We have built our Troopie up as an outback tourer and as such it needed a set of driving lights to bolster the standard 70 Series headlights, which aren’t the greatest around.

There is a huge range of different brand lights on the Aussie market, ranging in price from a couple of hundred bucks for a pair to well over $1500 for a set of high-performance lights, and we have tested many over the years. What we have learnt is that you get what you pay for, and we always go for top-end brands as they perform better for longer, while being stronger and much more reliable than cheaper lights.

After hearing some positive reports, this time around we decided to fit a pair of Lazer Lamps Sentinel 9” Elite lights on the Troopy.

1

Lazer lights – be they driving lamps, work lamps or light bars – are designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK with no compromises in regards to component parts or build processes. They are impressive looking straight out of the box and exude quality. The Sentinel range is available in 7-inch or 9-inch models, in both Standard and Elite grades.

We opted for the 9-inch Elite grade with DRLs. Like all Elite models they come with an anodised and top-coated body and an ‘unbreakable’ polycarbonate lens. An optimised heatsink offers good thermal dynamics while an electronic thermal management system optimises light output to preserve the longevity of the 32 high output LEDs. The lifespan of the LEDs is claimed to be 50,000 hours.

Each lamp features over voltage protection as well as reverse polarity protection, and they have an IP68 waterproof rating, meaning they are good to be submerged to a depth of 1.5m for up to 30 minutes.

1

That means you’ll be safe crossing High Country rivers in Victoria, wading through Nolans Brook up on Cape York or crossing the Pentecost in the Kimberley.

Each lamp weighs in at 2.5kg and comes with a wide diecast aluminium mounting bracket that holds the lamp firmly and consistently in place. An alternative slim mounting bracket, along with a range of lens covers, stay bar kit and anti-theft fasteners, are available as optional accessories.

The colour temperature of the Lazer lamp is 5000K and total Lumens output, for those who know and care about such things, is said to be over 15,200, while sharpness and definition is rated as 80CRI. Each lamp consumes 145W and draws just a tad over 10 amps.

1

The light beam these lamps produce may not be the longest you have seen with 1 lux at 740m, but what makes them so practical and great to drive behind is the evenness of the light and the 52° beam spread, which means the side of roads and tracks are well lit up, making it easier to spot wayward animals lurking in the grass or scrub, waiting to leap out at you.

The crew at Outback 4WD (www.outback4wd.com.au) fitted the lights and wiring loom but not before I had broken a tab off the supplied light covers while removing said cover. I should have read the warning instructions about them being easily broken!

The supplied wiring loom with its Superseal connectors didn’t come with a switch, which is a bit odd, but apart from that the lights were easy to fit and wire up. We made sure to use the three mounting holes to secure each light securely to the bullbar.

1

1

We’ve now had these lights fitted for the last 20,000km, which has included a run down the Canning Stock Route and a trip across Queensland’s Gulf Country and up to the Cobourg Peninsula in the NT.

Needless to say they have been subjected to more than their fair share of corrugations and rough roads and have stood up to the pounding without any movement, the beam staying true the whole time.

The 9-inch Sentinels are quite large but they fit within an ARB Deluxe bar, although some drivers will find the 7-inch lamps preferable. Despite their size, the lights have not had a detrimental effect on engine cooling, but I’d hazard a guess that if fitted to my old TD42 Patrol there may have been an undesirable outcome.

1

I’ve only driven behind these lights at night on a few short forays, but I’ve found them to provide more than ample light, spread evenly with no obvious hotspots.

They offer far more illumination than standard headlights and are remarkably easy on the eyes, which makes long night drives easier and safer.

While they are not cheap, like all good driving lights they are well worth the money for those who spend a lot of time behind the wheel at night, or who want the best illumination possible on those dark winding mountain tracks. And they are covered by a five-year warranty.

New Toyota Prados don’t come around too often, so when one does it’s big news.

