Nissan has used Australia to pull the wraps off its brand-new D27 Navara, with the covers coming off at a live event that was also live-streamed around the planet.

As expected, the Navara is heavily based on the Mitsubishi Triton (Nissan calls it an `Alliance platform’) with no sheet metal nor mechanical changes from the Mitsubishi.

The one exception there is local suspension input from Premcar (the Melbourne-based engineering mob that brought us the Patrol and Navara Warrior hot-rods) with new twin-tube dampers replacing the Triton-spec units.

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Very little was given away at the unveiling, and while we know there will be an ST-X and a Pro-4X and very likely an entry-level trim also. A high-end concept shown at the same time confirms that Premcar has also developed a Warrior variant of the new car.

Beyond that, specifications and pricing remain largely unknown.

Giving the Navara a Nissan face has been achieved by some typical Navara styling cues such as the three slots in the bonnet’s leading edge as well as the corporate grille structure. At the rear, C-shaped tail-lights are the best way to tell a Navara from a Triton (badging aside).

Mechanically, we’re talking Triton-spec stuff including the 2.4-litre, bi-turbo-diesel with 150kW and 470Nm, a combined fuel number of 7.7 litres pr 100km and a six-speed automatic transmission that incorporates the Mitsubishi Super-Select system (which Nissan calls Super 4WD Terrain Selector) with seven driver-selectable modes and the ability to run in four-wheel-drive on bitumen. A rear diff lock will be optional.

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Payloads vary from model to model but come in between 950kg and 1047kg, and towing capacity is the expected 3500kg.

There’s 228mm of ground clearance, and the new car is bigger than the D23 apart from being slightly lower overall, with a lot more interior space. The tray is also a useful 46mm longer.

Inside, you can count on a nine-inch central screen, digital radio, a 360-degree camera and a seven-inch dashboard display. There’s also wireless connectivity and wireless charging, all wrapped up in a cabin that will be utterly familiar to Triton owners.

Accessories will also be a big part of the Navara proposition at dealership level, and there are big plants for canopies, racks, snorkels and proper bull-bars.

The vehicle is expected to be in Australian showrooms in the first quarter of next year.

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Kangaroo Island had long been on my radar, sitting just 100km south of Adelaide and only a short ferry trip away. With a few weeks up my sleeve, I finally pointed the rig out of Adelaide and booked a spot on the 14km barge ride across Backstairs Passage. Advance bookings are essential.

This deep and often dangerous strait was formed nearly 13,000 years ago when rising seas cut Kangaroo Island off from the mainland. Explorer Matthew Flinders charted the area in 1802 and named it Backstairs Passage, a nod to its position between Gulf St Vincent and the Southern Ocean.

Narrow waters, heavy swells and breaking seas have claimed many ships here, prompting the construction of South Australia’s first lighthouse at Cape Willoughby in 1851. The dangers remain very real – even in 2005, two inexperienced sea kayakers lost their lives attempting the crossing.

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Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third-largest island after Tasmania and Melville Island off Darwin. Its Indigenous history is just as impressive, with artefacts dating back at least 16,000 years. The Aboriginal name for Kangaroo Island is Karta Pintingga, meaning ‘Island of the Dead’. Before the island was cut off from the mainland, three tribes lived across KI, and over the years archaeologists have uncovered stone hammers, shell middens, cave shelters and ceremonial sites.

After the 40-minute ferry ride, you instantly feel like you’ve escaped the mainland. There’s a sense of calm and isolation that sets in the moment you roll off the barge. The gateway to KI is Penneshaw, the island’s second-largest town with a population of just 275. It’s known for its historic streetscapes and local attractions, with penguin-spotting at night, the beautiful Hog Bay beach, and one of the island’s best lookouts at Ironstone Hill.

There’s no set way to explore Kangaroo Island – it really comes down to time and personal interest. Across the island you’ll find wineries, local produce, guided adventure tours, fishing charters and plenty more. The island’s main town of Kingscote has everything you need – fuel, food, bottle shops and a spread of local boutiques. It’s the perfect place to re-stock, grab a pie and wander the streets to get a taste of KI life.

