TJM has unveiled a range of new bar designs that are ready to be bolted on to the front end of the all-new Toyota LandCruiser Prado.

The Prado only officially hit the Australian market a few weeks ago, but Australia’s massive 4×4 aftermarket industry has been hard at work long producing new accessories for the highly popular off-road SUV. And with access to a new Prado since the vehicle was released globally, TJM’s team of engineers has been able to spend considerable time designing, testing and building new designs for its Outback, Venturer and Tradesman bars.

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“We were so excited to be able to access this car at the time of the global release, it was a true privilege, and we thank our international partners for the opportunity and openness to cross-collaboration,” said Darren Piper, Group Merchandise Manager – Vehicle Systems, for Aeroklas Asia Pacific Group (parent company of TJM). “With this vehicle and the TJM products we’ve designed, you have everything you need to make adventure happen right here in Australia.

“I’m so proud of everything that our team has done on this project. They have delivered an exemplary line of uniquely designed and engineered products, specifically for those looking to take the lead and get more from the new Prado. Not only that but they have delivered on all aspects of our high-quality standards under extreme time pressure, an exceptional job by all involved,” he said.

Key features and specs

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Outback: $3250 (RRP)

• Airbag compatible
• ADR compliant
• Winch fitment provisions
• 2 recovery jack points
• Aerial tabs (dual)
• Black textured powder coat finish
• Provisions for large spot lights
• Winch frame rating 9500lb
• 8000kg rated recovery points
• Under wing protection guards as standard
• Steel construction throughout
• Bumper cut design
• Weight: 77.3kg (approx.)
• Bumper to outer edge of cato: 150mm
• Distance between catos: 790mm
• Distance (height) inside top hoop: 250mm
• Full-Wrap Rolled Cato Straps
• 63mm outer pipework

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Venturer: $2850 (RRP)

• Airbag compatible
• ADR compliant
• Winch fitment provisions
• 2 recovery jack points
• Dual aerial mounting positions
• Textured matt black powder coat finish with Satin Black stainless steel mesh inserts
• Provision for large spotlights
• Provision to fit off road work lights
• Winch frame rating 9500lb (Hawse fairlead winches only)
• 8000kg rated recovery points
• Steel construction throughout
• Bumper cut design
• Weight: 67.26kg (approx.)

Plus, TJM will soon release additional accessories for the Prado including side steps, side bars, underbody protection, a snorkel, XGS suspension, upper control arms, GVM, and a rear bar.

After 6 years of strong sales in Australia, the LDV D90 7-seater wagon is getting a major facelift along with a new engine and transmission this summer. Priced under $50K for ABN holders, the D90 is budget friendly, and the bang-for-buck department is right up there with the best of them.

While the frame and body are largely the same, with the cosmetic changes largely affecting the forwards of the front doors, the big news is that the engine is now 24kW gruntier, 60Nm torquier than it was previously, and backed by a 8-speed auto while fuel economy has been given a 10% improvement and the interior is now more bells-and-whistly than ever.

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THE ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

For now, LDV is sticking with their 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that is part of the company’s “Blue Core” series. Fed from a 75L fuel tank, it puts out 184kW and 410NM over the previous model’s 160kW and 350NM, which is a significant improvement. Peak torque hits between 2500-3500rpm which LDV reckon delivers “smooth yet responsive acceleration.”

The engine has several new tech advancements as well, including Miller Cycle Technology, which essentially leaves the intake valve open for a portion of the compression stroke. The power loss is offset by the turbocharger, and combustion efficiency is increased while fuel consumption is reduced.

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LDV have also incorporated Variable Valve Lift which offers increased control over the intake and exhaust valve timing, balancing low-speed torque and high-speed power delivery. It’s also had a balance shaft added, presumably for smoother running and better NVH levels.

Interestingly, LDV is currently evaluating the inclusion of a diesel engine into the D90 range, which we’ll be sure to let you know about as soon as it’s announced.

An 8-speed auto replaces the 6-speed, which is far from a bad thing, especially if it’s (presumably) the venerable 8-speed ZF auto found across the LDV range and is one of the most highly regarded transmissions in the game. Just quietly, it’s nice to see LDV continuing on with a torque converter transmission rather than switching to a CVT too.

