UPDATE, February 21, 2022: Volkswagen continues to tease the upcoming 2023 Volkswagen Amarok, this time in the form of more detailed design sketches than before.

While the aggressive, pumped-out guards likely won’t carry across to the production vehicle, it’s interesting to note the Ford Ranger’s unique box-step is gone on the Amarok, instead adopting a traditional ready bumper, which is mounted externally to the bodywork.

Not seen as clearly as before is the tailgate, which features the Amarok’s name pressed into the steel rather than a stick-on badge, while the Ranger’s large tub space carries across, allowing for a Euro-standard pallet to fit in the back.

No official date has been announced yet for the Amarok’s reveal, but with teasers showing nearly every angle of the dual-cab, it will undoubtedly be launched before the new financial year.

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The story to here

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January 17, 2022: Volkswagen has shown off its latest official teaser of the second-generation Amarok in a design sketch, giving us our best look yet at the upcoming moden.

While the German manufacturer last teased the new Amarok after Ford had already revealed its Ranger twin, this new sketch gives us a first look at its side and rear profiles from a rear-three-quarter perspective.

With plastic cladding on the arches and a sizeable amount of ground clearance, it’s likely the Amarok, which Volkswagen has chosen to tease is an off-road focused variant, is potentially designed to compete against Ford’s Ranger Wildtrak.

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Although not much of the interior is shown off, we can see the Amarok’s dash uses a traditional, horizontally-oriented infotainment screen, rather than the Ranger’s vertical unit.

It’s likely the second-gen Amarok will also be larger than its predecessor, riding on Ford’s T6 platform, which is both longer (+100mm) and wider (+40mm) than the current ute.

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December 20, 2021: More renderings of the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok have been created, this time offering a look at the ute’s cabin.

Brazilian artist Kleber Silva created these digital images of the next-generation Amarok, but also used images of the recently-unveiled Ranger to create a rendering of the Volkswagen’s interior.

The Ford’s portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen remains, as do the air vents on each side, but the driver is instead greeted with a Volkswagen logo on the airbag.

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On the outside, the daytime-running lights run the full length of the grille, echoing design sketches of the new ute previously offered by Volkswagen’s design team.

Unique alloy wheels, embossed tailgate with ‘AMAROK’ spelled out, and redesigned tail-lights help to differentiate the ute from its sibling.

Let us know which rendering you like best in the comments section below.

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November 26, 2021: The 2023 Volkswagen Amarok is one step closer to its arrival, following the debut of the 2022 Ford Ranger.

Volkswagen and Ford signed a partnership in 2020 which allows the two giants to share autonomous driving technology, electric vehicle platforms, and commercial vehicles, and one of the first models to emerge from the alliance will be the new-generation Amarok, based on the Ranger unveiled this week.

The German carmaker is keen to point out the next Amarok is more than just a new badge fitted to the Ranger, with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles personnel being sent to work with Ford’s design and engineering departments in the development of the project to ensure the model has “Volkswagen DNA”.

While the 2023 Amarok will share the same silhouette as the Ranger, it will have a new front-end and a revised rear, with the interior believed to be redesigned to fit within Volkswagen’s current style.

These renderings by artist Sascha Thilmany provide an idea of what we can expect when the new Amarok is unveiled next year.

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It’s believed Volkswagen may have helped influence the decision to fit the Ranger with Ford’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 Power Stroke engine, as a favourite feature among Amarok buyers is the ute’s class-leading turbo-diesel V6 powerplant.

The Amarok’s current V6 offers 190kW and 580Nm, roughly on par with Ford’s Power Stroke V6 which produced 185kW and 600Nm when the engine was fitted to the F-150 pick-up in North America.

Though yet to be confirmed, it’s possible the engine may benefit from a new tune in order to extract some additional performance from the Power Stroke.

The new Amarok should also benefit from full-time four-wheel drive, announced as a new feature on the Ranger.

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As in the outgoing Amarok, a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder will also be available – but, like the V6, it will be sourced from Ford.

The 2.0-litre TDI engine in the Amarok produces as much as 132kW and 420Nm, while the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel in the Ranger makes 157kW and 500Nm – a healthy upgrade for the Amarok.

“For the last one and a half years, [Volkswagen engineers] have been really co-developing together with our cooperation partner, Ford, this beautiful car,” Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Albert-Johann Kirzinger, said in a video published in 2020.

“We know what our Amarok means to our customers and fans in Australia. And that’s the reason why we are really working hard to have a 100 per cent Volkswagen, a true Volkswagen, and not only a rebadged Ford. I want you to rest assured that this Amarok will be a real beast.”

As well as the new engines, the Amarok will benefit from the Ranger’s long list of safety tech. The new equipment is a welcome – but minor – step up for the Ford, but will represent a generational leap for the Amarok, which currently lags behind its competition in this area.

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More recently, Kirzinger suggested the next-gen Amarok may have a unique feature which helps to differentiate the ute from its Ford counterpart.

“Yesterday our partner unveiled their unique interpretation of a truck. We at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are delighted to offer the most hospitable welcome we can” Kirzinger wrote on LinkedIn.

“We wish the #NextGenRanger all the best for its global debut – stay tuned for an ace we have up our sleeve.”

Whether that means the Amarok will be the first mid-size ute to adopt an all-electric powertrain – as the Volkswagen Group doggedly pursues battery technology – or something else entirely, we will have to wait and see.