After all, the Prado is one of Australia’s most popular and best-selling 4×4 wagons, so popular in fact that it has outlived the vehicle it mimicked, Mitsubishi’s legendary Pajero.

First seen in Australia in the mid-1990s (the earlier 70 Series Prado was never offered here), the 90 Series Prado took the recipe for the Pajero (right down to the model name) and gave it a Toyota flavour to great effect; starting a decades long battle for the popular family 4×4 wagons.

1

The 120 Series Prado lobbed in 2002 and rose to supremacy in the category over the next seven years, until the 150 Series launched as essentially an upgraded 120 and saw the end of the once ground-breaking Mitsubishi.

2025 brings us the (almost) all-new 250 Series Prado that is set to take the badge to new levels of market influence. The 250 Series arrives in five model grades, priced from $72,500 (+ORC) for the entry level GX to $99,990 (+ORC) for the Kakadu.

1

JUMP AHEAD

• What does it get?
• The biggest criticism
• Engine and performance
• Off-road
• VERDICT
• Specifications

Prado Kakadu: What does it get?

As the top-of-the-range model, the Kakadu comes loaded with all the trimmings.

Like the rest of the 250 Series range, this starts with a premium 12.3-inch multimedia screen that is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity and cloud-based in-built sat-nav. It also gets a panoramic moon roof; leather-accented seat trim with eight-way power adjustment and power lumbar support and memory for the driver, and four-way power adjustment for the passenger seat; heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats; manually-adjustable driver seat cushion length; digital rear view mirror; heated steering wheel; and a heads-up display.

There’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which is bigger than the models below the VX spec. A refrigerated console chiller is also a part of the package, as is a power-adjustable steering column and a JBL sound system that kicks out the jams through 14 speakers. It’s a full-on luxe interior worthy of the $100k price tag.

⬆️ Back to top

1

The biggest criticism

The Kakadu is only available as a seven-seat model, with five seats only offered on the entry-level GX and Altitude variants. Herein lies the biggest criticism of the 250 Series Prado, as the packaging of the third-row seat in the back of the car is horrendous.

Instead of folding into the floor as they did in the 150 Series, or up to the sides as they did in earlier models, the seats can only fold on top of the floor, totally ruining the rear cargo area for carrying cargo or anything else. Securely carrying a car fridge in the back of any seven-seat Prado becomes a challenge, which it shouldn’t be.

It has to be one of the worst designs we’ve seen in any new car in decades, and it has come about because of the engine’s 48-volt hybrid system which mounts its battery and inverter beneath the rear floor section.

1

1

When you consider the very limited benefits of the mild hybrid 48-volt system, you need to weigh that up against the cost of losing a usable cargo area.

For a touring 4×4 wagon, you would think cargo-carrying capacity would always be a priority, and it’s a deal breaker for us. Even the five-seat GX and Altitude models are compromised here; although, not as badly as the seven-seat models.

For what it’s worth, Toyota quotes a cargo volume in the rear with the third-row seats stowed of 906 litres – its most logical competitor, the Ford Everest, has 898 litres. This is in part due to a high roof, but the clincher is using that space by stacking gear on top of the folded seats. A seven-seat LandCruiser 300 Series has 1004 litres of cargo space with the third row folded and measured on the same scale.

⬆️ Back to top

1

Engine and performance

The Prado’s 500Nm 2.8-litre engine provides plenty of power for highway and off-road driving, but it’s no performance car by any stretch of the imagination.

The new eight-speed automatic transmission is quick to kick down and respond to a floored throttle, and the engine pulls adequately with that familiar four-pot diesel rumble. Cruising at highway speeds is comfortable, with the engine ticking along at just 2300rpm at 110km/h.

Any previous thoughts that the 1GR-FTV engine wouldn’t deliver the performance and refinement expected for the new Prado are unfounded, even if it’s a long way from the performance of the turbocharged V6 in the Lexus GX550, which is the same car with a better powertrain and a more expensive Lexus price tag.