About an hour’s drive west lies Flinders Chase National Park, a destination worthy of several days’ exploring. Here you’ll find the Kelly Hill Caves, wildlife sanctuaries, the striking Remarkable Rocks, a network of walking trails and the historic Cape du Couedic lighthouse.

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Kangaroo Island lighthouses

For a relatively small island, Kangaroo Island is home to three lighthouses thanks to its rugged coastline and exposure to the Southern Ocean.

Cape Willoughby Light Station, just south of Penneshaw, sits high on a hill overlooking the coastal plains and across to the mainland. Matthew Flinders first navigated the nearby channel in 1802, and soon after whalers and sealers began working the area. It quickly became clear a light was needed to help vessels through the treacherous seas.

By 1852 the lighthouse was completed, powered by a 15-wick oil lamp. It was converted to kerosene in 1920, and today an efficient LED still shines from the tower, providing a crucial navigation aid. A self-guided heritage trail winds around the grounds, with a dozen landmarks to explore.

Cape Willoughby is often the coldest place in South Australia, and its tower – built from granite and lime mortar – is also the state’s oldest lighthouse. Known as the Sturt Light, it was named after inland explorer Charles Sturt, who helped secure the funding needed for its construction.

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 On the far western side of the island lies the remote Cape Borda Lighthouse, built in 1858 to guide ships through the rough waters of Investigator Strait. The unusual square tower with its high dome stood virtually cut off from the rest of the island until 1928, when a rough track was pushed through to link it with Kingscote. For decades before that, supply ships visited only a few times a year, landing some 8km away in a small cove.

The grounds today are rich in history, with remnants of the weather station, stores, workshops, powerhouse and telegraph station still on display. During the devastating 2020 bushfires, firefighters fought desperately to save the historic site. Forced to retreat at one point, their earlier efforts paid off, with only a BBQ shelter and toilet block lost.

Cape Borda was built for navigation, but also had a defensive role at a time when governments feared foreign interests in the region. A small cannon still sits at the site, though it was never used in anger – in fact, its range couldn’t even reach the cliff edge. Instead, it was fired daily at 1pm so ships could set their chronometers, and to signal favourable weather to returning supply vessels. Reputation-wise, Cape Borda is known as one of the coldest and windiest points in South Australia.

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To the south, in Flinders Chase National Park, stands the beautiful Cape du Couedic Light Station. This elegant granite tower was completed in 1902 after several ships were lost to the hidden reefs offshore.

The cape itself was named in 1803 in memory of a French naval officer who died while commanding his ship in 1780. Today, lighthouse tours are available during peak times and give visitors a great insight into both the tower’s history and the surrounding area.

Cape du Couedic is also the starting point for three walking tracks. From here you can watch long-nosed fur seals lazing on the rocks below, or head out to the Remarkable Rocks and the dramatic, wind-swept Admirals Arch formation.

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Best places to visit

Kangaroo Island stretches 155km in length and up to 55km in width, with a sealed highway linking the main towns and key tourist sites.

The island is often divided into eight distinct regions, each offering its own scenery, backdrops and character. Around a third of the land is set aside as national park or conservation reserve. A network of unsealed roads crisscrosses KI, leading to countless natural wonders and off-the-beaten-track experiences. The western side of the island is still recovering from the devastating 2020 bushfires. Undergrowth is slowly returning, walking tracks have reopened, and most of the 4×4 routes are accessible, albeit with caution.

For something different, the Stupa Buddhist Retreat offers a peaceful escape from the mainstream, with space to reflect and recharge. Seal Bay Conservation Park is another must-visit, where you can get up close with the resident sea lions from the boardwalk and viewing platforms.

Across the island you’ll also find plenty of camping options – from secluded sites in thick forest to spots overlooking the water. I visited in early spring, when the weather was still cool and damp, and some tours and facilities were closed for the off-season. The upside was having fewer people around, which made exploring the island all the more rewarding. The trick is not to underestimate how much time you need on KI. Allow at least a week to soak in its solitude, scenery and unique way of life.

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How to get to Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island lies off Cape Jervis at the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula, just over 105km south of Adelaide. Sealink ferries operate daily, with multiple crossings to and from the island.

