When it comes to selecting the right 4WD tyres, the number of options can seem overwhelming.

With different sizes, brands, patterns and applications, it can be difficult to know where to begin. The experts at Cooper Tires are on-hand to provide some helpful tips on how to decide on the right tyre for your 4WD.

The main point people need to consider when buying 4WD tyres is value for money. Is the money you’re spending giving you a 4WD tyre that will provide both traction and durability? Here are some tips to help determine whether you are getting the best value for money.

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Just because tyres are the same size, it doesn’t mean they have the same tread width, tread depth and casing strength. As an example, Cooper has compared two premium 265/65R17 tyres throughout this article, to demonstrate what you should be looking for.

Ask the dealer about the tyre’s tread width. This is crucial as there can be significant variations between brands.

What is tread width?

Tread width refers to the width of the tyre’s tread, which is the part of the tyre that makes contact with the road. It’s measured from one sidewall to the other across the tread section of the tyre and it’s important because it affects the tyre’s grip on the road.

In the photo below, the tread width of the two tyres is different, with the Cooper AT3 measuring 230mm and the unnamed OEM tyre measuring 190mm – that’s a 19 per cent difference. Wider tyres have a larger contact patch for better handling and a wider steel belt under the tread which means less shoulder wear, a common problem when driving on winding roads in Australia.

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What is tread depth?

A tyre’s tread depth is essentially the distance between the top of the tread pattern to the bottom of the grooves in the tyre. It’s just as important as tread width, as greater tread depth means more grip, mileage and more resistance to damage. Tyres with greater depth usually have a better casing, which is important when it comes to handling.

In the example given below, the tread depth of the Cooper AT3 tyre is 12.79mm while the unnamed OEM is 8.87mm – that’s a 36 per cent difference.

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What is the load rating?

A load rating is the maximum weight a tyre can safely support. It’s crucial for ensuring safety and performance by matching the tyre’s capacity with the vehicle’s requirements.

Not all tyres have the same strength casing, and the easiest way to tell is to check the load rating. The weaker tyre has a load rating of 112, which means it can carry 1120kg; while the stronger tyre has a load rating of 120kg, which means it can carry 1400kg. You can do a simple push test, to determine the casing strength of the tyre. A stronger tyre means less punctures and better handling when towing or carrying weight.

Three simple questions

When you plan on replacing your 4WD tyres, here are three simple questions to ask the dealer. This will help to compare the tyres you are looking to purchase, and which tyres offer the best value for money.

1. What is the tread width?
2. What is the tread depth?
3. What is the load rating?

It’s also important to buy tyres from a qualified dealer, as not all stores that sell tyres are knowledgeable about them. After all, tyres are what keep you and your family safe both on and off the road.

Thanks to Cooper Tires for providing these tyre tips.

Imagine a destination that covers more than 17,000,000ha and is made up of ancient landscapes, an idyllic coastline, heritage-listed sites, some of the oldest rock art on earth and, importantly, contains great four-wheel-driving opportunities.

The Pilbara region of Western Australia dates back 4.3 billion years and is twice the size of the UK. It is regarded as the oldest place on earth and has deep red rock formations so ancient that it predates fossil remains. It is thought Pilbara is the Aboriginal name for a mullet that’s found in a creek off the Yule River.

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As the area is so vast, I wasn’t sure how to tackle it, and really wasn’t expecting to see as much as I did.

I spent a few days in the southern part of the Pilbara exploring Millstream Chichester NP and across to the mining area near Pannawonica, and then back to Onslow to explore the coast. Nicknamed ‘Cyclone City’, Onslow has been subjected to more than a dozen cyclones in which wind speeds have been measured as high as 232km/h.

Originally built for pearling, mining and pastoral use, Onslow is a sleepy town that attracts tourists year ’round. Officially, Europeans travelled through here in 1861 when an expedition was led through the Pilbara, but prior to that Abel Tasman visited the islands off Onslow in 1644.

Onslow is an interesting town with a heritage trail and free riverside camping at Five Mile Pool. As well as a visit to the old Onslow town ruins, make sure you check out the huge salt lakes that cover 90km², and from which 2.5 million tonnes of table salt is produced every year.

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Exploring the coast

Head north and you’ll arrive at the fast-growing city of Karratha, which is not only the base for the Pilbara’s massive iron ore operations but also the gateway to the rich Dampier Archipelago.

