Professional Pickup & 4x4 | Jan / Feb 2019

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The UK’s favourite pickup & commercial 4x4 magazine

JAN/FEB 2019

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Words, images & design by Liam Campbell Professional Pickup & 4x4 Magazine The Old Police Station Golden Hill Leyland Lancashire PR26 7TA

A message from

the editor

Telephone: 01772 286225 Professional Pickup & 4x4 is published by Commercial Vehicle TV Ltd. Registered company number: 08214195 PROFESSIONAL PICKUP & 4x4 @PROPICKUP4X4

“Well, that Christmas break couldn’t have come any sooner! Towards the back-end of 2018, we were flat out travelling around the world to bring you the all the latest on the new models for 2019! First I was in the searing, humid heat of Thailand testing the facelifted Mitsubishi L200 - due in September 2019 - and less than 24 hours later I was on the snowladen peaks of the Austrian Alps with the all-new Sprinter 4x4 - brrr! Before I had even time to defrost, I was judging the Professional Pickup & 4x4 Awards, in which the 12 judges - who all use pickups as part of the working lives put each of the nine pickups to the test - on and off the road. So, for my sanity’s sake, I hope you enjoy this issue and all the best for 2019!” Liam Campbell

Contents 4 | Industry News Catch up with all of the latest news from the pickup world, including the possible partnership between VW and Ford on pickups.

For advertising queries… Professional Pickup & 4x4 is the UK’s longest-running and most popular pickup truck magazine, reaching 382,790 owners and buyers EACH MONTH (December 2018).

8 | 2018 Market Stats During 2018, over 50,000 pickup trucks were registered in the UK, but who were the winners and losers?

10 | Stargazing with Nissan

Combined with our sister titles, we speak to 766,211 commercial vehicle operators each month.

We take a look at the Navara Dark Sky, the concept pickup truck that has been developed through close collaboration with the ESA (European Space Agency).

Email: tim@pickupand4x4.co.uk

14 | Landcruiser Commercial Toyota relaunched the Landcruiser Commercial in 2018, and we got to @PROPICKUP4X4 test a SWB version out in The Lakes. See how we got on!

18 | 2019 Mitsubishi L200

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Mitsubishi has facelifted its L200 pickup truck, and Professional Pickup was invited to the global launch and first drive in Thailand.

22 | All-New Sprinter 4x4 We head to the snow-covered peaks of the Austrian Alps for an exclusive first drive of the all-new MercedesBenz Sprinter 4x4.


Ford to develop

Next-gen amarok Increasing developments cost and tougher market competition has led Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Company to announce a strategic alliance on light commercial vehicles. The talks were first revealed back in June 2018, but it was recently announced that Ford will be responsible for developing both companies’ next-gen pickups – due in 2023. VW and Ford specified that their alliance ‘would not involve’ either company taking an ownership stake in the other. Rather, they said they are “investigating several joint projects, including joint development of a range of commercial vehicles to better serve the evolving needs of customers globally”. Reasons behind the move… The costs involved in getting a new pickup truck from the design studio to rolling off the production line start in the region of €1.5bn, which is slightly higher than standard passenger cars due to the tougher chassis and parts, fewer ‘crossover’ components with other vehicles and the extra technology involved. However, as the global pickup truck market is significantly smaller than passenger cars, it’s difficult to recuperate this R&D (Research & Development) cost through volume. 4

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Therefore, many manufacturers share the costs through joint ventures; think Nissan and Mercedes-Benz, Mazda and Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Fiat. This has proven to be quite an issue for Volkswagen. The German manufacturer financed its Amarok pickup development by itself but recuperating the costs will take much longer due to its limited market availability (the Amarok isn’t sold in either of the world’s largest one-tonne pickup markets; Thailand or USA) and the lower sales volumes in the markets where it is present. Globally, Ford sold 262,900 Rangers in 2017 while VW sold just 78,900 Amaroks. What the manufacturers say… “Ford is committed to improving our fitness as a business and leveraging adaptive business models – which include working with partners to improve our effectiveness and efficiency,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s president of Global Markets. “This potential alliance with the Volkswagen Group is another example of how we can become more fit as a business, while creating a winning global product portfolio and extending our capabilities. “We look forward to exploring with the Volkswagen team in the days ahead how we might work together

to better serve the evolving needs of commercial vehicle customers – and much more.” Dr. Thomas Sedran, Head of Volkswagen Group Strategy said, “Markets and customer demand are changing at an incredible speed. Both companies have strong and complementary positions in different commercial vehicle segments already. To adapt to the challenging environment, it is of utmost importance to gain flexibility through alliances. This is a core element of our Volkswagen Group Strategy 2025. The potential industrial cooperation with Ford is seen as an opportunity to improve competitiveness of both companies globally.” When and where? The new models will go into production around 2023 but big question is where the pickup will be built. Currently, European versions of the Ford Ranger are built in South Africa where the capacity was recently increased by 25% to 125,000, while the VW Amarok is built in Hanover (also the home of the VW Transporter) which has a capacity of around 90,000 for pickups.