Australia’s third-largest island is 55km wide, nearly 155km long and sits only 15km off the mainland. While many of KI’s roads are unsealed, they’re generally well maintained for locals and visitors alike. From rolling green hills to the rugged beauty of Flinders Chase National Park, through to remote beaches and wild headlands, Kangaroo Island is as diverse as it is stunning. Allow at least a week to make the most of what it has to offer.

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How to spend your time

For its size, Kangaroo Island packs in plenty to see and do. Adventurers can tackle walking trails, drive out to remote lighthouses, or explore secluded headlands and beaches. There are also quad biking tours, sand boarding and kayaking for those chasing a thrill.

If you’d rather take things slower, the island’s food and wine trails showcase local produce, while wildlife encounters are around every corner. It’s also the perfect place to simply relax and recharge. Flinders Chase National Park offers remote drives, caves to explore and some of the best bush camping you’ll find anywhere. And don’t miss Stokes Bay – named Tourism Australia’s Best Beach in 2023.

Barge and road conditions

A trip to Kangaroo Island isn’t cheap for a short visit, but it deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list. Bookings are essential for the barge to and from the island, and services can be cancelled when seas are rough.

Most of KI’s roads are unsealed but generally in good condition, making it easy to explore beyond the main tourist trail. Camping options are scattered right across the island, though sites must be booked online – and keep in mind that mobile service can be patchy in some areas.

• For ferry details visit: www.sealink.com.au/kangaroo-island
• For visitor information go to: www.tourkangarooisland.com.au

Jeep has revealed the 2026 Recon, the brand’s first fully electric, trail-rated SUV. Designed from the ground up for off-road adventure, the Recon combines Jeep’s legendary 4×4 capability with an electrified powertrain.

The SUV delivers 478kW and 840Nm of instant torque through standard all-electric four-wheel drive. Jeep says the Recon can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds and offers an estimated all-electric range of up to 400km, depending on trim. Off-road features include Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system with multiple drive modes, electronic locking differentials, low-speed Selec-Speed Control, and up to 231mm of ground clearance.

Built on a purpose-designed electric architecture, the Recon uses 250kW front and rear electric drive modules and a 100kWh battery pack protected by high-strength underbody shields. The Moab trim adds extra off-road capability with a 15:1 rear final drive ratio, Rock mode, and robust suspension paired with 33-inch tyres.

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The exterior maintains Jeep’s iconic design with a seven-slot grille, removable doors and glass, premium LED lighting, and a dual-pane sunroof or Sky One-Touch powertop. Inside, the Recon features durable, trail-ready materials, modular storage, and a two-tiered centre console. The Moab trim adds a Joshua Tree tan interior, and recycled materials are used throughout the cabin. The SUV comes standard with a premium Alpine audio system.

Technology highlights include a 12.3-inch driver cluster, 14.5-inch centre touchscreen, Uconnect 5 infotainment, the Trails Offroad app, Dynamic Range Mapping for route planning, Amazon Alexa integration, and the updated Jeep mobile app for maintenance and safety alerts.

The 2026 Jeep Recon has a starting price of US$65,000 (roughly AU$105,000), excluding on-road costs. Production will begin early next year at Jeep’s Toluca Assembly Plant, with initial availability in the USA and Canada, followed by global rollout.

Reports have indicated that Jeep will bring the Recon to Australia.

REDARC has launched its new REDWorks range of pre-wired power panels, offering complete, plug-and-play 12V power solutions. 

Each panel combines REDARC’s proven charging, monitoring, and control technology into a compact, ready-to-install system, removing the complexity from off-grid setups.Designed for touring, canopy, and service vehicles, REDWorks makes installation faster and simpler while delivering the rugged reliability REDARC is known for. 

“Spend a little time at a 4×4 show and it’s clear how confusing dual battery systems can be, but what if they weren’t? What if dual battery systems were as easy to understand as bull-bars and snorkels?” said Dylan Pinkard, Senior Product Manager at REDARC Electronics. 