Established in 1968, Karratha is a busy city that is home to 40 per cent of the region’s population. Built to provide accommodation and services for the massive mining operations, Dampier Salt and the NW gas and oil projects, Karratha has a lot to offer. The Yaburara Heritage Trail to the east follows steep hills, passes a number of Aboriginal sites and overlooks the town and out to the coast.

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Another must-do is a visit to the North West Shelf Project Visitors Centre, where you can see models of the operation and view the giant domes that hold natural gas before it is shipped overseas.

Not far down the road at Burrup Peninsula you’ll be able to study up to an estimated 10,000 indigenous rock engravings that are said to be 30,000 years old. These petroglyphs include animals and human shapes, as well as some extinct animals that once roamed the area. Notably, these are claimed to be the oldest and largest concentrated collection of petroglyphs on earth.

There’s also plenty to see and do nearby at Dampier, where you can not only overlook the huge port that has been constructed to cater to the mining activities in the area, but also head to a lookout that provides a spectacular view of the 3km-long trains that cart ore from the mines to the port.

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Make sure you visit the Red Dog statue, made famous by the movie of the same name that tells the story of a dog that roamed across the Pilbara region.

For those who like to cast a line, the offshore fishing here is next-level, and there are dozens of islands lined with stunning white beaches all throughout the Dampier Archipelago. Not far north of Dampier are the towns of Roebourne, Cossack and Point Samson. Cossack was once the original port for the pearl luggers before they moved north to Broome, and with this the town slowly died.

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Today the beautiful old buildings are being restored for the growing tourism trade and the history buffs that visit the area.

Roebourne, the oldest settlement in WA’s north-west, has a fascinating heritage trail to explore and was once the most important town in the Pilbara … before a rail line was built to Port Headland. Head out to Point Samson for a wander along the stunning white beaches and spot the lighthouse that was built here in 1888.

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Heading inland

As soon as you head inland, the Pilbara’s red dust gets into your skin, your clothes and every nook and cranny of your 4×4.

A highlight of travelling through the Pilbara is driving along one of the many rail-access roads and seeing the enormous 3km-long iron ore trains that run 24/7 from the mines to the facility plants at either Port Headland or Dampier. You need a permit to drive these roads, but they are easily available online after watching an induction video and answering some safety questions.

Two notable and popular national parks in the area are Millstream Chichester NP and Karijini NP. In the former you can relax beside tree-lined pools, swim in crystal clear rivers and camp in remote areas. In the heart of the park you’ll find a homestead that was built in 1920 and is open to visitors to discover the pastoral history of the region and learn about the Yindjibarndi people.

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The latter, Karijini NP, is the second largest national park in WA and attracts visitors from around the world.

In it you will find amazing rock formations with pools of cold water that never see sunlight, dramatic waterfalls and amazing colours when the sun hits spectacular gorge walls. Nearby is Tom Price, WA’s highest altitude town, which is tucked in beside the Hamersley Range. The range itself is considered to be one of the earth’s oldest weathered surfaces, and this area dates back to the ice age. Activities in the area include mine tours and a drive up the 4×4 track to Mount Nameless, which is one of the highest mountains in WA.

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From the top you’ll enjoy views overlooking the area’s mining operations, the town itself and the beautiful Pilbara landscape to the horizon in all directions.

Nearly 300km away to the east, and again on the fringe of the Hamersley Range, is the town of Newman, the largest inland town in the Pilbara. Predominantly a mining town, where BHP pulls thousands of tonnes of iron ore out of the ground every day, it’s still a good base from which to explore the surrounding area.

Mt Whaleback is the largest open-cut mine in the world – it’s so big that it can be seen from space – and there are daily tours into the heart of the operations.

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Away from the mines, the 4×4 track to Eagle Rock Falls is a great drive as the narrow winding track heads into the hills of the Pilbara, passing Kalgan Pool where volcanic rock has been pushed out of the ground millions of years ago, resulting in an amazing backdrop to the pool.

Just over an hour away the tiny township of Nullagine sits idle, surrounded by red granite hills, gorges and waterholes. Gold was found here in the mid-1880s, but it’s also known for being the first place in Australia where diamonds were found. Heading west from Nullagine, the Skull Springs Road takes you to the remote yet stunning Running Waters waterhole where warm water seeps out of the ground year ’round.

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Up the road, Carawine Gorge offers one of the best riverside camp areas I found in the Pilbara, where a massive water system is lined with sheer rock walls that are lit up by the morning sun.

My last stop was at Marble Bar, known as Australia’s hottest town, where back in 1924 the daytime temperatures never dropped below 38°C (100°F) for 161 days. Today it’s a quiet town compared to the gold rush of 1891, which was short-lived as richer fields were soon found at Kalgoorlie.