⬆️ Back to top

1

Off-road

Like previous generations of Prado, the 250 uses a full-time 4×4 system with a lockable centre differential and dual range. It’s easy to use and our experience with it so far is that it is quick to engage when you hit the lock button and/or toggle into low range.

The Kakadu is the only model in the 250 Series range that uses a Torsen limited slip rear diff. When driving off-road and when wheel slip is detected at the back, you can feel the Torsen diff kick in and get you through the obstacle without much fuss.

Compared to the selectable locker that comes exclusively in the Prado Altitude, the Torsen diff eliminates the driver’s need to lock the diff manually as it does it automatically – but it does need to detect the slip before it does, and that little delay could be enough to get you stuck in some instances.

1

The Kakadu comes with a multi-terrain selector with modes for rock, sand, snow and others, as well as Crawl Control which we continue to say works amazingly to maintain steady progress over and up an obstacle or tricky track without any application of the throttle by the driver.

Crawl Control does this for you while distributing the drive to the wheels with the most traction, making easy work of rough tracks. It’s one technology that even old-school users will appreciate.

The Kakadu gets Toyota’s Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) which adjusts the dampeners to suit the driving conditions and the selected drive modes. The system can continuously adapt damping to smooth out road imperfections and minimise body roll, and will control damping force in accordance with vehicle speed and braking force to keep the vehicle level.

1

AVS also delivers benefits when off-roading, changing the suspension calibration when in low range to further improve ride comfort on rough roads. As always with Toyota 4x4s, the rear suspension delivers excellent axle travel to keep tyres on the ground in uneven terrain.

The Kakadu comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tyres, which are less than ideal for off road driving; however, the 18-inch wheels off the lower grades will fit, as should 17s.

The 120/150 Series Prados were always very soft in their suspension calibration, which was good for low speed off-road use but could make them wallow and pitch on an open road with bumps and corners. The 250 Series, certainly the Kakadu with AVS, is far more composed in these conditions, making it more surefooted and precise.

The 250 Series uses electrically assisted power steering and it deserves credit for its tune that gives excellent feel and feedback on highway and secondary roads. It’s one of the best-feeling EPS systems we’ve driven in a 4×4 vehicle.

⬆️ Back to top

1

Verdict

If you want a wagon with seven or more seats to accommodate passengers, there are SUVs and people movers out there that will do this job much better than the Prado.

The Prado has always been a competent bush-touring vehicle, and to do that job in Australia it needs to have a sensible and practical cargo area – the seven-seat 250 Series fails terribly in this regard.

This doesn’t only relate to long distance touring. Anyone who uses their wagon for family sports or weekend getaways knows only too well the amount of gear you need to carry and the amount of space that takes up. That space is severely compromised in a seven-seat Prado without a cargo barrier.

1

Sure, you could load all the seats with kids and rely on a trailer or caravan to carry all of your gear, but not everyone wants to tow and towing will limit where you can take the car off-road. Towing a large caravan behind a fully loaded Prado will quickly put you in the red zone for the car’s GVM and GCM, which also needs to be considered.

If the functionality of the cargo area is not a concern for you then the new Prado has plenty to offer. It’s a bigger car than its predecessor, delivering more interior space for passengers.

It’s quieter and more refined than the 150 too, especially in Kakadu guise, leading to a more comfortable and pleasant experience for all passengers.

1

The chassis electronics for off-road use are beautifully calibrated and work well to get the Prado over obstacles, with the Torsen rear diff helping the Kakadu model.

Similarly, the electronics of the safety systems didn’t make themselves evident or annoying, with barely a beep from the driver monitor during our time behind the wheel – they just do their job in the background and don’t interfere with the driving experience, as many others do.

The new Prado is a big step up from the old model, and so it should be considering the price hike. If Toyota can secure enough stock for Australia to meet its existing orders for Prado, the nameplate will continue to be one of Australia’s favourite 4×4 wagons.