A friend of a friend asked me to help them buy a ute. A dual cab, and one with four-wheel drive, which almost goes without saying given that 4×4 dual cabs are the utes of choice of most people wishing to buy one.That doesn’t mean that people don’t buy other types of utes. They do, and two-wheel drive single cabs, which sit at the far opposite end of the ute market in terms of pricing, are the next most popular configuration.The friend-of-friend in question is a Mazda fan with loyalty born out of her ownership of two Mazda hatchbacks, a 323 and a 3, which back-to-back provided some 20 years of reliable and low-cost motoring.Having essentially decided on a Mazda ute, her question to me was “new or used?” … obviously unaware that the new Mazda BT-50 is in essence an Isuzu D-MAX, while recently second-hand BT-50s are essentially Ford Rangers. And if she wants a ‘real Mazda’ she would have to buy one that’s now gone 10 years old, all of which makes the ‘new or used’ question far more complex and well-beyond the usual pros and cons of buying new or used.

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This, of course, is not just a Mazda thing. Up to 2011 if you bought a Holden 4×4 ute (any Rodeo or the first Colorado) you were actually buying a rebadged Isuzu . Likewise, all Ford 4×4 utes up to the first Ranger build on the T6 platform (late 2011) were rebadged all Mazdas.Of course, the official company line with all these rebadged utes is that you’re still buying what the badge says but in reality, this is stretching the truth.The latest chapter in the ongoing ute rebadging saga is that the second-gen VW Amarok due to arrive in the next 12 months will, in effect, be a mechanical clone to the soon-to-be-released new Ford Ranger, and will be built by Ford for Volkswagen.

However, there’s a twist with this latest exercise in rebadging in as much as it’s obvious that VW has said to Ford something along the lines of “if you want us to pay you to build Amaroks for us, it has to be the Amarok we want and not just the Ranger you want to build with our badge on it”.The issue for VW is that it couldn’t walk itself backwards from its current and brilliant Amarok, which, despite its age (oldest platform in class), still offers by far the best on-road performance (thanks to the V6 introduced in 2016), and overall driving experience in the class. Throw in an ease of off-road driving that other utes can only dream about, combined with plenty of off-road ability and peerless towing, and it’s clear that the new Ford-based Amarok has big boots to fill.

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Ironically, the new Ranger will be the biggest winner out of this as it will come with some class-leading features that define the Amarok, not the least being a 3.0-litre V6 diesel and full-time 4×4. Even minor but still critically handy Amarok features, like being able to fit a pallet between the wheel arches in the tub, will be part of the package with the new Ranger.Ford will no doubt say that these features would have found their way into the new Ranger anyway, but I’d take this with a grain of salt. After all Ford could have fitted full-time 4×4 to the current Ranger by using the system from the Everest, but didn’t. Likewise, Ford could have fitted one of its Lion-family V6 diesels to the current Ranger but didn’t, instead opting for the somewhat unsatisfactory 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel when the far more convincing 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel was under threat from pending exhaust emissions standards.As for the pallet between the wheel arches, this is a design issue previously overlooked by Ford until now. And while it might seem an insignificant advantage, it does away with one reason why farm and trade users of utes need to fit aftermarket flat trays and suffer all the negatives in fuel efficiency and wind noise they bring. Trays with drop sides are even worse as they also rattle on bumpy roads. All in all, a quick way to put a dint in the refinement and fuel economy of your brand-new ute.

La frontera, the serrated fragment of terra firma that reaches south from the USA border toward the equator, possesses a centuries-long reputation for alluring treasure hunters, adventurers and wanderers.This mountainous strip of desert dissects the Pacific Ocean to form the Sea of Cortes, and its interior holds secrets known only to those willing to venture into the unknown. Amerindians, conquistadors, padres and revolutionaries have crafted its multifaceted character, the narrative of which has been the focus of books, songs and countless campfire yarns.This is Baja California, and with such a colourful chronicle, it is easy to understand why La Frontera has become one of North America’s most coveted overland destinations.

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We can thank adventurous souls such as C.L. ‘Outdoor’ Franklin, columnist for the Los Angeles Times, for forging our path. In 1926, Franklin packed up a Buick Road Scout and ventured into a land deemed ‘unexplored’ on many maps. Within two short years the Automobile Club of Southern California had nearly completed the first graded road to San Jose Del Cabo. It was rough, but opened the door for the vehicle-dependent traveller.Mex 1, the lone paved artery that traverses the peninsula’s 1290km span, can now be driven in two days. However, the observant will notice an occasional trail leading off in to a forest of cardon cacti or across a solitary alkali flat. Take a left or right, it doesn’t matter. Baja’s magic is discovered when one searches out its isolated arroyos, Spanish missions and endless dirt two-tracks.A comprehensive guide to Baja could easily consume this entire issue of 4X4 Australia, but we’ve distilled the information down to the basics; enough to start planning your great exploration. We are also assuming you will source your 4×4 in the USA (California or Arizona). We won’t get in to specific locales and hidden gems, but don’t fret, much of a Baja adventure is pulling out a map and finding these treasures on your own.

