GET the kids involved on the next 4×4 trip with a set of Uniden UH45-4 radios, and ensure you’ll stay in touch when you’re off the grid with a new Aussie-made antenna from GME.
UNIDEN UH45-4 UHF RADIOS
KEEP in contact with the kids on the next 4×4 trip with a set of Uniden’s UH45-4 radios. The pack consists of four radios and is a great way to get the kids involved, keep them entertained, and also keep an eye (or ear) on them. The compact size of the radios means they’ll fit in a child’s pocket when they’re out on the ski slopes or taking a stroll through the bush, and the bright colours means they should be easy to spot if misplaced or dropped. The radios have an operating time of up to 20 hours, a three-kilometre range, a Kid-Zone feature that allows parents to block conversations, and an inbuilt LED light. RRP: $104.95 Website: www.uniden.com.au
GME AE4707B ANTENNA
The Aussie-made antenna utilises a heavy duty black fibreglass radome, making it ideal for a rugged off-road adventure. Key features of the antenna include a medium duty spring base, an interchangeable whip, and a pre-terminated FME connector. The aerial is 595mm long and features a 2.1dBi gain. The antenna comes with a one-year warranty. RRP: $189 Website: www.gme.net.au
WHILE I find it exciting to see new and interesting 4×4 vehicles coming to market, I’m disappointed in the blatant lack of originality in the design of some of them.
While it seems to be the norm for most new passenger cars and SUVs to all look the same, as if they were all designed by the same team of Year 5 school students, I’d like to think we should expect more of the bespoke 4×4 manufacturers.
Like many of us I’ve been excited to watch the rapid development and design of the Ineos Grenadier coming out of the UK. They are promising a no-frills, built-for-purpose 4×4 vehicle much along the lines of the classic Land Rover Defender, but one that would meet all modern safety and emissions requirements to allow it to be marketed around the world. What could be better?
After being refused the rights to purchase and continue to build the old Defender when JLR stopped making them in 2016, Ineos started with a clean sheet of paper for the Grenadier. One of the designers encouragingly stated in the lead-up to the reveal that the Grenadier, “wouldn’t have a jelly mould design like most modern SUVs”.
The lead-up to the Grenadier design reveal was an exciting time, but I was gobsmacked and disappointed at how much it looked like a Defender when it was finally shown to the media.
Now the team at Ineos have stated that when you are creating product to suit a specific brief there are limitations to how different you can make it, and inevitably any products designed to do the same thing will look similar. But there are too many Land Rover design elements in the Grenadier for my liking. That’s not speaking against Land Rover, but the lack of originality.
The use of the Alpine windows in the roof are the most obvious rip-off and aren’t essential to design, but there are other elements evident too. Land Rover thought so as well and took Ineos to court over it, but lost the case.
So I was similarly shocked and disappointed when I first laid eyes on the new Thar from Mahindra. I actually thought I was looking at an old sales brochure for a Jeep JK Wrangler. Mahindra has been building Jeeps under licence in India for 70 years, but I would have thought that when creating a new model, and on the back of legal action from Jeep in the USA over the look of its Roxor model, Mahindra might have got a bit more adventurous and sought out the brand’s own identity with the Thar.
That said, I’m excited the Thar is coming here in 2021 … I just hope I’m not as disappointed in the drive as I was with the design.
Ironman 4×4 has released a GVM upgrade suspension kit for the current Suzuki Jimny.
The kit lifts the maximum allowable vehicle weight from a paltry 1435kg up to 1785kg, with revised axle loading limits of 800kg front and 1100kg rear. The OE payload was just 340kg, so the higher GVM rating increases the payload to allow you to carry more and or fit more/heavier accessories. That’s double the payload!
The suspension upgrade includes a set of four Ironman 4×4 Nitro Gas shock absorbers; four coil springs; extended brake hoses; an extended headlight sensor bracket; front crossmember drop brackets; amended tyre placard reflecting higher-rated tyres; and a Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM) Compliance Plate for pre-registration fitted GVM kits only.
The upgraded kit is said to improve the ride quality and handling of the little Jimny, while increasing ride height around 45mm above standard.
The federally approved GVM upgrade kit can be fitted pre-registration or to existing registered GJ Jimnys, but it still requires engineering sign-off by your state authority.
Prices start from $2571 and the kits are available from Ironman 4×4 stores nationwide.
Indian manufacturer of tractors and rugged 4×4 vehicles unveiled its latest Thar vehicle earlier this year, and the very Jeep-like SUV will be on sale in Australia in the first half of 2021.