“REDWorks was born of feedback from consumers, trade customers and our own sales team. The goal was to remove the guesswork from vehicle power and make it easy to choose, easy to install, and easy to use,” added Pinkard. “By bringing everything together into a pre-wired panel, we’ve made installation faster, cleaner, and more consistent. Australian made, installer friendly, and built to perform wherever our customers go.”

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The REDWorks range is available in three models:

Scout

The Scout range is the no-nonsense option for weekend trips and smaller rigs. It includes a dual-battery setup, built-in battery monitoring, a DC-DC charger (BCDC Alpha50 for the 50A model), and an MPPT solar regulator.

Compact enough to fit under seats, behind drawers, or in tight spaces, Scout uses Green Power Priority to ensure solar energy is used first, easing the load on your vehicle’s alternator. It’s straightforward: charge on the go, monitor your battery via Bluetooth, and power a fridge, lights, or small accessories – all without overcomplicating things.

Nomad

The Nomad is a scalable system for travellers, tradies, or anyone whose rig is evolving. Nomad features a 10-way combo fuse block (6 blade fuses + 4 MIDI), making it simple to wire multiple loads – from lights and pumps to fridges and compressors – without adding a tangle of separate fuses.

Charging remains smart, with a BCDC charger and MPPT regulator plus Green Power Priority to maximise solar input. Real-time battery data – state of charge, time remaining, and charger performance – is available via Bluetooth. A handy feature for those long trips: Start Battery Recovery can revive a flat starter battery in around 15 minutes, triggered either by a physical button or remotely via the app.

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Pioneer

For those who want full integration, the Pioneer range delivers advanced monitoring and control via REDARC’s RedVision interface. Ideal for serious off-grid setups or service vehicles with multiple loads, Pioneer lets you manage every aspect of your 12V system from a central, user-friendly platform.

All REDWorks panels arrive pre-wired with Anderson plugs, smart fuse protection and pre-crimped connectors. Installation takes less than half the time of traditional setups – just mount, plug in and power up. Bluetooth monitoring gives real-time insights into battery state and system performance straight from your phone.

Designed, tested, and manufactured in South Australia, REDWorks is built to withstand Australia’s toughest conditions. Backed by REDARC’s 45 years of experience, each panel comes with nationwide technical support and after-sales service.

REDWorks by REDARC will be the headline sponsor of our 2025 Ute of the Year testing, which kicks off in just a few weeks.

The upcoming Ford Ranger Super Duty will feature onboard scales and reinforced hardware, giving drivers a real-time readout of payload and improved carrying capabilities. 

The payload sensors work by measuring suspension compression to track the weight of passengers, gear and modifications, removing the guesswork that’s often involved when carrying heavy loads. The read-out is then displayed on the vehicle’s SYNC screen.

“But a simple scale wasn’t enough,” said Drew O’Shannassy, program manager for the Ranger Super Duty. “It’s a complete payload management system. We knew crews would add bull bars, winches and passengers. The system allows you to account for all of it to get your remaining payload. There’s less guesswork. More confidence.”

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The Ranger Super Duty was developed with input from those who operate in remote and challenging terrain. “We heard about the impossible choices they were forced to make,” said Jeremy Welch, strategic projects manager at Ford Australia. “They needed to carry heavy, specialised equipment, but were often limited by payload. It was a problem we knew we had to solve.”

To handle these loads, Ford reinforced the chassis, thickened the steel backbone, upgraded body and suspension mounts, strengthened axles, fitted eight-bolt wheel hubs, and installed the toughest rear differential ever used on a Ranger.

“You don’t just show up to a powerlifting competition without doing the work,” O’Shannassy said. “This Ranger has done the work.”

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Prototypes were tested extensively at Ford’s You Yangs Proving Ground near Geelong, including the notorious “Corrugation Lane” to simulate years of wear. “We had pushed the truck to its limits with concrete blocks, but you can’t truly understand someone’s mission until you walk a mile in their boots,” said Abdool Beebeejaun, a senior engineer in Special Vehicle Engineering.

One prototype was a light-attack fire truck fitted with a 1000-litre water tank. Fully loaded with two crew and water, it weighed around 4400kg. Ford then took the trucks to Queensland for side-by-side testing with the crews who inspired the project, hitting terrain previously inaccessible to standard vehicles.

