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14
Contents JUNE 2016
71
TRAVEL 014
THE KIMBERLEY’S SECRETS
You won’t want to leave the Kimberley before exploring these unique and spectacular gems
038
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
The Cobourg Peninsula represents the most remote and spectacular touring in the Northern Territory
054
THE BEST OF THE APPLE ISLE
As far as epic touring destinations go, Tasmania is up there with the best. Here’s a look at the island state’s 5 best hotspots!
REGULARS 009 010 090 094 098
EDITORIAL LETTERS SHOWROOM GLASS GUIDE NEXT ISSUE
24
FEATURE TOP 10 4WDs OF THE YEAR
We reveal our favourite 4WDs that we’ve tested in the last year
38 63 TECH TALK 078
BETTER STEERING
How to make your solid-axle or IFS steering components as tough as the tracks you drive them on!
TOURING TIPS 071
OUTBACK DRIVING GUIDE
Heading for the desert? Here are the must-have tips and tricks to tackle the toughest outback dunes around
NEW VEHICLE 063
Utes Vs Wagons
The two most hotly contested new 4WD segments are dual cab utes and mid-sized wagons – but which suits your needs better?
CUSTOM 4WD 046
Home-Built Hero
46
ASK THE EXPERTS
087 BERRIMA DIESEL SERVICES
Bought new, then modified at home, this Defender takes capability to the next level
82
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EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL EDITOR Travis Annabel DEPUTY EDITOR Angus Dawson JOURNALIST Cahn Turner JUNIOR JOURNALIST Jordan Greathead TRAVEL EDITOR Jock McDonald EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Leimroth, Allen Hodges, Linda Bloffwitch, Geoff Martin PHOTOGRAPHY Rob Cameriere, David Woltschenko, Travis Annabel, Linda Bloffwitch, Geoff Martin EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Email: editorial@overlander.com.au
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All material in this magazine is protected by copyright laws and may not be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of the publisher. Prices and dates quoted in this issue were correct at the time of going to press but might be subject to variation.In respect to technical information provided for any vehicle modifications or driving maneuvers referred to in the articles published in this magazine, the Publisher expressly disclaims any belief in the truth or falsity of the technical information or driving maneuvers provided and is merely passing on the technical information or driving maneuvers as a service to readers. No warranty is given as to its accuracy and it should not be substituted for expert advice from a qualified motor mechanic in respect of technical information provided for any vehicle modifications or from a qualified driving instructor in respect of any driving maneuvers referred to in this magazine. Any prices and information quoted in this publication are current as of 12/05/16
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THE BEST MODERN 4WDS I ’m not going to lie – working for Overlander 4WD is a sensational gig. Off-road travel, plenty of photoshoots, rubbing shoulders with some of the off-road industry’s biggest players – it’s all a lot of fun. But arguably the best part, is testing new 4WDs. As the owner of an older 4WD (a well modified 90 Series Toyota Prado if you didn’t know) it can often be a bit of a pleasure to spend a week or two driving around in something a bit newer and with all the mod cons and fancy features. But the thing that really excites me, is seeing how well all these modern 4WDs compare off-road. Sure, things like mod cons, comfort and on-road drivability are important, but if you ask me, the one thing that really makes a 4WD great is its ability to tackle harsh and challenging terrain. In my time working on Overlander and other off-road motoring titles, I’ve driven a lot of 4WDs. From highly capable 80 Series LandCruisers and GU Patrols to HiLux’s, Navaras and other well equipped and modified utes, I’ve been lucky enough to drive a lot of vehicles off-road, and they all have their pros and cons. In the last year or so, between myself and Cahn (our hard working journo) we’ve tested 17 brand new, un-modified 4WDs off-road. That’s not including second hand or classic models like the Australian Frontline Machinery Land Rover Perentie we tested in the Brindabellas or well modified 80 Series we often use as a behind-the-scenes camera car, as well as a plethora of other vehicles we often drive. In this issue’s feature article, Cahn, Jock and I have put our heads together, spent endless hours arguing and come up with a list of our 10 favourite new 4WDs that we’ve tested in the last year. I’m not going to spoil it in this column, but I reckon you’ll be surprised by what we had to say about these vehicles. You might even disagree with us!
Sufficed to say, my team and I don’t consider ourselves the definitive voice on what makes a good 4WD. All we are is a bunch of Aussie blokes who love 4WDing and vehicles in general and have been lucky enough to experience more than our fair share of off-road driving in a variety of vehicles. To that end, this issue’s feature is based upon our opinions and personal experiences when driving each vehicle. But we reckon that all of our readers’ opinions are just as valid as ours, so we encourage you to contact us via editorial@overlander.com.au to either gree or disagree! e agree
Cheers, Travis Annabel Editor
OVERLANDER 4WD 9
LETTERS Have your say! Send your feedback or questions to editorial@overlander.com.au
WIN A THUMPER AIR COMPRESSOR! Thanks to the team at 4WD Supacentre, we’ve got a Thumper Air Compressor valued at $169 to give away each issue for the best reader’s letter! * These heavy-duty 12V compressors offer an air flow of 16L/min, a maximum pressure of 150psi and can be hardwired into your 4WD. Plus, with an 8m nylon hose with inline pressure gauge, you’ll never be caught short – even if you tow a trailer! For deals on the Thumper air compressor, and other quality 4WD gear, make sure you head over to www.4wdsupacentre.com.au and sign up for their newsletter so you don’t miss out on their cracking daily deals!
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PETROL VS DIESEL Hi Overlander, I know this is an age-old debate, but I’m currently tossing up between a petrol or diesel 80 Series LandCruiser. With such a large gap in the initial purchase price, the petrol being considerably cheaper, I was just wondering what would be the best way to go – spend the extra money initially on a turbo diesel, or go with the petrol. Personally I’ve had past experience with petrol 4WDs, and they really can be made just as capable on the tracks as a diesel. What’s your opinion? Appreciate the help guys. Cheers, Brad Simmons Wow Brad, this letter has divided the Overlander office! On one side of the argument, Cahn reckons a diesel 80 is the way to go. On the other, Trav reckons the value-for-money of a petrol powered LandCruiser can’t be beaten. Here’s what they both had to say: The truth is there really isn’t a huge price difference between later model petrol and diesel 80s. Sure if you’re comparing the advertised price of an early 3F powered beater to a pristine latemodel 1HD-FT example there is a big difference, ence, but that’s that s not
always true if you compare similar models. If you have a budget of around $10,000 you should be able to find a neat and welllooked after 80 with either a 1FZ petrol or 1HZ diesel. With a bit of patience and searching you might even find a solid 1HD-T. If I’m being made to choose what I’d do – it’d be springing a bit more for a turbo diesel. They offer the speed (almost) of a petrol, the fuel savings of a diesel and they’re pretty bulletproof if they’ve been maintained properly. – Cahn Cahn’s right in one respect – these days you can find 1FZ and 1HZ 80s for roughly the same price. But check out the kilometre difference – I reckon you’re more likely to find a petrol 80 with less kays on it. Not only that, but when things go wrong with a diesel, they tend to cost a lot more when it comes to repairing/rebuilding. Petrol engines can cop a beating, are cheaper to service and won’t cost you an arm and a leg when things go wrong. Sure, you don’t have the fuel economy that you get with a diesel – that’s the one big downside to owning a petrol. But for my money, I’d buy a 1FZ 80 – they’re more fun to drive, respond well to small mods (such as an extractor and exhaust) and cost far less to repair and service. - Trav
WINNER!
OUTBACK FIRST-TIMER Hey guys, Just writing in to the mag to tell you a bit about my recent trip to Outback NSW with my girlfriend and shorty Defender! It was our first time going west and into the Outback, so as you could already imagine we were in awe of the landscape for much of the trip. We visited some amazing locations like the mining town of Broken Hill, where we explored the Living Desert and sculptures, and best of all the Silverton Hotel. The little Defender didn’t miss a beat! It really was a great getting to experience the Aussie Outback for the first time, and we’re sure it won’t be the last, cheers! Mitchell Boyd G’day Mitchell, Sounds like you had a cracking trip! How good is the Silverton Hotel eh? I personally went on a trip early last year to Outback NSW myself, and it was also my first time in the NSW Outback. All I can say is I rushed it big time, and highly regret it! I’m sure I’ll get back out there again sooner or later and do it right this time, I might even see you out there. Cheers mate! Jordan
BEST MODE OF CAMPING? G’day guys, I’m currently tossing up between a roof top tent and swag for when n I go camping. I’ll mostly be doing weekend camping and 4WDing butt occasionally week-long trips. I was just wondering if you guys could offer your expert opinions on what mode of camping would best suit me, and the reasons being? It will be just me camping in the swag or rooftop tent. Thanks guys appreciate it! Ethan Douglas Hi Ethan, Good question mate. I actually own both and have done extensive camping in them. While the roof top tent has its merits, my favourite mode of camping is in a swag. I personally prefer a larger, double swag so I’ve got plenty of room. For me, there’s nothing like the simplicity of rocking up to camp, rolling out the awning and swag and being done for the night. The roof top tent is definitely comfortable and quick to setup, but packing it up can be a bit of a chore, and if you’re camping in the same spot for a few days or a week and want to get out and explore the tracks, then it means you need to pack it up every time you want to use your 4WD. Still a lot of my mates love their roof top tents. It’s a matter of personal preference. Why not see if you can borrow a mate’s swag and test it out? You might find that you love it! Cheers, Trav
OVERLANDER 4WD 11
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TRAVEL KIMBERLEY, WA PART 5
THE
You won’t want to leave the Kimberley before exploring these unique and spectacular gems
KIMBERLEY’S WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDA BLOFFWITCH
14 OVERLANDER 4WD
OVERLANDER 4WD 15
here is only one word that could describe our Kimberley adventure so far and that’s “epic”! But even with everything we’d experienced this trip, we knew there were plenty more good times to be had in the east Kimberley. So after restocking supplies and fuel, we left Kununurra and headed for Lake Argyle which was only a short hop, skip and jump away. If you ever thought that Lake Argyle is just another mass of water, wait until you see it. The lake’s sheer size will completely blow you away! The Ord River which was dammed in the early 1970s has created a massive lake that stretches forever on the land which formed part of historical Argyle Downs Station. To gain an appreciation of the lake’s magnitude, you really need to experience it from the water. So set yourself up for a night or two in the resort’s caravan park and take advantage of one of the many boat or helicopter
T
16 OVERLANDER 4WD
tours they have on offer. Sunsets from the resort are simply spectacular when the sun hits those rich red rocks and you need to experience those stunning views from the infinity pool first hand. Not far from the resort is the historic Argyle Downs Homestead Museum. This homestead was originally built by the pioneering family, the Duracks in the 1880s, but was dismantled and rebuilt at its present site when the homestead was in the firing line of being flooded with the damming of the Ord River. Today you can tour the museum which contains artefacts from the Duracks’ pioneering days and is well worth the look. After our couple of days R&R at Lake Argyle, dirt roads again were calling and we set off for the Duncan Road. This dirt road doesn’t get lots of traffic so makes it an adventurous alternative for travelling to Halls Creek. The 440 kilometre road has been in good condition each time we’ve visited, but still air down your tyres and don’t be complacent. I think
the Duncan Road would seriously be one of the most scenic routes in the Kimberley. There is no opportunity for fuel along this route, so ensure you have adequate supplies. We hadn’t travelled on the dirt for long before pulling in at the Zebra Rock Mine for a couple of nights. This is one place definitely worth getting off the main road for. Zebra rock is one of those uniquely Kimberley gems. In fact, it’s so unique that it’s actually only found in the eastern Kimberley. The striking 600+ million year old rocks mined on site display stripes giving the impression the rocks have been painted. There is a gallery which has a variety of the rocks on show and for sale, and there is also a fossicking area for guests if you want to have a go. But it’s not only rocks that are the drawcard here. The campground at the mine is cheap as chips and a good alternative to caravan parks while still providing amenities, water and
TRAVEL KIMBERLEY, WA PART 5
THIS SCENIC GEM IS TOTALLY UNIQUE TO THE EASTERN KIMBERLEY
Not a typical Kimberley landscape but one you’ll experience along the Duncan Road
Experience Lake Argyle’s mammoth size first hand from the water
The sunset wetlands cruise at Zebra Rock Mine is suitable for all ages
OVERLANDER OVE OVE OV VERL RLA LAN NDE ND D DE E ER R 4WD 4W WD 17 17
TRAVEL KIMBERLEY, WA PART 5
Wolfe Creek Crater needs to be on every tourer’s must-see list
When you can camp at places like this along the Duncan Road you will never want to leave!
The Duncan Road is full of old relics
18 OVERLANDER 4WD
My perfect campsite – shade, water, and something good to eat and drink!
an excellent central fireplace. They offer some spectacular cruises along the eastern section of Lake Argyle so we experienced the wetland sunset cruise for ourselves. In a nutshell, it was a cracking tour! In fact, with all the cruises we’ve experienced when travelling Australia, we rated this as one of the best. Everything about this tour oozed spectacular. The birdlife and number of freshwater crocodiles was incredible, and as the sun set, it lit up the entire sky with its warm glow. It was one of those tours I didn’t want to end.
WE ALL KNOW OF WOLFE CREEK BUT THIS ONE SECRET IS WHAT MAKES IT TRULY SPECIAL
FACT FILE WHERE: d The east Kimberley can be accessed via a range of routes. From the bitumen, travel the Victoria Highway from Katherine or the Great Northern Highway from Broome. For dirt road alternatives, travel the Tanami Road from Alice Springs or the Buchanan from Dunmarra which joins up with the Duncan Road.
The Kimberley environment suits this camel to a tee given his excellent condition
INFORMATION: The east Kimberley’s attractions are some real gems. 4WDing, photography, bushwalking, birdwatching, swimming, boating, photography, fishing, a range of tours, and some phenomenal bush camps are just some of what the area offers.
CAMPSITES There is no shortage of options in the east Kimberley. You can’t go past the bush camping as this area has simply some of the region’s best. For caravan parks, these can be found at Lake Argyle, Halls Creek, Warmun (Turkey Creek), and one is also close to Purnululu (Bungle Bungles). Continuing our adventure along the Duncan Road, we could see from the map that the road cris-crossed the WA/NT border on a number of occasions and there were plenty of excellent opportunities for bush camping next to water. This area had initially been explored in the 1870s by Alexander Forrest which has seen the east Kimberley as cattle country since the 1880s. With the number of stations within the region today, there is no doubt you will come across wandering stock at some stage so be prepared. As you drive towards Halls Creek, it is incredible how there is a complete
change in scenery by Flora Valley Station. The red dirt still remains, but gone are the typical ranges and boab trees. In fact, pretty well everything is gone! There is very little to resemble anything typically Kimberley as you drive this section through the open savannah style plains. But before long, the landscape returns to the magnificent spinifex covered red rolling hills we are accustomed to that stretch for miles. This section of the Duncan has loads of attractions to explore and you could easily spend a couple of days along here. Sawpit Gorge would have to be one of
ZEBRA ROCK MINE SAWPIT GORGE (FREE CAMP) PURNULULU NATIONAL PARK
FUEL & SUPPLIES: Fuel and basic supplies are available from Lake Argyle and Warmun. Halls Creek has fuel and supplies readily available, but there are no facilities when travelling the Duncan Road.
OVERLANDER 4WD 19
TRAVEL KIMBERLEY, WA PART 5
LAKE ARGYLE IS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER MASS OF WATER
Many of the river crossings along the Duncan Road have a concrete base
20 OVERLANDER 4WD
the jewels in the region and it’s not until you reach the car park that the gorge truly reveals itself. This area is begging to be explored if you’ve got the time where you’ll definitely be rewarded with some spectacular scenery. And if you’re here early enough in the dry season, you can swim in the gorge’s Black Elvire River. Camping is available at the base of the gorge, or if you’d prefer a little more seclusion, cross the creek bed, engage low range and make your way up the hill on the other side which only fits a vehicle or two. Other attractions along here include Caroline Pool, Palm Springs, China Wall and the Stone Hut. All are worthy of a visit as they each played a part in
The infinity pool at Lake Argyle would have one of the best views in the Kimberley
Our camp at Sawpit Gorge was a real cracker
Everything is supersized in the Kimberley including Cathedral Gorge at Purnululu National Park
Surprisingly this stone from Zebra Rock Mine is all natural
the early goldfield history surrounding Halls Creek. And make sure you stop at Old Halls Creek which is located only 16kms from the Halls Creek township we know today. Although many of the buildings have succumbed to the elements, the remains of the post office are still visible. If you’d like to stop for a break, there’s a top spot past the old township when you cross the bridge of the original creek and follow the track to your left. After finally hitting the black top again, it was time to pump up the tyres and make a brief stop at Halls Creek to pick up a few supplies, refuel and continue to another favourite, Purnululu (Bungle Bungles). There are two campgrounds
OVERLANDER 4WD 21
TRAVEL KIMBERLEY, WA PART 5 WHAT TO TAKE: For travelling the Duncan Road and visiting places such as Purnululu and Wolfe Creek, take recovery gear, air compressor, basic spare parts and a repair kit.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL:
within the park for camping with one permitting generators. Toilets, untreated water and firewood are all provided in the campgrounds as well as a few picnic tables and bbqs. The park’s northern end highlights include Echidna Chasm with its tall livistona palms, and Kungkalanayi Lookout has magical 360° views of the surrounding ridges and escarpments. The southern end of the park consists more of the typical orange-striped domes that most people associate with the Bungles, and the grandeur of Cathedral Gorge with its magnificent amphitheatre is a cracker. So if you can allow a couple of days in the park to see all the attractions you definitely won’t be bored! We made our way back to Halls Creek, refuelled and before we knew it, were dropping our tyres again for the final leg down the Tanami Road before heading home. If you’re around this area, a side trip to Wolfe Creek Crater should be high on your must-visit list.
Photos don’t really do the crater justice which spans nearly 900 metres, and a walk down inside the crater gives you a completely different perspective. Time your visit right and the crater floor will be full of colour with wildflowers and loads of birdlife. Well it’s hard to believe that our epic Kimberley adventure was coming to an end. This region is a tourer’s paradise and the biggest dilemma is how to squeeze everything in. No matter what your interests are, the Kimberley offers something for everyone. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be sucked in good and proper, and one visit is never going to be enough! But do your preparation, know your limits and the capability of your vehicle and camper trailer, and this could be the holiday of a lifetime. So if you’ve been thinking about visiting, the Kimberley is an ever changing place. So think no more and just get out there and do it. And you never know, I might just see you there!
THIS REGION IS A TOURER’S PARADISE
The Duncan Road, Purnululu National Park tracks and the Tanami Road can be closed during wet season rains. The best times to visit are from April to October when conditions are more favourable. Check with the Halls Creek Visitor Centre for current road conditions. The road to Lake Argyle is sealed and is open all year around.
INFORMATION: This region is an adventurer’s paradise as there is so much on offer. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, gorges, history, gold fossicking, photography, swimming, birdwatching, bushwalking, rock climbing, 4WDing, stunning natural attractions, or bush camping, it’s got the lot!
THINGS TO DO: Lake Argyle – cruise, swimming. Duncan Road – excellent camping, Zebra Rock Mine cruises, Sawpit Gorge. Closer to Halls Creek - Old Halls Creek, Caroline Pool, Palm Springs, China Wall, Town Walk, Purnululu National Park.
TRIP STANDARD: Whenever travelling the region’s dirt tracks air down your tyres. The Duncan Road and Purnululu National Park are suitable for off road camper trailers and would be D-grade. Water crossings can be experienced on both tracks. The road to Wolfe Creek Crater can be heavily corrugated and is also suitable for off road camper trailers and would be D-grade.
RESTRICTIONS AND PERMITS: A National Parks permit is required for visiting Purnululu National Park which can be obtained at the Halls Creek Visitor Centre. Camping in the National Park needs to be booked online prior to visiting.
