Innehållsförteckning för June 2022 från NZ4WD

Jonathan Goodson took a southern tour in his trusty Land Rover over summer. He spent several weeks in the southern sun, covering public conservation areas and numerous high country stations whose owners kindly granted vehicle access. The trip visited Nelson Lakes and the West Coast, Canterbury, Otago and even a trip around Southland. Along the way he captured this stunning day up on the legendary Pisa Range. Jonathan takes up the story: “We were lucky enough to get a day of perfect, settled weather which made for great views in all directions. We were also struck by the impressive cloud formations overhead.” Jonathan says his Landy has clocked up some serious distances on these epic adventures.…

Global media are whipping themselves into a frenzy as ‘spy’ sightings of the new Range Rover Sport pop-up. With a sport version of a large SUV all wrapped up in swirly camo, where else would it be discreetly tested than on one of the most famous endurance race courses in the world? And where would the video pop up? The coming RR Sport pays clear tribute to previous versions thanks to an evolutionary approach to design, but the underpinnings are completely different. It is built on the same MLA-Flex architecture as other models in the range. Media now say the top-spec and most powerful Range Rover Sport SVR trim is likely to use BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine currently used in BMW’s X5M. The engine is rated at 452kW (615…

General Motors will use its proprietary technology to extend the range of its new electric Hummer, demonstrating the benefit of starting from scratch in EV platform design. While other manufacturers and even other GM brands go with a ‘right now’ approach and adapt existing vehicles to accept electric drive systems, Hummer has opted for the more expensive and time-consuming approach of creating its new vehicle from a bespoke EV platform called Ultium. This, the company says, means it can take advantage of many engineering freedoms in the ongoing development of eHummers. The new heat pump array captures waste heat from the powertrain, ambient humidity in and around the vehicle and even the occupants themselves to make their vehicles go farther on one charge. “Having the Ultium architecture gives us the…

For those about to rock, for those who don’t really see an EV in their buying plans just yet, or maybe for those who are looking for their best bet after the apocalypse, may we present this month’s eye candy? Having featured the six-wheeler Mercedes G-wagen, NZ4WD now presents America’s contribution to trans-Atlantic détente. Readers of a green persuasion or nervous disposition may wish to look away. First: the Czech-built Bureko 6X6 is a three-axle take on the Chevrolet Silverado. It blends elements of Silverado 1500 and 2500 to create this behemoth (below). Using an existing pickup as a starting point means the Bureko keeps all of the Bowtie truck’s interior amenities while offering a radically different look on the outside. There are no electric motors in the drivetrain. Power…

A wide range of 4WD events are still being impacted by the Government’s Covid response. Though some are able to continue, and others managed to slot in their outings before the ‘traffic lights’ turned red, there are now a number that are being postponed or even cancelled. Safari and tag-along events are hit hard, because of the 100-person limit imposed under the red light; some sport events can go ahead; others can only go ahead without spectators. Check the calendar here, and if in doubt make direct contact with the event organisers. 29 MAY Suzuki Extreme 4X4 Challenge Held at 2278 SH3 Turakina, the event will feature the top 10 drivers from the 2021/2022 National 4X4 Trials season. Only the best from the NZFWDA national series drivers and 4x4 trials…

No matter if the ride is old-school cool or ultra-modern, off-road adventures go best when time has been invested in the right kit-out for the planned excursion. In fact, for many, sorting the spec is half the fun of the trip. We have all seen those YouTube videos where a winching solution is applied to a mud bog and the pull is too much for stock gear. The front flies off. Funny on video, but less so if it’s your pride and joy. By all means drop a winch on the front – but add it to a proper ‘hardened’ aftermarket bumper that feeds the stresses safely back into the chassis. Got the fresh bumper/bullbar ? Good-oh. Have a look at protecting the rear of the vehicle too. There are…

Not just bars: a massive range of accessories. Ali Arc Industries is a ‘Kiwi original’. The company has a has long history of being one of New Zealand’s leading vehicle accessory providers. Ali Arc has weathered the recent economic storms and continued doing what the company does best: producing high quality bars and accessories for utes and 4WDs. But what makes it extraordinary? Ali Arc products are manufactured in New Zealand. Though the company made its name producing aluminium bull-bars and nudge bars, these days Ali Arc offers a wide range of products and can customise accessories to suit a particular vehicle or end use from high quality aluminium bull-bars and nudge bars to load-carrying racks, cab protectors, running boards, sidebars, steps and rear guards. Ali Arc also prides itself…