Isla de Califia and buried treasure

Baja’s proximity to the mainland, an unforgiving environment and sometimes unfriendly Indians rendered it difficult for the first European explorers to settle. The region’s early history is tumultuously laced with deception, pirates and plunder.In 1532, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés dispatched a fleet of ships to find Isla de Califia, the mythical land depicted in a 1510 novel and ruled by women. One ship is said to have been lost at sea, another suffered a mutiny and a third was captured by opposing general Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán. But the determined Cortés sent several more fleets and eventually established a colony in La Paz (The Peace). Ironically, the settlers died of starvation or at the hand of the Cochimi Indians, and Isla Califia lay undisturbed for the next 150 years.

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Under order of the Crown, it was the Jesuits that established the first successful settlement in present-day Loreto. With the Holy Cross in hand, they managed to survive and developed a string of 17 missions along the length of the peninsula. They assimilated the Indians that were willing and eliminated those who resisted. During the following 100 years it is estimated that 80 per cent of the original 50,000 Amerindians perished at the hands of the Spanish or by introduced diseases. The Jesuits eventually gained too much power, and King Carlos III of Spain ousted them in lieu of the Franciscans, which were hence replaced by the Dominicans.Baja is rich with local lore. Legend has it that the Jesuits, who were tipped off about their expulsion, aggregated chests of gold, pearls and silver, and buried them in a cave near the lost Misión de Santa Isabela. After 250 years and dozens of expeditions attempting to locate the fabled booty, it still awaits discovery.

Vehicle and equipment

When it comes to hiring a vehicle for Baja’s backcountry, reliability is paramount. A stock high-clearance four-wheel drive such as a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota Tacoma will get you just about anywhere you want to go.

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If opting to go with a hire company (more on that later) check their gear inventory: recovery strap, air compressor, tyre repair kit, jack, jumper cables, tools, shovel and MaxTrax?Get a specific list and make note of additional items to buy before you cross the border.

Navigation

The Baja California Almanac is by far the best analog resource, but the AAA map remains a good option − back in the ’70s and ’80s, this is all we had. They were out of print for the last decade, but the almanac is now available from www.benchmarkmaps.com Also source Amazon or eBay; although you may pay dearly.

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Apps such as Maps.me and GaiaGPS are great for recording a track, but I’ve not found a digital option with the almanac level of detail. iOverland has become a popular resource, but unfortunately our once-hidden camps are now a little less hidden.

Communications

Baja has come a long way since the days when CB radios were illegal. Today, a quality HAM unit such as the Yaesu handheld FT-60 (now with a new Emergency Automatic Identification feature for search-and-rescue work) will provide exceptional comms.

Regarding Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) and satellite comms, Garmin’s InReach Explorer+, with its downloadable maps, mobile pairing and text messaging, is hard to beat.In regard to mobile-phone cell service, coverage is increasing but plan to be off-the-grid while in the backcountry.

Passports, insurance and visas

Vehicle insurance will be required by the hire company, and I personally don’t cross the border without it. It is akin to a stay-out-of-jail card (if temporarily), as in the case of an accident the uninsured may be detained until fault is assessed. If sourcing a vehicle in the USA, you will also need an affidavit from the company confirming you have permission to operate their vehicle in Mexico.

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The FMM (tourist visa) is required for visits of more than three days. Make sure to stop immediately after you cross the border (before the red light/green light charade); there will be an immigration office to one side. If you miss it, stop and ask the officer for ‘oficina de migracion’. The cost is about $27 USD and it is valid for multiple entries during a 180-day period.I always keep my passport in a zippered pocket on my person; never leave it in a bag in your car or hotel room. Additionally, if you have an emergency and need a medevac flight, they won’t be loading you on a plane without your passport.

Dinero

As in much of the world, cash is king, and USA greenbacks remain a reliable instrument of negotiation. Stores, fuel stations and restaurants have exchange rates posted, but they can vary.

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ATMs are everywhere and the best way to source local currency (pesos), but cybercrime is becoming an issue. I suggest setting up a travel ATM card not linked to any other accounts, only use bank machines and withdraw enough for a week at a time.Visa is accepted in some establishments (Mastercard and AmEx not so much), but remote areas are on a cash-only basis. My policy is to bring enough USD to get home if all hell breaks loose – reserve it for emergencies, and store it in several locations.

Rules of the road

The most dangerous road in Baja is Mex 1, and the hundreds of white crosses that line its non-existent shoulder are a constant reminder to stay alert. It is also advisable to not drive at night − cows, drunk drivers and accidents happen. This is of little concern if you take the backroads, which is why we go, right! One custom to remember is that a left signal can indicate a left turn ‘or’ that it is clear to pass. Again, stay frosty.

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Distances between points can send your fuel gauge needle toward empty in a hurry. Carry enough to cover 400km of dirt driving, and more depending on your route. Back in the day, we brought a chamois cloth to filter fuel, but this is now only needed when sourcing it from a fish camp or ranchero.Pemex stations, run by the government, had fixed prices, no services and were the only option until recent deregulation. This has brought foreign investment, competition and a trend toward full service stations. You should note that not all offer diesel, and while Mexico passed legislation requiring ultra-low sulphur diesel, implementation has been slow.

Security and bribes

Generally speaking, Baja is pretty safe and I’ve made dozens of trips without issue. National headlines will bleed details of horrific NARCO crimes, but let’s put this in perspective. According to the US State Department, tourists have a greater chance of being murdered in New Orleans than in Mexico (even less in Baja). Theft and violent crime are present (as in any big city), so maintain situational awareness and don’t put yourself in precarious scenarios.