KEY CONTACTS: Lake Argyle Resort & Caravan Park PH: (08) 9168 7777 Halls Creek Visitor Centre PH: (08) 9168 6262 WA Parks & Wildlife PH: (08) 9168 4200 22 OVERLANDER 4WD
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FEATURE 10 BEST TESTED 4WDS
0 1 P O T
4WDS
OF THE YEAR
We reveal our favourite 4WDs that we’ve tested in the last yyear ear WORDS BY TRAVIS ANNABEL, CAHN TURNER & JOCK MCDONALD, PHOTOS BY OVERLANDER 4WD
24 OVERLANDER 4WD
WD technology has changed so much in the last decade and a half that at first glance, modern 4WDs seem to be a different beast than they were pre-2000s. And in some respects, that’s absolutely true. Things like stability and traction control, smart automatic gearboxes, shift-on-the-fly 4WD activation, fully independent suspension, common rail diesel fuel technology – these are all things that have become pretty much standard features on
4
modern 4WDs. But the thing that has really struck us at Overlander is just how wide of a variety there are of 4WDs these days. Gone are the years where if you bought a 4WD, you were buying a lumbering beast of a truck that was 99% steel, weighed three tonnes, had solid axles and a clunky manual gear box. The thing is, you can still pretty much get a 4WD like that, thanks to manufacturers like Toyota and Land Rover who have stuck by the old tried and tested 70 Series and Defender models
– sensational 4WDs without a doubt, but hardly the pinnacle of modern technology. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got the modern 4WD wagon, most of which feature IFS suspension, or fully independent suspension, handle like cars, feature all the technology of a space shuttle, and all the comfort of a 5-star hotel room. And then in-between, the vast and market-dominating range of dual cab utes, which combine the best of the oldschool technology with the
newest mod-cons and carlike handling. At Overlander, we’re lucky enough to have driven an example of just about everything out there. To that end, we’ve gone through the list of new vehicles that we’ve tested in the last year, and put together our favourite 10 of them, ranked right up to our number one favourite. It’s sure to be controversial, and we reckon it’ll surprise some readers, so read on to find out the 10 vehicles that we enjoyed the most! OVERLANDER 4WD 25
FEATURE 10 BEST TESTED 4WDS
PATROL N A S IS N 2 6 Y 10
Was Nissan’s choice to convert the tough Patrol brand into something more road-friendly a smart idea?
OUR RATINGS OFF-ROAD: 2/5 stars ON-ROAD: 3/5 stars MOD CONS: 3.5/5 stars ENGINE PERFORMANCE: 3.5/5 stars FUEL EFFICIENCY: 1.5/5 stars BANG FOR BUCK: 1/5 stars
OVERALL SCORE:
WHAT TRAV SAID…
POWERFUL V8
14.5
The Y62 Patrol is the only 4WD on our top 10 list with a petrol engine, and while there’s no doubt the big V8 is a lot of fun, it hardly makes for a practical touring engine. It’s a shame, too, because the Y62 (looks aside) isn’t a bad modern vehicle. It’s comfortable, features a load of mod
“The Y62 with its 5.6L petrol V8 coupled with its 7-speed auto, is a damn nice vehicle to drive on the road – and that’s not even taking into account it’s electronic driver aids, comfortable independent suspension and car-like interior layout. Now you’re probably eexpecting me to trash the Y Y62’s off-road capability – but h here’s the thing: it’s actually n not bad. While it certainly d doesn’t have that old-school
cons and reasonable offroad capability. Many people argue that the Y62 isn’t a true Patrol, and being such a long way from the Patrols of old, it’s hard to disagree. In the Patrol brand, Nissan had built a reputation as offering one of the toughest, old-school style 4WDs on the market, and the Y62 is almost the opposite.
capability that the GU has, it’s still capable, largely thanks to a well-performing suspension setup and modern 4WD system. You may not be able to build it into a 6-in lifted rock crawler capable of driving up near vertical two-metre high rock steps like you could with the GU, but as a touring rig it’s undoubtedly got a number of positives. That’s the thing with the Y62 – Nissan have built a modern 4WD to compete with the likes of the 200 Series
Yes, we haven’t forgotten that the GU Patrol is still sold new, but let’s be honest – the 3.0L diesel is severely underpowered for the big Patrol, and it just doesn’t feel like a new vehicle. The Y62 is a better option if you’re buying new, although a late model TD42 GU Patrol bought second hand may still be the way to go.
LandCruiser, the Discovery 4 and the Grand Cherokee – comfortable, yet capable, with all the modern accessories and features you’d expect from a vehicle in this class. Where the Patrol falls flat, is Nissan’s failure to offer a diesel variant. Throw a V6 or V8 turbo diesel option into the Y62 range and you’ve got yourself a 4WD that could conceivably be one of the best outback tourers on the new vehicle market.”
“IT’S NOT A ROCK SPECS CRAWLING GU, ENGINE: 5.6L V8 Petrol 298kW@4,000rpm BUT AS A POWER: TORQUE: 560Nm@2,000rpm 7-speed auto TOURING RIG IT TRANSMISSION: SUSPENSION: Coil sprung independent HAS HEAPS OF suspension front and rear Ventilated discs front and rear POSITIVES” BRAKES: TOWING (BRAKED): 3,500kg SAFETY: Dual, side and head airbags, anti-lock braking, brake assist, vehicle stability control, electronic brake force distribution, hill descent control, hill holder, traction control, diff locks. With the addition of a decent-sized turbo diesel engine, the Y62 could be a top outback tourer
26 OVERLANDER 4WD
9
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
It’s been high-selling success for Jeep, but is the Grand Cherokee reliable and capable enough to deserve its high sales figures?
OUR RATINGS OFF-ROAD: 1/5 stars ON-ROAD: 3.5/5 stars MOD CONS: 4/5 stars ENGINE PERFORMANCE: 3/5 stars FUEL EFFICIENCY: 3/5 stars BANG FOR BUCK: 3/5 stars
OVERALL SCORE:
17.5
WHAT TRAV SAID… TOP-OF-THELINE LUXURY
Jeep’s Grand Cherokee took the cake in 2014 as the highest selling 4WD wagon in Australia, surpassing the everpopular Prado. It’s interesting to note that its sales have dropped considerably since then. It’s not 100% clear what this loss in sales is attributed to, but if we had to guess it would be the
“The top-of-the-range Grand Cherokee Overland was impressive on the tar. Car-like handling, minimal turbo-lag (especially when “Eco mode” is turned off) aand loads of electronic d driver aids and features aallow the Grand Cherokee
reliability issues and poor press via viral social media posts that have plagued the Grand Cherokee in the last year or so. Regardless, it’s not hard to see why the Grand Cherokee was so popular – it had all the features of a top spec Range Rover, for well under half the price (and that’s for the most expensive Grand
to shine on the blacktop. It feels like it’s been designed for on-road use, and it was easy to forget that it was actually a 4WD. The fact that the Grand Cherokee has clearly been designed for on-road comfort and handling
The Grand Cherokee left a bit to be desired in off-road capability
Cherokee model). Loads of mod cons, sensational on-road performance and comfort, and top value for money meant that the Grand Cherokee was always going to be popular, but its poor off-road performance and questionable reliability always meant that it was going to come with a question mark.
worked against it when it was taken off-road, however. Even at the maximum ride-height, the Grand Cherokee seemed to struggle for clearance, and even on relatively mild terrain, it found itself often scrabbling for traction.”
SPECS MODEL TESTED: Grand Cherokee Overland Diesel ENGINE: 3L turbo-diesel V6 POWER: 184kW TORQUE: 570Nm TRANSMISSION: 8-speed auto SUSPENSION: Adjustable independent suspension front and rear BRAKES: Ventilated discs front and rear SAFETY: Dual, side and head airbags, anti-lock braking, brake assist, dynamic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, hill descent control, hill holder, traction control, forward collision warning, lane change warning, tyre pressure monitoring g system. y Few vehicles are as refined as the Cherokee on-road, but the lack or real off-road capability is a massive detractor
OVERLANDER 4WD 27
FEATURE 10 BEST TESTED 4WDS
8
79 SERIES R E IS U R C D N A L A TOYOT
The venerable 79 Series LandCruiser has well and truly withstood the test of time, and continues to be the most popular “old-school” type 4WD on the market
OUR RATINGS OFF-ROAD: 4/5 stars ON-ROAD: 2/5 stars MOD CONS: 2/5 stars ENGINE PERFORMANCE: 5/5 stars FUEL EFFICIENCY: 3/5 stars BANG FOR BUCK: 2/5 stars
OVERALL SCORE:
18
Introduced in 1984, the 70 Series has evolved over time, but the basic design has stayed consistent - Toyota has always offered the 70 Series as the workhorse of the family. If you’re looking for luxury and plenty of standard equipment you
“If you’re after a tourer, don’t discount the 70 Series due to its utilitarian nature. The appeal is that you have a tough vehicle that’ll get you everywhere – just not
WHAT CAHN SAID…
aren’t going to find it here, but the utilitarian nature of the 70 has meant that it’s gained a reputation as being tough and longlasting. The ‘new’ 70 Series was released in 2007 and offered a facelift that updated the 70 Series for the first time since it was
in five star luxury. Though the higher spec GXL model might sway you in favour of the LandCruiser – it is standard with more creature comforts such as power windows and cloth trim. You get tthe feeling tthe 79 SSeries could h haul all
introduced. Since then we’ve been treated to a 2009 update that offered driver and passenger airbags. The most recent update followed in 2012 where ABS became standard across all models, and the long awaited dual cab variant was released.
day every day for a good number of years, but once you notice the shortfalls it is hard to overlook them. If you’re considering a 79 make sure you compare the single and dual cab variants – you may find that the increase in interior space offsets the smaller tray and means you have a more practical tourer.”
SPECS
5 OUT OF 5 ENGINE
ENGINE: 4.5L Turbo Diesel V8 – 1VD-FTE POWER: 151kW TORQUE: 430Nm GEARBOX: 5-Speed Manual 4WD ACTIVATION: Part time 4WD activation, manual locking hubs SUSPENSION: Solid axle front and rear, coil front leaf rear TESTED OPTIONS: Air conditioning, front and rear diff locks, colour coded Toyota steel tray
PERFORMANCE
Old-school capability and a cracker of a V8 engine makes the 79 Series still a popular choice
The 79 is one of the few remaining 4WDs on the new market with solid axles front and rear
28 OVERLANDER 4WD
MAZDA BT-50
7
How does Mazda’s common-rail dual cab ute offering compare to its competitors?
OUR RATINGS OFF-ROAD: 4/5 stars ON-ROAD: 3/5 stars MOD CONS: 3/5 stars ENGINE PERFORMANCE: 2/5 stars FUEL EFFICIENCY: 4/5 stars BANG FOR BUCK: 3.5/5 stars
OVERALL SCORE:
19.5
WHAT TRAV SAID… OFF-ROAD HERO
Simply put, the BT50 is made for mud, rocks, ruts and just about any other serious off-road terrain you can imagine. It’s not just suited to harsh off-road driving, it revels in it. From the ease with which it handled boggy mud to the way it crawled down an
“While you couldn’t really say it’s a smart business decision, I have to admit that I found it refreshing that a modern vehicle had been so obviously constructed for off-road performance over modern comfort. Apart from a few new vehicle models, manufacturers have well and truly gone where the
insanely difficult rock step, it was clear that the BT50 was something special in the bush. On road however? Not so much. For a modern engine consisting of 5-cylinders and a 3.2L capacity, the BT50 was a bit of a slug. We have to
wonder if it’s a fly-by-wire throttle control or ECU thing that makes it feel this way, because on paper the figures of 147kW and 470Nm are quite impressive. 15 to 20 years ago, this ute would have been comfortable on road – these days, it’s well behind the pack.
money is, and that’s with modern vehicles that are built more for on-road comfort than they are offroad capability. Of course there is one problem with that – the reality is, unless you live in the bush, you’ll use your 4WD as daily driver ninety percent of the time. And believe me when I
say, that the BT50 is not a daily driver. If you want a tough ute that’s well suited to touring, and you don’t mind missing out on a few mod cons, then you’d do well to take a very close look at this Mazda. If you’re after a comfortable on-road vehicle for occasional off-road jaunts, then look elsewhere.”
SPECS MODEL: Mazda BT50 ENGINE: 3.2L 5-cylinder intercooled turbo diesel POWER: 147kW TORQUE: 470Nm GEARBOX: 6-speed auto 4WD ACTIVATION: Part time 4WD, auto hubs, shift on the fly FUEL CAPACITY: 80L OUR AVG FUEL FIGURES: 11.1L/100km (including lowrange driving) BRAKED TOWING: 3500kg
While it’s not that great on-road, the BT-50 is more than capable off the bitumen
OVERLANDER 4WD 29
FEATURE 10 BEST TESTED 4WDS
6
L E S IE D E E K O R E H C P E JE
The smaller brother in the Cherokee family, is this a sign that Jeep is going soft?
OUR RATINGS OFF-ROAD: 3/5 stars ON-ROAD: 3/5 stars MOD CONS: 4/5 stars ENGINE PERFORMANCE: 2.5/5 stars FUEL EFFICIENCY: 4.5/5 stars BANG FOR BUCK: 3/5 stars
OVERALL SCORE:
20
WHAT TRAV SAID… ORIGINAL JEEP TOUGH
The thing about Jeep, as any owner will be quick to tell you, is that they are the original 4WD, and have been since 1941 (as the badging emblazoned on the steering wheel states). And while they’ve certainly built the Cherokee to keep up with the current trends
“Am I one of those off-road purists who thinks that 4WDing as we know it is dead? Not really. But to be perfectly honest, I found many of the electronic driver aids such as lane as assist and the start-stop ffeature e a bit frustrating, but
on the new vehicle market, they haven’t forgotten their own history of off-road capability that got them where they are today. The 2.0L turbo-diesel is surprisingly zippy, outputting 125kW of power and 350Nm of torque. It’s highly
the fact is these features are simply a fact of modern motor vehicles, and are not something that is exclusive to the Cherokee, or to Jeep as a whole. When all is said and done, the Jeep Cherokee diesel is a comfortable,
fuel efficient which is largely attributed to both the engine and the start-stop function, and can manage as low as 5.8L/100km. Off-road, the Cherokee is a surprisingly capable 4WD that easily eclipses the capability of its big brother.
economical car-like 4WD that has a surprise in store for you when you decide to take it on the rough stuff. It’s definitive proof that while Jeep are adapting to the new vehicle market, they haven’t forgotten their own history.”
SPECS The Cherokee is a better choice for off-road jaunts than its big brother
MODEL TESTED: JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED DIESEL ENGINE: 2.0L I-4 turbo-diesel POWER: 125kW TORQUE: 350Nm GEARBOX: 9-speed auto 4WD ACTIVATION: Jeep Active Drive II (Incl. low-range) DRIVER AIDS: All speed traction control, anti-lock disc brakes, brake stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill start assist, reverse camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, Selecterrain system, park assist, stop/start, trailer sway damping The 2.0L diesel is proof that Jeep haven’t forgotten their off-road heritage
30 OVERLANDER 4WD
5
TOYOTA FORTUNER
Toyota’s brand new mid-sized wagon has been designed to compete in the hotly contested mid-sized market – how does it compare?
OUR RATINGS OFF-ROAD: 3/5 stars ON-ROAD: 3.5/5 stars MOD CONS: 3.5/5 stars ENGINE PERFORMANCE: 3.5/5 stars FUEL EFFICIENCY: 4/5 stars BANG FOR BUCK: 4/5 stars
OVERALL SCORE:
Hot on the heels of the new generation HiLux, Toyota has released the all-new Fortuner. Based on the HiLux chassis, the Fortuner offers a smaller wagon package while still retaining the
off-road prowess of its ute brother. There are only a few common parts – the Fortuner sits on a modified HiLux chassis, it features the same refined 2.8L turbo diesel and a few panels
in front of the B pillars – the bonnet, windscreen and front door skins. The interior, exterior and even the chassis has been tweaked to create a completely distinct new 4WD.
21.5
“IT’S CAPABLE AND COMFORTABLE AND DRIVES AS THOUGH IT’D BE THE PERFECT FAMILY TOURER”
WHAT CAHN SAID…
“As a package, the Fortuner is a formidable 4WD that packs plenty of capability into a smaller size. Toyota have placed
the Fortuner in the range to entice customers who are interested in a Prado but can’t quite stretch their dollar far enough
ER PERFECT FAMILY TOUR
and they’ve succeeded. It’s capable and comfortable and drives as though it’d be the perfect family tourer.”
SPECS MODEL TESTED: Toyota Fortuner Crusade ENGINE: 2.8L 4 cylinder intercooled turbo diesel POWER: 130kW TORQUE: 420Nm GEARBOX: 6-speed intelligent manual 4WD ACTIVATION: Part time 4WD, auto hubs, shift on the fly FUEL CAPACITY: 80L OUR AVG FUEL FIGURES: 10.1L/100km (including lowrange driving) BRAKED TOWING: 3000kg Built with Toyota’s reputation for offroad toughness in mind, the Fortuner is certainly capable
The Fortuner should be a strong competitor in the mid-sized 4WD market OVERLANDER 4WD 31
FEATURE 10 BEST TESTED 4WDS
ISUZU MU-X
4
Isuzu’s entry into the mid-sized 4WD market has all the qualities of a top family tourer
OUR RATINGS
There’s a bit of a misconception out there that the MU-X and the Holden Colorado 7 are the same vehicle. Believe us when we say nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the Holden/Isuzu partnership
OFF-ROAD: 3.5/5 stars ON-ROAD: 4/5 stars MOD CONS: 3/5 stars ENGINE PERFORMANCE: 3/5 stars FUEL EFFICIENCY: 4.5/5 stars BANG FOR BUCK: 4/5 stars
OVERALL SCORE:
offerings in the mid-sized 4WD market. Comfortable on- and off-road, with a surprising amount of off-road capability to boot, the MU-X is one of the best value for money 4WD wagons you can get.
“CAPABLE OFF-ROAD, STELLAR ON SAND, UNBEATABLE BANG-FOR-BUCK”
22
WHAT TRAV SAID…
ended some time ago, and while the MU-X and Colorado 7 may appear similar cosmetically, they are entirely different beasts. The MU-X is a better vehicle in almost every way, and is legitimately one of the best
“I genuinely liked the MU-X. The fact that it was so capable off-road was a bit of a surprise, and it’s capability on sand was
stellar. Throw in the fact that it’s a comfortable vehicle, it’s well priced and it seems and the engine and gearbox both
perform well while still being fuel efficient, and it’s clear that the MU-X offers almost unbeatable bangfor-buck.”
TOP VALUE FOR MONEY
SPECS Isuzu have taken the DNA of the successful D-MAX and put it to good use in the MU-X
ENGINE: 3.0L 4-cylinder intercooled turbo-diesel POWER: 130kW TORQUE: 380Nm GEARBOX: 5-speed auto with sequential sports mode (Optional) SUSPENSION: Front and rear coils springs with gas-filled shocks TARE WEIGHT: 1985kg BRAKED TOWING CAPACITY: 3000kg Capable, affordable and comfortable, the MU-X ticks all the boxes
32 OVERLANDER 4WD
3
ISUZU D-MAX
Proven by numerous “ute of the year” award wins in its lifetime, the D-MAX offers everything a 4WDer needs in an affordable package
OUR RATINGS OFF-ROAD: 4/5 stars ON-ROAD: 3.5/5 stars MOD CONS: 3/5 stars ENGINE PERFORMANCE: 3/5 stars FUEL EFFICIENCY: 4.5/5 stars BANG FOR BUCK: 4.5/5 stars
OVERALL SCORE:
22.5
OMY FIRST-CLASS FUEL ECON
WHAT JOCK SAID…
The D-MAX comes equipped with the ultrareliable and fuel-efficient 4JJ1-TC 3.0L 4 cylinder turbo diesel. Torque peaks as low as 1,800rpm and pulls right through until almost 3000rpm. This motor is something Isuzu are very proud of, having improved o many areas that see on tthe demise of many of
“In short, the D-MAX performed excellently both on and off the blacktop. With 130Kw of power and 380Nm of torque, the 3.0L intercooled turbo diesel engine is no slouch, which meant that there was no point where we felt it struggling. Off-road, the D-MAX knocked over any
its competitors engine packages - the latest incarnation of the 4JJ1 boasts power, economy and reliability to boot, something we have witnessed first-hand with the D-MAX. With this model, Isuzu have done well to introduce improved levels of comfort while remaining true to its
challenge we threw its way without breaking a sweat. The 5-speed automatic gearbox came in very handy on steep hills, as we were able to utilize the sequential sport mode to select the best gear for engine braking for descending, as well as selecting the right gear for a steep ascent as well.
reliable truck-like heritage. Build quality is above average and visibility from the driver’s seat is unbeaten. The driveline and suspension package has proven reliable, too, making the D-MAX the 4WD to buy if value, reliability and performance are your main priorities.
