NZ4WD

Watching the Government grappling with an inherited recession and misfiring economy, it's kinda hard to appreciate how far we've come in 12 short months. Last year, new car sales were at an all-time low. The 'ute tax' had artificially depressed sales of diesel and petrol vehicles as the previous government's subsidy artificially inflated EV sales. Across the ditch, at the same time, Australia notched up its best ever new vehicle sales numbers. Despite all encouragements from the highest office in the land, the country's willingness to transition to the brave new world of electric motoring was stuttering along. Then and now, the sales leaders were all 4WD diesel double cab utes and SUVs. Fast forward a year and the coalition Government is setting things right. Shorn of the subsidy, EV…

NEWS Hot on the heels of the Ford Ranger Tremor, Ford Australia has unveiled a Tremor version of the popular Everest SUV. Powered by Ford's 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 engine, the Everest Tremor has a wider and more capable suspension and also gains off-road features such as Rock Crawl Drive mode, first seen in the Ranger Raptor. This mode is unique within the Everest range and optimises traction and momentum on loose and rocky surfaces. Like the Ranger version, Everest Tremor features Bilstein position-sensitive shock absorbers, new springs, and General Grabber AT3 All-Terrain Tyres. It has 26mm of extra ground clearance compared to the standard Everest. The exterior features a distinctive honeycomb grille design with auxiliary LED lamps, a steel bash plate, heavy-duty side steps, and signature Tremor badging.…

Following major overhauls of its American-market Acadia and Terrain SUVs, GMC is showing off its 2025 GMC Yukon. It's a face-lift with a revised option sheet and more tech features “aimed at easing the experience from behind the wheel”. More to the point, it's being converted to right hand drive by Walkinshaw in Australia and GMSV will launch the Yukon in that market in the first half of 2025, with buyers offered a 6.2-litre petrol V8 producing 313kW and 624Nm – the same engine found in the related Chevrolet Silverado pick-up – mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Aussie media say the Yukon is targeting older 'grey nomad' buyers and those who need to tow. Downunder, the Yukon is seen as a rival for the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and…

“Protection' vehicles like the Rexvani Tank might look amazing, but many of those who need armoured transport also need to be reasonably invisible. Introducing Toronto-based vehicle fortification specialist INKAS Armored Vehicles. The INKAS INEOS Grenadier 4×4 doesn't look very different from the normal, non-armoured version, and that's the point. Under the stock exterior, it conceals a host of noteworthy features that transform it into something of a mobile safe room. Riding on 18” steel wheels shod in INKAS' own proprietary Run Flat tires, this European-built, Canadian-modified rig features multilayer ballistic glass, an advanced 360° perimeter protection setup, battery and engine computer armour, fuel tank protection, an overlap door system with reinforced hinges and travel retainers. INKAS has also fitted Ineos' SUV model with an advanced anti-theft alarm and immobilizer, a…

Suzuki has included its super-popular Jimny in its in-house no-deposit finance offer for the first time. That means the three-door and five-door Jimny range is available from $149 per week on 6.9 percent finance. To celebrate, Suzuki NZ has put up a Jimny-branded Seiko watch for a competition prize in NZ4WD magazine. The collectable watch is presented in a stylish wooden case that also carries the logo – perfect for display in the man-cave (person-cave?) or, of course, equally ideal to wear while out and about adventuring. To enter the draw email your details to competition@nz4wd.co.nz…

The passion/obsession/cult that is Jimny captures imagination the world over. Some owners will add bars and wheels and a lift kit. Nice. Others build overlander rigs to die for, with mud terrain tyres, winches, lights, a roof rack and much more. And there are a few who go slightly over the top with modifications. Behind every build, from mild to wild, is a proud owner – and usually there's a local workshop that has helped make the dream real. Cargo cleverness The Jimny three-door has some cargo room. The five-door has more. But for wilderness trips, both Suzuki and the aftermarket offer any number of additional storage options. Ancestors The old LJ was the origin of the whole Jimny dynasty. Back in the day, swapping out the stock bar-tread tyres…