Military checkpoints staffed by 18-year-old kids with AK-47s are routine. They will look through a few bags and inspect the cab, but are polite and only looking for guns and drugs. Be patient and gracious. I do suggest keeping an eye on them and take your wallet/purse with you when you get out.La policía are another matter. As recently as last year, an officer in La Paz tried to pinch me for a bogus infraction − $200 for speeding, which I could pay on the spot. I wouldn’t pay the bribe, suggested that he write the ticket and I would pay any fine to the judge. Frustrated, he eventually returned my documents and wished me a good day. Time is the traveller’s friend.

Contraband

While Mexico’s constitution stipulates its citizens have the right to bear arms, the laws applied to this right are very strict. Unless you are heading for a guided hunting trip, we highly suggest leaving firearms at home.Mexico also recently revealed a proposal to legalise recreational marijuana, but until it becomes law, you should leave your doobage at the dispensary.

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Regarding a few stubbies behind the wheel? Leave them in the cooler until the end of the day.Now the good news. Do you like machetes, switchblades and fireworks? There are no rules on knives or blade length, and you can blow off your fingers at will.

Montezuma and medical

Medical evacuation insurance is advised for travel in any third-world country. I use Redpoint Resolutions, which offers policies for a week or up to a year. They aren’t cheap, but they will extract you from Mt. Everest if needed.

Señor Montezuma (gastro/bacterial infections) still rules Mexico and has put the squeeze on many (pun intended). He lives in the public water supply and likes to hide in icy drinks, salads and vegetables. If sourced in established restaurants they are usually okay, but there is always a risk. Part of your medical kit should include Imodium A-D, and talk to your doctor about an antibiotic like cipro. If you need meds, look for a farmacia.

What to eat

Baja cuisine is not to be missed, so don’t load up for the entire trip before you cross the border. Fish, shrimp and carne asada (steak) tacos from street vendors are the norm, and look for the carts with locals gathered around. More traditional dishes can be found in restaurants and prices are generally reasonable. Major grocery stores (mercados) are found in larger towns, but you don’t want to overlook local panadarias (bakeries), tortilliarias (tortilla shops) or carniciaras (butchers).

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The peninsula is surrounded by water, and seafood is plentiful. If on the coast, make your way to the marina or stop at any local fish camp on the beach. It may look like a gypsy commune, but they probably have the catch-of-the-day on ice.Tequila is the spirit of Mexico, but beware of the cheap stuff as it will go down like firewater on an open wound. Good tequila is distilled from the blue agave in the state of Jalisco, and should be sipped like a fine liqueur rather than swigged like rot-gut whiskey. A good añejo (aged) such as Don Julio should do you right, and don’t forget to complement it with a cold Pacifico, Tecate or Modelo Negra (cerveza).

Planning and what to do

The good news is that Baja can be enjoyed year-round and backcountry camping is free. However, November attracts hurricanes and June through August can push the mercury toward the red zone. The Pacific side is predominantly cooler than the Sea of Cortes, and the pine-forested heights of Sierra San Pedro Martir may receive snow in the winter.Because most adventures zigzag from coast to coast, I’ve found the ideal season is February through to May.

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One could spend months exploring Baja’s nuances, so give yourself enough time to savour its magic without rushing. Two weeks will give you a good taste (more is better), and read up on forums like bajanomad.com or bajainsider.com The iOverland app is also a good source for camp spots.In February, you can go whale watching in Scammon’s Lagoon; April is good for snorkelling with whale sharks in La Paz; and kayaking or deep-sea fishing can be enjoyed year-round. Or, you can simply explore Baja’s remote tracks, wake up on isolated beaches, and soak in the history of its extensive Spanish mission system.

Ugly tourist syndrome

You’ve heard the term ‘Ugly Tourist’. This guy has a pocket of cash, little patience and a condescending attitude. Learn a few words in Spanish, obey the laws and show respect to the locals. If they don’t understand English, saying something louder only makes you look like an idiot. Smile, resort to sign language if needed. I recall snorting like a pig to convey I wanted to buy pork (try this for diarrhoea meds).Google Translate is a great app, and the Jiffy Spanish Phrase Book is a good pocket resource. Remember that this is their country. Embrace the delectable food, rich history, unique culture and all that is magical about La Frontera.

Suggested reads

Baja Legends (Greg Neiman) is a wonderful compilation of local lore and history. Log from the Sea of Cortez (Steinbeck) offers a unique glimpse into the peninsula’s early days, and Off the Beaten Track in Baja (Erle Stanley Gardner) is a classic read. Baja California Land of Missions (David Kier) provides an overview of the mission system.