One thing became very clear during our test; the big hitters in the ute game best be on their toes with the D-MAX in the field of play. The D-MAX is the ultimate all-rounder when it comes to comfort and practicality, and it constantly punched above its weight regardless of what we asked it to do.”
SPECS S Outback capable and built for Aussie terrain, it’s no wonder the D-MAX has been so popular
Having won numerous awa rds, the D-MAX has proven that Isuz u’s reliable truck history translates well to 4WDs
MODEL TESTED: Isuzu D-MAX MY15 LS-U Hi-Ride 4x4 E N G I N E : 3.0L intercooled turbo-diesel POWER: 130kW@3600rpm TORQUE: 380Nm@1800rpm GEARBOX: 5-speed auto with sports mode 4WD ACTIVATION: Terrain Command shift-on-the-fly SUSPENSION: Front: Independent coil-spring with shocks, Rear: Solid axle leaf spring with shocks TOWING (BRAKED): 3500kg FUEL CAPACITY: 76L
OVERLANDER 4WD 33
FEATURE 10 BEST TESTED 4WDS
2
TOYOTA HILUX
The new HiLux is proof that Toyota’s dedication to off-road ability hasn’t been left behind with modern technology
OUR RATINGS OFF-ROAD: 4.5/5 stars ON-ROAD: 4/5 stars MOD CONS: 4/5 stars ENGINE PERFORMANCE: 3.5/5 stars FUEL EFFICIENCY: 4/5 stars BANG FOR BUCK: 3.5/5 stars
OVERALL SCORE:
23.5
TRUE TO ITS NAME “UNBREAKABLE”
WHAT CAHN SAID…
Toyota has set out to prove that the eighth generation HiLux is more capable and comfortable than any previous model; their basic design brief was to retain, and improve on, HiLux’s toughness and reputation for being ‘unbreakable’. The seventh generation HiLux enjoyed a ten year sales period with minor updates and face lifts throughout its life, the
“The HiLux has finally been given the attention it deserves bringing it up to speed with a number of important updates and new features. The off-road capabilities are impressive for a factory ute and the comfort levels make it a very viable option for long distance touring.
RUNNER UP
new model is completely original. Clearance and approach, ramp over and departure angles are all improved. Utilising independent front and solid axle rear, the HiLux combines the best of both worlds for long range touring as well as low-range articulation. Improved shock absorber positioning and new larger diameter shocks
Toyota has tried to think of every detail to make a well-rounded ute. Calling it a ‘jack of all trades’ is unfair as it’s so much better than that. The focus on toughness means it should be as dependable as any old HiLux, while the inclusion of more comfort
“CALLING IT A ‘JACK OF ALL TRADES’ IS UNFAIR AS IT’S SO MUCH BETTER THAN THAT” The “unbreakable” HiLux really is tougher and more capable than ever
combined with 100mm longer rear leaves means 20% greater articulation. Further proving their commitment to making the HiLux the toughest ever, Toyota is offering factory rear diff lock on SR and SR5. Finally, Toyota has increased the towing capacity up to 3500kg models with a manual transmission and 2.8 litre turbo diesel.
features means it is perfect for the weekend or the daily grind. Time will tell if Toyota have created another topseller but at first glance we can’t see anything stopping it from dominating the sales figures and the tracks for a long time coming.”
SPECS ENGINE: 2.8L intercooled turbo-diesel POWER: 130kW TORQUE: 450Nm GEARBOX: 6-speed auto or intelligent manual SUSPENSION: Front: Independent coil-spring with shocks, Rear: Solid axle leaf spring with shocks TOWING (BRAKED): up to 3500kg FUEL CAPACITY: 80L Toyota have improved just about every element of the new HiLux when compared to the outgoing KUN26, and it really shows
34 OVERLANDER 4WD
1
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4
Comfortable, highly capable and fun to drive, the Discovery 4 deserves its long list of awards
OUR RATINGS OFF-ROAD: 4.5/5 stars ON-ROAD: 4.5/5 stars MOD CONS: 4/5 stars ENGINE PERFORMANCE: 4.5/5 stars FUEL EFFICIENCY: 3.5/5 stars BANG FOR BUCK: 3.5/5 stars
OVERALL SCORE:
24
ULTIMATE COMFORT AND CAPABILITY
WHAT TRAV SAID… Capable, comfortable and a whole lot of fun to drive – the massive list of awards the Discovery has won are well deserved
With a pedigree as impressive as that of the Land Rover Discovery, it’s no wonder that in 2012 the one millionth Discovery was sold, and that they’ve won an incredibly long list of awards. For 25 years the Discovery has been a comfortable tourer, while maintaining an off-road capability which has been synonymous
“Performance wise, it’s hard not to smile when you’re behind the wheel of the Discovery. Even when towing a fully-loaded hardfloor camper trailer behind us, the 155kW of power and 520Nm of torque on offer meant that we were never restricted by the weight behind us. Indeed, the Discovery features a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, which means that if you’re looking for a capable and comfortable
WINNER with the Land Rover brand. Whether you’re talking about the initial Discovery 1 or right up to the current model Discovery 4, these 4WDs have always represented the very best in offroad comfort, without sacrificing capability. With this strong 25 year history, the Discovery 4 further builds on the
previous models, and while over the years the technology has changed, the core ideals of the Discovery have fundamentally remained the same. If you’re looking for a 4WD that offers the highest level of comfort, as well as capability and a massive towing capacity, then make sure the Discovery 4 is on your list.
tow vehicle for your caravan or camper, then it should well and truly be on your list of considerations. Off-road, the Discovery is undeniably capable, it’s fully independent and electronically controlled air suspension proving that the old-school capability of solid axles may indeed be a thing of the past. The combination of the Discovery’s Terrain Response 4WD system, its electronic air suspension
and the electronic safety features such as traction control working for it, it really felt like there was nothing the Disco couldn’t drive. Its off-road mode obstacle clearance of 240mm was more than enough height to handle the terrain we were driving, and we found its approach angle of 36.2º and departure angle of 29.6º quite generous. In all, a beautiful vehicle that I would own in a heartbeat.”
Don’t let the fully independent suspension and overall refinement fool you – the Disco 4 is made for the tracks
SPECS ENGINE: 3.0L SDV6 twin turbo-diesel POWER: 155kW@4,000rpm TORQUE: 520Nm GEARBOX: 8-speed auto 4WD SYSTEM: Terrain Response S T E E R I N G : Rack and pinion, power assisted BRAKES: Ventilated discs front and rear SUSPENSION: Independent, electronically controlled air TOWING: 3500kg (braked)
OVERLANDER 4WD 35
FEATURE 10 BEST TESTED 4WDS
THE ONES THAT DIDN’T MAKE THE CUT The ten 4WDs we just mentioned weren’t the only vehicles we tested in the last year. Here’s all the others and why they didn’t make the top 10
GU PATROL “In our opinion you’d be better off purchasing a used variant of the GU, especially if you can find one with the TD42T engine under the bonnet.” - Trav
“The industrial nature and general feel of the Colorado 7 when compared to other mid-sized wagons is a big turn-off.” - Trav
KUN26 HILUX “Withstood the test of time, but well and truly eclipsed in just about every element by the new HiLux.” – Trav
LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2 “Capable for a soft-roader, but can’t keep up with a true 4WD.” - Trav
RANGE ROVER SPORT “Great vehicle, but offers little more than the Discovery 4, which is half the price and better off-road.” - Trav 36 OVERLANDER 4WD
COLORADO 7
D40 NAVARA “The V6 turbo diesel was the one standout feature in the D40 – and it’s not even offered any more.” - Cahn
MECEDES BENZ G-WAGEN “We’d be lying if we said we didn’t want one – but if you can do without the luxuries you’d save a huge amount by going with a new Nissan Patrol or 76 Series LandCruiser.” - Cahn
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! At Overlander, we’re lucky enough to drive a load of new 4WDs. But when it all comes down to it, Trav, Cahn and Jock are just three guys who love 4WDing, and this article is a result of their opinions and experiences. We reckon that each and every Overlander reader’s opinion is just as valid as ours, so we’re inviting you to email us to tell us if you agreed with what we’ve said in this article or not. Email us your opinion at editorial@overlander.com.au.
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TRAVEL COBOURG PENINSULA, NT
NORTHERN
EXPOSURE The Cobourg Peninsula represents the most remote and spectacular touring in the Northern Territory WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEOFF MARTIN
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FACT FILE WHERE: Cobourg Peninsula is at the very top of the Northern Territory and is spectacular, with the trip through Arnhem Land to get there equally incredible. The Garig Gunak Barlu National Park completely contains the whole of the Cobourg Peninsula.
CAMPING: There is only one place to camp in the national park, the designated Smith Point campground. There are two areas – generator-free (area 1) and generators allowed (area 2).
ustralia’s Northern Territory has some of the best 4WD treks and this trip to the very top of the NT is one of the best. It takes some preplanning and extra effort to travel through Arnhem Land to the Cobourg Peninsula but the rewards are certainly worth it with spectacular scenery, incredible fishing, and sensational remote camping on offer. Travelling to Cobourg Peninsula requires some serious pre-planning as entry is by permit only and numbers are restricted. There are conditions that apply including not stopping within Arnhem Land and each permit covers a period of up to seven days. Permits are only issued between May and October depending on weather, land, and road conditions. Try to arrange your permit well ahead of time, especially during the busier times such as school holiday periods. Note that access is via 4WD vehicles only, with no caravans or motorbikes permitted. This trip starts at Jabiru, which is where you will need top up with food
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The start of our trip, crossing the East Alligator River at Cahills Crossing
and supplies to last the duration of you stay at Cobourg as there are no supplies there. Luckily Jabiru has a well-stocked supermarket, petrol station, bakery, and various other shops. Jabiru is also the place where you need to visit the Northern Land Council (NLC) office for a permit to the Oepilli Art Centre - more on that later. From Jabiru it’s 42km to Cahills Crossing, the infamous crossing of the East Alligator River and gateway to Arnhem Land and Cobourg Peninsula. This crossing has claimed many vehicles in the past, but if you take precautions it shouldn’t pose any problems. The main thing to remember is that the crossing can be affected by the tides, so check the tide charts and do not cross two hours within the high tide for tides over 6m (tides less than 5m are below the crossing and not a problem). Cahills crossing is also a popular fishing spot but make sure you remain croc-safe and stay well away from the river’s edge. We saw several fishermen walking through the crossing and
fishing from the rocks, right where a 4m crocodile slid pass the previous night! Once you’re across the East Alligator River you officially enter Arnhem Land. Here, you are greeted by spectacular wetlands framed by rugged escarpments and waterholes, with an abundance of wildlife. It is truly a stunning scene and it pays to take this section slow to take it all in (remembering your permit doesn’t allow stopping). There is aboriginal art hidden amongst the rocky outcrops that you may even spot as you travel along. If you wish to explore the art and this area more, then perhaps take a guided Injalak Rock Art Tour (details on the Injalak website). About 15km from Cahills crossing is the turn-off to the Oenpelli Community and the Injalak Art and Craft Centre. The centre can be visited by arranging a permit through the Northern Land Council in Jabiru, and is well worth visiting. This non-profit enterprise supports local artists and houses a terrific range of art and crafts. You can also watch the artists creating their works under the verandahs of the building,
TRAVEL COBOURG PENINSULA, NT
THIS TRIP TO THE VERY TOP OF THE NT IS ONE OF THE TERRITORY’S BEST
Victoria Settlement walking track & ruins, a short boat ride from Black Point
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TRAVEL COBOURG PENINSULA, NT
ONE OF THE MOST SCENIC AND PRISTINE COASTAL DESTINATIONS
IN ALL OF AUSTRALIA
with the adjacent lake and surrounding ranges making a magnificent backdrop. From the Oenpelli Community head back to the main road and head eastwards through the beautiful range country, with bushland and swamps at the base of rock stacks on your right as you continue on. After a further 20km turn left away at a major intersection and head northwards towards Mungenella and the Cobourg Peninsula. Another 10km further on is the Cooper Creek. This is a pretty crossing with paperbarks lining the banks, with a shady spot on the northern side that could be a
Travelling along the Oenpelli road in Arnhem Land
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good spot to stop for a quick lunch break. The concrete causeway makes it relatively easy, but it may be worth selecting lowrange if it’s flowing strongly. Next it’s up and over the Wellington Range before arriving at Angulari Creek which can be rough early in the dry season. The track turns back to the west at Brogden Point, next is Murgenella Creek which deep within a shady paperbark forest with masses of birdlife occupying the adjacent waterhole. We watched a variety of birds feeding on the small fish swimming across the narrow crossing, seemingly oblivious to our presence. There
is apparently a resident croc that patrols this crossing so stay well clear of the water! From Murgenella Creek it’s only a few kilometers to the abandoned community of Murgenella. Proceed straight through the community past the airstrip and continue westwards. Take care as you travel further as there are plenty of rough sections with washouts, blind corners and loose gravel. Many points are signposted with red triangles so slow down when you spot one of these. The boundary of Garig Gunak Barlu National Park is a total of 187km from Cahills Crossing. Here, the road narrows and stays that way to Black Point, a further 91km. Black Point is the location of the ranger station and this is where you call in to confirm your arrival. The friendly rangers will fill you in on all the attractions in the area, answer any questions about the area, and advise on the most suitable campsite for your group. From the ranger station turn-off it’s another 2km to a junction. Turn left to Smith Point which is the perfect spot to take in the sunset or fish from the rocks, or turn right to the campgrounds which are 5km beyond the airstrip. The first campground
WHAT TO TAKE: There are no supplies within the National Park so make sure you have sufficient supplies for the duration of your stay before entering the park. Bring plenty of sunscreen and repellent, as well as drinking water. Also bring any medications needed and include antihistamines for the guaranteed sand-fly bites. There is a phone box at the ranger station (phone cards only) but no mobile phone coverage so it is prudent to also carry a satellite phone.
SUPPLIES AND FACILITIES: Jabiru is the nearest major town and has a well-stocked supermarket as well as fuel and other supplies. The Black Point Ranger Station at Cobourg Peninsula has a Telstra Phone Box that takes phone cards only.
TRIP STANDARD: The road is 4WD only with areas of corrugations and washouts to look out for. There are several creek crossings that are usually shallow with a firm base. The crossing of the East Alligator River (Cahills Crossing) at the very beginning of the trip can be treacherous depending on the river flow, but is usually straight-forward. Rating D. is Area 1 (no generators) with the second campground, Area 2 (generators allowed) a further 1km on. Both campgrounds have bore water, toilets, hot showers and spacious sites with plenty of shade. There are also rubbish bins that are emptied daily by the rangers who are also happy to answer any questions you may have. The Cobourg Peninsula is located 350km north-east of Darwin and covers a land area of about 2,100km². It is virtually uninhabited with a population ranging from about 20 to 30 in five family outstations, but without any notable settlement or town. It is separated from Croker Island in the east by Bowen Strait and Melville Island in the west by Dundas Strait. In the north is the Arafura Sea, and in the south the Van Diemen Gulf. All of Cobourg Peninsula is part of Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, which also encompasses a few nearshore islands. It is famous for its pristine wilderness and is home to a large variety of sea life as well as the world’s largest herd of purestrain banteng (Indonesian Cattle). It is also renowned for its Aboriginal culture. While it is only sparsely inhabited today it was once the site of two failed attempts
at founding a major trading port on its northern shores, Fort Wellington at Raffles Bay (1827-1829) and Fort Victoria at Port Essington (1838-1849). Fort Victoria settlement is quite extensive with a marked track and information plaques leading through the stone ruins, however this can only be accessed by boat. Venture North run commercial tours leaving from the Black Point boat ramp and these tours can be arranged by calling the company (the rangers have a phone card to use if you wish to ring from the Phone Box at Black Point). The ranger station houses a great cultural, environmental and historical display. There is a range of items on display from the indigenous clans that occupied this area, as well as some more recent artifacts. There is information and displays from the Macassan sailors who have been coming to this area since the 1600s to collect sea cucumber (Trepang) for sale into China. Also at the ranger station are some incredible photographs of the local wildlife, and there is a short walk leaving from the rear of the centre which gives you a chance to see some of this wildlife first hand!
FUEL: Jabiru: Diesel $1.539/L Unleaded (Opal) $1.629/L
RESTRICTIONS AND PERMITS: Access is by permit only which must be organised and paid for prior to your trip.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL: The dry season (April to November) is the best time to travel, as most of the tracks are closed during the other months. Check road conditions and track openings prior to travelling.
CONTACTS AND INFORMATION: Access to Garig Gunak Barlu National Park is by permit only and numbers are restricted. To get a permit application contact: The Permit Officer Cobourg Peninsula Sanctuary and Marine Park Board PO Box 496 PALMERSTON NT 0831 Phone: (08) 8999 4814 OVERLANDER 4WD 43
TRAVEL COBOURG PENINSULA, NT There is a number of tracks to explore while at Cobourg. The main tracks are the coastal drive, wetlands drive, and Caiman Creek. The coastal drive starts at the second campground and follows the coast firstly through mangroves ringed by black rock, with spectacular sandy sections and some of the best coastal scenery you will ever see. While travelling along the coast, be sure to stop at some of the beaches or rocky outcrops to wet a line, or perhaps collect some oysters from the rocks. The coastal drive passes Kuper and Stewart Points before heading along Port Bremer, then heads inland to the main Gurig road. The track into Caiman Creek (Unarn) commences on the Garig road only a few hundred metres from where the coastal track terminates. This short drive to the coast meanders through woodlands before finishing at the Caiman Creek entrance and providing fantastic views across Port Essington from a high vantage point. This is also the perfect place to try your luck with some fishing from the beach below. The wetlands track starts from the rear of campground two and takes you past a large freshwater lagoon and wetland before finishing near the Black Point turn-off. A sensational place to watch the sunset and to fish is Smith Point. There is a stone beacon (cairn) here that was constructed in 1845 to guide ships into Port Essington. This beacon was reconstructed to the form you see today in 1978 by volunteers. Cobourg offers unbeatable fishing opportunities from the beach and rocks, but a boat is a worthwhile asset if you are able to bring one in. Fishing charters can be organised with the local operator (Venture North) if you don’t have your own boat. There are oysters to collect at low tide, and plenty of mud crabs to catch for a feed. One of the best things to do at Cobourg is just relax and wind down. There are
COBOURG PENINSULA IS A REMOTE TOURER’S DREAM
plenty of ways to do this - whether it’s sitting in the shade catching up with some reading, sharing a conversation with your friends, relaxing with a cool beverage under the trees, or walking alone along the pristine beach looking out into the sparkling blue water of the Arafura Sea. Like much of tropical Australia, Cobourg has its fair share of sandflies and mosquitoes so make sure you cover up especially around dusk and apply a liberal amount of deet-based repellent to any exposed skin. It is a smart idea to pack some antihistamines for the guaranteed bites. Cobourg Peninsula is a long way from civilization and requires quite an effort just to get there. But once there you are rewarded with one of the most scenic and pristine coastal destinations in all of Australia. When considering a trip up north make sure you include Cobourg into your plans, it will certainly not disappoint.