⬆️ Back to top

⬆️ Back to top

First introduced to the Australian market in October last year, the all-new TX6165 range of five-watt UHF CB radios is the culmination of decades of experience by the all-Australian team at GME.

GME packages its TX6165 a few different ways: it offers the core unit (TX6165X) for $279; a core unit plus additional accessories (TX6165) for $339; and a twin-pack with additional accessories (TX6165TP) for $639. Those additional accessories include an IP67 waterproof-speaker microphone, an earpiece-style microphone, and a 12V DC vehicle charger. In addition to those as-mentioned accessories, GME also offers the following optional accessories: a 12V DC charging cradle; a magnetic handheld mount; and a magnetic mount antenna.

1

We received a core TX6165X unit. Included in the box – measuring 110mm (W) x 318mm (H) x 95mm (D) – is the 5-watt handheld UHF CB radio (TX6165X); a 2600mAh Li-ion battery pack; a rapid desktop charger; an AC adaptor; and a belt clip. Despite it lacking the additional accessories mentioned above, it’s still equipped with plenty of high-tech features including class-leading five-watt transmission power; an IP67 ingress-protection rating; up to 30 hours of battery life; and a VOX hands-free mode ?

Despite its sturdy construction and ability to survive remote torture tests around the country, the unit itself is extremely lightweight. An ergonomical design allows it to cradle snugly in one’s hand, with all buttons easy to reach and positioned logically.

However, if it’s your first time using a GME radio – or any radio, for that matter – you’ll need a crash course on how to access all functions. Unfortunately, GME doesn’t provide a physical manual in the box; instead, users are prompted to head online and download a copy – which could be tricky if you’re stumped in the middle of the outback and you need some guidance. GME isn’t the only manufacturer to follow this trend, and it seems to be becoming more prevalent.

The sound quality is excellent, and one of the unit’s best features is its extremely generous battery life. GME claims an operating time of up to 30 hours when using low power output, or 12 hours when using high power output. Either way, the peace of mind knowing this unit will work when you need it is priceless.

The included belt clip locks in securely, feels sturdy and grips tightly. It’s also extremely easy to attach and detach, so users can quickly transfer the versatile radio from in-vehicle to a backpack (or a belt) when at camp or embarking on a bushwalk.

1

The radio securely locks into the provided quick-charging cradle, which is also solid in its construction. The desktop charger features an LED light to indicate the status of the charge, as well as four rubber grip points underneath to prevent it from sliding around. Plus, its design allows the radio to be charged with the belt clip still attached.

The GME TX6165X is a simple-to-use, durable handheld radio that’ll survive countless trips to the harshest corners of the country. A set-and-forget tool with up to 30 hours of battery life makes it the perfect companion for 4×4 tourers who also tend to escape down a trail on foot. At $279 for the TX6165X, we reckon that’s great value too.

All TX6165 radios come with GME’s standard three-year warranty; although, only one year is provided for the battery and accessories.

The 2025 JAC T9 has made its debut in Australia as a new contender in the value ute segment.

Competing against the GWM Ute, LDV T60 and Ssangyong Musso, the JAC T9 is offered in two variants: a base-spec Oasis and a top-of-the-range Haven.

The JAC T9 is equipped with a 125kW/410Nm 2.0-litre single-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel-drive system. Deliveries began rolling out to customers at the end of 2024.

Here’s everything we know about it ?

JUMP AHEAD

• January 2025: T9 named Australia’s safest ute in 2024
• December 2024: Australian deliveries begin
• November 2024: JAC announces warranty loan program
• August 2024: T9 gets five-star ANCAP safety rating
• August 2024: Test drives to commence in August
• March 2024: JAC plans to become embedded brand in Australia
• March 2024: Pricing and features revealed
• January 2024: T9 spied in Sydney
• May 2023: JAC confirms T9 is coming to Australia

January 2025: T9 named Australia’s safest ute in 2024

ANCAP has unveiled the top overall safety performers of 2024, with the new T9 near the top of the list.