The X350D has landed! The long-awaited V6 versions of the X-Class have finally hit UK showrooms, 12 months after the launch of the 2.3-litre X220D and X250D models. Designated the ‘X350’, the 3.0-litre X-Class churns out a hair-raising 251bhp and 550Nm and is priced at £38,350 plus VAT. Up until December 2018, the X-Class was only available with RenaultNissan’s 2.3-litre engine from the Nissan Navara but now Merc’s own 3.0-litre V6 (2,987cc, codenamed OM642) from the G-Wagon and GLC has been installed into the X-Class with a permanent 4-wheel drive system (4Matic) to improve stability and control, and stiffened the suspension for better performance. “We conducted comprehensive focus group testing in the early planning stages for the X-Class, and a V6 engine drew high interest and was clearly an attractive proposition” explains Blake Vincent, a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz. Specification V6 models will only be available in the top-of-the-range Power trim. As you would expect for a vehicle of this price, it has all the bells and whistles including Keyless-Go, dualzone Thermotronic air conditioning,

18-inch 6-spoke light-alloy wheels, Artico leather seats, 8-way electrically adjustable seats and an 7-inch touchscreen display with multi-function touchpad, AppConnect, CD player, voice control and USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Engine and driveline As stated, the new engine produces 251bhp at 3,600rpm and 550Nm at just 1,600rpm, and it is hooked to the 7G Tronic automatic transmission with permanent 4WD. There will be five driver settings available on the ‘Dynamic Select’ control; Comfort, Eco, Sport, Manual and Off-Road – each of which alters the engine and transmission characteristics. Comfort and Eco are similar in that they’re geared towards the low engine revs and get the best fuel economy, whereas the Sport increases the sensitivity of the throttle and holds the gears for longer. Pricing and availability The first batch of X350Ds arrived in December, but the vehicle is in high demand there is a wait time of around 3 months. Priced at £38,350 plus VAT, the X-Class X350D is available from the 110-strong Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle dealer network and is backed by

Merc’s reputable 3-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Facts&Figures Engine: 2,987cc 3.0-litre V6 OM642 Transmission: 7G Tronic 7speed automatic Output: 251bhp at 3,400rpm and 550Nm / 1,400 - 3,200rpm Performance: 0-62mph 7.5sec GVW: 3,330kg Payload: 1,045kg Towing capacity: 3.5t Fuel consumption (comb.): 31.4mpg Price: £38,350 plus VAT Warranty: 3-year, unlimited mileage

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Isuzu introduces the new D-Max V-Cross The Isuzu D-Max Utah V-Cross is the latest model to join the Isuzu pickup line-up, offering a distinctive styling pack and a couple of extra creature comforts. Limited to just 100 models in the UK, the Isuzu D-Max Utah VCross is priced from £26,199 plus VAT and is available with both a manual and automatic transmission. The ‘V-Cross’ name has been used by Isuzu in different parts of the world for over 10 years, but this is the first time it has been used in the UK. V-Cross models are seen as the ‘sporty’ version and are styled accordingly, with UK models a front skirt and 18-inch ‘V-Cross’ alloys. Specification Based on the higher specced Utah model, the V-Cross already benefits from plenty of useful features like LED and fog lights at the front and rear, automatic air conditioning, leather upholstery, front heated seats, keyless entry and start, and a 7-inch touchscreen display with satellite navigation, steering wheelmounted controls, a DAB radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. 6

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V-Cross models, however, also come with two new features. The wireless charging pad in the top glovebox allows smartphones (for iPhone 8 and new Androids, although special adapters can be bought for older phones) to be charged without the need for wires, while the new front camera makes manoeuvring in tight spaces a lot easier by automatically switching when first gear is engaged from reverse. Technical specification Under the bonnet is Isuzu’s 1.9-litre engine, producing 164PS and 360Nm, returning a respectable 40.4mpg and achieving Euro-6

without the need for AdBlue. The D-Max Utah V-Cross has a payload of around 1,090kg (manual) and there is a joint-industry leading 3.5 tonne towing capacity Price and availability The Isuzu D-Max Utah V-Cross is available to pre-order now and will arrive into dealerships in January 2019. Manual versions are priced at £26,199 plus VAT – just £500 more than the standard Utah – while there is a £1,000 premium for automatic models. This is backed by a 5-year, 125,000 mile warranty, which is one of the best in the industry.



PICKUP TRUCK SALES GROW FOR 7TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR 60

The growth of pickup truck sales has increased again during 2018, proving to be another record-breaking year for the segment. Figures from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) show that the market grew 4.3% to 53,613 units for the full year but which is the best-selling pickup in the UK?