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The Marble Bar Heritage Trail takes you around town, visiting 18 places of interest, heading up to lookouts and dropping by the Marble Bar Pool at Coongan River.

It was here that a rich-coloured rock was found that was thought to be marble, but disappointingly was jasper. When wet, the colours come alive in the Archaean rock, which has been classed as some of the oldest in the world. Big fines are issued if rocks are stolen.

I only spent four weeks exploring the Pilbara and I don’t think I even scratched the surface. This area feels like the soul of the earth and it holds many hidden treasures, and no matter where you roam you’ll be pleasantly surprised with what the Pilbara has to offer.

Jason Robson is what psychiatrists like to call a nut. A Toyota nut that is. To label him a fan of the brand would be underselling his passion for these vehicles.

In fact, at the time of writing, this tidy HDJ80 is his 16th Cruiser. He’s owned them all too, from an old V8-converted HJ47, to utes, to Troopies, to several 80s, to no fewer than six (!) 200s, to the 300 Sahara… get the picture?

Right around when COVID was locking us all up and the Great Toilet Paper Wars of the early 2020s were being waged, Jason decided he wanted a project to distract him from the Spicy Cough, so he went hunting for a factory turbo-diesel 80 (which for non-Cruiserheads is the pick of the model run).

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He found this beaut example with 350k on the clock and an upgraded Sahara-spec interior. The ideal blank canvas.

Looking to build a tourer and a bit of a fun toy for quick missions into the High Country and longer trips up to Queensland, Jason set about turning this wagon into the 80 Toyota really should have built from the get-go. The result? Pretty damn hard to fault, really. Heaps of power, plenty of comfort and the timeless sex appeal of 1990s body panels. Perfection. Here’s how he turned an old favourite into an unassuming monster…

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That engine

The first stop was made at Off Track Concepts in Cobram, where the 1HD was surgically removed from the engine bay and the frame rails were prepped for its replacement.

Now, you could be wondering why you’d rip out a perfectly good 1HD, and what you’d even replace it with, but after having owned half a dozen 200 Series Cruisers already Jason knew just how good the 1VD-FTV 4.5L quad-cam twin-turbo V8 diesel could be.

The team at Off Track got to work. Being the first 1VD into an 80 Series there was a lot to contend with. As with most conversions, getting the engine mounted (on custom mounts) is actually the easiest part.

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Wholesale Automatics provided the AB60 six-speed auto from the two-hundy to factory 80 transfer case adapter, and once that was sitting in the chassis, all that was left to do was everything.

A one-off airbox and fan shroud was built by On Track as were the numerous other little mounts for things like the turbo and injector drivers, the ECU and the custom intake piping. Race Radiators built a new cooling pack around a PWR core while custom AC lines and a vacuum pump from an LC79 were recruited to supply vacuum to the brake booster.

The fun was only just getting started. From there the sump was exchanged for an LC79 unit to clear the front diff, but that too required extensive custom work to miss the turbo and allow the turbo oil pickup and a drain tube to be grafted in. Oh, and then the dipstick hole was covered up, so that needed to be relocated as well.

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The auto transmission did not fit in the standard 80 Series tunnel, so that necessitated reshaping and plenty of modification for the shift lever and new transfer case location – which in turn led to the tailshafts needing shortening and lengthening respectively.

This was all before the wiring side of things; one of the biggest challenges was getting around the immobiliser and CANBUS system on the 200, which needed extensive ECU tuning to get Mickey Mouse. Then a custom loom had to be made in order to get all of the dash and factory features working harmoniously. But that’s the price you pay when you’re pushing the envelope.

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After all of the countless hours, custom parts and freshly made-up swear words, the final package is nothing short of amazing.

With a Just Autos tune (with multiple maps able to be dialled in) the VDJ280 is now punching out an impressive 340hp at 3100rpm and 875Nm on the dyno rollers. To top it all off, a VDJ79 Scoop was grafted into the 80’s bonnet, which is really the only giveaway (other than the cranky burble from the custom three-inch exhaust) that this thing is an absolute ball-tearer. It all looks factory too; such is the quality of Off Track’s work.

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It’s what’s inside that counts

Jason’s 80 had copped a Sahara interior upgrade by the previous owner, which is the fancy-pants Cruiser model.

As such, he didn’t really need to do much to the cockpit to make it a nice place to spend a few hundred kays. The Sahara seats look after the lower back, the Sony head unit with Pioneer sub and speakers take care of the ears and the 340hp under the right boot takes care of the mental health.