Injalak Arts & Crafts Association Private Mail Bag 131 Gunbalanya NT 0822 Phone: (08) 8979 0190 Email: info@injalak.com Website: injalak.com Northern Land Council (Jabiru Office) 3 Government Building, Flinders Street Jabiru NT 0886 Phone: (08) 8938 3000 Website: www.nlc.org.au Venture North (Fishing charters and Victoria Settlement Tour) PO Box 47, Nightcliff, Northern Territory, 0814 Phone: (08) 8927 5500 Website: www.venturenorth.com.au
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CUSTOM 4WD LAND ROVER DEFENDER
Bought new, new then then modifi modifi fie e d Bought ed at home, this Defender takes capability to the next level WORDS BY JORDAN GREATHEAD, PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID WOLTSCHENKO
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A
t some time in your life, there will be a moment when it’s time to upgrade from your old pride and joy, be it because it’s falling to pieces or it just doesn’t suit to your needs anymore, to a newer model 4WD. Two years ago, Brett decided to take the leap and upgrade from his old turbo diesel Rodeo to a newer model 4WD. After months of research and haggling down prices, Brett found the perfect 4WD, a brand new Land Rover Defender, which he managed to get for nearly $8000 less than the asking price! “The turbo diesel Rodeo was a trusty old beast, but it just wasn’t cutting it for me any longer, so out with the old and in with the new,” writes Brett. “I just couldn’t justify spending upwards of $70,000 on a new V8 LandCruiser, or a used Defender with the price tag of a new one – so a brand-spanking new Defender it was”. So why did Brett choose a Defender you ask? “I chose the Defender ultimately because of its off-road capability straight off the showroom floor, the only other 4WD that could compare in this respect was the Jeep Wrangler. I actually considered the Rubicon model, but the lack of cargo space turned me off big-time. Other reasons were because of the Defender’s uniqueness, aftermarket following, and because I could get leather seats with vinyl floors!” What better way to christen the brand new Defender than to test out the articulation on the factory suspension?
The rear Gullwings make accessing gear in the back much easier
Brett was more than happy with the flex the Defender put out, even with stock suspension and sway bars still connected. But, that wasn’t enough, so out came the sway bars. “I took it for a quick run around the block and the body roll, although more present was not bad at all. The Defender is way more capable with them out, you get heaps more droop when all flexed up.” It wasn’t long before Brett had sustained his first bit of damage on
the Defender, by bending in one corner of the factory front bar. “Sustaining the first battle scars helped me justify a front bar and rock sliders to the wife, but it still hurts when the vehicle only had 550km on it,” writes Brett. A Rovacraft steel winch bar was then fitted by Brett himself, along with a 20in Baja Designs LED light bar. He then proceeded to install a Hayman Reese towbar, Tekonsha P3 brake controller and swivel recovery points to the front bar. Brett has custom made this rear drawer setup himself, and what a job he’s done!
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CUSTOM 4WD LAND ROVER DEFENDER
Brett designed and made a custom rear drawer system with a mounted dropdown fridge slide, and two 100Ah AGM batteries that fit perfectly under one side of the false floor. Next up was to fit the 2.8m x 1.4m Front Runner roof rack and the Front Runner access ladder. “I always cringe a little when I have to break out the drill and punch a few holes in the new car to mount the ladder”, writes Brett. “At 12,000km on the clock, the Defender developed its first oil leak in the front swivel hubs – I guess you can say it’s now a fully-fledged Landy!” Yeh, I guess you can Brett! “I got approval from my lovely wife yesterday to go ahead and purchase a winch for a few upcoming trips we had planned, one of which being a few days at Sundown National Park. I’ve never been there and was a bit dubious about venturing into Burrows Waterhole and Rats Castle on our own without the gear to get ourselves out if things went a bit astray. So I fitted a Runva 11XP winch onto the winch bar.” Brett then proceeded to fit a new exhaust centre section to replace the restrictive factory one. He also bolted a space case to the roof rack, bolted on chequer plate rear-
EVERY SINGLE MODIFICATION ON THIS DEFENDER HAS BEEN DONE IN THE DRIVEWAY
The APT protection plates have been put through their paces, they work a treat
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CUSTOM 4WD LAND ROVER DEFENDER corner protectors, fitted an Ironman side and rear awning, and installed a Uniden UHF, all in a day’s work! Brett took the Defender to Sundown National Park to test out all the new bits of gear. “It was the best bit of 4WDing I had done in a long time, the factory side steps copped a hiding so rock sliders have definitely moved up on the list”. Christmas proved fruitful for Brett, with the addition of a Safari Snorkel, APT diff guards and 285/75R16 Federal Couragia MTs on 16x8 Dynamic rims. “These new tyres were supposed to be my play tyres, but truth be told they ended up living on it,” writes Brett. “The tyres
perform exceptionally well, even while still at road pressures. I even managed to damage one of the rims; they weren’t even six days old!” Brett then installed a Stedi 49in light bar with twin LED work lights to the top of the roof rack. “I then decided to rip the factory side steps off as they were looking a little worse for wear, and then over a few days I built a set of rock sliders out of 75x50x4 RHS and some 6mm plate,” writes Brett. A few more goodies then turned up to be added to the list, a Tom Woods double Cardin front drive shaft, APT shock turrets and spring retainers, and TerraFirma ProSport 2in shocks. Brett
Drilling holes in a brand new 4WD doesn’t sound like the best idea, but in this case it was certainly worth it
installed these along with Dobinson coils, which lifted the front 70mm and the rear 50mm. The dislocating front end with the 2in lift is all Brett needed for the big Defender to flex hard. “My favourite modification so far would have to be the Gullwing rear windows, they just make accessing things in the rear so much more easier. I fitted these up a couple of days after the suspension, and was stoked with the result.” “I then was lucky enough to win an APT fuel tank guard. The stock fuel tank guard and plastic tank already carry a few scars so one of these was always on the list. It’s made out of 6mm 5005 aluminium; this is a staunch bit of gear!” Brett then chose to swap out the Dobinson rear coils for Old Man Emu coils. “The Dobinson 250kg constant rear coils were perfect with just the drawers, fridge and recovery gear in the back but once you loaded it up it would drag its backside around, and that’s without the 50 OVERLANDER 4WD
The dislocating front suspension allows for maximum flex
OFFROAD CAPABILITY STRAIGHT OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR IS ASTOUNDING OVERLANDER 4WD 51
CUSTOM 4WD LAND ROVER DEFENDER
camper trailer. So I decided to install Old Man Emu 2in 500kg constants in the rear, and they worked a treat,” writes Brett. And this is where Brett’s Defender is today. It’s important to note that Brett has done every single modification on his Defender himself in the driveway. The only time it has been in a workshop was the pre-delivery inspection before he picked it up brand new. Each modification was only done when Brett This Defender is just as at home whether touring or tackling tough low-range tracks
thought he needed it, no modification was done that he felt was unnecessary. Even though his Defender still has the factory axles, CV’s, drive flanges and diff centres, it doesn’t stop Brett from going anywhere he points it. This is one seriously tough and capable Defender, and is a prime example of how to build up your 4WD – Brett’s advice to readers is to “take your time and do the research, there is always somebody that has done
it before you. Learn from their mistakes and mod your 4WD when you think you need that specific modification. I feel this is the best way to learn about your vehicle and its capabilities”. Brett would also like to take the time to thank Ben Woodgate from APT Fabrications for all the products he has supplied to him along the way. Most importantly, he would like to thank his wife Hannah, for sharing the interest.
TECH SPECS 2013 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 ENGINE: 2.2L turbo diesel 4WD ACTIVATION: Manual SUSPENSION: Front – 2in Dobinson coils with Terrafirma ProSport shocks Rear – 2in Old Man Emu coils with Terrafirma ProSport shocks
TYRES: 285/75R16 Federal Couragia MTs OTHER GOOD GEAR: Custom rock sliders, Runva 11Xp winch, APT diff and fuel tank guards, Safari Snorkel, Ironman side and rear awning, custom drawer system, Gullwings, Rovacraft steel winch bar 52 OVERLANDER 4WD
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TRAVEL TASSIE’S ULTIMATE HOTSPOTS
asmania has a rich and fascinating history, dating back well before European settlement, beginning in 1642 with Abel Tasman’s first sighting of the land that would go on to be called Tasmania. It was first named Van Diemen’s Land by the British, and was first settled in 1803. It became well known for convict settlements and harsh penal colonies. Despite Tasmania being only 240km from the mainland of Australia, it offers a diverse range of interesting regions to explore. These days 40% of Tasmania is protected as national parks and reserves, meaning you don’t have to travel too far to discover the unique, untouched beauty of the Apple Isle. Here are Tassie’s five best must-see touring hotspots in all their glory!
T
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ING COMPILED BY CAMPER TRAILER TOUR
As far as epic touring destinations go, Tasmania is up there with the best. Here’s a look at the island state’s 5 best hotspots!
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TRAVEL TASSIE’S ULTIMATE HOTSPOTS
FACT FILE CAMPSITES: RECHERCHE BAY RECREATION AREA, COCKLE CREEK: (GPS: 43’34’44’S 146’53’12’E). Peaceful, forested free camping outside the national park area right next to a beautiful calm bay. Tassie devils spotted at night.
TAHUNE AIRWALK: (GPS: 43’5’40’S 146’ 43’ 50’E) Free camping in amongst the spectacular tall trees next to the visitors centre with payment of entry fees to the Airwalk ($26). Great spot to camp to give you more time to explore the airwalk forests and experience the forest after dark.
SOUTHERN FORESTS From the mountains to the sea, Tassie’s Southern hern Forests are nothing short of spectacular We don’t know about you but when we think of Tasmania we immediately picture dense, thick forests of tall trees where a myriad of wild and unusual animals hide away in an unspoilt wilderness. Luckily for us this wilderness actually exists in Tassie’s Southern Forests region, and is easily accessible by a 2-hour drive south from Hobart. The Southern Forests region extends for hundreds of kilometres across the wild southwest corner of Tasmania and is so remote that much if it is only accessible by foot on multi-day wilderness hikes. On the eastern
edge of this wilderness however are numerous 4WD tracks which take you on an exciting adventure from the wild Tasman Sea to the top of the 920m high White Timber Mountain through both old and new growth forest. To start the trip take the A6 Channel Highway south from Hobart to Cockle Creek, the southern-most point in Australia that you can drive to. This drive, which is mostly along the bitumen, passes through the Huon Valley, an area renowned for its top class food produce and is a brilliant place to stop on the way to taste some of the local delights.
NEW NORFOLK CARAVAN PARK: (GPS: 42’46’32’S 147’3’58’E) $20p/n for unpowered camping. $25 for powered. Beautiful location on the banks of the Derwent River with great facilities.
FUEL & SUPPLIES: Fuel and supplies available from Huonville or Geeveston and at New Norfolk.
TRIP STANDARD: The section from Judbury to New Norfolk over the White Timber Trail and Jeffries Track is B– grade. All the rest is E-grade suitable for all tourers.
RESTRICTIONS AND PERMITS: National Parks Pass required for entry into Cockle Creek (Southwest National Park. We purchased a two month pass for $60 – this is the most economical option if you are in Tasmania for a few weeks.
KEY CONTACTS: PARKS AND WILDLIFE TASMANIA – SOUTHWEST NATIONAL PARK (HUONVILLE OFFICE) 22 Main Street Huonville TAS 7109 PHONE: 03 6264 8460 Tahune Airwalk. PHONE: 1300 720 507
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There are few places in Australia as good for freshwater fishing
Camping in dense forest with the sun streaming through the foliage is spectacular
Some of Tassie’s best 4WDing can be found on the wild west coast
FACT FILE CAMPSITES GRANVILLE HARBOUR GPS: 41°48’19”S 145°01’43”E
LAKE MACKINTOSH GPS:41° 41’03”S 145° 39’20”E
Granville Harbour has some of the best free camping anywhere in Australia
GRANVILLE HARBOUR
CORINNA CAMPGROUND GPS: 41° 39’05”S 145’4’39”E
A journey up the rugged west coast of Tasmania won’t forget! Tasm sman ania ia is is an experience exp per erie ienc nce e you y u wo yo won n t fo forg rg get et!! After f arriving at Granville Harbour on the West Coast of Tasmania and setting up in a free campsite, perched on a cliff edge overlooking a sunset on the vast Southern Ocean you’ll begin to wonder what the catch was. The thing is – in Tasmania, there is no catch. There are free campsites available all along the west coast – all of which will take your breath away and make for incredible camping experiences, even if the weather is less than ideal. Granville Harbour is a four-hour drive from the northern town of evo vonp nportt, wh here tthe here he Spirit he Spi piri ritt of Tasmania Tasma mani nia ia D Devonport, where
ferry docks. The journey down to the harbour passes through some of Tassie’s spectacular rainforest scenery as well as the famous Tarkine Wilderness Area. From Devonport, take the Bass Hwy to Somerset and then head south past the small farming towns of Yolla and Oonah. After the Fingerpost Rest Area, turn west onto the B23 Waratah Road to Corinna. Just after the B23 turnoff there is free bush-camping at Lake Macintosh near the town of Tullah. It may sound like specific direction, but the last thing we want is for you yo u to miss mis isss th this is sspot! p t!! po
THE JOURNEY DOWN TO THE HARBOUR PASSES THROUGH SOME OF TASSIE’S SPECTACULAR RAINFOREST SCENERY
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL: It is best to travel to the West coast of Tasmania in the summer months as many of the 4WD tracks become impassable and dangerous during winter.
TRIP STANDARD: Trips are rated A through to E grade, with A meaning not suitable to tow a camper trailer at all, B meaning least suitable for a camper trailer and E meaning perfectly suited for all types of camper trailers. The trip from Corinna to Granville Harbour is on a windy, well graded, gravel road which is rated D. The trip from Granville Harbour to Pieman Heads is rated B – only tow if very experienced. The track is rough, boggy, windy and narrow and it is best to leave your camper trailer near the start at the camping areas and do the track with the car only.
RESTRICTIONS AND PERMITS: No permits required to travel through this area. If using quad bikes a permit is required from Parks and Wildlife Tasmania in Strahan. Current Inland Fisheries Commission angling licences are required for fishing in inland water ways.
CONTACTS: PARKS AND WILDLIFE TASMANIA – STRAHAN OFFICE PH: (03) 6472 6020 OVERLANDER 4WD 57
FACT FILE CAMPSITES: CLOUDY BAY GPS: 43’27’57’S 147’15’8’E
THE NECK BAY GPS: 43’17’29’S 147’ 19’ 43’E
FUEL & SUPPLIES: Fuel and supplies are available from Kettering before getting on ferry to Bruny Island. Fuel is available on Bruny at Adventure Bay and limited supplies available from general stores at Roberts Point, Adventure Bay and Alonnah.
BRUNY ISLAND The majestic Bruny Island has everything g way you need for that perfect adventure getaway Located less than two hours south of Hobart lies one of Tassie’s best weekend getaways, Bruny Island. Here, on the magnificent southeast coast of Tasmania you’ll be 4WDing through pristine rainforest, setting up camp on a remote peninsula and wandering along endless white beaches having only left home a few hours before. Tasmania’s Bruny Island ticks every adventure box and is the very definition of a local weekend adventure! Bruny Island is a 15-minute ferry ride across the D’entrecasteaux Channel from the town of Kettering, an hour
south of Hobart Hobart. Bruny is made up of the north island and the south island which are joined by a narrow spit of land called the neck. The north features open fields and pastoral land dotted with mouth-watering eateries and sheltered bays while the south is more rugged, forested and wild and includes the South Bruny National Park, as well as all the designated camping areas. The ferry docks at Roberts Point in the north island and straight away the exploration through spectacular landscapes and tasty food begins.
Like most of Tassies coast, fishing on Bruny Island is one of the key attractions
TRIP STANDARD: Tracks are rated A through E, with A meaning least suitable for camper trailers, and E meaning perfectly suited to all types of camper trailers. Tracks around Bruny Island don’t present too much of a challenge during dry weather so would normally be rated a D. The beach access to Cloudy Bay would be a D in good conditions but could be tougher in poor conditions.
RESTRICTIONS AND PERMITS: National Parks Pass required for entry into South Bruny National Park and the camping areas.
KEY CONTACTS: PARKS AND WILDLIFE TASMANIA PH: 03 6293 1419 FAX: 03 6293 1446 BRUNY ISLAND FERRY COMPANY KETTERING PH: 03 6272 2322
58 OVERLANDER 4WD
Set up camp on a remote peninsula and wander along endless white beaches
BRUNY ISLAND TICKS EVERY ADVENTURE BOX, IT IS THE VERY DEFINITION OF A LOCAL WEEKEND HOTSPOT!
TRAVEL TASSIE’S ULTIMATE HOTSPOTS
FACT FILE CAMPSITES: DEEP CREEK GPS: 40° 58’12’S 148’18’41’E
The 4WD tracks in this area are an added bonus to an already sensational destination
BAY OF FIRES A trip to Tasmania’s Bay Of Fires offers an unforgettable adventure through pristine wilderness Picture yourself standing on a sugarend of the bay and the town of St Helens white beach skirted by a pristine clearat the bottom. A trip from Mount William blue ocean with stingrays skimming the National Park, through the Blue Tier shallow waters and schools of salmon forestry tracks to St Helens and the beaches just waiting to be caught. At the Bay of of the Bay of Fires is a fantastic way to see Fires on Tasmania’s northeast coast this the diversity of Tasmania’s spectacular dream is a beautiful reality and the added landscapes, wildlife and pioneer history. bonus of 4WD tracks through ancient rainforest Cracking campin make it an unforgettable wildlife make th g and diverse scenery and is area a must-s ee location touring destination. The Bay of Fires is a two and a half hour drive east from Launceston through Gladstone. Mount William National Park is at the top
COSY CORNER NORTH GPS: 41° 13’13’S 148’16’55’E
$$$
GRIFFIN FOREST CAMP AREA GPS: 41° 28’11’S 147’50’36’E
$$$
FUEL & SUPPLIES: Fuel and supplies are available from Launceston, Gladstone and St Helens. St Helens is a major town with cafes, supermarkets, showers and fuel and is only 10kms from the southern end of the Bay of Fires.
TRIP STANDARD: The tracks on this trip are C-D grade depending on weather conditions. They are suitable for most sturdy offroad camper trailers.
RESTRICTIONS AND PERMITS: National Parks Pass required for entry into Mount William National Park - A two month pass can be had for $60. A fishing license is required if you’re planning on casting a line.
KEY CONTACTS: PARKS AND WILDLIFE TASMANIA PH: 03 6376 1550
OVERLANDER 4WD 59
TRAVEL TASSIE’S ULTIMATE HOTSPOTS
FACT FILE CAMPSITES: DISCOVERY HOLIDAY PARKS – CRADLE MOUNTAIN Discovery Holiday Parks – Cradle Mountain offers powered and unpowered sites. It can be busy during summer and school holidays, so it’s a good idea to book well in advance. Unpowered sites start from $25.
$ LAKE ST CLAIR LODGE Lakeside camping is available at Lake St Clair Lodge in Cynthia Bay. National Park entry fees apply, as well as camping fees payable at the lodge. Powered and unpowered sites are available. Sites start at $25. Facilities include a guest laundry, café, bar and bistro.
$ FUEL AND SUPPLIES: Groceries, spare parts and fuel are available at Sheffield to the north, and Derwent Bridge in the south.
TRIP STANDARD: This trip is rated E. The tracks within the national park are well maintained and in excellent condition.
RESTRICTIONS AND PERMITS:
This is one of Tasmania’s most scenic spots, so you’ll be pulling over for pictures regularly
CRADLE MOUNTAINLAKE ST. CLAIR ain peaks With stunning lakes and devilish mountain peaks, this region of Tasmania is truly from another world The Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park is located on the north-west fringe of Tasmania’s Central Highlands. Access from the north is via Cradle Mountain Road from Wilmont. From the south, head in via Derwent Bridge on Lake St Clair Road. Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park has many mountains and spectacular lakes. There are countless bushwalks ranging from a few minutes to a few days long. Pademelons, Bennett’s wallabies, wombats and possums are among the common sightings in the park. The climate in the National Park is very unpredictable and can change rapidly.
In this part of Tasmania, it rains nine out of every 10 days so you need to be equipped for wet weather. Temperatures range from 6°C to 19°C in summer and 0°C to 7°C in winter. Lake St Clair itself was once a valley carved by a glacier that was eventually dammed by glacial debris. The maximum depth approaches 215m, making Lake St Clair Australia’s deepest lake. The fishing is good in both Dove Lake in the shadows of Cradle Mountain, and Lake St Clair. There is a strict catchand-release policy in Dove Lake, and you must fish with barbless hooks. The bushwalking opportunities within the national park are the best in Australia.
