Innehållsförteckning för Annual 2026 från NZ4WD

The MG brand has entered the ute market with the U9 ‘midsize-plus’ offering. It is available in three models, each of which builds on the same drivetrain and suspension: 160kW/520Nm 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, BorgWarner 4WD system and fully independent suspension. All models have at least a locking rear diff and all have multiple mode transmissions. The model range enables buyers to choose the standard tech and spec they require, with pricing that starts at $60,990 for the Explore version, steps up to $63,990 for the Explore X and then $68,990 for the Explore X Pro. The New Zealand launch was our first chance to try it in New Zealand conditions – and in Auckland rain. East of Auckland, we travelled from Boom Rock along to the…

Christchurch's GLI Caravans sells lift-top campers, camper trailers and caravans, recently they have had a lot of enquiry for their “Toy Hauler” range. It's a family business that started 26 years ago, originally selling and renting motorhomes. Owner Grant McKenzie says the team is knowledgeable and experienced and works with customers to find the perfect caravan or camper trailer to suit their needs. In addition to a wide range of caravans and camper trailers, the company also offers in-house mechanical expertise to ensure its products are always in top condition. “We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that each and every customer has a positive and satisfying experience when purchasing from us.” GLI's range starts with go-anywhere camper trailers starting with the EXS-1 at $24,999. A step…

The new vehicle market in New Zealand is a 4WD buyer's paradise. Utes and SUVs are as popular here as anywhere in the world, and our new car sales have been dominated by SUVs and 4WD utes for ages. It's widely known that Ford's Ranger is top dog in ute sales every year, usually by a significant margin. That's likely to continue with the company's reset of the model range and the introduction of the tough-as-nails Super Duty. Behind the Ranger, the top spots are filled by Toyota's Hilux, the Mitsubishi Triton and the Nissan Navara. There's a lot of change coming for those vehicles in 2026. A new Hilux is on its way, and the Navara is about to become a platform share with Mitsubishi's Triton. But the new…

Suzuki's Jimny is one of our favourite 4WDs. A true cult off-roader, it's possessed of all the gear it needs for off-road adventuring. Jimny's appeal doubled when the five-door version was released, making it an ideal vehicle for young families or group of mates on an adventure. NZ4WD has driven every Jimny variant there is, but test drives are always just a week. So what's it like to live the Jimny life over a month or so? Let's find out. Our first Jimny drive adventure is a trip out to Karioitahi on Auckland's west coast. It's one of two beaches in Auckland where vehicle use is permitted, the other being Muriwai. We've applied online for our beach access permit, a refreshingly simple exercise. Mid-week, Karioitahi is almost deserted. There is…

The mid-year arrival of Ford's Stormtrak has expanded the powertrain options of the Ranger range, adding a second petrol engine (Raptor's V6 being the first) and more significantly, a plug-in hybrid system. This PHEV system is offered across the XLT, Wildtrak and this, the PHEV flagship. All three models have this engine/hybrid combo. Easy early recognition is by the unique alloy wheel fitted to each version, XLT being 17-inch and the upper two being 18-inch. The tyres on our Stormtrak are 255/65x18 Continentals, and they are superbly matched to the vehicle's likely predominant use: urban and highway driving with a bit of off-road use. They did clog up on us twice when trying to position a trailerload of gravel on a steep, sloping Glenfield lawn (embarrassing), and in deep, muddy…

Any off-road adventure, long or short, is more fun – and safer – in a 4WD that is built for the task. Here are some key upgrades, drawn from the experiences of 4WD overlanders here in New Zealand and across the Tasman. Tyres This is number one for everyone we've talked to. Most 4WDs are fitted with H/T treads from the factory, which is fine for most work a ute or SUV does. Getting adventurous in the back blocks or down on the beach will point up the shortcomings of road tyres though. Tougher tyres give confidence to tackle tough tracks. A good set of all-terrain or mud terrain tyres should do the trick, depending on the vehicle and the adventure plans. If there's some cash sloshing around in the…

This may be the most popular version of Toyota's most capable SUV, the Prado. Where much of the range is in seven-seat format, this is the five-seater. Better cargo capacity and slightly lower weight, plus who is likely to need that third row on a regular basis anyway? Prado has plenty of off-road credibility, as it should. We've not yet encountered track conditions that would cause us to think twice about continuing. There's plenty of functionality in the design. Body panels are made to be deformable so that they can stand up to being bashed about, and if the bumper does need replacing, it can be done in sections, left-middle-right. The edges of the bonnet are higher than the centre, meaning the straight-ahead view of a rough track is good;…

Kiwis love camping – it offers fully immersive access to stunning, diverse landscapes. Bush, beaches, mountains are pretty much embedded in our DNA, and camping fosters a deep connection with nature, stargazing, and wildlife. From the first pup tent to the most elaborate off-road caravan, Kiwi outdoorsy types have their favourite way to holiday out in the countryside. For families or mates, it's a classic budget-friendly, communal, and adventurous way to experience the country's unparalleled natural beauty. Part of the experience, of course, is finding ways to improve the set-up. Upgrade from that tatty pup tent to a decent multi-room tent. Upgrade from an on-ground tent to a pop-up trailer tent or a roof tent. Go all the way and upgrade to a single or dual axle off-road caravan. Add…

Today's 4WDs are built to do it all – from weekday commutes to family road trips and back-country adventures. But behind the technology, comfort and capability lies a critical component that too often gets overlooked: the battery. Selecting the right one is essential not only for starting reliability, but also for powering accessories, keeping safety systems online and being able to handle tough New Zealand conditions. Century Batteries has been supporting Kiwi motorists for decades, with products engineered for local demands and designed to suit everything from daily drives to serious off-road machines. When it comes to SUVs and 4WDs, their line-up offers solutions for every type of use. Ultra Hi Performance – everyday power, extra reserve For 4x4's that serve as the daily driver, family runabout, and weekend holiday…