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Hire companies

While most hire companies don’t permit their vehicles to cross into Mexico, a few are expanding their guidelines. Self-travel is a great option, and you can plan on spending about $200 to $250 USD per day plus additional mileage and insurance.Guided trips have the benefit of hitting the prime tracks and campsites, breaking the language barrier, and take the guesswork out of where to find the best fish taco. Though COVID has put the brakes on things over the last few years, now is a good time to start planning your 2022 south-of-the-border adventure.Pacific Overlander Pacific Overlander offers professionally guided trips from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, and five-day trips of Southern Baja. The fleet includes Toyotas and Jeeps equipped with everything you need. Visit: www.pacificoverlander.comCalifornia Baja Rent-a-Car If you don’t mind bringing some camping gear or buying it in-country, San Diego-based California Baja Rent-a-Car offers Jeep Wranglers for a week or a month. They normally do one-way hires to Cabo San Lucas (a great option, but COVID currently restricts this), and can provide you with route ideas and other relevant information.Funki Adventures Based in San Diego, Funki is scheduled to begin self-travel Baja hires in 2022. Its four-door Jeep Wranglers are outfitted with rooftop tents, fridge-freezers, mess kits, and camping and recovery gear. Go to www.funkiadventures.com

Ineos will be manufacturing its new Grenadier this July, with the company currently trialling the production of 100 prototypes to streamline the process.

The production will be at Daimler’s former Smart plant in Hambach, France. The site employs around 1000 workers and is the first carbon neutral car factory. The decision, however, is a departure from the original plan to build the car in the UK.

Ineos states the first phase underway is a “production try-out” to approve the build processes before full production can commence. Ineos recently spent almost $800 million on the factory for key upgrades. These included a fully-automated body shop, assembly site and semiautomated paint shop.

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​The Grenadier has solid axles with panhard rods front and back, as well as progressive coil springs on a body-on-frame platform – meaning it is first built as a rolling chassis before adding the body and drivetrain.

Underneath the bonnet is the choice of either a BMW straight six diesel or petrol turbocharged engine, with four-wheel drive and transfer box for low-range.

All of the latest information suggests the Ineos Grenadier should start to hit roads soon as a production vehicle. Since opening preorders, the brand has received approximately 15,000 reservations.

The price starts at $84,500 plus on-road costs in Australia. But the first batch of vehicles previously expected in August will likely be delayed.

UPDATE, February 17, 2022: Ford will officially pull the covers off the new Everest SUV next month – setting March 1, 2022 as its reveal date.

The Blue Oval has been drip-feeding information on the next-generation Everest since the reveal of its latest Ranger, with the duo underpinned by the same platform – as well as being manufactured in the same location.

Ford provided a short teaser of the new model ahead of its unveiling next month.

Read more about what we know so far below.

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December 16, 2021: The new 2022 Ford Everest is set to be revealed early next year, with the Blue Oval’s latest teasers leaving little to the imagination.

Off the back of the next-generation Ranger’s unveiling last month, Ford has said it will be taking the camouflage off its new Everest in the first quarter of 2022 – only a handful of months before its utility sibling goes on sale.

Ford Australia’s exterior designer, Lee Imrie, said while the camo can’t hide all features of the Everest – such as its Ranger-esque grille and new rear lights – it doesn’t totally reveal all the highlights of the SUV.

Upgrade your 4×4

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“We created an artistic pattern that hints at adventure,” said Imrie.

“The camouflage consists of a series of rectangles tilted on a 45-degree angle that were inspired by mountain peaks.

“We make sure the vehicle design remains hidden by creating the camouflage pieces in isolation. This means when it’s applied to the vehicle it’s a completely random pattern.”

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Although the vehicle pictured is a prototype model, its overall finish, plus the launch of the Ranger, means Ford could soon enter the pre-production stage – potentially allowing the Everest to come to market before the end of next year.

Slated to be produced in Thailand alongside the Ranger, the manufacturing facility for the pair is set to benefit from a US$900 million (AU$1.26 billion) investment to modernise the plant, with Ford aiming at an annual production of 270,000 vehicles.

It’s tipped the new Ranger’s powertrains will carry across to the Everest, with a choice of two four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engines (single and bi-turbo) as well as the 3.0-litre, V6 turbo-diesel expected to end up under the bonnet.

4X4 Australia's project builds

If there’s one thing in this world I refuse to compromise on, it is 4×4 recovery gear.In the scheme of things, it’s not even terribly expensive to purchase quality recovery gear that your life could literally depend on. Best of all, high-quality rated recovery gear is something you can take from vehicle to vehicle, if you have multiple four-wheel drives or plan to upgrade in the near future.With that said, when it came time to select what recovery gear we wanted on-board 4X4 Australia’s mighty D-MAX, we needed not only quality gear but modern recovery gear.

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The name MaxTrax is synonymous with four-wheel drive recovery equipment, and with plenty of new exciting products on offer, we decided to give its products a run exclusively in our D-MAX.First of all, we chose four MaxTrax Xtreme recovery boards which live on our Yakima roof platform any time we head bush. They’ve already paid for themselves after we managed to get a press vehicle badly bogged in thick mud.With two placed behind the rear tyres, we were able to reverse out quickly and easily, without sustaining any damage to the MaxTrax or vehicle. This is one of the main things I love about MaxTrax recovery tracks: you can use them to help other four-wheel drivers and take them from vehicle to vehicle.

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The main selling point for the Xtreme recovery tracks (other than the fact they work bloody well), is they feature 88 replaceable hard-anodised alloy teeth fixed to each recovery track. While it’s poor form to spin tyres on recovery tracks, sometimes it’s just not possible to avoid it.Now, if you do manage to damage one or more of these teeth, for just $30 you can buy a set of replacement teeth, and for $16.50 more you can buy a tool to change them out again. You are essentially buying a product that will last a lifetime. They are also Australian made, and we love supporting Aussie off-road companies.As well as the MaxTrax Xtreme recovery tracks, we decided to assemble a collection of recovery straps and soft shackles to carry inside the D-MAX. I’ve mentioned this previously, but I always keep essential recovery gear in a bag inside the cabin of the vehicle, in the event you are really stuck and can’t access the canopy and drawer system. For this task, we chose to grab a recovery kit bag and stock it full of everything we should ever need to safely extract our D-MAX or other off-roaders.