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TOWING AND TOURING

The 4WD D90 retains its shift-on-the-fly capability and has rear and centre diff locks, along with Crawl Control and an All-Terrain system with selectable modes. While the panels have been updated for “a more rugged look” the rolling stock is now 18in alloys wrapped in 265/60R18 HT rubber, so not exactly ready for mud-plugging perhaps, but still a respectable enough starting point.

Interestingly, the D90 has one of the largest cargo areas in the 7-seat segment, with 1248mm of width between the arches and up to 1800mm of length with the third and second rows folded down. With all three rows upright there’s still a fairly useable 412mm of length.

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For longer trips, fuel consumption on the 4WD models has been reduced by just shy of 14%, down from 10.9L/100km to a decent 9.4L/100km, which isn’t bad for a 4WD with a tare weight that’s just north of 2.2T.

If you tow a small to midsize camper on trips, there’s good news there too with the braked towing capacity being upped from 2000kg on the previous D90 to a much healthier 3000kg on the updated version. While it’s still not what you might call a dedicated tow rig, the new rating will definitely open up the camper trailer possibilities for respective owners.

EXTERIOR & INTERIOR UPGRADES

As mentioned, there are new panels from the front doors forwards, including new fender flares, front and rear fascias and upgraded vertically stacked bi-LED headlights which should offer decent visibility once the street lights have been left behind and the sun has dipped around to the other side of the planet.

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Inside there are matching 12.3in widescreen infotainment and driver instrument displays which are all new, as are the synthetic leather seats, centre console and dash switches as well as a host of safety upgrades such as the integrated dash cam, lane keeping assist and driver and front passenger door warnings for cyclists and oncoming traffic.

The LDV D90 Executive 4WD is $51,042 retail or $48,490 drive-away for ABN holders. It comes with a 7 year, 200,000km warranty (whichever comes first) and has complimentary roadside assistance for 5 years and unlimited km.

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2025 LDV D90 SPECIFICATIONS

SAFETY & TECH

• Bi-LED headlights
• LED tail-lights
• Two 12.3-inch widescreen displays (infotainment system and instrument cluster)
• Synthetic ‘leather’ seats
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB Digital Radio, Bluetooth
• 8 speaker audio
• Integrated dash cam
• Six airbags
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Lane-keeping assistance
• Lane-changing assistance
• Lane departure warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind spot warning
• Driver and front passenger door exit warning (cyclist and traffic detection)
• Traffic sign recognition
• Fatigue reminder and attention assist system
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Stability control
• Hill descent control (off-road use)
• Hill hold assist
• Electric park brake
• Sensor key and push-button start
• Electrically folding and heated power side mirrors
• Multi-zone climate control
• Rear view camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Full size spare tyre (steel wheel)
• Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
• Two ISOFIX child seat mounts (second row)
• Three top-tether child seat mounts (second row)
• Front row charge ports: 1 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C, 1 x 12V
• Second row charge ports: 2 x USB-A, 1 x 220V
• Third row charge ports: 1 x USB-A, 1 x 12V
• Roof-mounted air vents for second and third row seats
• Roof rails
• Side steps
• 18-inch wheels and tyres

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We list some of the best 4×4 products that came out in November 2024 ?

• GMF4x4 LC300 front bumper
• Stratus fire pit oven
• Custom Offroad accessories protection plate
• Tuff Terrain Rock Hard awning
• Outcamp Starlink mounts
• AFN VW Amarok bull bar
• Carbon Offroad Scout Pro 20,000lb truck winch
• Trig Point tray-mounted canopies
• Groundswell Wash ultimate offroad kit
• ONYX Lights ION-L-9-G2

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GMF4x4 LC300 front bumper

• RRP: From $4400

Features include high-lift jack points, rated recovery points, a 3mm aluminium bash plate, 3D steel profiled light surrounds, 4-inch blacked out LED fog lights and underwing plates to protect the intercoolers mounted under the headlights.