A current National Parks Pass must be purchased for entry into Tasmania’s National Parks. Fire bans can occur at short notice and fuel stoves are recommended for cooking.
KEY CONTACTS: PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE CRADLE MOUNTAIN Where: 4057 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain Ph: (03) 6492 1110 Email: cradle@parks.tas.gov.au CRADLE MOUNTAIN TOURIST PARK AND CAMPGROUND Where: 3832 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain Ph: (03) 6492 1395 LAKE ST CLAIR LODGE Where: Lake St Clair Road, Derwent Bridge Ph: (03) 6289 1137 Email: frontdesk@lakestclairlodge.com.au 60 OVERLANDER 4WD
The bushwalking in this region is some of Australia’s bes t
NEW VEHICLE TOYOTA HILUX VS FORTUNER
UTES VS
, WORDS BY CAHN TURNER DSHAW PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIL BRA
segments are dual cab ? D 4W w ne d te es nt co tly The two most ho its your needs better su ch hi w t bu – s on ag w utes and mid-sized
OVERLANDER 4WD 63
NEW VEHICLE TOYOTA HILUX VS FORTUNER
W
ith the small / mid-sized 4WD wagon market growing and the Ute segment continuing to dominate, we decided to investigate which option is better for Aussie 4WDers. Since we had recently driven the HiLux and Fortuner we’ve put together a side by side comparison of 4WD utes and wagons using the two Toyota stablemates as a basis and then going into greater detail about why each shape excels off-road.
ner as the Flex isn’t as impressive in the Fortu greatly HiLux, but the coil-sprung rear axle onse increases comfort, handling and resp
THE RISE OF THE MID-SIZED WAGON While the HiLux has a long and proud history in Australia, the Fortuner hasn’t been available in Australia until recently and while it has been hailed by some as a modern 4Runner, the Fortuner is a distinctly different model. In fact, the 4Runner is still available in some markets, based on the FJ Cruiser chassis, while since 2005 the Fortuner has
been Toyota’s HiLux based midsized wagon. In January of this year there were 33,073 mid-sized wagons sold in Australia, compared to 35,214 passenger vehicles and that’s not a one off – mid-sized wagon sales are steadily increasing in Australia which means we’re likely to see many more on and off the road as time passes.
Both the Fortuner and HiLux are formidable 4WDs straight out of the showroom thanks to their excellent traction control, rear diff lock and torquey engines 64 OVERLANDER 4WD
WHY BUY A MIDSIZED WAGON? A ute based mid-sized wagon offers a higher level of comfort than its ute counterpart and still manages to come in at a much lower price than larger 4WDs – in this case, the top spec Fortuner Crusade saves you over $20,000 compared to a Prado Kakadu with the same engine and a whopping $56,000 compared to the LandCruiser 200 Series Sahara. The Fortuner is smaller, sure, but offers plenty of space for families who don’t need the tray space of a double cab ute. The Fortuner is priced around $6000 higher than the equivalent HiLux but you’re getting more 4WD for your money – with a Fortuner there’s no need to add an aftermarket canopy to protect your fridge and you’ve got a seating capacity of seven. If you’re a tradie who wants to be able to throw your camping gear in the back and head off for a quick weekend escape then you can’t beat a 4WD ute. On the other hand for young couples or families who need a more refined daily driver, a mid-sized wagon is a fantastic decision. With up to a 3000kg towing capacity and real off-road prowess the Fortuner is no soft-roader either!
While you can see the similarities, manufacturers up the ante in their ute based SUVs and aim for a much higher standard of comfort and luxury
FOR YOUNG COUPLES OR FAMILIES WHO NEED A MORE REFINED DAILY DRIVER, A MID-SIZED WAGON IS A FANTASTIC DECISION
OTHER OPTIONS While we’ve focused on the HiLux and Fortuner due to our recent tests, most other manufacturers are now offering similar utes and ute based mid-sized wagon. On the final page we’ll have a comparison table to give you the run-down on all the similar models including the Ford Ranger and Ford Everest, Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X as well as the Holden Colorado and Colorado 7 and the Mitsubishi Triton and Pajero Sport.
OVERLANDER 4WD 65
IS A MID-SIZED WAGON AS CAPABLE AS A UTE? Because of the amount of soft-roaders and allwheel-drive SUVs already on the market there is misconception that 4WDs like the Fortuner aren’t as tough as a ‘real’ 4WD. The new ute-based midsized wagons buck that trend entirely and thanks to the re-developed HiLux chassis that it features, the Fortuner is a formidable off-roader. The HiLux offers greater ground clearance (279mm vs 225mm) and betters the Fortuner by 1° on both approach and departure angles, but the Fortuner’s slightly shorter wheelbase and shorter body make it feel much more nimble and more manoeuvrable on tight tracks. Both the Fortuner and HiLux have impressive traction control, downhill assist control and a rear locker is standard across the range. The Fortuner also swaps the HiLux’s leaf-sprung rear end for a four-link coil sprung live axle which offers slightly less flex but is much more responsive – particularly for high speed off-road touring.
There’s a reason 4WD utes sell in such high volumes – they offer almost the whole package with comfort, capability and large payload
IF YOU’RE A TRADIE WHO WANTS TO HEAD OFF FOR A QUICK WEEKEND ESCAPE THEN YOU CAN’T BEAT A 4WD UTE
COMFORT AND CABIN FEATURES The main difference that contributes to the Fortuner besting the HiLux in the comfort stakes is the rear suspension setup. The Fortuner feels planted on any terrain, even at higher speeds and reacts predictably – the HiLux, like most utes, can feel a little light in the rear end and we noticed the Electronic Stability Control in the HiLux cutting in more often on winding dirt roads. Inside, the
66 OVERLANDER 4WD
Fortuner hides its HiLux origin well though there are still small design cues that give away its genetics. That said, the driver and passenger seats in both the Fortuner and HiLux were a highlight in our tests and we found them particularly comfortable even after a full day of driving. The also Fortuner offers rear air conditioning vents that’ll keep rear passengers happy.
NEW VEHICLE TOYOTA HILUX VS FORTUNER
DIFFERENCES ACROSS THE MARKET Differences Toyota
Brakes
Angles
Ground Clearance
Length
Wheelbase
Towing
Engine
RRP 2.8TD Auto
GEARBOX
HiLux SR5
(F) 319mm ventilated disc (R) 295mm drum
Approach 31° Departure 26°
279mm
5330mm
3085mm
3500kg braked (Manual) 3200kg Braked (Auto)
2.8L turbo diesel 4 cylinder 130kW 450Nm
$55,990 Dual Cab SR5
6 speed auto Or 6 speed Intelligent manual
Fortuner
(F) 338mm ventilated disc (R) 312mm ventilated disc
Approach 30° Departure 25°
225mm
4795mm
2750mm
3000kg braked (Manual) 2800kg Braked (Auto)
2.8L turbo diesel 4 cylinder 130kW 450Nm
$61,990 Crusade
6 speed auto Or 6 speed Intelligent manual
Differences Ford
Brakes
Angles
Ground Clearance
Length
Wheelbase
Towing
Engine
RRP
GEARBOX
Ranger
Not Listed
Approach 29° Departure 21°
237mm
5110mm
3220mm
3500kg braked (Manual) 3500kg Braked (Auto)
3.2L turbo diesel 5 cylinder 137kW 470Nm
$63,034 Wildtrak Double Cab (Drive away)
6 speed auto Or 6 speed manual
Everest
Not listed
Approach 29.5° Departure 25°
225mm
4892mm
2850mm
3000kg braked (Auto)
3.2L turbo diesel 5 cylinder 137kW 470Nm
$88,070 Everest Titanium
6 spd auto
Differences Isuzu
Brakes
Angles
Ground Clearance
Length
Wheelbase
Towing
Engine
RRP
GEARBOX
D-MAX
(F) ventilated disc (R) drum
Approach 30° Departure 23°
235mm
5295mm
3095mm
3500kg braked (Manual) 3500kg Braked (Auto)
3.0L turbo diesel 4 cylinder 130kW 380Nm
$56,661 LS-T (Drive away)
5 speed auto Or 5 speed manual
MU-X
(F) ventilated disc (R) solid disc
Approach 30° Departure 25°
230mm
4825mm
2845mm 3000kg Braked (Auto)
3.0L turbo diesel 4 cylinder 130kW 380Nm
$59,164 LS-T (Drive away)
5 speed auto
Differences Holden
Brakes
Angles
Ground Clearance
Length
Wheelbase
Towing
Engine
RRP
GEARBOX
Colorado Z71
(F) 300mm ventilated disc (R) 295mm drum
Approach 30° Departure 22°
235mm
5347mm
3096mm
3500kg braked (Manual) 3500kg Braked (Auto)
2.8L turbo diesel 4 cylinder 147kW 440Nm
$56,269 (Driveaway)
6 speed auto Or 6 speed manual
Colorado 7 LTZ
(F) 300mm ventilated disc (R) 318mm disc
Approach 30° Departure 25°
230mm
4878mm
2845mm
2.8L turbo diesel 4 cylinder 147kW 500Nm
$47,990 (driveaway)
6 speed auto
3000kg Braked (Auto)
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NEW VEHICLE TOYOTA HILUX VS FORTUNER
Differences Mitsubishi
Brakes
Angles
Ground Clearance
Length
Wheelbase
Towing
Engine
RRP
GEARBOX
Triton
(F) ventilated disc (R) drum
Approach 30° Departure 22°
205mm
5280mm
3000mm
3100kg Braked (Auto)
2.4L turbo diesel 4 cylinder 133kW 430Nm
$49,990 Dual Cab Exceed
5 speed auto
(F) 17” ventilated disc (R) 16” ventilated disc
Approach 30° Departure 24°
218mm
4785mm
2800mm
3100kg Braked (Auto)
2.4L turbo diesel 4 cylinder 133kW 430Nm
$54,990 Exceed
8 speed auto
Exceed
Pajero Sport
THERE IS A MISCONCEPTION THAT 4WDS LIKE THE FORTUNER AREN’T AS TOUGH AS A ‘REAL’ 4WD Ute based SUVs like the Fortuner excel in high speed off-road situations – they’ll never be as quiet and refined as a monocoque vehicle, but instead they inspire confidence on a range of terrains
SUMMING UP The rise of the ute-based mid-sized wagon doesn’t look like it’s going to stop any time soon, for good reason. The Fortuner is a comfortable and capable 4WD that is just as at home on the daily grind as it is tearing up an outback highway or towing a camper trailer over rough as guts terrain. As the aftermarket segment grows 4WDers will be able to really see just how tough 68 6 8 OVE OVERLANDER OVERLA OV ANDE NDE ER 4 4W 4WD WD
the Fortuner is – at this point it’s really only being held back by the soft-roader image, but throw on some proper offroad tyres, a 2in lift and bullbar and you’re looking at a 4WD that’ll tackle family trips with ease. Sharing the same tough engine as the HiLux with the bonus of a shorter wheelbase and body means the Fortuner will likely be spotted on tracks all over Australia.
The coil rear end means the Fortuner is comfortable, but it also limits its payload. If you still need to haul around plenty of gear or you need a ute for work the HiLux still offers a capable and comfortable compromise. As always take every model on a test drive and if you’re planning on long touring trips, take the family to the dealer to make sure the kids and other half are comfortable too!
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TOURING TIPS OUTBACK DUNE DRIVING
Heading for the desert? Here are the must-have tips and tricks to tackle the toughest outback dunes around COMPILED BY OVERLANDER 4WD OVERLANDER 4WD 71
TOURING TIPS OUTBACK DUNE DRIVING et’s be honest, what 4WDer doesn’t like pointing their vehicle towards a big sand dune in the middle of the outback? Yep, there’s nothing better than the sound of an engine clawing its way up a steep stretch of sand while you’re grabbing hold of your steering wheel tighter than a toddler grips a lollypop. As much fun as it is, some would argue it’s not so much the white knuckled thrills that lure us to the outback, it’s the vast open landscapes and rugged isolation that make it a real off-road adventure. That same remoteness means the preparation for a trip like crossing the Simpson Desert or tackling the Canning Stock Route is going to be a lot different than your average weekend on the tracks. The same goes for driving techniques - if you’ve only ever driven tracks rocks and ruts, you’ll be in for a real surprise! So if a trip to the real Australian outback is sitting on your off-road bucket list, here are the essential tips, tricks and secrets to make sure you and your truck conquer some of the best outback wheeling on earth, and have an absolute blast in the process!
L
EARLY PREP WORK There’s nothing worse than stressing out during the lead up to any big trip, and struggling to get your vehicle in tip top shape can contribute quite easily to a few sleepless nights if you leave things to the last minute. That makes those pre-trip mechanical checks one of the things that is better off getting done at least a few weeks before the trip to allow plenty of time for repairs. Once you’ve checked the vehicle over thoroughly, make sure you’ve got all the planning done well beforehand, and give yourself plenty of leeway and spare time before you leave for all the little things that invariably pop up. In saying that, once you’ve got a well prepared truck, water, fuel, food, shelter, a reliable means of communication and a solid itinerary left with someone responsible at home, then you’ve basically covered the big things - the little things will take care of themselves, so don’t stress yourself needlessly with too much over-preparation. Remember, the whole idea of a trip to the outback is to de-stress! 72 OVERLANDER 4WD
Travelling the outback in convoy is always a smart idea
CONQUERING BIG DUNES IS ALL ABOUT FINDING TRACTION
Gear selection plays a major part of successfully driving a dune
DRIVING TECHNIQUES The way you approach big dunes plays a massive part in how your vehicle handles it overall. On steep dune climbs you want to approach the dunes straight on to avoid getting on less than perfect and often hairy
angles. That also means you’ll have to watch your front bar doesn’t bottom out before your front wheels start climbing. In some cases, the track to conquer the dune will actually wind its way around and
up. The trick to tackling these corners is smooth throttle control the whole way up. The rougher you are on the gas, the more traction you’ll lose, and conquering big dunes is all about finding traction!
3 ESSENTIAL OUTBACK TOURING TIPS
1
PLUG KITS
2
GET RID OF SPINIFEX
A plug repair kit with plenty of spare plugs is essential, but most people rarely consider carrying a spare fork for the plug kit. If a fork breaks, you’ve got a problem on your hands. So, for a few extra bucks, it’s worth chucking in a spare.
Depending on the region, spinifex is the major problem and it gets stuck in every nook and cranny on your 4WD. A smart idea is to carry an old tent peg puller to clear those hard to reach places, especially around the exhaust where it gets hot.
3
TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING
You should consider a tyre pressure monitoring system to be one of the best upgrades you have for outback driving. Soft sand means you’ll be regularly running low tyre pressures, which makes it hard to determine if a tyre is losing pressure - you need to stop before you end up shredding the tyres sidewalls.
Tyre pressures are one of the key elements to driving outback sand OVERLANDER 4WD 73
GETTING SET Setting your 4WD vehicle up for tackling Dunes is pretty much the same as setting it up for any other 4WDing, you need to be on top of all the maintenance and servicing, especially with your cooling system! Tyres with plenty of rubber left are crucial to safely lower their pressure without risking punctures at the same time as increasing their flotation and traction. As with tackling the dunes, keeping the weight of your gear packed nice and low and between the front and rear axles will help keep the vehicle stable as you crest the dunes, and if you usually don’t run sway bars, it’s definitely worth refitting them for tackling dunes, especially off-camber ones. Most of our iconic Aussie deserts now have a law that you must run a sand flag off the bull bar or roof rack – it must flutter at least 3m above the ground so other drivers can see you approaching the top of a hill from the other side.
The 4psi rule is that you’re runnthe perfect way to ensure ing the right pres sures
TOP TIP – THE 4 PSI RULE Choosing the right tyre pressures to suit different terrain can be tricky business, but there is a fairly simple way to take out the guess work and determine the ideal pressure. It’s called the 4 psi rule, and it basically starts by setting your pressures roughly where you think they should be for the terrain you’re tackling. Then drive for long enough to get the tyres warm (usually about an hour) and check the pressures again, if they’ve gone up by more than 4psi, the starting pressure was too low so you can add a little more air. If they’ve gone up by less than 4psi, then your starting pressures were too high and you should drop a couple of PSI out. Once they’ve gone up by exactly 4psi, you’ve pretty much got them perfect!”
DOING IT EASY The most important thing for big dunes is to make sure that your tyres are at a low enough pressure to float on top of the sand instead of dig their way down. As a general rule of thumb for desert sand driving, dropping your tyre pressures to around 18psi is a good starting point, then work your way down from there. Your vehicle’s weight and tyre size will play a massive role in the ideal tyre pressure for a specific terrain, and keep in
74 OVERLANDER 4WD
DISCOVER THAT PERFECT DUNE DRIVING GEAR AND YOU’LL CONQUER ALMOST ANYTHING mind, although you might start the day with the correct tyre pressures on a relatively cold morning, by midmorning chances are they’re getting up there, and by lunch they could be too high for the soft sand. When this happens, you’ll notice your wheels will tend to spin and dig in a lot more than a few hours ago, and you’ll need to rev your engine a lot harder to get anywhere. If that happens to you, treat it as an alarm bell to drop your tyre pressures some more to make life easier on your rig.
TOURING TIPS OUTBACK DUNE DRIVING
GEARED FOR DUNES A combination of soft sand, steep inclines and searing heat means conquering a big dune can be more challenging than one might think. Despite what many 4WDer’s consider, most 4WD’s are more than capable of tackling the dunes straight off the chopping block, which means providing you’ve got your tyre pressures right, it all comes down to the skill of the fella behind the wheel. Selecting the right gear is one of the biggest decisions you’ll be faced with. The aim is to pick a gear range and gear that lets you tackle the dune at your desired speed without having to change gear mid-way through, while keeping the revs up in the engines peak torque band without over revving or over working the engine.
If you choose to lock it in a low gear like first or second in low-range, and you find the engine’s revving fairly hard yet you’re still not getting up the dunes without bogging down as the tyres start spinning, then the chances are that your tyre pressures are too high and you are in too low of a gear! Dropping your tyre pressures another couple of psi and changing up a gear, and possibly knocking it into a lower gear in high range can give you the traction and momentum you need to make it through. It goes without saying, once you discover that perfect dune conquering gear you’ll drive almost anything, and there’s nothing better than cruising over a dune that sand flicking rev head conked out half way up!
WRAPPING IT UP Well there you go, with some basic know-how and a bit of preparation there’s no reason why you can’t take your 4WD to some of the best outback dunes in the country, and out-drive your mates when you get there. So,
if that big outback lap has been on your mind, now’s the perfect time to put the wheels into motion. If you’re a little anxious about sinking your tyres into the sand, why not head to the beach and give your truck a test
run first? Bottom line is, we all own a 4WD because we love to explore the best country on earth, and if you haven’t high tailed it to the outback in the past, chances are you simply don’t know what you’re missing!
OVERLANDER 4WD 75
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TECH TALK 4WD STEERING
BETTER
STEERING How to make your solid-axle or IFS steering components as tough as the tracks you drive them on! WORDS BY ALLEN HODGES, PHOTOS BY OVERLANDER 4WD
78 OVERLANDER 4WD
teering components are one of the first things to fail when you’re tackling tough stuff off-road, and can be absolute showstoppers. Throw some big tyres and weighty accessories at a 4WD then drive it up some challenging tracks and
S
you’ll naturally find the limits of your stock components. Let’s take a look at proven ways of strengthening steering components in solid-axle and IFS 4WDs, including some effective mods you can do on a budget. We will also show you some tricks to get you out of the bush if you do damage on the tracks.
HOW SOLID AXLE STEERING WORKS Solid-axle steering is made up of a number of hardened steel links with ball joints at each end. Going from top to bottom, you have your steering wheel joining to the column which connects to your steering box. Your steering box has an arm called a pitman arm that connects to your draglink and joins to your left hand swivel hub and then joins via the tie-rod back to the right hand side swivel hub. The steering on these works on a pushpull method. For example, when you turn your steering wheel to the right the pitman arm moves to the right and pulls the drag link and the left hand wheel which in turns pulls the tie-rod that is connected to the RH wheel.