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The cargo area was massively churched up with the addition of an Off Track Concepts aluminium twin-drawer system.

The 3D scanned, designed and CNC cut and folded setup features a pull-out table with cutlery storage, pull-out pantry, inbuilt cargo barrier, and a parcel shelf, and it’s powder coated in gloss white with black accents.

It even has space to incorporate the 55L poly water tank and the 200Ah of lithium battery goodness tucked down the side. The 12v trickery is overseen by a Renogy 50A DC-DC charger and Victron battery monitor, while a 2000W Renogy inverter supplies 240v should Jason feel like plugging in a microwave or charging up any stranded Teslas.

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The bolt-ons

An ARB Deluxe bar leads the way, with after-dark illumination by a pair of Stedi LED driving lights.

Speaking of lights, the stock kerosene lamps were ditched and replaced with some JTX headlights, which score all of the cool points and put out a butt-load more light while they’re at it. There’s also a Carbon 15,000lb low-mount winch should Jason find himself door-handle deep in the High Country mud, something that doesn’t happen too often thanks to the Air Lockers slotted into the diffs at either end.

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The suspension, given the rest of the vehicle’s modification level, is surprisingly stock.

Jason bolted in a set of 50mm coils and Pedders shockies, which was enough to clear the 315/75R17 Maxxis Razrs wrapped around the trick 17×9 Dirty Life Roadkill beadlocked alloys. Larger brakes from a late-model 80 were also bolted up in order to bring the whole show to a halt in a timely manner. Jason also made his own rear bar from an SDF Bars DIY kit… because it wouldn’t be right for a welder’s vehicle not to have some sort of custom barwork.

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What’s next?

It’s been a long and extensive process to get the big 80 to where it is, so Jason wants to get out and enjoy the fruits of his labours, with a couple of trips up north in the works as well as his usual forays into the Victorian bush.

Jason wanted to thank the guys from Off Track Concepts, Race Radiators, Wholesale Automatics. Laurie Alan from PPG Australia, Just Autos, and Rheece Whitehead from Diffco in Frankston for their help along the way. And we’d like to thank Jason for setting the bar, if not for 80 builds, then at least for engine conversions for the next little while. Onya mate!

When it was introduced in 2020, this latest generation of D-MAX led the mid-size ute category with an unrivalled suite of safety features; but with new models coming out since and other competitors upgrading their utes, the pack has caught up.

Isuzu has now updated and refined its package to stay at the forefront and continue the strong sales it has enjoyed from the ute segment. Not only was the D-MAX the third best-selling ute in Australia in 2023 but it was the country’s third best-selling car overall, behind the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

Model range

The 2024 D-MAX range comprises 26 variants consisting of single-cab, extra-cab and double-cab passenger compartments; cab-chassis and styleside bodies; 4×2 and 4×4 drivelines; and the choice of 1.9- and 3.0-litre diesel engines. There’s a D-MAX to suit everyone, from the lollipop-spec 2WD SX cab-chassis to the top-of-the-range X-Terrain.

The new kid on the block is the X-Rider, which only comes as a double-cab tub 4×4 with the 3.0L engine and automatic transmission for $59,500 (plus ORC). The D-MAX X-Rider brings the blacked-out looks of the higher-spec utes that all the cool kids have, to a more basic truck with the smaller eight-inch infotainment screen, cloth interior trim and vinyl floor coverings. It’s the ute to get if you want that look without all the extras and expense of the X-Terrain model.

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New look

While the bones of the D-MAX remain the same, Isuzu has freshened the styling with a new grille, headlights and front-end treatment. Different trim colours and designs of the alloy wheels differentiate the many model specifications, but the overall vibe remains distinctly Isuzu.

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Improved safety

While we applauded Isuzu for fitting such a comprehensive suite of so-called driver aids and safety features in its ute back in 2020, the refinement and calibration of some of the systems left a lot to be desired. Over-aggressive lane keeping, annoying beeps and buzzers, and frustrating lane cantering were just some of the systems that detracted from the driving experience and only made you wish it would all end as soon as possible.

To its credit, Isuzu listened to those criticisms and addressed them with more than a simple recalibration, by introducing all-new hardware to give better results. Key to that hardware is the new forward-facing 3D stereo camera that scans and reads the road ahead to assist with lane-centring or to warn the driver of obstacles.