There’s no denying the 2021 Thar has a striking resemblance to the previous generation Jeep Wrangler, and that’s no fluke as Mahindra & Mahindra has been building vehicles under licence from Jeep since 1947.
That relationship has soured in recent times as FCA, the current owners of Jeep, took Mahindra & Mahindra to court in 2019 over the Roxor vehicle after they started selling it in the USA as a recreational vehicle.
FCA argued and won the case stating that the Roxor carried too many Jeep trademarked design features including the vertical-slat grille and shape of the wheel arches. M&M was forced to change the look of the Roxor for 2020.
Significantly, past generations of the Thar were closely related to the Roxor in that they were very CJ Jeep like; the Roxor having live axles front and rear while the Thar got IFS for more friendly driveability. The all-new 2021 Thar steps away from that look for the more modern TJ-JK look.
The Thar is a traditional ladder-frame four-wheel drive with a live axle riding on coil springs at the back and coil-over-equipped IFS up front. The two-door body seats four passengers and is available with both soft and removable hard tops.
In India the Thar has been launched with both petrol and diesel engine options and a choice of six-speed manual and auto transmissions. It is unconfirmed which engines we’ll be getting in Australia, but you have to think that the M-Hawk diesel engine, which we’re familiar with from the Mahindra Pik-Up, would be first choice.
In this application the 2.2-litre M-Hawk 130 makes a modest 97kW and 300Nm. The 2.0-litre petrol engine 112kW and 300Nm with the manual gearbox and 320Nm with the auto. The four-metre-long Thar has a part-time 4×4 system with high and low range in the transfer case.
The success of the Thar in Australia will come down to its price, which has yet to be announced but we think there’s certainly a market here for a no-frills, budget-priced, off-road-capable SUV, particularly one with the top-off option of the Thar. Considering it costs you $50,000 to get into a SWB Wrangler these days, we reckon $30K for the Thar would be most appealing.
We’ve had nothing but positive experiences with the Mahindra Pik-Up when we’ve had them on test, and we hope that continues with the Thar when it gets here. The Pik-Up has been reliable and capable and, for less than $35K, it is a solid workhorse vehicle.
More details and pricing of the 2021 Mahindra Thar will be revealed closer to the Australian launch date.
On the hunt for a new wheels, tyres or upgraded brakes? Check theses out.
KMC KM545 TREK WHEELS
THESE new wheels from KMC maintain a traditional off-road and rugged design, yet feature plenty of modern attributes. Case in point is the traditional full-face modular design with a modern mesh spoke laid over the top. The simulated beadlock design comes with removable Torx head bolts; the two-piece KMC Pro Cap has a metal base ring and removable KMC logo for easy customisation; and there’s a KMC logo cast into lip by the valve stem. 17 x 8-inch and 17 x 9-inch wheels available in a variety of colours and tints.
Website: www.wheelprosaustralia.com.au
MAXXIS RAZR AT811
MAXXIS Tyres has launched its RAZR AT811 in Australia, with the all-terrain joining the RAZR MT in the Maxxis shed. Much like its muddie companion, the RAZR AT features plenty of modern design elements. For example, the blade-shaped tread block design maximises off-traction; aggressive side-biter lugs help in the mud; the shoulder lug design and ‘saw edge’ shoulder blocks are built for tough off-road conditions; and a stone-ejecting shoulder groove eliminates the pesky build up of stones. The tyre is made using a high-strength polyester carcass construction and a high elasticity sidewall filler compound. In addition, the tyre features a three-ply sidewall on select sizes. The tyres are available in sizes 15 to 18 inches.
Website: www.maxxisrazr.com.au
BENDIX 4WD BRAKE UPGRADE KIT
IMPROVE your 4×4’s stopping power with a brake upgrade kit from the crew at Bendix. The upgrade kit includes Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads, which feature a specially compounded high performance ceramic material. These pads are based on OEM specs and more efficiently expel gas, water, dust and grit. Not only do the upgraded brake pads help you stop more efficiently, they’ll also reduce noise and provide high temperature stability and excellent fade resistance. Bendix says there are also kit options for vehicles that have been raised. The kit covers most popular 4×4 vehicles and dual-cab utes.
Website: www.bendix.com.au
ORGANISE your storage set-up with an ARB Base Rack, and escape the rain wain with TJM’s new range of awnings.