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Now, if your 4×4 doesn’t have a winch and you always travel in a convoy, you can essentially get away with a snatch strap or kinetic rope, a shovel and some shackles (as well as rated recovery points). As we have an Ironman 4X4 12,000lb winch on the front of our D-MAX – and often travel solo – we had to take a closer look at what recovery gear we needed.Soft shackles, when used in conjunction with soft-shackle-safe recovery points, are a brilliant idea to save weight, so we carry five of those at all times, as well as a MaxTrax fuse shackle.We also carry a MaxTrax kinetic recovery rope for snatch-style recoveries, a static rope, a MaxTrax winch ring and rope dampener. Sometimes there’s just not enough rope on your winch to get out of trouble, so we have also selected a static winch-rope extension, and a smaller three-metre static rope which can be used as a bridle strap, small winch extension or tree-trunk protector.

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At the rear of the D-MAX, we’re spoilt for choice thanks to the inbuilt recovery points on our Hayman Reese X-Bar towbar. However, we also decided it would be wise to carry one of the MaxTrax Hitch 50s which can be inserted into the tow-hitch; it’s also soft-shackle compatible.You can actually buy two different already-assembled recovery kits from MaxTrax – one called The Bush Kit and the other called The Beach Kit – which can help you out if you are unsure of what gear you need.These are comprehensive recovery kits that will last the distance when you need them most. Buy once, cry once – wise words to live by when it comes to recovery gear.AVAILABLE FROM: www.maxtrax.com.au RRP: $499 per pair (MaxTrax Xtreme recovery tracks); $899 (MaxTrax Bush Recovery Kit)

The 2022 Gaz Trackmaster will arrive on Australian shores next month, offering an alternative for those needing a tray – or a camper platform – with a high level of off-road capability.

Gaz is one of Russia’s largest vehicle manufacturers, with a number of overseas militaries using its models. Now local company Australian Adventure Vehicles (AAV4X4) is offering the Trackmaster to Aussie buyers from $89,500 before on-road costs.

Badged as the Sadko Next overseas, the Trackmaster is powered by a 4.4-litre intercooled turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 110kW and 490Nm, mated to a dog-leg five-speed manual synchro gearbox or optional Allison six-speed automatic transmission.

While the Trackmaster can only manage around 95km/h, the Allison auto increases its top speed to “in excess of 110km/h”.

The Gaz offers part-time four-wheel drive – powering the rear wheels for normal highway driving, with a dash-mounted 4H and 4L selector for off-roading, combined with automatic front and rear differential locks.

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Thanks to the large 42-inch tyres, the vehicle has 315 millimetres of clearance, a 1.2-metre water fording depth, and an approach angle of 60 per cent.

However, while the Trackmaster has a curb weight of 3600 kilograms, its GVM is listed as 7450kg, meaning a light rigid driver’s licence is required to legally drive it in Australia.

This puts it up against the likes of the four-wheel-drive Fuso Canter and Isuzu NPS – but as AAV4X4 points out, the Gaz was designed from the ground up as an off-road vehicle, rather than being a commercial truck converted to four-wheel drive.

Included in the price for the single-cab is a tray, snorkel, cruise control, suspension driver’s seat with heating, bluetooth with music streaming, USB smartphone mirroring, steering wheel volume controls, twin fuel tanks, and the aforementioned twin diff locks.

Also standard is a central tyre inflation (CTI) system, which allows the driver to lower or raise tyre pressures on the fly, as well as allowing air tools to be used by connecting to the onboard air tank.

Buyers are able to option a 17,000 or 25,000lb electric winch, with a PTO also available.

AAV4X4 has suggested engine performance and tow ratings may be upgraded in the future, but for the time being, the Trackmaster has a maximum braked towing weight of 2650kg.

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Being a commercial truck, the Gaz also misses out on mandated safety equipment for passenger vehicles such as airbags, but does have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) connected to its pneumatic brakes.

Buyers can option the Trackmaster in white, metallic silver, grey, or red, with a dual-cab in the pipeline.

First deliveries of the 2022 Gaz Trackmaster will begin in March, priced from $89,500 before on-road costs.

If you enjoy cooking over open coals as much as we do and you want to up your grilling game, then here’s a book you’ll want to check out.

Forget about burnt snags and dry rissoles, Firepit Barbecue by Sydney chef Ross Dobson will have you the talk of the tong-twirlers.The 200-page book includes more than 90 tantalising recipes plus tips on building your fire, using the right temperatures, marinating meats and preparing flavoured butters and salsas.

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Individual chapters for poultry, red meats, veggies, seafood and sides are chock-full of detailed recipes and full-colour photography that will have your mouth watering.Lobster tails with chilli and garlic butter, teriyaki and beer chicken, and butterflied lamb are all on the menu. And, if you’re a stickler for a steak, the New York Cowboy is a flavour sensation!You won’t need any fancy barbecues or expensive smokers to prepare the meals in Ross’s book – they are designed to be cooked in the open over hot coals and, in many cases, an open drum with a wire grill over the top will suffice.