“The truck was driven on tracks the teams hadn’t previously been able to reach,” Beebeejaun said. “We watched as, in one test, they deliberately bogged the trucks down to their axles and then dead-pulled them to assess the winch and recovery points. These trucks, loaded to near their 4500kg Gross Vehicle Mass, were pushed to the limit.”

The Ranger Super Duty is expected to hit the market sooner than expected, with customer deliveries starting later this year.

KGM Australia has launched the Musso EV, with the brand’s first fully electric ute set to go on sale from December 1.

At release, the range will include 2WD and AWD variants, plus a 2WD Black Edge edition. Recommended drive-away pricing for private buyers starts at $60,000 for the 2WD, $62,000 for the 2WD Black Edge, and $64,000 for the AWD.

The EV will sit alongside the existing 2.2-litre turbo-diesel Musso line-up, which includes EX, ELX, Ultimate and Ultimate Luxury grades in standard and XLV form. The Musso range was refreshed earlier this year.

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Power comes from an 80.6kWh LFP blade battery. The 2WD uses a 152kW/339Nm front motor, while the AWD adds a second 152kW/339Nm rear motor for a combined 175kW and 630Nm. Claimed range is 420km for the 2WD (230Wh/km efficiency) and 380km for the AWD (260Wh/km). The battery uses Cell-to-Cell construction for improved energy density and impact protection.

Regenerative braking offers three levels of adjustment via steering-wheel paddles, with adaptive control based on gradients and traffic. With 300kW DC fast charging, KGM claims a 20 to 80 per cent charge takes roughly 31 minutes. The Musso EV also supports custom charge limits and Vehicle-to-Load power for tools, camping gear and other equipment. Self-levelling rear suspension is standard, aimed at improving stability and safety when carrying heavy loads.

“This is more than just an electric ute – it’s a turning point,” said Joseph Lee, Managing Director at KGM Australia. “The Musso EV is purpose-built for lifestyle drivers who want practicality, efficiency and weekend-ready versatility in one package. It’s a vehicle that embraces the outdoor lifestyle while pushing the boundaries of innovation. This highly anticipated new vehicle offers KGM Australia the opportunity to lead into the lifestyle electric ute space.”

Exterior features include a reshaped bonnet, dot-pattern LED DRLs with integrated indicators, LED headlights, a 3D black grille and a silver skid plate. The C-pillar carries an integrated sail plane and “Rhino” emblem, while the tailgate features a debossed KGM logo, LED combination lamps and a bumper with corner steps.

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Inside, the Musso EV runs a panoramic dashboard layout with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.3-inch centre touchscreen using the brand’s Athena 2.0 system. Features include heated and cooled powered front seats, ambient lighting, and rear seats with an 80mm slide range, 32-degree recline, heating for the outer positions, and 60/40 adjustability. Headroom is listed at 1002mm.

The EV shares the same tub dimensions as the rest of the Musso line-up, and includes eight tie-down hooks and a moulded tub liner. 

Vehicles will arrive at select KGM dealerships in November, with sales to officially commence from December 1, 2025.

What do you get?

Musso EV

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights, taillights and DRLs
• Self-levelling rear suspension
• Dual-zone climate control
• Integrated panoramic display with 12.3-inch dual display LCD instrument cluster and touch screen infotainment
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 3D 360-degree camera
• Leather look eight-way powered front seats with powered driver seat lumbar
• Sliding, folding and reclining 60/40 rear seats
• Heated front and rear outer seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Ambient interior lighting
• Leather heated steering wheel
• Heated, power adjustable and power folding door mirrors
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Wireless phone charger
• Durable rear tub liner with lighting and bumper corner steps

Musso EV Black Edge adds

• Leather and suede seats
• Suede headrests and door trim section
• Black 17-inch alloy wheels
• Black exterior highlights:
  • Bonnet garnish
  • Door mirrors
  • Tailgate badge
  • Sail plane
  • Front bumper trim
  • C-Pillar emblem
• Black steering wheel bezel
• Dark wood grain dash trim

Standard safety equipment

• Eight Airbags
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Front Vehicle Start Alert (FVSA)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Safety Distance Alert (SDA)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Brake Assist System (BAS)
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
• Multi-Collision Braking (MCB)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
• Front and rear parking sensors

Specs

It’s warm but not too hot – the perfect weather for camping, picnics, and road trips.