ARB BASE RACK
ARB recently released the all-new BASE RACK, claiming it’s a “revolutionary new roof rack that is sleeker, stronger, smarter and bound to impress”. The rack features a fully welded extruded aluminium design that has beams running the full width of the vehicle, with ARB stating it has the strength of the steel racks at a fraction of the weight. The profile of rack remains low, due to the omission of a sub-frame courtesy of the high-strength cross beams – this means the rack sits neatly on top of the vehicle. Plus, a ‘dovetail’ system is utilised to provide more flexibility when attaching accessories. Easily customisable, the BASE rack fits a wide variety of vehicles. Head to the ARB website to find out more. RRP: $1140 Website: www.arb.com.au
NEW TJM AWNING RANGE
TJM’S new range of awnings have arrived, just in time for the warmer months ahead. Said to be easily set-up in less than 30 seconds – and simple pack away – the awnings (available in three different sizes) are constructed using a durable 280gsm ripstop poly/cotton canvas. The legs are tough too, built from black powder-coated aluminium. In addition, the awnings can be complemented by a variety of awning accessories including TJM’s awning walls for added privacy. Plus, everything folds away neatly and easily thanks to the unit’s clever design. RRP: $195 (1400x2000mm); $289 (2000x2500mm); $299 (2500x2500mm) Website: www.tjm.com.au
Here’s our selection for September 2020. To show off your 4×4, head to our Facebook page and send us a photo and a brief description of your rig.
2015 LANDCRUISER SAHARA 200 SERIES
We bought it second-hand in August 2019, and then went about with organising its transformation. A long list of modifications includes an OME two-inch lifted suspension with BP51 external reservoir adjustable shocks; Superior Engineering billet alloy adjustable upper control arms; Superior Engineering one-inch diff drop kit; Legendex Turbo Back ceramic-coated dump pipes with 409 S/S twin 3in to single 3.5in exhaust system; ARB underbody armour; ARB 8T recovery points; CSA Big Cap Raptor 18 x 8 Rims with Nitto Ridge Grappler 305/65R18 tyres; Redarc Tow Pro electric brake controller; colour-coded ARB Sahara Bullbar with hoop; 12,000lb Warn Zeon winch; Lightforce Genesis LED spotlights; Safari Armax snorkel, and a Rhino-Rack roof rack. Plus heaps more -David Blee
TOYOTA 100 SERIES LANDCRUISER
Petrol V8 100 with standard bolt-ons and a heap of other gear for weekends away. Everyday car but also set up to tour, with a rear cargo, batteries, drawers, fridge, etc. It also has rebuilt heads, runs on gas, is cheap to run, and it loves the loud pedal -Brenton Rae
GOLDEN EAGLE JK JEEP
Here’s a photo of my Jeep doing the Wombat Holes at Swan Gully’s playground. It goes almost everywhere the big guys go … not bad for a vehicle straight off the shop floor -Stephanie Jane Ry
NISSAN PATROL
It’s the ultimate touring weapon in the making! The old ZD is coming out and it’s getting a new petrol heart. Many hours are going to be spent under the bonnet of this thing, so that light would be great -Callum Irvine
2017 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON
It’s factory twin-locked and main gear includes 2.5-inch Terraflex/Fox suspension, 33-inch MT tyres, AEV front steel bar, AEV rear bar, AEV heat-reduction bonnet, and an AEV snorkel -Ryan Lennon
2016 MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT EXCEED
It has had a couple of small mods done, but it’s mostly aesthetic stuff. The light would come in handy to allow me to finally get around to fixing up the wiring under the bonnet for my spotlights -Dan James
INSPIRED by the success of its 4X4OTY-winning Ranger Raptor, Ford Australia has unveiled its Raptor-lite FX4 MAX.
Building on the limited-run FX4 revealed earlier this year, Ford has channelled the Raptor to create a bush-ready 4×4 with off-road-tuned suspension, rock-ready tyres and the imposing presence of its full-sized big brother.
The factory offering will not be available with Ford’s proven 3.2-litre engine. Instead it will be powered exclusively by the 157kW/500Nm Bi-Turbo engine, which runs through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Key to the FX4 MAX is its bespoke suspension set-up, tested comprehensively on Australian soil. Ford Australia says the individual suspension components have been “meticulously matched for a unique combination of off-road capability and strong carrying capacity”.
To this end, new 2.0-inch monotube Fox shock absorbers are utilised front and rear, with the rear aided by a remote reservoir to ease the impact of off-road bumps. A coiled front end is mated to leaf springs at the rear, with Ford aiming to balance off-roading with towing capabilities. Other suspension componentry includes new lock-stop profile steering knuckles, new front jounce bumpers and a 29mm front stabiliser bar.