HOW IFS STEERING WORKS IFS 4WDs run different steering setups to solid axle trucks. There are two common systems – the rack and pinion, which is a completely different ballgame to a solid-axle truck, and a steering box setup which is somewhat similar. It’s worth explaining the rack and pinion setup. Generally, the steering wheel connects to the steering column, which then runs down into the steering rack. The steering rack has a worm drive gear that transfers movement out to the rack tie-rod ends (ball joints), which connect to the hubs. When you turn the steering wheel, the steering column directs the worm gear, which in turn moves the steering rack and the tie-rod ends, directing the wheels right or left.
MODIFYING YOUR IFS STEERING A cheap steering upgrade on an IFS 4WD is replacing the steering rack ends with greasable heavier duty ones, this will give you a longer life then the factory sealed ones as they are heavier casting which will reduce breakages as you have the ability to grease them which will reduce wear and tear. They will not increase durability of the steering arm just the ends. A steering rack brace is also good as it secures the rack in the brackets and reduces the risk of it dislodging and moving out of the clamps. Taking the next step with your steering mods in your IFS is slightly more expensive, but a recommended one if you are planning to attempt some more aggressive tracks. Along with the rack ends and steering rack brace, a bash plate and stronger drive-shafts can be fitted to reduce breakages when you’re out playing in the bush. The bash plate will help to deflect any impact directly on your steering rack and the stronger shafts will reduce mid track breakages. These are all straight forward bolt on mods that anyone with some mechanical knowledge can attempt, they have a price tag starting at $60 for the rack ends, $250 for a front bash plate and drive shafts that range from $190 to $400 each.
Steering on solid-axle 4WDs works on a push-pull method
MODIFYING YOUR SOLID AXLE STEERING There are a few budget mods you can do to help prevent damage to your steering. If you’re doing it on a budget, you could put aftermarket greasable ball joints on the tie-rod and draglink. These are a stronger casting than factory ends and being greasable makes them a cheaper option than solid rods and allows you to increase the life of the ball joints as you can pump them full of lube and reduce wear from friction. Replace the steering damper with an adjustable one; this will minimise the stress put on your steering parts as it reduces the shake in the front wheels, as you can adjust the dampening by turning a knob on the bottom of the tube to stiffen or soften the rebound. For those of you who have convinced the funds manager that mods are a necessity, there is a wide variety of mods you can do that won’t get you divorced. Solid tie-rod and drag links are the first step combined with either a Return To Centre (RTC) damper (this has a spring on the outside of the tube that needs to be set and locked into place) or an adjustable damper (this is like an adjustable shock where you can adjust the dampening by turning a knob on one side). Chromoly CVs and diff brace kits are also an affordable upgrade that will give you peace of mind when you are tackling gnarly tracks more often than not, the diff brace kit reduces the amount of twist in the diff housing and takes pressure off your steering caused by diff flex. These are a mod that anyone with a welder and a bit of skill can fit, the diff brace kits are about $130, adjustable dampers are from $200, solid tie-rods and drag links are from $250 each. OVERLANDER 4WD 79
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THE POWER
Unlock 10-15% more power and low-down torque with a Scotts Rods exhaust hen it comes to buying an exhaust, why deal with a sales person when you can talk directly to an exhaust specialist? Every year Scott and the team at Scotts Rods exhausts make thousands of exhausts to suit the wide variety and applications of Australian 4WDers. Their 3in mandrel bent systems can be made in aluminised mild steel and 409 stainless and are built specifically to your individual needs.
W
Here you can see the old dump pipe and cat side-by-side with the new 3in dump pipe and high-flow diesel specific catalytic converter
MORE POWER AND EFFICIENCY Scotts Rods mandrel bent 3in systems give your 4WD optimal exhaust flow meaning they let your engine breathe better, improving power, torque and acceleration. And because your engine makes power more efficiently, every time you take off from the lights or power up a hill, you’ll be up to speed faster and off the gas sooner – meaning you’ll save on fuel consumption, too.
MADE SPECIFICALLY FOR YOU Scotts Rods understand that different 4WDers have different needs and will build you an exhaust to suit. Choose from a muffler, resonator or hotdog depending on your desired noise level. Have your exhaust fully custom made to fit around under chassis modifications like long range fuel tanks. Can’t decide between aluminised steel and a 409 stainless steel exhaust system? Here are the benefits of both systems to help you decide.
82 OVERLANDER 4WD
PROFILE SCOTTS RODS EXHAUSTS
ALUMINISED STEEL • Cheaper purchase price • The aluminised coating inside and out slows down corrosion
409 STAINLESS • 409 stainless steel is heat tolerant, meaning it’s specifically made for exhausts to cope with extreme changes in temperature • It’s the same grade of stainless manufacturers use for standard exhaust systems • It’s only around 20% more expensive than aluminised steel kits but lasts significantly longer
EASY DIY INSTALL Scotts Rods will send you a system with a muffler, resonator or even a hotdog depending on what you want
Two hours is all it takes to replace your restrictive factory exhaust with one of Scotts Rods high-flow systems that are customised to your vehicle and unlock all that extra power and efficiency. As they’re made specifically for your vehicle this is the simplest of jobs. Scotts Rods exhausts also include strengthened hangers meaning they will be mounted to your 4WD stronger than factory.
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN BANK ON SCOTT GREEN FROM SCOTTS RODS “Every year we make, fit and sell thousands of 3in mandrel bent exhausts for Aussie 4WDs. Each and every one of them are 100% manufactured by me and my team in our Ipswich (QLD) factory. These are quality made exhausts, mandrel bent on our CNC machines and hand welded by our passionate fabricators. We make our 3in exhausts from both aluminised mild steel and 409 stainless. They come with strengthened hangers, a quality flex joint and sports muffler. For those vehicles requiring a catalytic converter we use a diesel specific 200 cell high-flow metallic cat to ensure emissions remain legal without causing a restriction in the system. Our
kits also include a performance dump pipe matched to the turbo housing and are fitted with a 1/8NPT pyro bung for easy installation of an EGT gauge. We also understand that some people like a bit more noise from their exhaust. We can make your exhaust with the choice of a sports muffler for a subtle note, a resonator for a medium note or a hotdog for a loud note. And if you’ve done an engine or turbo conversion, fitted a long-range fuel tank or have limited space under your 4WD and need a customised exhaust system to suit – I can also make a fully customised exhaust on your modified 4WD in our workshop. Whether you’re after advice on the best exhaust system for your 4WD, want to order a one of our DIY kits or discuss a customise option - give me a call on (07) 3812 0266.”
BANG FOR BUCK Scotts Rods exhaust systems start from just $755!
CONTACT PH: (07) 3812 0266 W: www.scottsrods.com.au OVERLANDER 4WD 83
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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co (Aus) Limited. AFSL 238312. To the extent that any material in this brochure may be considered advice, it may only be considered general advice as it does not take into account your personal objectives, needs or financial situation. Arthur J. Gallagher urges you to read the relevant policy wording and consider whether any products are appropriate for your situation before making a decision to acquire insurance. Ref: 0885-Jan15
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86 OVERLANDER 4WD
EXPERT ADVICE BERRIMA DIESEL SERVICES
DIESEL BUG– IS IT A THREAT? This tiny menace could be destroying your fuel system! WORDS BY ANDREW LEIMROTH, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT FEHLBERG
O
ften mistaken as the major cause of injection system damage, is the diesel bug a real threat to the highly expensive injection systems in our modern 4WDs? Diesel and water easily separate from each other, with water always ending up on the bottom of a fuel tank or collection bowl in a fuel filter. It’s in this water that as many as a few dozen strains of bacteria can grow and multiply. What seems like a tiny droplet of water can seem like a lake to a tiny microbe like the diesel bug. It enters your fuel system via the usual culprit; poor hygiene at the tank or bowser you fill up at. At the right temperature
suddenly a dormant bacteria can grow to clog an entire diesel filter system. So what can you do about this? Where you buy your fuel can be important. A clean service station is a start. That’s generally out of our hands so it comes back to reliable diesel filtration system. The original diesel filtration system in our 4WDs is often blamed as being pretty poor whilst in reality, regular filter changing (about every 10,000km) is the key to keeping the diesel bug from taking over. Adding a correctly designed diesel prefilter is another way of assisting if you just want added insurance. This filter should be chosen for a number of reasons with one
key feature, a visible water bowl, being the primary one. Where there is water there is bacteria. So if you can gather any water into a clear bowl you will usually see the contamination of bacteria before it gets to an unmanageable stage. Remember to seek out your diesel expert when doing research on the diesel bug and find out how even the simplest steps can help you out.
Berrima Diesel The Diesel Experts
BERRIMA DIESEL SERVICES Berrima Diesel Services is a family owned and operated business and is regarded as Australia’s premier 4WD diesel and turbo centre. Its owners Reinhard and Andrew Leimroth are considered the original “diesel gurus” specialising in the black art of diesel fuel injection. They’re recognised world-wide amongst the 4WD community for their unique skills. CONTACT PH: (02) 4877 1256 W: www.berrimadiesel.com.au
OVERLANDER 4WD 87
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THE BEST NEW 4WD PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET
Here are some of the latest and greatest products from the world of 4WDing. We’re always on the lookout for new or exciting 4WD products to write about or review. If you have seen a new product and want us to know about it, contact us at products@overlander.com.au.
PROTECT YOUR ENGINE WITH KEVLAR! These two products will permanently repair your engine’s head gasket or radiator leaks Everyone knows just how much it can cost to replace the head gasket of an engine. Likewise, a leaking radiator or engine block can cost a small fortune to repair. Nulon now have two new products that utilise DuPont Kevlar fibres to permanently repair head gaskets and leaking radiators fast. The unique Kevlar formula with microfiber technology in these products seeks out and plugs small holes and cracks that cause coolant loss, loss of pressure and overheating. In Nulon’s Permanent Head Gasket Repair, the Kevlar fibres travel through the cooling system to mesh, plug and bond to the leak or crack and are followed by the Liquid Resin that hardens, creating a permanent long lasting watertight seal. In the Radiator and Engine Block Stop Leak, The Kevlar fibres plug and bond to the leak or crack which are then encased in a hardened sodium silicate (Liquid Glass) watertight seal. Both of these products are 100% safe for use in 4WD engines, and are safe to use with all types of coolants and water-based corrosion inhibitors. Nulon Permanent Head Gasket Repair and Radiator 7 Engine Block Stop Leak are available from most leading automotive retailers. For more information, visit www.nulon.com.au
GET YOUR ADVENTURES ON VIDEO! Get cracking video footage of your next off-road adventure with the Gator Full HD Action Camera from 4WD Supacentre
WHAT IT OFFERS • • • • • • •
Full HD 1920x1080p video Waterproof up to 30m 2in TFT LCD Screen 140 degree wide-angle lense Supports micro SDHC card up to 32GB HDMI output/Micro USB input Comes complete with mounting accessories
90 OVERLANDER 4WD
WHAT THEY DO Permanent Head Gasket Repair • Kevlar Fibre and Liquid Resin offer the ultimate strong and long lasting fix • Seals leaking head gasket and cracked engine blocks fast • Easy to use: just pour into radiator there’s no draining required! • Safe with all glycol anti-freeze antiboil and water based coolants
Radiator & Engine Block Stop Leak • Kevlar Fibre and Liquid Resin offer the ultimate strong and long lasting fix • Seals leaking radiator pin holes, welch plugs and cracks • Easy to use: just pour into radiator there’s no draining required! • Safe with all glycol anti-freeze antiboil and water based coolants • Money back guarantee
Have you ever wanted to get sensational HD video of your off-road adventures just like what you see on the 4WD Action DVDs? Now you can with the Gator Full HD Action Camera from 4WD Supacentre! The Gator Action Camera is perfect for your camping and outdoor adventures. It takes incredible full HD (1080p) video and is waterproof up to 30m for those insanely deep water crossings! Plus, with a 2in LCD screen on the back, you can check out the footage straight after you’ve taken it to
make sure you got the perfect shot unlike many other similar cameras. Whether you’re swimming, fishing, camping or 4WDing through Australia’s outback, the Gator Action Camera will suit your adventure of choice! You’ll never miss the action off-road again! 4WD Supacentre are offering these Gator HD Action Cams for an unbeatable price! Plus, if you visit www.4wdsupacentre.com. au, there are a number of cracking combo deals that include the Gator HD Action Cam! Call 1800 88 39 64 to order today!
GAIN THE ULTIMATE ACCESS TO YOUR WAGON Do you ever find yourself struggling to reach items in the back of your 4WD? Here’s the solution! Anyone who’s ever spent a bit of time touring in a wagon knows how difficult it can be to access gear deep in the back of the vehicle. From EmuWing comes the ultimate accessory for your 4WD touring wagon: Gull Wing complete rear side window replacement kits. Gull Wing kits are the ultimate vehicle access solution, made to suit a range of popular 4WD wagons. Kits are currently available to suit Patrols and LandCruisers with more 91models OVERLANDER 4WD being developed all the time. The EmuWing’s provide easy and convenient access to enhance and transform the cargo area of your vehicle giving you more useable storage space. EmuWing makes
WHAT IT FEATURES • Fully designed and made in Australia using high quality materials • Long lasting stainless steel frame me with powder coated aluminium orr toughened glass door panels • Concealed stainless steel hinge • No permanent modifications are required on your vehicle; the EmuWing simply replaces the existing window • Lockable, secure and twin gas strut assisted • Kit contains everything needed for or the complete installation • Seamless looking factory finish which will compliment any vehicle
accessing those hard to reach places easy - No more struggling to reach in through the sliding windows or stretching in through the rear doors. To order your EmuWing today, contact the team at www.emuwing.com.au. Plus, do you have 4WD model that you want to see an EmuWing on? Then drop the team a line to influence future model development!
MAXIMUM TRACTION, ALL THE TIME! Lokka from 4WD Systems is the ultimate DIY mod, that offers massive improvement to your 4WD’s capability A diff lock is the ultimate mod when it comes to 4WDing, literally transforming your 4WD into a deadest off-road weapon. Lokka takes the concept one step further by being completely automatic - that means maximum traction when you need it most. Lokka requires no switching, no airlines and no electronics or pneumatics meaning it offers the ultimate in reliability and convenience while you’re in the bush. Lokka overcomes the slippage that an open diff or LSD offers to ensure that an even 50 – 50 power split is achieved between the two wheels of an axle. Best of all it does this while still allowing differential action and steering when you’re cornering, thanks to its simple and proven design. Another huge advantage of the Lokka is how easy it is to DIY install. Unlike manual lockers the Lokka simply replaces your existing planetary gears. The crown-wheel gears are unchanged, backlash is unaffected so no special tools are required. No mucking around with switches, wiring or airlines. Lokka can easily be fitted in a home workshop in a few hours. Simply put, if you have the skills to remove the diff from the vehicle, you have the skills to install the Lokka!
WHAT IT OFFERS • • • • • •
A cost effective way to lock your diff Massive improvement to off-road traction Easy DIY installation No switching, airlines or electronics required Still allows differential action and steering Simple, but proven design
In fact you can buy a Lokka from under $400 depending on your model 4WD, which is around a quarter of the price of some manual diff locks and comes with a 3-year unconditional warranty. To find out more, contact 4WD Systems on (08) 8369 0033 or visit www.4wdsystems.com.au.
Z WORLD LEADERS IN WHEEL ALIGNMENT TECHNOLOGY Z STRAIGHT WHEELS ARE THE 4WD, COMMERCIAL, TRUCK AND BUS ALIGNMENT PROFESSIONALS Z DOES YOUR 4WD PULL TO ONE SIDE ? Z DOES YOUR 4WD VIBRATE, SHIMMY OR WEAR TYRE EDGES ? Z YOUR 4WD REQUIRES SPECIALISED ALIGNMENT AND BALANCE Z DON’T FIGHT IT ANY LONGER
3/1 Shoebury St, Rocklea QLD 4106
(07) 3892 4289 www.straightwheels.com.au
92 OVERLANDER 4WD
Z STEERING AND SUSPENSION REPAIR, LIFT KITS, SHOCK ABSORBERS 4WDS • TRUCKS • COMMERICIALS • MOTORHOMES
OL53_11
Z SAME DAY TURNAROUND
4WD & TRUCK WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIALISTS ATTENTION 4WD OWNERS • Are you aware your 4WD vehicle requires specialised wheel alignment? • Most alignment shops are not capable of aligning 4WD vehicles. • The professional technology and Shim-A-Line products from the “top guns” in 4WD alignment improves tyre wear and handling with your 4x4 wheel aligned to Australian specfications. • Full suspension and shock absorber service • All work guaranteed
PRO-AXLE SHIM-A-LINE DISTRIBUTORS
PRO-AXLE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Head Office: 3G / 49 The Northern Road, Narellan NSW 2567 Phone: (02) 4647 1867 Fax (02) 4647 1241
NSW Enfield Narellan Newcastle Smithfield Wollongong
(02) 9642 3902 (02) 4648 2002 (02) 4914 3250 (02) 9725 5330 (02) 4276 2533
QLD Cairns
(07) 4051 7457
VIC Campbellfield
(03) 9357 0200
SA Mile End
(08) 8234 6877
WA Welshpool
(08) 9356 9500
PRO-AXLE ALIGNMENT CENTRES:
www.pro-axle.com.au
OL63_02
Enfield: (02) 9642 3902 Narellan: (02) 4648 2002 Newcastle: (02) 4914 3250 Smithfield: (02) 9725 5330 Wollongong: (02) 4276 2533 Campbellfield, Vic: (03) 9357 0200
OVERLANDER 4WD 93
BUYER’S GUIDE MODEL
CCs
CYL.
TRANS FUEL TANK L/100KM
KW/Nm
TOWING
KERB PAYWEIGHT LOAD
NEW PRICE
FORD RANGER The new Ranger, with a 2.2L or 3.2L turbo-diesel engine, packs plenty of innovation into a rugged package. The larger engine is the pick, producing 147kW and 470Nm. It has a 3500kg braked towing capacity. The quiet engine and Dynamic Stability Control give the Ranger great on-road manners; and off-road it is excellent. An optional factory rear diff is available on upper-spec models. XL 2.2 C/CHAS XL 2.2 CREW C/CHAS XL 2.2 CREW C/CHAS XL 2.2 CREW CAB UTE XL 2.2 CREW CAB UTE XL 3.2 C/CHAS XL 3.2 C/CHAS XL 3.2 SUPER C/CHAS XL 3.2 SUPER CAB UTE XL 3.2 DUAL CAB UTE XL 3.2 DUAL CAB UTE XLT 3.2 SUPER CAB UTE XLT 3.2 SUPER CAB UTE XLT 3.2 DUAL CAB UTE XLT 3.2 DUAL CAB UTE WILDTRACK 3.2 DUAL CAB UTE WILDTRACK 3.2 DUAL CAB UTE
MODEL
2198 2198 2198 2198 2198 3198 3198 3198 3198 3198 3198 3198 3198 3198 3198 3198 3198
DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT5 DT5 DT5 DT5 DT5 DT5 DT5 DT5 DT5 DT5 DT5 DT5
6M 6M 6A 6M 6A 6M 6A 6M 6M 6M 6A 6M 6A 6M 6A 6M 6A
80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80
8.1 8.9 9.2 8.1 9.4 8.9 9.2 8.9 8.9 8.9 9.2 8.9 9.2 9.4 9.2 9.4 9.6
110/375 110/375 110/375 110/375 110/375 147/470 147/470 147/470 147/470 147/470 147/470 147/470 147/470 147/470 147/470 147/470 147/470
750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500
1762 1909 1909 2034 2034 1795 1795 1870 2018 2068 2068 2095 2095 2159 2159 2200 2200
1436 1291 1291 1166 1166 1405 1405 1330 1182 1132 1132 1105 1105 1041 1041 1000 1000
$38,390 $42,890 $44,890 $43,890 $45,890 $40,890 $42,890 $43,390 $44,390 $46,390 $48,390 $50,890 $52,890 $53,390 $55,390 $57,390 $59,390
Great Wall’s dual-cab V200 and V240 are available in dual cab or singlecab/chassis configuration. The V200 has the 2.0L turbo-diesel; the V240 has a 2.4L petrol. 2378 2378 1996 1996
4 4 DT4 DT4
5M 5M 6M 6M
70 70 70 70
10.7 10.7 8.3 8.3
100/200 100/200 105/310 105/310
750/1900 750/2250 700/1700 750/2000
1507 1780 1707 1835
1320 1000 1180 1000
$20,990 $25,990 $22,990 $27,990
GREAT WALL X-SERIES Based on the V200/V240 platform, the X200 and X240 are the cheapest dual-range-equipped 4WD wagons on the market. The X-Series have the same engines as the V-Series. This is a well-equipped vehicle for the price. X240 4D WAGON X200 4D WAGON X200 4D WAGON
LS-M LS-M LS-T LS-U LS-U
2378 1996 1996
4 DT4 DT4
5M 6M 5A
70 70
10.4 8 9.2
100/200 1830 475 $23,990 105/310 700/1700 1890 660 $26,990 105/310 700/1700 1890 660 $28,990
The 4WD Colorado is available in six variants, all powered by a 3.0L four-cylinder turbo-diesel that’s a strong performer and offers a good balance of power/torque and economy. Recent upgrades have lifted towing capacity to 3000kg.