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Isuzu says it can do this with greater accuracy than the previous system thanks to wider peripheral vision and depth perception. The camera’s field of view increases from 40° to 120°. Vehicle detection range also increases from 120m to 150m, with the system able to identify the headlights of oncoming vehicles that are 700m away.

The full range of ADAS and safety across the D-MAX range now includes:

Isuzu does offer a tyre pressure monitoring system on the D-MAX, but not on all models. That’s a shame, as it’s a major exclusion on an otherwise comprehensive safety package. That and the new TPMS is a good one with a feature we haven’t seen before, where, when you are inflating the tyres and the tyre reaches the placard recommended pressure, the car beeps and the lights flash to let you know. Clever stuff. The TPMS also provides readouts and warnings of tyre temperatures.

Powertrains

The comprehensive D-MAX range continues with a choice of 4×4 and 4×2 drive lines; manual and automatic transmissions; and the 110kW/350Nm 1.9-litre or 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre diesel engines. The 1.9 is only available in select models, with the popular 4JJ 3.0L being the popular choice for those who like to tow and load up their utes.

The 4×4 models now benefit from a Rough Terrain button that changes the calibration of the electronic traction control (ETC) for better response when driving off-road. This is a feature that has been adapted from the MU-X wagon. It also keeps the ETC active across the front axle when the rear differential lock is engaged, making it a handy function and a nice addition from the MU-X.

The new X-Rider is based on the mid-range LS-M specification. Over the LS-M it gets a soft tonneau and sports bar, with black accents. The interior also gets the black-out treatment with black accents and black roof lining, while maintaining its working-class roots with cloth seats, vinyl floor coverings, the new eight-inch infotainment system, and a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display. Models above the X-Rider get a new nine-inch infotainment screen and a more comprehensive seven-inch multi-information gauge display.

Overall

The changes made to the D-MAX range refine what has always been a great package, and Isuzu has addressed some of the complaints we’ve had of the electronic driver aids in the past. It’s a solid mid-life upgrade for the line-up that comes at the perfect time following the recent introduction of an all-new Mitsubishi Triton that aims to challenge the D-MAX for that third place behind Ranger and HiLux. Mitsubishi had a lock on that third place for years and you can bet they will fight to get it back.

Looking further ahead, the 2025 Kia Tasman will also be looking to step squarely into the Isuzu’s terrain and, all of a sudden, the D-MAX will become one of the older vehicles in the segment. For now, these latest upgrades will keep the D-MAX a popular choice with families, tradies and adventurers.

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2024 Isuzu D-MAX pricing

The May 2024 issue of 4X4 Australia is in stores and arriving in subscribers’ letterboxes as we speak, with an unassuming 80 Series leading the charge.

‘Take a quick glance at this LandCruiser and you might think there’s nothing spectacular about it, but dive a bit deeper and it’s anything but ordinary. A 1VD-FTV 4.5L quad-cam twin-turbo V8 diesel has been transplanted into this unassuming monster, as well as a suite of serious aftermarket gear including an ARB Deluxe bar, Stedi LEDs and an overhauled interior.

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On the new car front, GWM recently launched its luxe off-road wagon dubbed the 500. It may be a similar size to the ever-popular Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, but is it worthy of consideration in this company? Matt Raudonikis drove the three-row seven-seater to find out.

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We also headed to Texas in the south of the States to drive RAM’s fifth-gen 1500. In a massive change for the burly ute, RAM has dumped its HEMI V8 for a 3.0-litre Hurricane straight-six. Has RAM buggered things up? Before you jump on the bandwagon, best read Chris Collard’s review.

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Speaking of big utes, we’d driven the 298kW/678Nm petrol-powered 2024 F-150 last year at the vehicle’s local launch, but considering there was no off-road element to the test we were itching to properly dirty the big ute’s tyres. So we took an XLT LWB variant to see how capable the vehicle is at 4×4 travel when driven directly from the showroom. It went about as expected…

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Our Tradie Triton build continues, with the Mitsi receiving a pair of award-winning MSA 4×4 towing mirrors to help with rear vision. We also installed a Cel-Fi GO mobile booster to improve phone reception if we decide to head beyond the black stump once work duties are done for the week.

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Now that our other build – the Ranger V6 – is all but finalised, it was time to upgrade its GVM with a Tough Dog GVM Upgrade Kit. With all the required certification now ticked off, the Ranger is ready to comfortably tour our vast continent.

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On the travel front this month, Dan Grec aired down his Gladiator’s tyres and took a ferry to paradise, also known as K’gari (Fraser Island); we venture to the vast expanses of Western Australia’s ancient Pilbara region; and we also embark on an outback pub crawl to some of South Australia’s famous watering holes.