Sandy feet, dirty paws, and muddy bikes and muddy people. Yakima’s RoadShower is a trusty sidekick that provides pure luxury in the outdoors – the convenience of pressurised water in the middle of nowhere. The RoadShower is warmed by the sun. The unit’s dependable attachment to an overlanding vehicle or trailer allows all kinds of adventure fun and a fast clean-up before returning to civilisation. Go biking or hiking, go fishing or hunting. The sun heats up the water in the tank. Check the thermometer and enjoy a warm shower, or blast off those messy campsite dishes. The RoadShower is available as a small or medium unit. The patented design is built strong, with welded aluminium construction and a durable powder coated finish. A large top-cap allows for easy filling.…

After multiple weather postponements, the unofficial Cashmere 4WD Club went on its annual R’n’R swimming and exploration trip to the Clarence River Valley. The convoy included some of the usual suspects, plus our friends Sophie and Nath joining for the first time with their VW Amarok. Seeing the expansive, unique Clarence landscape through the eyes of newcomers is so fun; it felt like I was taking in the jagged mountains and crystal blue water for the first time, again. Instead of describing a play-by-play of the panoramic views and bog holes, I thought I would share our day of our driving, along with the meals I made to power us through (and some recipes at the end). See the thing is, I’m a bit high maintenance when it comes to…

Waiting longer for a new 4WD, or shocked to find features deleted from the spec of the chosen vehicle? Blame (at least partially) the IT sector. That pretty new phone, iPad, iMac, or PC has just consumed the silicon that would otherwise have gone into features of that 4WD. When the silicone shortage kicked in and started to bite a year ago, the chip industry diverted production to computers. Happy days. Having a hard time believing the cost of a tank full of petrol or diesel? Blame the war in Europe, where nations and markets have developed a comprehensive case of the collywobbles. ‘Energy security’ is the new buzzword, and weirdly, shortages of gas in Europe are a major influence on fuel prices here. New Zealand’s retail pricing of petrol…

Palmerston North minus the mud. An interesting concept. Most times the championship has run there it’s been pretty messy. This year though it seems the weather gods smiled on the opening round of the championship in late April. We had six unlimited-class trucks front up: Paul Hackett returning to the sport, Leigh Bishop, quicker than ever, Shayne Huxtable getting on the podium, Nick Leahy continuing to tweak his new Camco-built truck, Ricky May in his Ford-bodied American truck and local racer Martin van der Wal in his heavily reworked local-build. There was also one less-modified class four truck run by Jess Fairclough. Room to improve there, I know there are a heap of ‘fours’ out there in garages and sheds. Seize the day people, get out and get racing. Having…

Crikey, halfway through another year already! That means that local body elections are coming up and there are potential changes to how your local politicians view recreation. The next election for members of all local authorities throughout New Zealand will be conducted, by postal vote between 16 September and, 8 October 2022. Local elections are run by local councils and are held every three years by postal vote. If you’re on the electoral roll, you can vote in local elections where you live. Everyone with that opportunity to vote should take that opportunity to have a say in who represents you in your community. Importantly, it may even improve your recreation options. An attempt to change the voting system in Rotorua appears to have failed when the Rotorua District Council…

Oh woe is us, for the first time in a long time a 4WD is not occupying the top spot in the sales statistics. Apparently it’s the end of ute-buying in New Zealand. According to some, devotees of 4WDs will be flocking to buy EVs from here on. Strewth. Watching the mainstream media chattering about this will do your head in if you let it. They are talking up a market correction into something Biblical, while ‘Green’ politicians are spruiking EVs at every turn while they motor around in diesel limousines. But I have to feel a bit sorry for the auto companies – in many cases they actually have very little stock to offer, and some are busy buying up second hand 4WDs to fill their yards. Ford has…

Ford says its 2022 Everest will be a complete SUV: tough on the outside, a sanctuary on the inside, and ready for everything ahead. We don’t get the extensive range launching in Australia, but New Zealand will have three variants to choose from: Trend, Sport and Platinum. In a first for the series, the Everest Sport and Platinum will offer a 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine. Importantly, the new models will all have a 3,500kg (braked) towing capacity. Vehicle kerb weights range from the Trend at 2,383kg up to the Platinum at 2,492kg. The modern interior design includes Ford’s SYNC 4A and enabled 12-inch centre screens along with the fully digital instrument cluster. There is wireless charging for compatible smartphones, and the range will feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The…