“Our goal with the suspension was to extend Ranger’s off-road capabilities, and we started with the basics: suspension travel, vehicle track and shock damping capability,” said Tony Tsiandikos, Ford Chassis Engineering Manager. “The changes mean greater control of the vehicle in more aggressive terrain.”
265/70R17 Goodrich All-Terrain K02 tyres, the same set found beneath the Ranger Raptor, are wrapped around 17 x 8.0-inch alloy wheels, giving the vehicle a +42mm offset and 26mm wider track. And combined with a 20mm suspension lift, improves the FX4 MAX’s off-road and towing capabilities.
This set-up enables a payload of 981kg and maintains the Ranger’s 3500kg towing capacity. The FX4 MAX also boasts improved off-road credentials when compared to its XLT stablemate: approach angle of 31 degrees (XLT: 29); departure angle of 23 degrees (XLT: 21); 256mm of ground clearance (XLT: 237mm).
Mimicking the Raptor, the FX4 MAX features that distinct FORD lettering across the front mesh grille. Its widened stance, emphasised by bold, grey wheel-lip mouldings, matches other exterior components including the skid plate, exterior mirror caps, door handles, rear tray surrounds and alloy wheels – all coated in that bold, grey colour.
“The Ranger FX4 MAX channels the Ranger Raptor with its unique look and stance, while bringing customers both work and play capability with its locally engineered suspension, chassis tuning and unique FOX Shocks,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.
“A factory-finished Ranger, FX4 MAX builds on the previous FX4 to deliver even greater off-road capability, yet adds its own distinctive style and genuine mechanical upgrades for a truly one-of-a-kind Ranger.”
The Ranger FX4 MAX will be available in Australia later this year, with an exact date yet to be revealed.
PRICE
Ford Ranger FX4 MAX: $65,940
WHILE 4X4 Australia’s HQ in Melbourne might still be locked down, it hasn’t stopped us from compiling 130 pages of off-road goodness for our latest magazine.
In this issue we head west to check out a 1984 U1700 Unimog utilised for serious recovery work by the crew at Westcoast 4X4 Creations & Recovery. The ex-military rig has saved many stricken fourbies from becoming roadside attractions on the west coast of Australia.
With the 2021 Bronco stealing headlines around the world, we thought we’d take a look at a local custom beauty – a 1983 Bronco XLT – picked up in surprisingly good nick and with low mileage by its current owner. This tidy example runs a rebuilt 351 Cleveland V8.
We also take a deep dive of the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX. The Japanese vehicle has undergone considerable changes for its third generation, and we go beneath the skin to dissect every aspect of the build and see if it can compete with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
In addition, we saddle two utes – the RAM 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 – for a ‘big’ side-by-side comparison; we list the bush pubs for a four-wheeling adventure; and we talk to the experts about off-road tyres and why they’re essential.
WHAT ELSE IS THERE?
– Following bushranger trails in NSW. – Products new to market. – New 4×4 gear tested. – Musso and LC79 in the shed.
The October 2020 issue of 4X4 Australia is OUT NOW!
THE 2021 Isuzu D-MAX has met ANCAP’s stringent new criteria for 2020, with the Japanese dual-cab awarded a five-star safety rating.
Praised by ANCAP as re-establishing “the safety benchmark for the competitive ute segment,” the all-new D-MAX was comprehensively reworked for the model’s third generation with a suite of improved safety features.
Key to that was the implementation of Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS) across the D-MAX range, comprising of radar sensors and a camera system to measure distance, size, velocity and depth of the vehicle, as well as nearby obstacles.
Included in the IDAS system’s suite of safety features are Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Turn Assist, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK).
Also aiding the D-MAX in its pursuit of a five-star ANCAP score is the addition of a centre airbag across the entire range (there are now eight airbags in total), positioned within the inner-side of the driver’s seat – designed to protect front occupants from colliding with each other during side impact.
The 2021 D-MAX’s body and chassis has also been strengthened courtesy of ultra-high and high tensile steel, while large deformation zones surround the cabin.
“The D-MAX rating has been highly anticipated by fleet and private buyers, and re-establishes the safety benchmark for the competitive ute segment where the introduction of safety features has tended to lag that of passenger cars and SUVs,” said ANCAP Director of Communications and Advocacy, Rhianne Robson.
“All 20 variants in the D-MAX range – single cab, space cab, crew cab, and cab chassis – provide the same high level safety features, technologies and performance as standard.”
“It is reassuring to see manufacturers take responsibility and prioritise safety to provide their customers with the safest vehicles they can,” Robson said.