What else is there?

• C-TEK CS ONE battery charger tested.
• Ron’s Troopy gets an ARB bull bar and Carbon winch.
• Lightforce Beast LED driving lights tested.
• Pertronix Electronic ignition upgrade for Kian’s GQ Patrol.
• New products, news, travel advice and more.

The May 2024 issue of 4X4 Australia is out now.

The XRS 390C UHF radio from GME has been out for a few years now but it still retains its spot as one of the best and most capable UHF radios on the Aussie market.

While there are a number of radios in the XRS line-up, the 390C sits at the top of the pile and like others in the range features a hide-away main unit and a separate speaker microphone that can be mounted at any handy location in a vehicle’s cabin… or on an ATV or similar.

The 390C is an 80-channel radio that features 5-Watt output power, while the top line speaker mic has an impressive 2-Watt front facing speaker that delivers crisp clear sound with plenty of volume – I reckon it’s the best I’ve heard. Both the main unit and the mic have IP67 ingress protection against water and dust, and MIL-STD810G rating for vibration and shock resistance.

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The 390 was the first UHF radio to feature a built-in GPS receiver, located at the top of the handset, offering true location awareness without relying on a smartphone to provide GPS location data. With Bluetooth wireless technology, this radio has app control via your smartphone which allows such things as creating and sharing scan lists and location sharing. All XRS radios are software upgradable via the app, keeping your unit up to date with the latest features and technology.

There’s a heap of other expected features such as Repeater and Duplex modes, priority channel, and adjustment of the squelch level (too high a squelch level can cut out a weak signal you are trying to listen for). There’s also Selcall, which is only activated when your own radio’s unique identification number is called. A voice scrambler function allows you to enjoy private comms with others who have activated the same settings.

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The radio also has a range of scan settings including open scan, net scan and priority scan. Priority scan is a favourite of mine as you can scan your main or priority channel (say Ch 16) as well as a group of user-selected channels (eg. Ch 10 and 40). There’s much more detail on the GME website and the 80-page instruction manual is available as a pdf download.

The antenna twin pack we added to make this radio work combines two of GME’s most popular antenna options – the AE4705B (6.6dBi gain antenna) and the AW4704B (2.1dBi gain) – in a convenient all-in-one package. The former is ideal for wide open spaces (think our desert country) while the latter is the one to choose when in the Victorian mountains or similar, or around town. With a bit of wiring to be done to power the radio, and the antenna lead to run from the remote unit to the front antenna mount, I left the technical work to the crew at Outback 4WD (www.outback4wd.com.au).

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The radio is easy to use with good reception in all sorts of terrain and situations with clear and crisp voice modulation. While I’ll probably never use most of the functions or the Bluetooth abilities of this radio, its capability is there for those who want it or need it.

THE 390 is covered by a five-year warranty while the antennas have a one-year warranty. I don’t think you could do better than this UHF radio for 4WD touring wherever you are in Australia. Yeah, it’s that good.

Pricing

Radio: $619 Twin antenna pack: $439

UPDATE: Triton awarded 5-star ANCAP safety rating

The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton has become the first dual cab ute to achieve a five star ANCAP safety score under fresh, more stringent testing criteria.

The sixth-generation Triton, which we rated as 8/10 in our launch review, scored highly in ANCAP’s physical crash tests and recorded strong results for both front passages and child dummies in the second row.

To see exactly how the new Triton measured up in its crash test, hit the link below.

July ’23: 2024 Mitsubishi Triton pricing & features

The new Mitsubishi Triton has been priced for Australia. Running from $43,690-$63,840 before on-road costs, prices have increased between $3250 and $7600 for the dual-cab heavy range.

More variants will arrive post-launch. Sales are expected to start in February 2024 – hit the link below for all the details.

August 7: 2024 Mitsubishi Triton initial Australian details revealed

Following the Triton’s reveal yesterday, Mitsubishi Australia has released additional details regarding when and what we can expect from the bigger, faster, safer, and more comfortable sixth-gen ute.

Available in four trim levels from GLX to GSR, our first sample of the Triton will come in January 2024, with a target to get them on sale to the public by the first week of February. Exact specifications, including trim features, kerb weights, GCM and GVM are yet to be confirmed.

As for pricing, that remains up in the air as Mitsubishi continues to benchmark rivals to see where the Triton will sit in the market – but don’t expect it to cost the same as the existing car.