The new Jeep Compass has arrived in New Zealand, boasting “unparalleled off-road capability, premium finishes and a redesigned interior with upgraded technology and premium appointments.” The Compass hits the showroom this month with Jeep’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) across the range, including intelligent speed assist, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian emergency braking, drowsy driver detection and active lane management system. Standard across the range it also features convenience tech and spec including wireless charging, keyless entry and push button start, as well as hands-free power lift gate and an optional new 360-degree camera on the S-Limited. The redesigned dashboard includes a new 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system and 10.25-inch full digital driver instrument. The exterior features full LED lighting, new fascia and grille, and sleek, dynamic new wheels. Ateco Group…

Canoo, an electric automotive start-up based in California, has expanded its line-up of forthcoming electric vehicles by revealing this snub-nosed space age transporter. The pickup, which sports a modular design similar to the company’s van and other designs, will offer more than 320km (200 miles) of range and produce as much as 447kW (600 horsepower) and 744Nm (550 pound-feet) of torque with the dual-motor configuration That power and range, and a full 2.0 metre pickup bed, are contained within a 2.8 metre wheelbase. That is 50mm shorter than the Tesla Model 3 and 600mm shorter than a Ford Ranger. Designing from scratch means innovation comes to the fore. On either side of the six-foot wellside tray, tables fold down to function as a workspace, and there is a table that…

Utility can be simply defined. It means usefulness, and it explains – and in this case defines – whether a vehicle is fit for purpose. South Africa calls them Bakkies. Aussies – like New Zealanders – call them utes, and claim to have originated the category. Americans generally call them pickups (if big) and minitrucks (if small). They too claim to have created the category. Europe and the UK don’t have a strong ute culture, and they really go more for what are now known as SUVs. And that’s fine. It does rain and snow more there than it does here, so a big single-box interior is probably better for their purposes. Unless it’s also carrying a half ton of wet golden retrievers or Labradors. In which case the owners…

Rangers for all reasons and all seasons. The purpose of retesting these two Rangers was never to steer people into one or the other, especially when Ford told us the available stock was very, very sparse. This is more about saluting the last of the current model and recognising how far the Ranger has come in its recent model life. It’s also a chance to understand just how Ranger has become so dominant in the market and so common on New Zealand roads. The FX4 Max and Wildtrak X share a common mechanical specification, and yet they are quite different to drive. As is sometimes the case, the difference is in the smaller details and the details spell out which Ranger will suit which owner. That FX4 Max has the…

Ironman 4X4 offers a full range of automotive accessories including bull bars, suspension upgrades, side steps and rails, rear bars, underbody protection, lights, winches, snorkels and camping gear. The company’s replacement winch bull bars are designed, engineered and tested in Australia. Every Ironman 4X4 bull bar is carefully crafted from premium grade materials and components to deliver the most comprehensive frontal protection and styling available Ironman 4X4 bull bars are carefully modelled using 3D vehicle scanning techniques to achieve optimal cosmetic design whilst providing maximum vehicle collision protection. All bars are made from the highest quality SPHC oil and pickled steel (not mild steel) to give maximum strength and rust resistance. The finish on Ironman 4x4 bull bars is top quality using the AKZO NOBEL powder coat system, which gives…

Imagine being able to tow an offroad/ overland vehicle to the location of choice in utter comfort. Imagine setting up a base camp, offloading the ‘Trailer Queen’ (TQ) off-roader and going out adventuring secure in the knowledge that a breakage is going to be nothing much more than an inconvenience – a minor recovery operation, then load the TQ on the trailer and motor off home. Deal with the issue as and when is appropriate – because the TQ isn’t the daily driver. Then – as they say – ‘rinse and repeat’. Chris Harvey is enjoying Jeep heaven. Not only does he run a Wrangler trailer queen for fun, he tows it with a pretty nice Jeep Grand Cherokee that he describes as ‘fairly stock’ but well up to lugging…

