Tag Archives: 4X4

2025 GWM Tank 500 Review – hybrid 4WD gets tested

A full-size four-wheel-drive SUV with 7 seats, 3-tonne towing capacity, a hybrid powertrain, lots of standard equipment and a 7-year factory warranty for $66,490 drive-away is a very attractive proposition. It’s one that Chinese manufacturer GWM is hoping could help the new Tank 500 penetrate the Australian large 4X4 market …

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2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Review – the ultimate off-road machine?

The all iconic Jeep Wrangler has finally ditched its long-serving 3.6-litre V6 aspirated petrol engine for a new downsized turbocharged engine. The new heart transplant coincides with new updates to a host of technologies, safety features and refinement. But the updates and added features are accompanied with a price hike …

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Next-generation Toyota FJ-Cruiser on the cards?

Don’t we all miss the Toyota FJ Cruiser? The retro, one-of-a-kind off-roader last rolled off the factory floor in 2022 after serving as Toyota’s rugged adventure model for over 15 long years. Powered by a gutsy 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine, the FJ Cruiser features round headlights, short wheelbase and nearly …

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2024 Jaguar F-Pace SVR Review

Amongst the establishment of Mercedes AMG, BMW M and Audi RS lurks an often overlooked badge – SVR. It’s the high performance line-up of the Jaguar brand and it stands for Special Vehicle Rating. Having driven the F-Pace 400 Sport earlier in the year and came away impressed by how …

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Mazda BT-50 gains major update for 2025

The updated 2025 Mazda BT-50 has been unveiled, bringing a raft of design changes, safety upgrades, added functionality and new accessories. The latest round of update is the most significant since the BT-50’s launched as an all-new model in 2020. The facelift progresses the signature Mazda ‘Kodo – soul of …

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Ford Ranger PHEV sets to join line-up in 2025

  Ford has unveiled the first ever plug-in hybrid version of the popular Ranger pick-up, as the brand continues its electrification transition. The Ford Ranger PHEV combines Ford’s 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost turbo petrol engine and 10-speed automatic gearbox with a 75kW e-motor and an 11.8kWh battery. Ford says it’s targeting …

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2024 Toyota HiLux GR Sport Review – on-road & off-road test

Tarted up pick ups are big business these days. Not only is the pick up – or ute as it’s so fondly called in Australia – one of the best-selling vehicles in the country, it’s also one of the most accessorised. In recent years, demand for factory upgraded utes has …

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2024 Nissan Patrol Warrior Review

A brand new Nissan Patrol, fresh from the production line in Japan, lands at Port Melbourne. From here it heads straight to a factory in Epping in the north of Melbourne where it transforms and becomes a Warrior. This is the Nissan Patrol Warrior, a special build by Australian company …

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2024 Toyota HiLux range updated with V-Active technology

The Toyota HiLux range has undergone yet another update for 2024 to remain competitive in the highly saturated ute segment in Australia. The big news this time around is the introduction of the new V-Active technology on select HiLux double-cab 4×4 variants. This is complemented by refreshed exterior styling and …

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2024 Mitsubishi Triton price, range and specification

The all-new Mitsubishi Triton is due in Australian showrooms in February 2024 priced from $43,690 to $63,840 plus on-road costs. The six-tier line-up consists of the GLX, GLX+, GLS and GSR models with double-car, club-cab and pick-up body forms available depending on model. All Triton models are powered by the …

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2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Review: Limited and Summit Reserve

For a whole decade, the fourth generation Jeep Grand Cherokee served as the American brand’s flagship SUV, with numerous updates throughout its life to keep it fresh. What’s missing was a brand-new model. Finally, the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee is here, renewing much needed interest in the nameplate. Tested here is …

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Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid confirmed for 2025 arrival

Ford will offer a plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger 4×4 pick-up from early 2025, marking a significant step forward in Ford’s plans to offer an electric powertrain option for every model in its portfolio of products. The Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will combine electric driving capability with the adventure-ready …

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Toyota HiLux Revo BEV Concept hints at ute’s electric future

Like it or not, the Toyota HiLux is heading electric. Previewed by the HiLux Revo BEV Concept, the first ever all-electric HiLux enters prototyping phase and the unique landscape in Australia has been selected as the testbed for the HiLux EV. Originally unveiled in Thailand late last year, the HiLux …

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2023 Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport vs Land Rover Defender D300 Review

Off-road vehicles are no longer just off-road vehicles these days. Market demands have dictated that they must do a lot more than just bush-bashing. They’re big and spacious comfortable daily drivers packed with creature comforts and the latest tech. Their rugged 4×4 mechanisms, while still as capable as ever, are …

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