Be that in your backyard, at a campsite or someplace remote and isolated, you’ll be able to cook these up just about anywhere.Ross Dobson loves cooking in the outdoors and his previous books have included King of the Grill, Fired Up and Grillhouse. His recipes take influences from around the world to bring a swag of flavours to your barbecue, no matter what you are cooking or where.AVAILABLE FROM: Bookstores or murdochbooks.com.au RRP: $35

• Part 1: Introduction
• Part 2: Wish List
• Part 3: Adventure Time
• Part 4: Shakedown

Part 1: Introduction

KEEN readers would be well aware of our previous project vehicle, the highly modified Ford Ranger that was used on filming trips and for editorial duties over the last year or so.

Well, it was time to do something new and a bit different. We still wanted a dual-cab ute, though, as they just work for the activities we regularly undertake.

Why the D-MAX? Well, the all-new model is claimed to be leaps and bounds ahead of the previous generation in terms of refinement, and, let’s be honest, people are going crazy for them, with some dealers reporting a six-month wait for stock.

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So, why not be one of the first to modify a 2020 Isuzu D-MAX. The plan was hatched, the deal signed and we’re the proud owners of a lovely new ute.

We’ve wasted no time putting the stock D-MAX to work, performing a few tasks dual-cab utes do so well including picking up some wheels and tyres and doing a tip run.

Even the 10-hour drive from Melbourne to Sydney after picking the ute up was a ripper, as I arrived home in NSW without feeling sore or fatigued, signalling this is certainly a big step forward for Isuzu. We’ve also had a little time playing off-road, testing out the new rear diff lock – and we’re stoked Isuzu finally installed one from the factory.

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We’ve racked up 1200km in the new ute, and we have to say we’re impressed. The seats are great, as are the vinyl floors – a must for a hard-working 4×4. There aren’t too many complaints to mention at all yet, however it is early days. And that’s not to say we can’t make a good thing better.

So, what are the plans? Well, you are just going to have to follow the journey to see what we come up with. However, it’s safe to say this D-MAX won’t be staying stock for long, and it certainly won’t be getting used solely for mundane purposes – think full-blown touring destinations, wild off-road tracks, and many trips to the local tip.

RRP: $51,900 TOTAL KM: 1200 AVERAGE FUEL: 8.3L/100km

Part 2: Wish List

WE brought 4X4 Australia’s Project D-MAX along for the ride on the recent LED driving lights comparison in the March issue of the magazine.

While we obviously needed something to transport nine sets of driving lights in, we also wanted to stretch its legs after its recent first service (3000km). We even used the D-MAX to power the LED lights for the test, a punishing task considering the vehicle is sitting idling for hours on end.

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We headed to Gloucester-NSW, ending up in Taree over three days. This gave photographer Scott Mason and myself the chance to explore the really scenic areas in between, that don’t seem to get as much attention as they deserved.

We’re talking water crossings, glorious rainforests, dirt roads for as long as you can see and steep lookouts with 360-degree views. With the weather not playing along for the conditions we needed on the light test, we had more time than expected to explore, too.

And while the Isuzu performed admirably on this trip, I am absolutely champing at the bit to get it modified and set up for proper touring. Sadly, with COVID-19 making it hard to get our hands on stock, things have taken longer than expected to organise. But rest assured, the ball is well and truly rolling.

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One benefit of doing trips like this, with a stock-standard vehicle though, is working out what we need in a touring vehicle, and what we’d like. That list grows more each and every day.

Stay tuned for the next update, as we get ready to spin spanners and build a properly setup tourer. Oh, and what work did the D-MAX need at the first service? Not much, I just requested the handbrake be tightened up a little as I live on a steep block. It’s better than ever now.

KM SINCE LAST UPDATE: 2952 TOTAL KM: 4152 AVERAGE FUEL: 8.3L/100km

Part 3: Adventure Time

I feel as though I’ve been living out of the 4X4 Australia D-MAX build. We’re just about to hit 10,000km on the odometer, most of which has been done off-road or heading to 4×4 destinations.

In the last month, I’ve driven to Melbourne and back for the massive ute test. As I left Lang Lang late, it took three hours to get to the Hume Hwy, so I decided to stay overnight in Tumut instead of doing the drive in one sitting.

This gave me the chance to test the Narva LED driving lights while coming in on the Snowy Mountains Highway and, to be honest, I don’t feel we have any need for more light. Very impressive for a seven-inch LED and stay tuned for a full review soon.

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Once the ute test was done and dusted, we headed north for an early morning shoot on the beach with our mates from Safari 4×4 Engineering. As we wanted to capture the sun rise, we hit the beach around 5am. Again, the LED driving lights came in to their own, but I was equally impressed with the Tough Dog suspension and Maxxis tyres on the rough beaches of the Mid-North Coast.

It’s not all beer and skittles, though, as we noticed an oil leak coming from the engine. Yep, it looks like our D-MAX has a rear main seal leak. By the time you read this, it will have been repaired. So, I’ll check back in with an update once we get the vehicle back from the service department.