For the third year in a row, David and May, with their travelling companions Ashley and Gillian, have headed overseas to the South Island to continue their exploration. So far this year, they have travelled from Picton down the east coast then inland and across Arthurs Pass to Greymouth for a few days, then south to Fox Glacier for another day of exploring. Leaving Fox Glacier, we had a steady run south on SH6, through lush green lower West Coast scenery. We stopped briefly at the Knight’s Point lookout and rest area, but generally just kept moving, heading for Haast. After visiting the DOC visitor centre at Haast to get information on local camping options we left SH6 for the run to Jackson Bay and our lunch of fish and…

One thing I’ve always liked about my ancient Land Rover Discovery was the model name on the external spare wheel cover. World-changing discoveries have been absent during ownership but I’m ‘working on it’. Another thing I approve of is 4WD fundraisers. They’re never a real adventure in the 4WD sense of steep gnarly hillclimbs, bogs or deep water, the main attraction is visiting areas not normally accessible. Fundraisers are usually initiated by country communities to raise funds for a specific local need – a church or hall repair, school, kindy, event, nature restoration, whatever. A farm or group of them will open their borders to a convoy of 4WDs over interesting rural land. Often it will include short talks by landowners about their farm workings – animal stocks, cropping, forests,…

On his southern tour, Wellington reader Jonathan Goodson was joined by some other overlanding enthusiasts from the North Island. This image is this month’s winner, and shows the group’s campsite at sunset the day before tackling the Old Woman Range and the Old Man Range off the Nevis Valley. He also sent us a very frosty ‘morning after’ pic, which we’ve posted on the NZ4WD website. Ben McArthur’s family got interested in 4WDing while on holiday in Botswana. They used a Toyota Prado for short overlanding trips. “This experience got us into 4WDing. So when we got back to NZ we ditched our NZ-based car, a Honda and downgraded from the Prado to the Pajero seen in the picture (Mitsi fans will need aloe vera gel for that burn)!” Ben…

It’s coming, it’s likely to be a full-sized pickup, but it’s likely to be in left hand drive form only. Toyota is ready to confirm an all-electric ute with a likely production start-time in 2024. The bad news: left hand drive production will undoubtedly consume all available build capacity for at least a couple of years. Overseas media seem to have decided the Toyota EV will bear the Tundra name, confirming the future of the brand’s full-sized pick-up. The Tundra is now in its third generation. Adding a full electric option makes sense on a global level, as does the emphasis on left hand drive, which meets the demand of most of the world markets including China and almost all of Europe. Toyota has also said it plans to launch…

Ford New Zealand has confirmed pricing for the expanded range of Rangers it will offer from mid-year. The new 4WDs were shown to the public for the first time at the Hutchwilco Boat Show in Auckland during May. In most cases, new versions of its most popular Kiwi-market 4WD are barely increased over the models they replace, though the Clean Car tax will affect each to some degree. Though the range features rear wheel drive models, a single cab bi-turbo 4WD at $55,990 kicks off the model list that is most of interest to NZ4WD readers. There is a total of 11 4WDs on offer, and the range will be capped by the performance flagship Raptor, priced at $89,990 RRP. The Raptor will feature a petrol engine for the first…

Looking for something a little different? How about a Jeep Scrambler like the one Nancy Reagan gave to husband Ronald (yes, that Ronald) Reagan to use on their ranch outside of Santa Barbara in California. Or a Cummins Turbodieselpowered classic Jeep Honcho? The USA’s prolific resto-mod industry is pouring out some incredible vehicles these days, revitalising the iconic rigs that did the tough, dirty, hard jobs that defined the post-war economic boom over there. So what did New Zealand 4WDers miss out on while they were exploring the forests and high country of New Zealand in Land Rovers and Land Cruisers? They missed Jeep’s part in the whole 4WD/ overlanding boom. The Jeep brand was at the heart of it all, civilian versions of the original military models fuelling Americans’…

Supermarket parking dents are bad enough. A tree branch clonking on the paint during a storm is enough to put a frown on anybody’s face. Getting hail damaged is for most people a disaster. For this bloke, it’s part of the job – or obsession. American storm chaser Reed Timmer is on all those Tv shows driving toward tornadoes as everyone else is driving away. He has run through a series of weird looking vehicles in the process. Now, he’s gone mainstream with a 2018 Subaru Forester. Though it was in ‘[pretty good” condition when he started out, it now looks more like a golf ball after being driven into major storms and pelted by hail stones bigger than oranges. “I saw my first tornado in October of ‘98,” he…