The JAC T9 has earned the title of Australia’s safest ute in 2024, based on weighted results recently published by ANCAP.

December 2024: Australian deliveries begin

The first Aussie customers have received their all-new T9 dual-cab,

An early Christmas present for some, as the first Australian deliveries of the budget-friendly JAC T9 dual-cab ute have begun.

November 2024: JAC announces warranty loan program

Industry-leading warranty loan program will keep JAC T9 owners on the road during warranty repairs.

JAC has announced an industry-leading program that will provide owners with a T9 loan vehicle whenever their own T9 is in the garage undergoing warranty repairs.

August 2024: T9 gets five-star ANCAP safety rating

Value ute gets five-star ANCAP safety score in lead-up to local launch.

ANCAP has awarded the JAC T9 dual-cab ute full safety marks, with the five-star score applying to all 2.0-litre diesel variants sold in Australia.

⬆️ Back to top

August 2024: Test drives to commence in August

Consumers will get their first hands-on impressions of the incoming JAC T9 Ute, with test drives of the Chinese ute commencing in August.

⬆️ Back to top

March 2024: JAC plans to become embedded brand in Australia

JAC Motors has been in business for a relatively short 59 years, and not all of that has been in vehicle manufacturing, but the company laid out plans to become an embedded player in the Australian automotive landscape.

⬆️ Back to top

March 2024: Pricing and features revealed

China’s JAC has launched its new T9 four-wheel-drive ute in Australia as a rival to the cut-price GWM Ute, LDV T60 Max and Ssangyong Musso

⬆️ Back to top

January 2024: Spied in Sydney

The T9 prototype ‘evaluation vehicle’, complete with eponymous rego plates, was spotted at Westfield Eastgarden in Sydney.

⬆️ Back to top

May 2023: JAC confirms T9 is coming to Australia

Chinese carmaker JAC Auto has again confirmed its T9 dual-cab ute will reach Australia this year. The JAC T9 will arrive in diesel form first, launching at the ‘affordable’ end of the ute market as a rival to models like the GWM Ute, LDV T60 and SsangYong Musso.

⬆️ Back to top

UPDATE: A load of BYD Sharks has been spotted in Melbourne at a Moorabbin holding yard.

The below images were posted to the BYD Shark Owners Australia Facebook page yesterday afternoon, with the next round of customer deliveries now expected to be imminent following an ongoing port industrial action which delayed shipments.

2

STORY CONTINUES: Customer deliveries in Australia have begun for the BYD Shark 6, with the first set of keys for the hugely anticipated PHEV recently exchanging hands.

BYD officially launched the Shark in late October 2024 – in collaboration with exclusive Australian distributor EVDirect – with a lucrative price tag of $57,900. This led to nearly 4000 sales in the first month and encouraged more than 5500 consumers to place an order in total so far – including us here at 4X4 Australia, with our unit estimated to arrive in February this year.

“We’re so immensely proud the BYD Shark 6 ute is finally here, allowing us to offer Australian drivers a new energy choice where they previously had none,” said EVDirect CEO David Smitherman. “We expect these first deliveries to really ramp up this country’s new energy transition.

“But the most satisfying part is seeing all the smiles on the faces of these customers, as they drive out of our dealerships in their new BYD Shark 6,” he added.

The Shark is powered by BYD’s DM-O (Dual-Mode Off-road) system. It combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with dual electric motors, to produce a total of 321kW and 650Nm. A 29.58kWh Blade battery is expected to provide 100km of electric-only range and a total driving range of up to 800km.

Interior kit includes a 10.25-inch LCD screen, a 15.6-inch rotating display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a leather-wrapped steering. The driver’s seat is eight-way power-adjustable, with four-way lumbar support. Both front seats are heated and ventilated.