And just in time for your next getaway, BLUETTI, a global leader in clean energy storage and portable power stations, is kicking off its Black Friday Sale from November 15 to 28.

Expect massive discounts of up to 58 per cent, exciting giveaways, and two brand-new releases – the Elite 10 ultra-small power station and the B500K expansion battery. Whether you’re powering an off-grid campsite or preparing for summer outages, BLUETTI has the best portable power and home battery deals of the year. Plus, enjoy extra savings with tiered discounts – $50 off orders over $1000, $120 off orders over $2000, and the higher your order amount, the bigger the discount.

New arrivals: Elite 10 mini power station & B500K expansion battery

The Elite 10, BLUETTI’s smallest portable power station yet, weighs only 1.7kg and is travel-friendly.

With six outlets, including a 200W AC socket and a 100W USB-C port, you can power two laptops at once or even run a mini-fridge – not something you’d expect from a 128Wh power bank. Even better, its 10ms UPS mode keeps your gaming online nonstop, and the three-mode LED light offers over 50 hours of camp lighting. The Elite 10 launches at $229.

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The new B500K expansion battery brings home energy storage to the next level, boasting 5,120Wh of durable LiFePO₄ cells. It’s compatible with old, existing, and future BLUETTI power stations. Pair it with the Apex 300 for a 100kWh home battery backup, or integrate it with ecosystem components like the SolarX 4K and Hub D1 for solar-powered RV living. The B500K launch price is $2899. Both the Elite 10 and the B500K will be available on the BLUETTI official website starting November 15.

Deals you can’t miss

BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 & Elite 200 V2: Perfect for camping and road trips

Need big power without the weight for your camping trip? The Elite 100 V2 is your go-to partner. As a leap from the bestseller 1800W AC180, it powers all your camping gear while being 30 per cent lighter, at only 11.5kg. You can charge it faster with 1000W solar and enjoy smarter app control via both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. At $899, it’s a great value add for any trip.

For extended glamping or family outings, the Elite 200 V2 doubles the fun with 2,073Wh capacity and 2,600W output, plus 3900W lifting power to run high-draw grills and microwaves. It’s the first in the industry to use automotive-grade LiFePO₄ batteries with over 6000 charge cycles – more than 17 years of reliable use. It’s now priced at $1799.

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BLUETTI Apex 300: Smart, scalable power for RVs and homes

Winner of “Sustainability Award 2025 Product of the Year” at IFA, the Apex 300 is your gateway to a greener lifestyle. With 3840W output and 2764.8Wh capacity, it can handle most home appliances, including coffee makers, fridges, and A/Cs. Its real advantage is scalability: boost its storage to 19.3kWh for whole-home backup, harness up to 30kW solar input from rooftop panels with SolarX 4K, or pair it with the Hub D1 to power RV devices directly. The Apex 300 + B300K combo now costs $4998, and you can mount it to the Trolley 2 for easy transport.

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BLUETTI Elite 30 V2: Power travel and party with style

The first of its kind, the Elite 30 V2 comes in three colours – Light Sand Grey, Meadow Green, and Classic Black – to match your outdoor style. At just 4.3kg, it offers 288Wh capacity and 600W power, enough to run drones, speakers, and projectors for hours. It also includes a 10ms UPS feature for pro-level backup. Powerful and stylish, it’s built for beach parties and tailgating, and is now priced at $369.

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More BLUETTI Black Friday rewards

Besides these top picks, many other BLUETTI power stations and solar products are at their best prices of the year. The RVSolar System, which recently won the IFA Innovation Award for Best Tech in Good, is a must-grab for RVers and van lifers. During the sale, shoppers can also earn extra discounts, BLUETTI Bucks, and spin the Lucky Wheel for a chance to win exclusive prizes.

About BLUETTI

As a technology pioneer in clean energy, BLUETTI is committed to a sustainable future through innovative portable power stations and home solar batteries. With a focus on continual innovation and a customer-centric approach, BLUETTI is trusted by more than 3.5 million users across 110+ countries and regions.