These are the best of the most popular Rangers yet to grace New Zealand’s roads, tracks and trails. Impeccable on-road manners, bi-turbo diesel engine, ten speed transmission, and a Fox suspension that borrows from the sheer genius that underpins the current Ranger Raptor. Welcome to the current-model Ranger FX4 Max, soon to be superseded by the new range of Rangers. The FX4 Max has been around a while, in fact the vehicle we tested has almost 9,000km on the clock and has been a media vehicle for more than a year. But this review is not about the newest of the new, this is about how well New Zealand’s most popular vehicle has matured and how relevant it remains on road and track as the all new ‘next-Gen’ range of…

Quick work: ute accessory manufacturer Utemaster has announced a line-up of accessories for the highly anticipated ‘next-Gen’ 2022 Ford Ranger. Utemaster has been a major player in the ute accessory industry since it began manufacturing products over 13 years ago. Utemaster products are well known for being tough, making them ideal for people who want to get more work done and enjoy life’s adventures. Using state of the art technology Utemaster can test and verify its products so that they are “market-ready” before release. The accessories use factory mounting points, match contours of the vehicle and their products are backed through their nationwide dealer support network. The new line-up of products includes the Load-Lid, Centurion Canopy, Steel Flat Deck, Service Body and a range of commercial fit-out options. These will…

Kiwis need waterproof seat covers that work hard and are ready for adventure. Rugged Valley-designed seat covers are ready for the tough stuff. Going fishing with the kids, 4WD-ing with mates or escaping for a quick surf at sunrise, these seat covers are ready for a thrashing. Reduce wear and tear and increase resale value. Adventuring can be rough on vehicle seats, dragging mud and dirt into the cab and damaging the interior. Rugged Valley seat covers protect the seats and reduce daily wear and tear from jumping into your vehicle. This can increase resale value and save money replacing damaged seats. Extreme protection for your 4WD. Rugged Valley seat covers are manufactured using extremely heavy-duty 12oz canvas. This durable, waterproof fabric protects seats from mud, water, dirt, and grease.…

Regular contributor Kevin Isemonger is a North Islander – but he sees the beauty and benefit of both our main islands for the 4WD fraternity. As I’ve mentioned previously, I travel all over New Zealand as a telecommunications contractor checking cell and wireless broadband sites. The Government broadband rollout is pushing high speed internet access into some of the most remote parts of the country, both north and south It is a privilege to have a legitimate reason to travel up back roads and valleys on ‘official business’. I have read a lot of books on the history of large sheep stations and gold exploration in the late 19th and early 20th century down the backbone of the South Island and also visited many of the areas I have read…

The first of our favourite things this month is something everyone has in their vehicle. We all know about first aid kits, don’t we? And we’d never go somewhere remote without a first aid kit (and the ability to use the contents), would we? In our case, we use these very handy – and very comprehensive – shipside first aid kits – freebies from a mate in the Mainland. They are usually used in life-rafts or thrown to a shipmate in an emergency. The cool thing about these Lloyd’s specification kits is they come in a tough waterproof and dust-proof bag. Sealed, with a ziplock for reclosure, they have everything most people are able to use in an emergency. Because they are in a squashy bag, they readily conform to…

Our monthly feature showcases 4WDs doing just about anything except rolling over or burning! We will award a grand prize of a set of four Kumho 4x4 tyres in the NZ4WD Annual issue. This contest is open to all readers who are not professional photographers. IMPORTANT: Photographs must have been taken by the person entering them, or have the photographer’s written permission. Email your digital images and a detailed caption to: editor@NZ4WD.co.nz Send your prints and detailed captions to: Your4s with Kumho, PO Box 65-092, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 0754. Be sure to include your postal address! Submitting photos The basics: as with any photo, there’s no substitute for an image that’s sharp – in focus and free of camera shake. It should be well-exposed. Size and type The mimimum requriement…

It comes around all too regularly these days, especially with vehicles registered before 1 January 2000. I am referring to the Warrant of Fitness and the road worthiness of our vehicles. Of my fleet, several are older than 2000 and therefore require 6-monthly checks, but I have modernised a little bit over the last couple of years with a couple of Discovery 3s and a Range Rover Sport that only require 12-monthly checks. Recently I got caught out with the ‘full sized’ Range Rover having a meltdown and all other vehicles needing their WoF checks, and because most garages around here are usually fully booked a week or so in advance, I took the Discovery 3 to the local VTNZ station. The testing station has been here for more than…