The lucky first Aussie recipient of an all-new Shark 6 – Ben Hillier from Brisbane – ordered his vehicle the night the vehicle was launched in late October.

“I got my confirmation email one minute after the vehicle was launched,” Mr Hillier said. “I’d done my research, and knew the BYD Shark 6 was the vehicle for me. It does everything my current ute does – drive around town, tow the boat or pickup a load – but now I’m charging it for free using my solar panels.”

“I look forward to getting out to Fraser Island and being able to power my campsite with my Shark 6, but also know that there’s no range anxiety. If I want to stay another day, or drive a bit further, all I need is a jerry can,” he added.

3

EVDirect has also collaborated with Ironman 4×4 to offer a range of aftermarket accessories for the Shark including bull bars, roof racks and tonneau covers, all backed by BYD’s six-year, 150,000km warranty.

There will be a delay on the next batch of arrivals due to an ongoing port industrial action, which has seen thousands of vehicles stranded.

The off-road-ready Ford Ranger Wildtrak X will return to Australia in 2025, but once again it’ll be for a limited time only.

The limited edition model will be priced at $77,640 (Manufacturer List Price; including GST) when it arrives in the first quarter of 2025, giving it a $1650 bump compared to the 2023 edition at launch. This positions the Wildtrak X between the stock Wildtrak V6 ($74,840) and Platinum V6 ($80,640) on the model hierarchy.

Just like the 2023 edition, the latest Wildtrak X improves on the regular Wildtrak by adding unique Bilstein-tuned (position-sensitive) dampers with remote nitrogen filled reservoirs, and by increasing both the track width (+30mm) and ground clearance (+26mm). The powertrain is also carried over from the 2023 edition, with the Wildtrak X exclusively running the 150kW/500Nm 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine and 10-speed auto combination.

15

Its tough exterior – identical to the MY23 version – features an updated grill; heavy duty side steps; a front steel bash plate; 3D exterior badging; and a black front bumper and wheel arch mouldings. It will roll on 17-inch alloy wheels housed inside General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres. The Flexible Rack System seen on the MY23 variant also returns, making it easier to load and unload kit atop the Ranger.

What is new for 2025 is the addition of a 400W power inverter in the rear console and tray, as well as Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

“The Ranger Wildtrak X brings together a number of elements that have made the Ranger family Australia’s number one choice of new vehicle two years’ in a row,” said Mathew Slade, Ranger Product and Retail Marketing Manager, Ford Australia.

“It builds on the legendary Wildtrak nameplate, adds serious off-road chops thanks to the trick Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, and clever everyday useability with the Flexible Rack System – a classic example of Aussie ingenuity!”

The return of the Wildtrak X follows yesterday’s announcement confirming the Everest Wildtrak is also coming back to local showrooms, following its sell-out success in 2023.

Both vehicles are currently in production, with first deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2025. Ford will release 750 examples of the Ranger Wildtrak X to the Australian market.

Ranger Wildtrak X: What does it get?

Exterior

• Off-road grill with auxiliary high beam LEDs, combined with Matrix LED headlamps.
• Flexible Rack System.
• Heavy duty side steps.
• Front steel bash plate.
• 3D exterior badging on front doors and tailgate
• Asphalt Black front bumper with Cyber Orange accent strip.
• Asphalt Black wheel arch mouldings.
• Asphalt Black machine-faced 17-inch alloy wheels with LT265/70R17 General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres.

Interior

• Overhead auxiliary switch bank.
• 12.4-inch colour digital instrument cluster and premium audio system.
• All-weather front and rear floor mats.
• Wildtrak X-embroidered logos on Miko suede- and leather-accented seats and upper glove box.
• Wildtrak X branding on front all-weather floor mats and front door scuff plates.
• Terra suede-wrapped glove box, cluster hood, door trim and console rails.
• Cyber Orange contrast stitching on seats, upper glove box, doors, steering wheel and shifter.
• Precision Grey accents on upper glove box décor spears, steering wheel spoke shell, air register rings, front door applique, applique trim and pull cup bezels.

