one of the Evoques of its mud and muck, before returning it to the highway. The black Defender 110 with its high-pressure washer and tank was on hand at the end of each off-road section. Posted while waiting at Heathrow for the plane home.

One for Defender enthusiasts

2011-08-20T06:10:00.002+12:00

Photographed at Halewood, where the Freelander and Evoque are built, is this 12-seat Defender 147. The Puma-engined seven-door was one of 10 built in South Africa for safari duties. Four came to England and, because they can't be made roadworthy because of some UK law or other, serve as factory hacks. They're built on a stretched 130 chassis and the standard of workmanship is very high.

New, in a manner of speaking

2011-08-15T15:17:00.002+12:00

Land Rover’s has sent out a press release saying the Defender has a new 2.2-litre diesel engine and it'll be here by Christmas, bringing "new levels of performance and refinement". But hold your excitement, Land Rover fans, it's just the Fiord Puma "Transit" motor we already get, massaged to meet Euro 5 regulations. It loses a couple of hundred cubic centimeters of capacity in the process, but delivers the same power, torque and economy as the 2.4. Emissions, however, are lower.

Fun and games on the Whangamomona track

2011-08-11T15:22:00.002+12:00

Stumbled across this rather good 2008 video of the Old Whangamomona Road, by Kiwi4wd. Well worth watching if you're thinking of doing it this summer. Kiwi4wd has many other videos of New Zealand off-roading, mostly to do with winch challenges, on YouTube. Look out for the one on the Maratoto Loop.

Bit of a shock for Mercedes

2011-08-08T09:04:00.000+12:00

A bit of an oops for Mercedes as a group of G-Class wagons makes its way along the Canning Stock Route.

Belated thoughts on a birthday

2011-08-01T19:58:00.006+12:00

4wdNewz recently celebrated its first birthday in this format. The Mark One version was a dot-com site, started with the intention of generating income … at which it was a dismal failure. Despite building excellent numbers only a couple of companies ever wanted to pay to put their products on the site. To be honest, it's better not having to worry about commercial aspects. The site can say what it likes within the laws of libel and not have to worry about offending a client whose likely reaction will be to withdraw.

A cornerstone has been to welcome comment from readers and to publish all those that do not cross the lines defined by either the law or good taste. There's been no lack of comments and, looking back, more than half have been negative, either slagging the site generally or an item in particular. Oh dear. I think some people expect 4wdNewz to be a hard-winchin' all-action site and don't mind expressing their disappointment that it isn't. There's probably an opportunity for a good site on all types of off-road competition.

Thanks to everyone who has visited, commented and, in particular, to those who regularly visit. Your input is always welcome as we lurch into year two.

Phil Hanson

A good start for Grand Cherokee Overland diesel

2011-08-01T17:29:00.002+12:00

"Come on out, I know there's an engine in there … you can't hide forever." I'm driving the new V6 diesel Grand Cherokee Overland, a vehicle that really gives the Range Rover Vogue a run for its money … and it's half the price. The 2987cc CRD engine is impressive. It behaves more like a V8 than a V6, unobtrusively producing 177kW and 550Nm of torque at 1800rpm. Fuel consumption is excellent; I'm often seeing 9 litres per 100km on the averaged readout. A variable geometry turbocharger and an integrated diesel particulate filter help reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Let's pray the new engine from VM doesn't come with stupid problems like some of its predecessors.

'Virtual' off-roading in the Grand Cherokee

2011-08-01T15:07:00.004+12:00

Slight glitch with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland's satnav … well, more than a glitch, it went mad. The arrowhead is supposed to be on the 4wdNewz driveway but it's showing it as being somewhere out in the Manukau Harbour! It's been telling me I'm up on hills where there are no roads, in rivers when all I see is a suburban street. Maybe this is Jeep's way of giving Grand Cherokee drivers the feeling that they're hard off-roading without actually doing it. A day later, as if by magic, the system found the road it was supposed to be on and fixed itself.

Massive power boost for 2012 Wrangler

2011-07-26T19:50:00.004+12:00

With 2011 Wranglers just getting into their sales stride locally, this item's a bit premature, but anyway … as widely reported, the 2012 Wrangler gets the new Pentastar V6 (right), first seen locally in the Grand Cherokee, where it's been about as popular as a dose of herpes. That's probably not a reflection of the engine as much as Grand Cherokee owners who want V8 power or, at a pinch, diesel. In the Grand, Pentastar produces 213kW and 347Nm of torque at 4300rpm. I figured it would be detuned in the Wrangler, but no. I've just seen the American 2012 sales kit and all that power and torque will be available in the Wrangler, whose outgoing engine produces 146kW and 315Nm of torque. Sixty-six more kilowatts, yee-ha!; 32 more Newtons, not so yee-ha!, but any increase is good. In the US, Jeep's talking a 13 per cent fuel consumption improvement.

Hot gossip from the Poms

2011-07-26T15:57:00.003+12:00

Just kidding.

There's a hot rumour from within Land Rover circles that the next Defender, or a show vehicle close to it, will be unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, Sept 13-25. Given that the LRX show car that became the Range Rover Evoque was introduced three years ago and given that the boss of Land Rover has told 4wdNewz to expect the next Defender around 2014, the rumour could well be true. Start saving, Land Rover enthusiasts …

It's mostly up to the Challenge

2011-07-25T15:31:00.004+12:00

I've spending time with the base GLS version of Mitsubishi's Challenger (above), the wagon that's built around a mixture of Triton and Pajero. The original post on the model is here. At $58,290,* a GLS is the cheapest way to get into a Challenger and represents good buying in today's market, especially compared to the $63,390 Exceed version with its marginally useful third row of seats and the extras that Mitsi thinks suburban SUV buyers want. The fact is, you can live without any of the Exceed's extra equipment and put the $5300 you'll save towards some useful extras.

The Challenger is one of the few modern off-roaders you might actually want to use off the road. First of all, it hasn't cost you $100,000, so a scratch or two might not hurt so much. Second of all, it's a good off-roader even off the showroom floor thanks, in part, to its standard rear-axle diff lock. Third of all, it reminds me of the old 4-Runner/Surf and we all know how good they could be.

Challenger's major detraction is the 2477cc turbodiesel. It's not that the motor lacks power or torque (133kW and 356Nm), it's just rough and noisy, especially before it has warmed up. You don't notice it so much in the Triton, but the Challenger is more refined and it's like a stone caught in your sandal. A more practical drawback is a transfer ration of only 1:9, so things can happen in low first a bit faster than you might like. Clearance at the rear diff is 220mm on its standard 265/65 17-inch Bridgestone Duelers. But still, if you want a new wagon and want to go off-road, Challenger is a tempting package.

* That's $1300 more than when we covered its introduction last year.