Pickup Truck Sales (’000s)

50 40

30 20

10

Here is a list of all 9 pickup trucks, in order of registrations: 2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

#9

#7

#5

2017

2018

#8

#6

Trailing the pack is the SsangYong Musso although it was a model crossover year for the Korean-built truck. Into 8th place is the Fiat Fullback, while the X-Class achieved a respectable 7th place finish in its first full year of sales. The Volkswagen Amarok has had another great year since the installation of a larger 3.0-litre V6 engine. Consolidating its Top 5 place is the dependable Isuzu D-Max, which is a firm favourite in the agricultural communities, while the reputable Toyota Hilux remains in fourth place.

#4


#3 Nissan Navara (9,243)

14.1%

The latest-generation Navara has proven to be a huge hit with the British public, taking Nissan from 4th in 2015 to 2nd in 2017 and becoming only the second pickup ever to break the 10,000 unit barrier. However, 2018 proved to be a tough year for the Navara and it sunk to third; just three units behind the L200. Part of this has been attributed to capacity at the Barcelona factory, which now produces 3 models (also the Renault Alaskan and X-Class).

#2 Mitsubishi L200 (9,246)

6.4% Despite a dip in sales, Mitsubishi moves up the sales charts into second due to the Navara’s even greater sales slump. The Thaibuilt L200 is competitively priced, comes with a respectable amount of kit and, unlike most pickups, is available in single, crew and double-cab form. Like the Isuzu D-Max, the Mitsubishi L200 tends to perform better with rural and commercial customers.

#1 Ford Ranger (16,440)

26.0%

With the supply issues behind them, Ford has managed to secure an incredible 16,440 sales in the pickup sector – taking almost a third of all pickup truck sales (30.9%). The Ranger’s success can largely be attributed to its wide range; its the only pickup truck to be offered in a choice of different cabs (single, extended and double) and different engines (2.2 and 3.2TDCi). Jan / Feb 2019

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Nissan goes

Stargazing Introducing the Navara Dark Sky, the concept pickup truck from Nissan that has been developed through close collaboration with the ESA (European Space Agency). The concept consists of a heavily modified Navara and trailer designed specifically to transport astronomers and large telescopes to remote locations.


Features Nissan says the Dark Sky concept is the perfect way to demonstrate the capabilities of some of its new systems that will be introduced in 2019. The most ground-breaking of these is the ProPilot system, which is a semi-autonomous driving system that understands road and traffic situations and executes precise steering, acceleration and braking. The Intelligent Around View Monitor system and Blind Spot Warning have been upgraded to support towing, giving the driver a bird’s-eye-view around the vehicle and rig and making parking easier. Another new system is the Intelligent Towing Hitch Alignment, which is perfect for those who aren’t too confident at hitching up. It identifies the trailer and

takes control of the steering, acceleration and braking to position the Navara perfectly, so all you have to worry about is dropping on. Vehicle modifications The most obvious difference between the Dark Sky and the standard Navara is the ride height; the Dark Sky sits 140mm higher. This has been achieved by altering the suspension and the fitment of all-round All-Terrain Tyres. There have been no alterations to the engine or driveline; it still employs the same 2.3-litre RenaultNissan engine generating 188hp and 450Nm hooked to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The cab brings together the deep hues of the night sky with the blood orange tones of a sunset.

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Reflective orange upholstery improves visibility inside the cab, negating the need for white lights that would disrupt the astronomer’s night vision. The Navara and trailer both feature portable EV battery packs borrowed from the Nissan Leaf. When docked in place, the battery packs are constantly in charging mode and ready for use when required. Additional smart features include Wi-Fi, a laptop station and UHF transmission to relay data instantaneously, anywhere in the

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world. Eight combined radar units, on each corner of the vehicle and trailer, update the driver on the vehicle’s surroundings through the NissanConnect infotainment touch screen on the dashboard. Usage The trailer module incorporates a special refrigerated atmosphere, allowing the telescope to remain stable and calibrated at the optimum temperature in transit to any location. Once at the desired, often hardto-reach destination, the trailer module’s mechanised roof can be

opened to focus the telescope on the night sky. Using a 40centimeter (primary) mirror, it has the ability to give detailed views beyond the rings of Saturn, to distant galaxies, nebulae and supernovas. Don’t expect to see this in a Nissan dealership near you anytime soon. Nissan is using the Dark Sky concept purely as a platform to demonstrate its capabilities and offer a glimpse of the updated model which is due later this year.

















In the next issue… We get an exclusive first drive of the LDV T60, put the Unimog U4023 to the test on ice and bring you highlights of the Work Truck Show in the US!

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256-280 Ribbleton Lane Preston PR1 5EB 01772 704704 www.barkers-ssangyong.co.uk



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