Australian aftermarket powerhouse ARB has released a full suite of accessories designed to transform the Kia Tasman.

“Built to tackle the elements, the Kia Tasman is ready for anything when equipped with ARB,” the brand said on its social media platforms. “From front to back, every upgrade is designed to enhance protection, capability and comfort, on and off the road.”

Earlier this year, ARB released renders showing a tan-coloured Tasman dressed in a full suite of ARB gear, including a steel Summit MKII bull bar, LED spotlights with integrated DRLs, underbody protection, side rails with integrated steps, various tray and canopy configurations, aftermarket alloy wheels, and aggressive off-road tyres.

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Now formally revealed, the equipment range gives the Tasman enhanced on- and off-road capability while visually transforming the often-divisive ute.

ARB gear for the Kia Tasman includes a Summit MKII bull bar, Solis driving lights, Old Man Emu MT64 suspension, MITS alloy tray, BASE rack, Summit side steps and rails, REDARC 12V system, ARB LINX, side protection, recovery points, and under vehicle protection.

The Tasman’s original styling has divided opinion, with some critics questioning its design. ARB’s upgrades, however, give the ute a more rugged and purposeful appearance, which may shift perceptions and appeal to a wider audience of off-road and adventure enthusiasts. 

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The Kia Tasman is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 148 kW and 440 Nm of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Towing capacity sits at 3,500 kg, with a payload of around 1,100 kg. 

Kia also has a range of genuine accessories available, giving buyers the option to upgrade with everything from side steps, sports bars, roof racks and tub racks to soft tonneau covers, electric roller shutters and canopies.

Superior Engineering has deals that matter for anyone who actually uses their 4WD.

Whether you’re heading off the beaten track, strengthening a work ute, or fixing weak points on your weekend rig, this is a good time to plan your upgrades. Parts move fast, so it pays to check what you need ahead of time. Fitment information is available online, and the team can help if you’re unsure what will suit your vehicle. Getting your 4WD ready before your next trip is simple if you plan early.

What’s on sale?

• 15% off all Superior Engineering products: Suspension, shocks, lift kits, bar work, bull bars, protection gear and upgrade packages.
• 10% off selected leading 4WD brands: Including some of the most trusted names in the industry.

Why upgrade?

• Suspension and lift kits: Better ride, improved load handling and safer off-road performance. Designed for Australian conditions and tested by people who actually drive off-road.
• Underbody protection: Bash plates, diff guards and full underbody systems protect vital drivetrain parts. Superior’s items are built tough and designed to fit lifted vehicles.
• Bull bars and barwork: Compliant, strong barwork adds safety and recovery points while standing up to off-road use.

Cyber Monday

Missed Black Friday? Cyber Monday on December 1 is another chance to get 15% off Superior Engineering products, plus 10% off selected trusted brands. Stock is limited, so shop early.

Sale details

• Starts: 27/11
• Ends: 1/12
• Stock: Limited; popular items sell out quickly.
• Exclusions: Some brands are not included – see Sales Terms and Conditions.

If your 4WD needs upgrades that actually stand up to real use, now’s the time to make a plan. Shop early to make sure you get the gear you need before stock runs out.

When you’re setting up a 4×4 for serious touring, wheels don’t always top the shopping list.

Suspension upgrades, extended fuel range, electrical setups and storage solutions usually steal the spotlight. But if you’ve ever pushed a vehicle across remote tracks, you’ll know just how critical the right rims can be. When I upgraded the GVM on my Isuzu D-MAX, I hit that realisation hard – the factory alloys simply weren’t up to the task. They weren’t rated to handle the extra load that comes with carrying all the gear needed for remote travel and, worse still, if I wanted a replacement, Isuzu wanted $1250 per rim.

I prefer to tour with six wheels – four on the vehicle and two spares – which would have been an eye-watering outlay. That sent me looking for alternatives, and I landed on Mullins Wheels, which has a strong reputation for rugged, Australian-spec rims. I settled on the CSA-X Recoil, ordering six in 18×8.5, 6/139.7 stud pattern, +20 offset, finished in Satin Black.