KW/Nm
TOWING
KERB PAYWEIGHT LOAD
NEW PRICE
2776 2776 2776 2776 2776 2776 2776 2776 2776 2776 2776
DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4
5M 6A 6A 5M 6A 6A 5M 6A 6A 5M 6A
76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76
8.1 9.1 8.1 7.9 9.1 9.1 7.9 9.1 9.1 7.9 9.1
132/440 132/470 132/470 132/440 132/470 132/470 132/440 132/470 132/470 132/440 132/470
750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500
1793 1798 1907 2019 1910 2019 2007 2007 2034 2056 2056
1307 1302 1190 1080 1090 1090 1090 1090 1066 1040 1040
$34,990 $37,990 $42,490 $44,490 $44,990 $46,490 $45,490 $47,490 $49,490 $49,990 $51,990
The new Isuzu D-MAX has a powerful and fuel-efficient 3.0-litre turbo-diesel and has more safety features as standard - including dual front, side and curtain airbags, Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution - than ever before. There’s also Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control systems, plus Brake Assist. This is a great all-round package. 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999 2999
94 OVERLANDER 4WD
DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4
5M 5M 5A 5M 5A 5M 4A 5M 5A 5M 5A 5M 5A 5M 5A 5M 5A
76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76
8.3 8.3 8.1 8.3 8.1 8.3 8.1 8.3 8.1 8.3 8.1 8.3 8.1 8.3 8.1 8.3 8.1
130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380
750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500
-
-
$33,400 $44,000 $46,200 $42,000 $44,200 $49,500 $51,700 $43,700 $45,900 $45,500 $47,700 $36,490 $38,600 $39,100 $41,300 $43,100 $43,500
2999 2999 2999 2999 2999
DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4
5A 5M 5A 5A 5M
65 65 65 65 65
8.4 8.4 8.4 8.4 8.4
130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380 130/380
750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000
2000 2000 2060 2040 2040
750 750 690 710 710
$47,800 $45,600 $53,500 $49,300 $47,100
Four variants, three off-road systems and two engines mean there’s a Cherokee for every purpose – even some pretty serious off-roading. The Jeep Cherokee has raised the bar when it comes to transmissions by equipping the entire model range with a first-in-segment nine-speed automatic as standard. LONGITUDE LIMITED TRAILHAWK
3239 3239 3239
V6 V6 V6
9A 9A 9A
60 60 60
10.0 10.0 10.0
200/316 470/2200 1795 200/316 450/2200 1806 200/316 2450/2200 1936
-
$39,000 $44,000 $47,500
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE New Grand Cherokee is a significant departure from previous models as it has a fully independent suspetnsion system. Available with a 3.0L turbo-diesel V6, 3.6L petrol V6 and 5.7L petrol V8. The SRT 8 has a monster 6.4L petrol V8 with a price tag to match. JET LAREDO LAREDO LIMITED LIMITED LIMITED OVERLAND OVERLAND OVERLAND SRT 8 SRT 8 ALPINE SRT 8 VAPOUR
3604 V6 2987 DTV6 3604 V6 2987 DTV6 3604 V6 5654 V8 2987 DTV6 3604 V6 5654 V8 6424 V8 6424 V8 6424 V8
5A 5A 5A 5A 5A 5A 5A 5A 5A 5A 5A 5A
93.5 93.5 93.5 93.5 93.5 93.5 93.5 93.5 93.5 91 91 91
11 8.3 11 8.3 11 14.1 8.3 11 14.1 14.1 14.1 14.1
210/347 177/550 210/347 177/550 210/347 259/520 177/550 210/347 259/520 344/624 344/624 344/624
750/2268 750/2268 750/2268 750/2268 750/2268 750/3500 750/3500 750/2250 750/3500 750/2268 750/2268 750/2268
2191 2191 2191 2191 2191 2191 2307 2280 2307 2336 2336 2336
760 760 760 760 760 760 660 660 660 612 612 612
$46,500 $50,000 $45,000 $60,000 $55,000 $60,000 $69,500 $65,000 $69,500 $76,000 $81,900 $81,900
JEEP WRANGLER 2 DOOR The Wrangler was updated with the addition of a 3.6L V6 petrol producing 209kW. This is matched to a 6-speed manual or 5-speed auto. The 2.8L turbo-diesel is still available, with torque boosted to 460Nm. An off-road pack is available on petrol and diesel Sport models. SPORT S/TOP SPORT S/TOP SPORT S/TOP SPORT S/TOP RENEGADE SPORT H/TOP RENEGADE SPORT H/TOP RENEGADE SPORT H/TOP RENEGADE SPORT H/TOP RUBICON S/TOP RUBICON S/TOP
3604 3604 2776 2776 3778 3778 2776 2776 3604 3604
V6 V6 DT4 DT4 V6 V6 DT4 DT4 V6 V6
6M 5A 5A 6M 6M 5A 5A 6M 6M 5A
70 70 66 66 70 70 66 66 70 70
11.4 11.6 8.6 8 10.4 11.6 8.1 8 11.4 11.6
209/347 209/347 147/460 147/460 146/315 146/315 147/460 147/460 209/347 209/347
750/1600 750/1600 750/1600 750/1600 750/1600 750/1600 750/1600 750/1600 750/1600 750/1600
1855 1855 1975 1975 1855 1855 1975 1975 1885 1885
365 365 365 365
$32,500 $34,500 $39,500 $38,500 $35,000 $37,000 $42,000 $41,000 $43,000 $45,000
JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 4 DOOR With plenty of internal cabin space thanks to its longer wheelbase, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the most affordable solid-axle 4-door 4WD wagon on the market. It is now available with the newer, more powerful 3.6L V6 in Spor t and Rubicon, alongside the older 3.8L V6 in Renegade.
ISUZU D-MAX
EX C/CHAS LS-M HI-RIDE CREW CAB LS-M HI-RIDE CREW CAB SX HI-RIDE CREW CAB SX HI-RIDE CREW CAB LS-TERRAIN HI-RIDE CREW LS-TERRAIN HI-RIDE CREW LS-U HI-RIDE SPACE CAB LS-U HI-RIDE SPACE CAB LS-U HI-RIDE CREW CAB LS-U HI-RIDE CREW CAB SX C/CHAS SX C/CHAS SX SPACE C/CHAS SX SPACE C/CHAS SX CREW C/CHAS SX CREW C/CHAS
TRANS FUEL TANK L/100KM
JEEP CHEROKEE
HOLDEN COLORADO
DX C/CHAS LX C/CHAS LX SPACE C/CHAS LX CREW CAB P/UP LX CREW C/CHAS LX CREW CAB P/UP LT CREW CAB P/UP LT CREW CAB P/UP LTZ SPACE CAB P/UP LTZ CREW CAB P/UP LTZ CREW CAB P/UP
CYL.
The MU-X is Isuzu’s first offer in the 4WD wagon market and follows on from the success of the D-MAX. With three models and two transmissions and a 3.0L turbodiesel engine on offer, the MU-X is a surprisingly off-road capable, but family-friendly touring option.
GREAT WALL V-SERIES
V240 C/CHAS V240 DUAL CAB UTE V200 C/CHAS V200 DUAL CAB
CCs
ISUZU MU-X
SPORT S/TOP SPORT S/TOP SPORT S/TOP SPORT S/TOP RENEGADE H/TOP RENEGADE H/TOP RENEGADE H/TOP RENEGADE H/TOP RUBICON S/TOP RUBICON S/TOP
3604 3604 2776 2776 3778 3778 2776 2776 3604 3604
V6 V6 DT4 DT4 V6 V6 DT4 DT4 V6 V6
6M 5A 6M 5A 6M 5A 6M 5A 6M 5A
85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85
11.4 11.7 8.3 8.8 11.4 11.7 8.3 8.8 11.8 11.9
209/347 209/347 147/410 147/460 209/347 209/347 147/410 147/460 209/347 209/347
750/2300 750/2300 750/2300 750/2300 750/2300 750/2300 750/2300 750/2300 750/2300 750/2300
2050 2050 2105 2105 2050 2050 2105 2105 2080 2080
-
$36,500 $38,500 $42,500 $43,500 $39,500 $41,500 $45,500 $46,500 $47,000 $49,000
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 4 The 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 is now across the D4 range; with the 5.0-litre petrol V8 another model option. The TDV6 has a de-tuned version of the 3L V6. Other changes include a new-look exterior (still seven seats) and other changes to improve the D4’s on- and off-road comfort. All models have a full-size spare but wheel and tyre sizes aren’t generally considered off-road practical. 3.0 SDV6 HSE 3.0 SDV6 SE 3.0 TDV6 5.0 V8
2993 DTV6 2993 DTV6 2993 DTV6 5000 V8
8A 8A 8A 8A
82 82 82 82
9.3 9.3 8.5 13.9
180/600 180/600 155/520 276/510
750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500
2583 2583 2583 2548
657 657 754 692
$95,900 $84,600 $68,900 $129,900
MODEL
CCs
CYL.
TRANS FUEL TANK L/100KM
Kw/Nm
TOWING
KERB PAYWEIGHT LOAD
NEW PRICE
LAND ROVER DEFENDER
MODEL
CCs
2179 2179 2179 2179 2179 2179 2179 2179
DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4
6M 6M 6M 6M 6M 6M 6M 6M
60 75 75 75 75 75 75 75
10 11 11 11.1 11 11 11 11
90/360 90/360 90/360 90/360 90/360 90/360 90/360 90/360
750/3500 750/3500 750/3000 750/3000 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500
1815 2014 1940 1660 2014 2120 2120 2120
935 1010 1110 1410 1010 1380 1380 1380
$44,990 $46,690 $49,690 $48,190 $49,690 $48,690 $52,690 $54,190
MAHINDRA PIK-UP The Pik-Up is a relatively modern design that performs well and appears to be well built. The four-model Pik-Up range (ute or cab-chassis with single or double cabs) all have turbo-diesel power and part-time, dualrange 4WD. Lots of metal for your money. *Prices are drive-away. C/CHAS 2D UTE DOUBLE C/CHAS DUAL CAB UTE
2179 2179 2179 2179
DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4
5M 5M 5M 5M
80 80 80 80
9.1 9.1 9.1 9.1
85/270 85/270 85/270 85/270
750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500
2090 2090 2150 2150
1060 1060 1000 1000
The new BT-50 rattled the dual-cab cage with a powerful 3.2L turbodiesel engine and car-like refinement. The exterior styling has divided the 4WD community but this Mazda’s rugged off-road ability, 3.35 tonne towing capacity, and 8.9L/100km fuel consumption make it a worthy candidate for a great work and play ute. Styling aside, it’s almost identical to the Ranger, only more affordable. 3196
DT5
6M
80
8.9
147/470 750/3500 1789 1411 $36,810
XT FREESTYLE C/CHAS
3196
DT5
6M
80
8.9
147/470 750/3500 1857 1343 $40,740
XT DUAL C/CHAS
3196
DT5
6M
80
8.9
147/470 750/3500 1929 1271 $42,740
XT DUAL CAB UTE
3196
DT5
6M
80
8.9
147/470 750/3500 2044 1156 $44,240
XT DUAL CAB UTE
3196
DT5
6A
80
9.2
147/470 750/3500 2044 1156 $46,240
XTR FREESTYLE UTE
3196
DT5
6M
80
8.9
147/470 750/3500 2037 1163 $46,890
XTR DUAL CAB UTE
3196
DT5
6M
80
8.9
147/470 750/3500 2086 1114 $48,890
XTR DUAL CAB UTE
3196
DT5
6A
80
9.2
147/470 750/3500 2086 1114 $50,890
GT DUAL CAB UTE
3196
DT5
6M
80
8.9
147/470 750/3500 2095 1105 $51,140
GT DUAL CAB UTE
3196
DT5
6A
80
9.2
147/470 750/3500 2095 1105 $53,140
MERCEDES-BENZ G The Mercedes Benz G-Class or G-Wagen remains stylistically similar to versions that rolled off the production line in 1979. Current-spec G-Wagen is available to Australians, with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 and a supercharged 5.4 litre petrol V8. 350
2987 DTV6
7A
96
11.2
155/540
-
2458 700 $161,180
55 AMG
5439
5A
96
15.9
373/700
-
2471 620 $216,730
SV8
Kw/Nm
TOWING
KERB PAYWEIGHT LOAD
NEW PRICE
The NW Pajero is still the only serious Japanese 4WD to use fully independent suspension and monocoque construction. It has class-leading on-road dynamics and excels in the bush. Excluding the Exceed 3.8L V6, petrol engines have been dropped from the range in favour of the updated 3.2L turbo-diesel: 147kW and 441Nm. A minor facelift and improved safety features are the only other main features of the new NW. EXCEED LWB
3200
DT4
5A
88
9
147/441 750/3000 2347 683 $73,990
EXCEED LWB
3828
V6
5A
88
13.5
184/329 750/3000 2250 670 $71,490
GLX-R LWB
3200
DT4
5A
88
9
147/441 750/3000 2314 716 $58,990
GLX-R LWB
3200
DT4
5M
88
8.4
147/441 750/3000 2324 706 $55,990
VR-X LWB
3200
DT4
5A
88
9
147/441 750/3000 2325 706 $63,990
VR-X LWB
3200
DT4
5M
88
9
147/441 750/3000 2325 706 $60,990
GLX LWB
3200
DT4
5A
88
9
147/441 750/3000 2273 750 $53,990
GKX LWB
3200
DT4
5M
88
8.4
147/441 750/3000 2283 740 $50,990
MITSUBISHI TRITON
$26,499 $27,499 $29,999 $30,499
MAZDA BT50
XT C/CHAS
TRANS FUEL TANK L/100KM
MITSUBISHI PAJERO
The Defender is very capable off-road, and surprisingly good on-road thanks to its frugal and adequately powerful turbo-diesel engine but it still feels and drives like a truck. Recently expanded range offers nine models on three different wheelbases. A 2.2L turbo-diesel joined the 2.4L in 2012. 90 110 2D HARDTOP 110 CREW CAB P/UP 110 HCPU P/UP 110 4D WAGON 130 C/CHAS 130 CREW C/CHAS 130 HCPU CREW CAB P/UP
CYL.
MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER
The Triton has a 2.5L turbo-diesel with more power and torque than the outgoing 3.2L diesel. While a five-speed manual is standard, a four-speed auto (+$2000) is optional on GLX and GL-R double cabs; the GLX-R gets an optional (+$3000) five-speed auto. The GLX-R also gets Super-Select 4WD; other models have part-time 4WD. Side airbags, and electronic traction and stability control are available. GLX C/CHAS
2477
DT4
5M
75
9.1
GLX CLUB CAB UTE
2477
DT4
5M
75
8.1
131/400 750/3000 1810 1120 $33,990 131/400 750/2700 1873 1057 $38,240
GLX DOUBLE CAB UTE
2477
DT4
5M
75
9.1
131/400 750/3000 1905 1025 $40,990 131/350 750/3000 1905 1025 $42,990
GLX DOUBLE CAB UTE
2477
DT4
4A
75
9.9
GL-R DOUBLE CAB UTE
2477
DT4
5M
75
9.1
131/400 750/3000 1920 1010 $43,990
GL-R DOUBLE CAB UTE
2477
DT4
4A
75
9.9
131/350 750/3000 1920 1010 $45,990
GLX-R DOUBLE CAB UTE
2477
DT4
5M
75
9.1
131/400 750/3000 1920 1010 $45,740
GLX-R DOUBLE CAB UTE
2477
DT4
5A
75
9.9
131/350 750/3000 1920 1010 $48,240
NISSAN PATHFINDER The R52 Pathfinder moves even further away from a genuinely capable 4WD than it’s fully independent predecessor did. It’s a clear step towards modernity in design, and offers a more car-like performance and amenity. ST (4x4)
3498
V6
CVT
73
10.2
ST-L (4x4)
3498
V6
CVT
73
9.9
190/325 750/2700 1985 730 $44,490 190/325 750/2700 2025 690 $54,490
Ti (4x4)
3498
V6
CVT
73
9.9
190/325 750/2700 2065 650 $65,090
NISSAN PATROL Y61 Despite facelifts and dropping all engines bar the 3.0L common-rail turbo-diesel the Nissan Patrol GU remains largely the same vehicle since1997. The Patrol’s chassis is as tough and durable as they come and formidable off road but the engine is not state of the art. ST COIL C/CHAS
2953
DT4
5M
175
12.5
118/380 750/3200 2009 1140 $55,050
ST 4DR WAGON
2953
DT4
5M
125
10.9
118/380 750/3200 2450 580 $57,390 118/354 750/2500 2450 580 $60,390
New-gen Challenger is based on the MN model Triton but has a coilsprung rear live-axle instead of a leaf-sprung rear axle. All models have the same 2.5L four-cylinder turbo-diesel but only the base model has a five-speed manual. Other models have the five-speed auto as offered in top-spec Triton. All models get Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD system and electronic traction and stability control. A seven-seat option is available for the base LS. Towing capacity is 3000kg.
ST 4DR WAGON
2953
DT4
4A
125
11.8
DX 4DR WAGON
2953
DT4
5M
125
10.9
118/380 750/3200 2360 670 $53,890
DX 4DR WAGON
2953
DT4
4A
125
11.8
118/354 750/3200 2360 650 $56,890
CHALLENGER 30th ANNIV.
2477
DT4
5M
70
8.3
131/400 750/2500 2051 640 $41,490
NISSAN PATROL Y62
CHALLENGER 30th ANNIV.
2477
DT4
5A
70
9.8
131/350 750/2500 2051 640 $43,990
CHALLENGER
2477
DT4
5M
70
8.3
131/400 750/2500 2019 691 $41,490 131/400 750/2500 2029 681 $43,990
Launched in late 2012 the Y62 Patrol is the Nissan’s latest generation 4WD. With independent suspension and a plethora of high-tech driving aids it performs well. However, the decision to only launch a petrol engine in Australia has hurt long-term sales. Fans eagerly await a hintedat diesel variant.
CHALLENGER
2477
DT4
5A
70
9.8
LS (5 SEAT)
2477
DT4
5M
70
8.3
131/400 750/3000 2041 669 $45,490
LS (5 SEAT)
2477
DT4
5A
70
9.8
131/350 750/3000 2051 659 $47,990
Ti 4DR WAGON
5552
V8
7A
140
14.5
298/560 750/3500 2800 700 $92,850
LS (7 SEAT)
2477
DT4
5A
70
9.8
131/350 750/3000 2106 609 $49,890
Ti-L 4DR WAGON
5552
V8
7A
140
14.5
298/560 750/3500 2829 670 $113,900
XLS (5 SEAT)
2477
DT4
5A
70
9.8
131/350 750/3000 2059 651 $55,290
ST 4DR WAGON
5552
V8
7A
140
14.5
298/560 750/3500 2739 760 $82,200
XLS (7 SEAT)
2477
DT4
5A
70
9.8
131/350 750/3000 2110 606 $57,190
OVERLANDER 4WD 95
BUYER’S GUIDE MODEL
CCs
CYL.