Chassis

• Bilstein position-sensitive dampers with external reservoirs.
• 30mm wheel track increase.
• 26mm ground clearance increase.

The JAC T9 has earned the title of Australia’s safest ute in 2024, based on weighted results recently published by ANCAP.

The T9 scored an overall weighted score of 86.6 per cent – just 1.8 per cent below the Toyota Camry, which seized the title as Australia’s safest car for 2024.

To reach this weighted score, ANCAP put an emphasis on physical crash protection, with 40 per cent of the overall weighting calculation applied to Adult Occupant Protection (AOP). 20 per cent was then applied to the remaining three assessment areas: Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist.

The JAC T9 officially received its five-star ANCAP rating back in August 2024, earning scores of 85 per cent (adult occupant protection); 87 per cent (child occupant protection); 87 per cent (vulnerable road user protection); and 89 per cent (safety assist).

The T9 earned top marks in multiple crash tests including full-width frontal, side impact, far side impact, and whiplash. It also scored highly for child occupant protection in frontal and side impact tests. However, in the report ANCAP advised against using child restraints in the rear centre seating due to the lack of top tether anchorage.

The vehicle comes with a broad range of active safety features including AEB, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, and it received full marks for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane support systems. The T9 has seven airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and exclusive features like front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system are available on the top-spec Haven.

21

“When our world-class engineering team set out to build the JAC T9 dual-cab diesel ute for Australian drivers, they had one clear mission: build an exceptionally safe vehicle without compromising on value,” said Ahmed Mahmoud, JAC Motors Australia’s Managing Director.

“Their dedication paid off. JAC now proudly stands as the safest ute in Australia based on ANCAP’s 2024 calculations. While JAC may be new to many Australians, we’re quickly making our mark through our unwavering commitment to safety, cutting-edge technology, quality, and industry-leading customer care,” he said.

Both models in the T9 line-up – Oasis and Haven – are powered by a 125kW/410Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at $45,670 drive away, with customer deliveries commencing in December 2024.

The safest overall cars in 2024 according to ANCAP were the Toyota Camry (achieving an overall score of 88.4 per cent), Mazda CX-80 (87.6 per cent) and Zeekr X (87.4 per cent).

A tricked-out five-door Jimny concept dubbed the “Jimny Conqueror” has debuted at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, a massive motor show held recently in India.

Revealed by the team at Maruti Suzuki, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation and said to be the largest automobile manufacturer in India – although they traditionally specialise in smaller cars – the Conquerer appears built to tackle the wildest corners of the country.

1

The vehicle is treated with an impressive two-tone colour mix, where a Desert Matte (sandy hue) at the front flows into a Matte Black at the rear. This is topped off with loud ‘JIMNY’ and ‘4×4’ decals blasted on the side, giving the rig a menacing presence.

Giving the vehicle its go-anywhere ability is a collection of aftermarket equipment which includes a snorkel, a rear ladder and shovel, roof racks, recovery boards, a bull bar equipped with an electric winch, an external fuel tank, all-terrain tyres, and a refreshed front grille.

1

Reports indicate that the Jimny’s 75kW/130Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine remains unfettled.

The 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo took place in India from January 17 to 22.

The Everest Wildtrak will return to Ford’s local line-up in 2025, with Ford declaring the limited-run model will be priced at $76,950 (Manufacture List Price, includes GST) when it lands.

And that’s pretty soon, according to the Blue Oval, with production already underway and first deliveries expected in the first quarter of this year.

Originally inspired by the Ranger Wildtrak, the Everest Wildtrak debuted in Australia in 2023 with a list price of $73,090 before on-road costs – this bumps the 2025 edition up by $3860 compared to its predecessor. It’s also at an almost identical price point to the Everest Tremor, a vehicle equipped with upgraded suspension and tyres which was priced at $76,590 (MLP).