Why choose the CSA-X Recoil?

The decision was pretty simple once I started digging into the specs. The CSA-X Recoil is designed for heavy-duty applications, particularly for vehicles that have undergone a GVM upgrade like mine. Each rim carries a hefty 1500kg load rating, making it a bulletproof choice for serious off-road work. Whether you’re tackling rough tracks or hauling a fully loaded 4×4, they’re an obvious pick if you’ve gone to the trouble of upgrading your GVM.

Then there was the value for money. Compared with the astronomical price of the OEM Isuzu alloys, I could buy a full set of six CSA-X Recoils for far less than four factory rims. That alone made the decision easy – but the bonus is that they look great, too. The Satin Black finish suits the D-MAX perfectly and gives it a tougher stance without being flashy.

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A century of experience

Another factor that swayed me was Mullins Wheels’ history. It has been operating for more than 100 years and remains one of the most trusted names in the Australian wheel market. Its CSA (Custom Styling Alloy) range is engineered with local conditions in mind, and the Recoil has been tested and rated for the realities of heavy touring rigs – not just for looks or light work. That gave me confidence I wasn’t taking a gamble on an unproven brand.

Real-world tests

This wasn’t a driveway impression or a city-based product test. I’ve now put the CSA-X Recoils through thousands of kilometres across some of Australia’s toughest and most varied terrain.

Victorian High Country

This region is a proving ground for both vehicles and drivers. Long climbs, rocky ledges, steep descents and constant tyre-placement challenges can quickly expose weak points. The Recoils shrugged off the punishment. Even after regular scrapes against rocks, they stayed true, with no signs of warping or cracking.

On remote desert tracks, corrugations are relentless. The pounding can shake a vehicle to bits and has been known to crack alloy wheels that aren’t up to the task. The Recoils held firm. I didn’t need to stop and check them or worry about fatigue – they just kept rolling.

Canning Stock Route

If you want a test that covers it all, the Canning provides it: deep sand, endless bulldust, rocky jump-ups and more corrugations than you can imagine. Over two weeks on the CSR, the Recoils performed flawlessly. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your wheels are up to it lets you focus on driving and navigation, not whether your gear will fail.

Mary River and Litchfield National Parks

Up in the Top End, the challenges are different – mud, sand, sharp creek crossings and plenty of red dirt. The Satin Black finish cleaned up easily afterwards and showed only the expected light scuffs you’d pick up anywhere. Structurally, there were no issues at all.

Through all these conditions, what impressed me most was how little I had to think about the wheels. They did their job without fuss – exactly what you want from equipment you rely on in remote areas.

Why do I run six wheels?

Some travellers reckon two spares is overkill, but for me it’s insurance. When you’re hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town, tyre damage is almost inevitable. Having two spares on board means I can keep pushing forward rather than turning back or sitting around waiting for a rescue. The CSA-X Recoils made this setup affordable – without compromising strength.

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Durability and finish

After thousands of kilometres of dust, mud, rocks and corrugations, the Satin Black finish has held up well. There are a few honest stone chips, but no peeling, fading or corrosion. The design makes it easy to wash out clay and grit, and they still look sharp once cleaned up. Structurally, they’re as solid as the day I fitted them – no cracks, no loss of roundness, and no signs of fatigue.

Who are they for?

The CSA-X Recoil rims are ideal for anyone who takes their 4×4 beyond the city limits – especially those who’ve invested in a GVM upgrade. If you regularly carry heavy loads, tow a van or head off on long remote trips, these rims will give you confidence that your wheels aren’t the weak link.

For those who mostly stick to bitumen and only tackle the odd dirt road, they might be overkill – but if serious touring is on your radar, they make a lot of sense.

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Verdict

The CSA-X Recoil rims have proven their worth across everything from High Country climbs to desert corrugations and Top End mud. They’re strong, practical and great value, giving me the confidence to tour fully loaded without worrying about rim failures.

Would I recommend them? Absolutely. After thousands of kilometres, they’ve earned my trust. If you’re planning long-distance adventures or heading down the path of a GVM upgrade, the CSA-X Recoils from Mullins Wheels are a smart, dependable choice.

Specs