TRANS FUEL TANK L/100KM
Kw/Nm
TOWING
KERB PAYWEIGHT LOAD
NEW PRICE
NISSAN NAVARA With the release of the all new NP300 Navara, Nissan still offer three generations of Navara side by side for the time being, although the D22 is being run out, and the D40 is assumed to be not far behind. The new NP300 offers a 2.3L turbo diesel engine with improved power and torque figures as well as vastly superior fuel economy. The option of a six speed manual or seven speed auto is also a big improvement. The improvements don’t stop there, however, as the brake towing capacity has been increased to 3500kg, making the NP300 a very attractive proposition to any potential dual cab ute owner. D22 SERIES 5 DX C/CHAS D22 SERIES 5 ST-R DUAL CAB D40 RX C/CHAS D40 RX KING C/CHAS D40 RX KING C/CHAS D40 ST-X KING C/CHAS D40 ST-X KING DUAL CAB D40 ST-X KING C/CHAS D40 ST-X KING DUAL CAB NP300 RX NP300 RX NP300 ST NP300 ST NP300 ST-X NP300 ST-X
MODEL
2488 2488 2488 2488 2488 2488 2488 2488 2488 2298 2298 2298 2298 2298 2298
DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4
5M 5M 6M 6M 5A 6M 6M 5A 5A 6M 7A 6M 7A 6M 7A
75 75 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80
9.1 9.2 9.3 9.8 10.5 9.8 9.8 10.5 10.5 6.6 7.1 6.5 7 6.5 7
98/304 98/304 106/356 126/403 126/403 126/406 126/403 126/403 126/403 120/403 120/403 140/450 140/450 140/450 140/450
750/2800 750/2800 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500
1723 1823 1630 1751 1751 1769 1921 1769 1921 1823 1823 1865 1865 1921 1921
1230 1110 1110 1090 940 1090 940 1087 1087 -
$33,490 $33,990 $35,190 $40,290 $42,590 $42,450 $43,790 $46,060 $47,790 $39,900 $42,490 $45,890 $48,490 $51,990 $54,490
RANGE ROVER SPORT
2993 2993 2993 2995 2993 4999
DTV6 DTV6 DTV6 SV6 DTV6 SV8
8A 8A 8A 8A 8A 8A
80 80 80 105 80 105
7.3 7.5 7.5 11.3 7.5 13.8
190/600 190/600 215/600 250/450 215/600 375/625
750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500
2052 2052 2052 2059 2052 2265
900 900 900 900 900 900
$100,400 $111,200 $123,400 $122,700 $140,600 $161,200
The Range Rover Vogue has the new 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel that claims 230kW but, more impressively, a massive 700Nm on tap from as low as 1500rpm and doesn’t abate until 3000rpm. This new engine is mated to the same eight-speed ZF gearbox as in the 2010 update of the BMW X5. The two petrol V8s, one with a supercharger, are carried over unchanged and are still mated to the 6-speed ZF box. 5000 4367 5000 5000 4367 4367 4367 5000 4367 5000 5000 4367
V8 6A DTV8 8 A V8 6A V8 6A DTV8 8 A DTV8 8 A DTV8 8 A SV8 6A DTV8 8 A SV8 6A SV8 6 A SEQ DTV8 8 A
105 105 105 105 105 105 105 105 105 105 105 105
14 9.4 14 14 9.4 9.4 9.4 14.9 9.4 14.9 14.9 9.4
276/510 230/700 276/510 276/510 230/700 230/700 230/700 375/625 230/700 375/625 375/625 230/700
750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500
2615 2710 2615 2615 2710 2710 2710 2710 2710 2710 2710 2710
490 490 490 490 490 490 490 490 490 433 433 490
$158,100 $160,500 $161,400 $163,300 $163,800 $165,700 $184,200 $202,100 $214,300 $231,800 $318,000 $300,000
SSANGYONG ACTYON Actyon comes as a five-door SUV and a dual-cab ute. Both are built on a separate chassis and feature dual-range gearing, all of which sets the Actyon apart from the crowd. There are also 2WD versions of the ute in Tradie and Sports spec. Base-spec Tradie ute is a cost-effective alternative to mainstream Japanese utes. Optional auto (six-speed on ute, four-speed on SUV) adds $3000. A200 XDi
1998
DT4
5M
75
7.8
104/310 750/2300 1903 620 $26,990
A200 XDi
1998
DT4
4A
75
8.5
104/310 750/2300 1903 620 $29,990
A200 SPR XDi
1998
DT4
4A
75
8.5
104/310 750/2300 1903 620 $34,990
SPORTS TRADIE DOUBLE CAB UTE 1998
DT4
M
75
7.4
104/310 750/2300 1912 830 $28,282
SPORTS TRADIE DOUBLE CAB UTE 1998
DT4
6A
75
7.9
104/310 750/2300 1912 830 $30,782
SPORTS DOUBLE CAB UTE
1998
DT4
6M
75
7.4
104/310 750/2300 1912 830 $32,282
SPORTS DOUBLE CAB UTE
1998
DT4
6A
75
7.9
104/310 750/2300 1912 830 $34,872
SPORTS SPR DOUBLE CAB UTE
1998
DT4
6A
75
7.9
104/310 750/2300 1963 830 $37,742
SUZUKI JIMNY The Jimny is the latest in the long line of Suzuki’s Tonka-tough midgets and combines live-axle coil-spring suspension, separate chassis and dual-range gearing to offer solid off-road ability. Small size and tiny turning circle make it great in town, but a harsh ride, small 1.3L engine and low gearing make highway work tiresome. But it’s very handy off road and a great first off-roader. SIERRA 2D SIERRA 2D
96 OVERLANDER 4WD
TRANS FUEL TANK L/100KM
Kw/Nm
TOWING
KERB PAYWEIGHT LOAD
NEW PRICE
2D 2D 4D 4D 4D SPORTS 4D SPORTS 4D PRESTIGE 4D
2393 2393 2393 2393 1870 2393 2393 2393
1328 1328
4 4 4 4 DT4 4 4 4
5M 4A 5M 4A 5M 5M 4A 4A
55 55 66 66 66 66 66 66
8.8 9.6 8.9 9.9 6.8 8.9 9.9 9.9
122/225 122/225 122/225 122/225 95/300 122/225 122/225 122/225
550/1600 550/1600 750/1850 750/1850 750/2000 750/1850 750/1850 750/1850
1459 1459 1567 1567 1630 1567 1567 1567
410 410 530 530 540 530 530 530
$24,990 $26,990 $28,990 $30,990 $35,990 $31,490 $33,490 $38,990
TOYOTA FJ CRUISER Australia received the FJ Cruiser five years later than the US, but since its launch it has proved a brilliant performer off-road. The 200kW 4.0L petrol V6 and low kerb-weight (2000kg) gives it a great power-to-weight ratio, while the factory rear diff-lock and driver aids help maintain progress in the rough. The lack of a diesel variant or manual box will disappoint some, and the retro styling has polarised 4WDers. FJ CRUISER
3956
V6
5A
159
11.4
200/380 750/2250 1955 555 $46,490
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER PRADO
RANGE ROVER VOGUE
5.0 V8 TdV8 5.0 V8 SILVER 5.0 V8 BLACK TdV8 SILVER TdV8 BLACK LUXURY TDV8 LUXURY V8 SC AUTOBIOGRAPHY TDV8 AUTOBIOGRAPHY SC 5.0 V8 ULTIMATE SC 5.0 ULTIMATE TDV8
CYL.
The Grand Vitara is available in three- and five-door variants with three different engines, new four and six-cylinder petrols and a four-cylinder turbo-diesel. The new petrols are a welcome addition as the original ones were sub-standard. The five-door model comes with the choice of all three engines; the manual-only diesel is the pick of the bunch. All Grand Vitara models have traction and stability control as standard. This is the class standard-setter.
Based on the Discovery 4, the Range Rover Sport is available with several engine options including the 3.0L turbo-diesel V6, as well as a 5.0L petrol V8, with a supercharged variant. Offering unparalleled road handling, as well as being very capable off-road thanks to Land Rover’s Terrain Response System, the Sport offers the best of both worlds in one package. 3.0 TDV6 SE 3.0 SDV6 SE 3.0 SDV6 HSE 3.0 V6 SC HSE 3.0 SDV6 AUTOBIOGRAPHY 5.0 V8 SC HSE
CCs
SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
4 4
5M 4A
60 60
7.3 7.8
60/110 60/110
350/1300 1045 375 $20,490 350/1300 1050 370 $22,490
The new Prado 150 Series is slightly bigger, heavier and more aerodynamic than the 120 Series but carries over the D-4D diesel engine and five-speed auto and six-speed manual gearboxes, largely unchanged. The petrol V6 does get a power boost over the 120 thanks to variable timing on the inlet and exhaust cams. All five-door models now seat seven. Two three-door models (auto diesel only) offer a 3000kg tow rating as against the five-doors’ 2500kg rating. Auto gearbox on lower-spec models adds $2500. SX 2D WAGON ZR 2D WAGON ALTITUDE ALTITUDE GXL GXL GXL GXL KAKADU KAKADU VX VX GX GX
2982 2982 3956 2982 3956 3956 2982 2982 3956 2982 3956 2982 2982 2982
DT4 DT4 V6 DT4 V6 V6 FT4 DT4 V6 DT4 V6 DT4 DTE DT4
5 A SEQ 5 A SEQ 5A SEQ 5A SEQ 6M 5A SEQ 6M 5A SEQ 5A SEQ 5A SEQ 5A SEQ 5A SEQ 6M 5A SEQ
87 87 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150
8.3 8.3 11.5 8.5 13 11.5 8.8 8.5 11.5 8.5 11.5 8.5 8.8 8.5
127/410 127/410 202/381 127/410 202/381 202/381 127/410 127/410 202/381 127/410 202/381 127/140 127/410 127/410
750/3000 750/3000 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500
2095 2145 2250 2330 2250 2250 2330 2330 2355 2435 2345 2425 2210 2210
505 455 650 660 650 650 660 660 545 555 555 565 780 780
$56,090 $67,490 $68,490 $69,490 $60,490 $62,990 $61,490 $63,990 $90,490 $91,490 $76,990 $77,990 $55,990 $58,254
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 200 SERIES The 200 Series arrived late in 2007 with an updated 4.7L petrol V8 and an all-new twin-turbo diesel V8, in three spec levels but only as an auto. The D-4D V8 is a great engine but attracts a $10K premium over the petrol. All models are better equipped than 100 Series with KDSS suspension standard on all but D-4D GXL. The 200 is bigger than the 100 and accommodates up to eight in comfort. The 200 is also safer with up to 10 airbags depending on spec. Being safer, more powerful and better equipped than its predecessors, the 200 is also more costly. More affordable GX standard spec has vinyl floors, barn doors and a factory snorkel. The GXL Altitude was our 2011 4WD Of The Year winner. GX GXL GXL ALTITUDE VX VX
4461 DTV8 4608 V8 4461 DTV8 4664 V8 4608 V8 4461 DTV8
SAHARA
4608
SAHARA
4461 DTV8
V8
6A 6A 6A 5A 6A 6A
138 138 138 138 138 93
10.3 13.6 10.3 14.5 13.6 10.3
195/650 228/439 195/650 202/410 228/439 195/650
750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500 750/3500
2635 2635 2700 2635 2665 2720
715 665 600 665 645 580
$77,490 $83,490 $88,490 $90,490 $84,490 $99,490
6A
138
13.6
228/439 750/3500 2665 645 $113,490
6A
93
10.3
195/650 750/3500 2720 580 $118,490
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 76 SERIES Some people call it a four-door Troopie, but Toyota’s 76 Series wagon uses the body of what was essentially the original 1985 Prado that was never imported into Australia. Powered by Toyota’s new gen (at the time) V8 turbo-diesel, the 76 originally filled a gap in Toyota’s model range left by the lack of a Standard model 200 Series. Although aimed at the commercial market, the 76 is a great enthusiast’s vehicle. The recent upgrade to driver and passenger airbags is a welcome move. WORKMATE 4D WAGON
4461 DTV8
5M
130
11.9
151/430 750/3500 2220 780 $59,990
GXL 4DR WAGON
4461 DTV8
5M
130
11.9
151/430 750/3500 2230 770 $64290
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MODEL
CCs
CYL.
TRANS FUEL TANK L/100KM
Kw/Nm
TOWING
KERB PAYWEIGHT LOAD
NEW PRICE
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 78 SERIES Like the 79 Series cab-chassis models and the updated 76 Series wagon, the 78 Series Troop Carrier is powered by Toyotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4.5L V8 turbo-diesel. With 430Nm available from just 1200rpm it makes the gearbox almost redundant. Basic Workmate model comes with three or 11 seats, while GXL has five seats. Factory diff locks make the 78 virtually unstoppable. A great bush tourer, now even better with driver and passenger airbags. WORKMATE 3 SEAT TROOPCARRIER 4461 DTV8
5M
180
11.9
151/430 750/3500 2320 980 $65,790
WORKMATE 11 SEAT TROOPCARRIER 4461 DTV8
5M
180
11.9
151/430 750/3500 2320 980 $66,890
GXL TROOPCARRIER
5M
180
11.9
151/430 750/3500 2335 965 $67,990
4461 DTV8
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 79 SERIES
2YHU GLIIHUHQW VHW XSV WR VXLW PRVW FRPPRQ YHKLFOHV With many features including: â&#x20AC;¢ All storage units are easily removed and installed â&#x20AC;¢ Existing bolting points used - no drilling of vehicle â&#x20AC;¢ Do it yourself kits available â&#x20AC;¢ Delivery Australia wide
The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;workingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; LandCruiser has new-gen V8 turbo-diesel power, which will cop service in many Toyotas for years to come; the state of tune will vary within the model range. Recent upgrade has brought a new dashboard with driver and passenger airbags, as well as reach- and heightadjustment on the steering wheel. Optional front and rear diff locks are a great bonus off road. WORKMATE C/CHAS
4461 DTV8
5M
180
11.5
151/430 750/3500 2045 1250 $58,790
GX C/CHAS
4461 DTV8
5M
180
11.5
151/430 750/3500 2050 1250 $60,790
GXL C/CHAS
4461 DTV8
5M
180
11.5
151/430 750/3500 2065 1235 $62,790
Sot luggage rack
Check out our new build your unit guide. Go to fourbyitouts.com.au
Remote ill 20L water tank kit
Cargo barrier
600mm high shelf divided into two halves Nylon cutting board
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER DOUBLE CAB The LC70 Double Cab has the same 4.5L V8 turbo-diesel as in the entire 70 series line-up. With an updated interior, ABS, dual front SRS airbags and 4 wheel discs brakes, in GXL guise it has been a hit in the mining community plus with many off-road enthusiasts. With optional front and rear diff locks, it is be a solid performer in the bush, however, air-con is still only an option. WORKMATE DOUBLE C/CHAS
4461 DTV8
5M
130
11.9
151/430 750/3500 2205 1100 $63,990
GXL DOUBLE C/CHAS
4461 DTV8
5M
130
11.9
151/430 750/3500 2205 1100 $67,990
Lockable roller drawer Side pocket
TOYOTA HILUX With so many 4WD variants on offer itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder that the HiLux is its segment leader and Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-selling 4WD. There are two engines, a 4.0-litre petrol and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, three body styles, single cab, extra cab and double cab, two spec levels, and manual and auto gearboxes. The recent update has given the HiLux a redesigned front, improved audio systems and an increased 2.5 tonne towing capacity. WORKMATE C/CHAS WORKMATE C/CHAS WORKMATE DUAL CAB P/UP WORKMATE DUAL CAB P/UP SR C/CHAS SR C/CHAS SR X CAB C/CHAS SR X CAB P/UP SR DUAL C/CHAS SR DUAL CAB P/UP SR DUAL CAB P/UP SR DUAL CAB P/UP SR DUAL CAB P/UP SR5 X CAB P/UP SR5 DUAL CAB P/UP SR5 DUAL CAB P/UP SR5 DUAL CAB P/UP SR5 DUAL CAB P/UP
Side bin
2982 2982 2982 2982 2982 2982 2982 2982 2982 3956 3956 2982 2982 2982 3956 3956 2982 2982
DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 V6 V6 DT4 DT4 DT4 V6 V6 DT4 DT4
5M 4A 5M 4A 5M 4A 5M 5M 5M 5M 5A 5M 4A 5M 5M 5A 5M 4A
75 75 75 75 76 76 76 75 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76 76
8.2 9.3 8.3 9.3 8.2 9.3 8.2 8.3 8.3 13.1 13 8.3 9.3 8.3 13.1 13 8.3 9.3
126/343 126/343 126/343 126/343 126/343 126/343 126/343 126/343 126/343 175/376 175/376 126/343 126/343 126/343 175/376 175/376 126/343 126/343
750/2250 750/2250 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500 750/2500
1675 1675 1845 1845 1620 1620 1770 1810 1825 1765 1765 1815 1815 1830 1770 1770 1865 1865
1160 1160 935 935 1215 1215 940 900 955 1045 1045 965 965 880 1040 1040 915 915
Heavy-duty loor bolts
Heavy-duty 40L or 60L fridge slide
3KRQH :HEVLWH ZZZ IRXUE\ILWRXWV FRP DX
$31,990 $33,990 $38,990 $40,990 $34,990 $37,490 $38,490 $39,990 $40,490 $41,990 $44,490 $41,990 $44,490 $46,990 $50,990 $53,490 $50,990 $53,490
VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK
.. European style and build quality from the Volkswagen Amarok brings a refreshing change to the Australian dual-cab market. The 2.0L turbo-diesel produces 120kW and 400Nm, incredible for an engine of its size. The Amarok proved its off-road ability as a main support vehicle in the 2010 Dakar Rally, and with a competitive pricepoint, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll struggle to find a dual cab that offers such good value. TDI400 C/CHAS TDI400 UTILITY TDI400 DUAL CAB TDI400 DUAL C/CHAS TDI420 HIGHLINE D/CAB TDI400 HIGHLINE D/CAB TDI420 DUAL CAB TDI420 DUAL C/CHAS TDI400 TRENDLINE D/CAB TDI400 TRENDLINE DUAL C/CHAS TDI420 TRENDLINE D/CAB TDI420 TRENDLINE DUAL C/CHAS TDI420 ULTIMATE D/CAB TDI400 ULTIMATE D/CAB TDI400 ULTIMATE (PERM) D/CAB
1968 1968 1968 1968 1968 1968 1968 1968 1968 1968 1968 1968 1968 1968 1968
DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4 DT4
6M 6M 6M 6M 8A 6M 8A 8A 6M 6M 8A 8A 8A 6M 6M
80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80
7.8 7.8 7.9 7.9 8.3 7.9 8.3 8.3 7.9 7.9 8.3 8.3 8.3 7.9 7.9
120/400 120/400 120/400 120/400 132/420 120/400 132/420 132/420 120/400 120/400 132/420 132/420 132/420 120/400 120/400
750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000 750/3000
1865 1865 1978 1978 2080 2073 1985 1985 2018 2018 2026 2026 2094 2087 2087
1175 1175 1062 1062 960 960 1055 1055 1022 1022 1014 1014 946 953 953
$35,490 $36,990 $42,990 $41,490 $53,990 $50,990 $45,990 $44,490 $45,990 $44,490 $48,990 $47,490 $61,490 $58,490 $58,490
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GO YOUR OWN WAY
LEAD BY EXAMPLE IN THE 7-SEAT ISUZU MU-X You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy an Isuzu MU-X just to get from A to B. You buy one for the experiences it delivers. For the features that help you go out and discover more, like the powerful and eicient 3.0L turbo diesel engine and the outstanding 3-tonne braked towing capacity*. A no-nonsense vehicle, for no-nonsense drivers. People who get off the beaten track. People who go their own way.
Discover the Isuzu MU-X for yourself â&#x20AC;&#x201C; visit your Isuzu UTE Dealer or isuzuute.com.au
5 star ANCAP safety rating applies to all MU-X models. *3.0 tonne braked towing capacity on all MU-X models when fitted with an optional genuine Isuzu UTE tow bar kit. ^5 years or 130,000km whichever occurs first, for eligible customers; excludes accessories. >The Capped Price Servicing Program applies to eligible Isuzu UTE vehicles with a warranty start date after 1 January 2015. The program covers the first 6 scheduled services in line with the scheduled service intervals. Program price subject to change. For full terms & conditions and current pricing go to isuzuute.com.au/service-plus.