1

“Following last year’s sales, and the sell-out success of Everest Wildtrak in 2023, it made perfect sense to bring the badge back to Australia,” said George Thomas, Everest Product and Retail Marketing Manager, Ford Australia.

“For the past 16 years, Wildtrak has been synonymous with the Ranger brand, and once again we are offering customers in Australia the opportunity to enjoy the same legendary reputation as the ute, but in a practical and luxurious SUV bodystyle.”

As a point of distinction, treatment to the Everest Wildtrak’s exterior includes ‘Wildtrak’ 3D badging on the liftgate; a unique Wildtrak front grille and bumper; accented wheel lip mouldings and exterior mirror covers; chrome stand-off roof rails; and an exclusive Luxe Yellow hue (available at additional cost). The Everest Wildtrak rolls on either 20-inch alloy wheels with all-season tyres, or no-cost optional 18-inch alloys with all-terrain tyres.

1

Interior kit includes a panoramic roof and power blind; 360-degree camera; zone lighting; a 400W power inverter in the rear of centre console; and black-embossed leather-accented front seats with orange stitching.

The Everest Wildtrak is powered by the 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine, with full-time 4WD and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Ford quickly sold all 800 vehicles allotted to the Australian market for the 2023 edition, with 950 confirmed to be allotted this time around.

What does it get?

Exterior

• ‘Wildtrak’ 3D badging on the liftgate
• Unique Wildtrak front grille and bumper
• Accented wheel lip mouldings and exterior mirror covers
• Chrome stand-off roof rails
• Wildtrak exclusive colour: Luxe Yellow (available at additional cost)

Interior

• Panoramic roof and power blind
• 360-degree camera
• Zone lighting
• 400W power inverter (located in the rear of centre console)
• Black-embossed leather-accented front seats with ‘Wildtrak’ stitching

Some state governments around the country are preparing to sting Australian drivers with double demerit points this Australia Day long weekend, in a bid to improve safety on our roads.

With many of us gearing up for a long weekend escape to a quaint corner of the country, it’s critical to ensure you always follow the road rules – most importantly to keep everyone safe on the roads, but also to ensure you keep your driver’s licence.

Not all states in Australia are imposing a double-demerit scheme over the Australia Day long weekend, with only the NSW, Western Australia and ACT governments enforcing such a system. Let’s break it down a bit further with this state-by-state guide ?

NSW, WA and ACT

The NSW, WA and ACT governments will apply double demerits from Friday January 24 to Monday January 27.

In WA, motorists will cop double demerit points for the following offences: Speeding; drink or drug driving; failing to wear a seatbelt and child restraint; running a red light; and illegal use of a mobile phone. In addition, driving a motor vehicle fitted with a device designed to evade detection by a speed camera – or driving in a manner to avoid detection – will result in the loss of 14 demerit points.

In NSW and the ACT, the double demerit point scheme applies to speeding; the illegal use of mobile phones; not wearing a seatbelt or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt; driving with a passenger not wearing a seatbelt or approved restraint, or with a passenger incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or restraint; and riding without a helmet.

1

Queensland

The Queensland state government does implement a double-demerits scheme, but it runs all year round instead of only during peak holiday periods. It’s also applied differently to the above-mentioned states, with the scheme applying to the second or subsequent offences committed within one year of the previous offence. The way it’s explained is all a bit convoluted, but it essentially punishes drivers who don’t learn from their first offence.

Victoria, SA, Tasmania and NT

Victoria is typically known as one of the strictest states when it comes to enforcing road rules, so it’s surprising the Victorian state government doesn’t implement a double-demerit scheme during busy holiday periods. Likewise, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory do not enforce double demerits.

Whether the double demerit point scheme is having an impact on road safety is still up for debate. Do you agree or disagree with the system? Join the chat on our Facebook page.