The GSR flagship currently costs $56,490 before on-road costs, significantly undercutting the segment stalwart Toyota HiLux SR5 ($62,490). We’re wagering the new Triton GSR will move up to meet the Toyota, so expect a circa-$60K price on the range-topper.

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What trim levels are coming to Oz?

As before, the Triton range begins with the GLX with the option of 4×2 and 4×4. Four-wheel drive models are equipped with Mitsubishi’s Easy Select system, and although unconfirmed the GLX and GLX+ will likely score cloth upholstery.

The GLX+ typically gained more safety features, though with most of the necessary bits (including a centre airbag, as well as front and rear AEB) promised standard across the range, this may not be the case. The GLX+ does get a rear differential lock as standard, making this grade good for off-roaders on a budget.

Both the GLS and GSR are fitted with Mitsubishi’s Super Select II AWD system which allows all four wheels to be driven on paved surfaces thanks to a limited-slip centre differential that can be locked for loose surfaces. A low-range transfer case and rear locker will aid low-speed traction.

The GSR is exclusively available in a new hero colour, called Yamabuki Orange, while Blade Silver joins the paint palette as well.

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Under the bonnet is a 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder producing 150kW/470Nm, with a six-speed automatic the only transmission at launch (though a revised manual will follow). It shares the head and block with the old Triton’s 2.4-litre, but gets new injectors and a second turbo, among other changes.

Safety credentials are massively improved, with range-wide front and rear AEB, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-trace assist, and centre airbag.

Mitsubishi has modernised interior design, improved occupant comfort and made for a better-riding ute. There’s a 9.0-inch touchscreen inside, redesigned seats with added support and enhanced storage solutions.

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The vehicle itself has swollen in size, by 15mm in length, 50mm in width (including track) and – crucially – has a 130mm longer wheelbase, thanks to a new ladder frame chassis that’s 60 per cent more torsionally rigid. Along with the more powerful engine, the Triton is now certified to tow 3500kg braked.

Australia is the second-biggest market for Triton after Thailand and is easily the most profitable as local buyers love higher-margin GLS and GSR variants.

The 2025 Kia Tasman ute has been teased in a unique camouflage wrap ahead of its full debut later this year.

Images released this week show a pre-production example of the Kia Tasman in an “Australia-inspired camouflage wrap” designed by local artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop.

Reflecting the Tasman’s significance for the Australian market, the bright-coloured wrap – a different take to traditional black-and-white camo – is said to be “influenced by the untamed beauty of Australia’s diverse landscapes” from the coast to the outback.

“Our Tasman pickup truck embodies Kia’s commitment to design and innovation, as well as its spirit of adventure,” said Kia executive vice president and global design boss Karim Habib.

“Artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop crafted an exclusive camouflage design, with the support of the Kia design team, that depicts a journey and reflects an essence of adventure that is unique to the Tasman.”

Boyd-Dunlop said he based the Tasman’s wrap on his personal experiences travelling across Australia.

“These experiences are influential to my work, and the Tasman enabled me to create a continuation of this, depicting the connection, joy, and sheer sense of adventure that is inherent to Australian culture.”

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The latest teaser follows confirmation of the Tasman name for Kia’s new ute – due in local showrooms in mid-2025 – earlier this month, after the brand officially announced its entry into the hotly-contested segment in March. It will be unveiled in full later this year.

Based on a newly developed body-on-frame platform, the Tasman will compete against the popular Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton.

It is widely tipped to offer the familiar 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel from the Sorento and Carnival, matched to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

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While the powertrain currently maxes out at 148kW and 440Nm, the Tasman could have more power to match the 150kW and 500Nm four-cylinder class benchmark.

A 3.0-litre six-cylinder inline-six diesel – borrowed from the Genesis GV80, where it produces 204kW/588Nm – is also a possibility to rival diesel V6 versions of the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok.

However, this six-cylinder diesel may be too expensive for Tasman, or the Hyundai-Kia Group could decide to reserve it for its premium Genesis brand.

Kia will offer the Tasman in single- or dual-cab form with a cab-chassis tray or pick-up tub options, while there are no plans for an extended cab option due to low sales potential.

The Korean brand hopes to sell around 20,000 Tasman units annually, which would assist in its ambition to overtake Mazda, Ford and Hyundai to become Australia’s second-largest car brand behind Toyota.

For more information on the 2025 Kia Tasman ute, click on the featured article below.

Dealers in the US are slapping enormous mark-ups onto the price of the new 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado, with some examples of the highly sought after SUV rising to nearly AUD $160,000.