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Overall, I’m really impressed with how all the modifications are performing, but can’t wait for the next stage to kick off. Namely fitting a canopy, making it safer to store camera and camping gear. I mention this, as we’ve decided which canopy we want to fit … it’s being painted as I type this update.

Exciting times ahead for the 4X4 Australia D-MAX build.

TOTAL KM: 9815KM KM SINCE LAST UPDATE: 5663 AV FUEL: 8.5L/100KM

Part 4: Shakedown

We were out on a shoot in the Lithgow area of NSW, about to wrap up for the day, when photographer Mick Ellem asked a question I’ll never forget. “What time do you need to be home, and are you up for bit of a drive,” Mick said with a grin.After months of being stuck at home, it was a question that didn’t need an answer. Time for an adventure in the 4X4 D-MAX, one with no plans other than achieving a specific goal.

You see, Mick wanted red dirt and bulldust on the D-MAX for a shot he had in mind, and who was I to argue. A phone call to my wife was made, a last-minute shop and fuel-up done, and we were now on our way to Outback NSW, next stop Cobar.

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For obvious reasons, we haven’t been able to travel as much as we would have liked in the D-MAX.

With restrictions now eased, it was game on. Before I knew it, we were now setting up camp on beautiful red dirt, and lighting our campfire well past midnight. It was going to be an early start, so we did the only logical thing, cracked a beer and talked shit around the fire. And man, it was good, I had really missed this stuff.

This proved to be a great shakedown trip for the 4X4 Australia D-MAX, wasting no time to hit the tracks around Cobar in search of awesome scenery and as much bulldust as we could find.Everything we had done to the vehicle and all the hard work over the last year was suddenly worth it. The D-MAX was running superbly, now a practical set-up for touring. The only issue was dust ingress in to the tub area, and some additional sealing will be installed by the time you are reading this.

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I was also wishing we’d installed a long-range fuel tank, as the standard fuel tank was proving to be the limitation for how far we could travel. All in all, it was a successful few days, and a great feeling to be out travelling again.

It was time to give the D-MAX a service when we arrived home, as well as several trips to the car wash in an attempt to wash out that Cobar dust from every nook and cranny.There were no surprises from the 15,000km service, the only thing that needed a quick look at were the rear drum brakes, which were no doubt full of dust and starting to squeak. After being told she’s all good to go, we left the dealership and went on our way back home, 45 minutes away from the dealership.

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Well, things took a turn when I arrived home and noticed oil leaking from the front diff. It turns out the dealership forgot to tighten both the fill and drain plug on the front diff after changing the oil – they were not even finger tight. A friendly phone call was made, and they insisted I came back so they could inspect the diff, top it up and put a spanner on the plugs this time.

Look, mistakes happen, I get it. And it’s not the problem, but the solution that counts. I’m not going to bash the dealership, as it fixed the problem quickly and even offered me a can of degreaser to clean up the oil from my driveway.What have I learned from this experience, though? Take the trip, go out and have an adventure. The ones you don’t plan usually turn out to be the most exciting. And if you are getting work done on your 4×4, nobody knows it better than you. Double-check things when you get home, because it’s much easier having issues in your driveway than halfway through the outback.

TOTAL KM: 16,231KM KM SINCE LAST UPDATE: 6213 AV FUEL: 10.4L/100KM

August 2: New 2024 Prado revealed!

New Prado makes global debut ahead of 2024 Australian launch.

Here it is. If you’re patient and keen on Toyota’s very latest 4×4 offering, the links below hold everything you need to know.

• 2024 TOYOTA PRADO REVEALED
• Spec battle: New Prado v LandCruiser 300 Series
• 2024 Toyota Prado: Everything we know
• What is the towing capacity of the new Prado?
• New Prado: What YOU think so far!
• BONUS: New 70 Series facelift revealed
• A 2025 Prado ute? Yes please!
• ALL PRADO NEWS & REVIEWS

The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado may end up with a pure-electric powertrain, according to a new theory out of Japan.

Website Creative311 is reporting the Lexus Electrified SUV – the pre-production concept of a future model shown in recent days – could actually be giving us a glimpse of the luxury version of the future LandCruiser Prado.

Lexus currently sells the Prado as the GX in North American markets, and an industry rumour says the premium model will be introduced to Japan (and potentially other right-hand-drive markets, such as Australia) in the coming years.

November 14, 2022: Next-gen Prado imagined

With new reports surfacing that the next Toyota Prado will get hybrid powertrains, we’ve commissioned a pair of artist renderings that might offer a look at the new model’s styling. Get all the details, including everything about the hybrid powertrains, at the links below.

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Story continues

This latest report suggests the Lexus Electrified SUV could actually be previewing the GX, meaning Toyota’s next-generation Prado could end up being based on a fully-electric platform.

While the idea of the Prado moving to pure battery power may seem like a drastic step, large markets such as the US are introducing stringent tailpipe laws, which will require a near 30 per cent reduction in emissions by 2026, and could force carmakers to drop internal-combustion engines for some models.

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An electric Prado could also potentially reduce any cannibalisation of sales from the LandCruiser 300 Series – forcing customers who need a diesel engine to buy the larger sibling – as well as providing differentiation from new competitors, such as the upcoming hybrid V6-powered GWM Tank 500.

Earlier this week, another report out of Japan suggested Toyota was currently developing a hydrogen-fuelled internal-combustion engine, slated for the LandCruiser 300 Series.