The 2024 LandCruiser Prado has only recently gone in sale in the US and dealers are clearly looking to cash-in on high demand with some adding up to USD $21,000 (AUD $32,000) in “dealer adjustments” to the new SUV’s MSRP.

The price hikes are most prevalent among dealers in California, where several have added circa-$20,000 in dealer adjustments.

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Carscoops [↗] is reporting Future Toyota of Yubu City, for example, has listed a pair of LandCruiser Prado First Editions for US $96,690 despite the SUV carrying an MSRP of $76,695.

Price gouging is a fairly common practice in America and we’ve seen similar ‘price adjustments’ here in Australia when demand far exceeds supply.

As Australia’s biggest car brand, Toyota is especially susceptible to price gouging due to high demand and long wait times on popular models that can extend as far as three years.

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Happily, as well as improving supply, Toyota has recently taken action to help prevent dealer gouging here.

Last year, the brand changed the rules around how demonstrators are classified by its dealer network to help prevent brand-new vehicles being reclassified as ‘demos’.

New vehicles are bound by rules that prevent dealers from charging higher than a brand’s set national drive-away pricing, but demonstrators aren’t bound by the same guidelines. Instead, dealers can offer demos with low kilometres at inflated prices to customers willing to pay more if its means jumping ahead of the queue.

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The fifth-generation Toyota Prado, which is the first all-new Prado in 14 years, will go on sale in Australia in ‘mid-2024’.

Toyota is yet to release pricing for the new line-up that will boast 48-volt mild-hybrid tech, retro styling and higher standard equipment levels, although price rises over the current Prado are almost guaranteed.

Klarmann Automotive Solutions has made a name for itself in the 4×4 market as top-notch custom installers, especially with Troop Carriers.

Based in Perth, the company has often been asked to manufacture a Troopy Interior Solution Kit that can be shipped to customers who can’t come to the shopfront.

The challenge with this solution was that once the plumbing and 12V electrics were installed, the storage units usually could not be taken apart. However, this interior solution is versatile and designed so that it can be taken apart once the electrics and the plumbing are installed. This enables Klarmann Automotive Solutions to freight the kit anywhere in the world, and for it to be DIY-installed easily with premium in-house backup support.

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“Customers are getting a state-of-the-art electrical and plumbing system which has been proven over years, while at the same time have a storage solution which is easy to maintain and extremely practical to use,” said Heiner Klarmann, Managing Director of Klarmann Automotive Solutions.

Another important aspect of this kit is the floor panel supplied by Odyssey Custom Fitouts, which enables Klarmann Automotive Solutions to mount all of the cabinets to set positions within the Troopy while keeping the mounting holes in the vehicle in the same position.

The lightweight Troopy Interior Kit is made from powder-coated aluminium and includes lockable drawers and top-access lockable storage boxes. Plus it offers plenty of storage space with access from the front seats, the inside and through the rear left-hand side door for quick access. The fridge can be accessed from the inside or a left-hand-side gullwing window.

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The unit offers plenty of battery storage and a hot water system with two pump circuits to separate shower/dishwashing and drinking water. These can be carried in two separate tanks, or one tank for drinking and external jerry cans for shower/dishwashing water.

The complete kit retails for $13,250 for Australian purchasers and $12,500 for international customers. The reason it costs more for Australian purchasers is that the kits have to have an additional vented battery compartment due to new regulations. Freight is not included in these prices.

The complete kit contains the following products

• 2 x Redarc BCDC chargers
• EGON Relay Hub
• EGON DC-Hub
• 10L Duetto Water Heater
• EGON Water Hub Kit
• 2 x 200Ah Amptron LiFePO4 batteries
• Victron 100/30 MPPT
• Victron Cerbo GX & Touch 50 monitoring system
• 3KVA Victron MultiPlus Inverter / Charger
• ARB twin piston compressor with tank
• Webasto Diesel Heater
• Travel Buddy
• Up to 90 Litre National Luna fridge

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“We have chosen the best products from the best manufacturers instead of sticking to one brand, as we want everything to be as perfect as it can be,” added Heiner Klarmann. “Victron makes the best inverters/chargers, MPPTs and system monitoring systems; Redarc makes the best DC/DC chargers; and EGON has the best power and water distribution systems.”

The kit can come prewired with multicore cables to the roof and the dash and a charger supply cable to the start battery, so that integrating dash switches for items such as roof lights and connecting solar panels is very easy. The kit can also be supplied without any plumbing or electrics installed.