The bar is finished in a hard-wearing black powder coat with dark grey powder coat contrast at the centre and on the light surrounds, giving a fresh new look. Available with or without the top hoop and lightbar, GMF4x4 bars are made to work with factory electronics including the tech pack and parking sensors. The Gen6 bar for LC300 is designed and manufactured in Bathurst, NSW.

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Stratus fire pit oven

• RRP: $549

Cleverly designed with a combination of steel and aluminium in all the right places, the result is a simple 12kg flat-pack design that’s built to warm your knees and cook your damper for many seasons to come.

This fire pit will no doubt get plenty of use as off-the-ground, self-contained fire pits are becoming a must for National Park camping. The fire pit is supplied with a heavy duty rPET waxed canvas carry bag and is covered by a three-year warranty. It’s also 100 per cent end-of-life recyclable.

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Custom Offroad accessories protection plates

• RRP: From $109-$1119

Many similar products will only protect the front, sump and transmission, but don’t go back as far as the transfer case. Custom Offroad Accessories has designed a 4mm crossmember to help stiffen the front-end and add protection for the radiator, AND also under the transfer case. The Twin Deluxe transmission plates protect the DPF and the fuel filter for maximum protection.

Australian made using 3-4mm stainless steel, the protection plates are available to suit a wide range of popular 4×4 vehicles. This kit is designed for MY22+ Ford Ranger V6 diesel models. The plates are tested to work with ARB bull bars and recovery points, Ironman Raid and Offroad Animal bars, and will even fit with the factory bumper.

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Tuff Terrain Rock Hard awning

• RRP: $429.99

With a self-retracting design there’s no need to manually roll up your awning, meaning less time fussing with your gear; the awning easily retracts back in to its aluminium hard case where it is protected from the elements. The Tuff Terrain Rock Hard awning is covered by a two-year warranty.

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Outlink Starlink mounts

• RRP: $140

The Outcamp Mini Mount securely mounts the dish to the roof rack using three points of contact. The centre bracket is bolted into the T-Slot roof rack using included stainless bolts and nylon nuts. The dish can then be clipped onto the mount using the original mounting system.

The two support brackets are slid up against the ends of the dish to prevent it from unclipping and to minimise flex and vibrations on rough roads. The system allows for quick removal when required by loosening the end mounts and sliding away from the dish, then unclip the main centre mount and lift it off. A removal tool is included in the kit.

The UV-resistant Australian-made Outcamp mount sits 50mm high when fitted to the roof rack while 450mm of space is required on the roof rack.

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AFN VW Amarok bull bar

• RRP: From $3450

The bar is finished in a matt-black powder coat or it can be colour coded to suit your vehicle. Optional rounded aluminium inserts in the recovery points protect soft shackles from damage, and there are multiple mounting points for driving lights and antennas.

This is the same style of AFN bar we recently fitted to the 4X4 Australia Ford Everest and we love the look and usability of this top-quality product.

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Carbon Offroad Extreme Duty Scout 20,000lb truck winch

• RRP: $1999

Carbon Offroad’s new 20,000lb Extreme Duty Scout Pro Winch has been designed for use on large, heavy vehicles like the Ford F450 Super Duty or Isuzu Expedition Truck.

With a massive 20,000lb of pulling capacity, the Carbon CW-XD20 is engineered to handle the most demanding tasks. It features a 600A sealed solenoid pack, 7hp motor, automatic brake on the motor bracket, and comes with an aluminium fairlead and 25-metres of 13mm synthetic line.

When you add in the lifetime mechanical warranty, five-year electrical warranty and five-year warranty against water ingress, you know that this is a winch that’s built to last.

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Trig Point tray-mounted canopies

• RRP: From $18,990 (1000mm)

Right now, the 1000mm version (pictured) is ready to go, and like the chassis-mounted canopies it features lightweight alloy and steel construction, central locking, slam shut rotary latches, walk-on roof with integrated roof rails, powder coat finish, LED interior lights, carpeted floor with integrated tracks, filtered vents and door warning buzzer.

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Groundswell Wash ultimate offroad kit

• RRP: $346

Tested in Australia’s toughest terrains including the Canning Stock Route, the Simpson Desert and in Cape York, the Groundswell Wash Ultimate Offroad Kit (pictured) has everything you need to keep your 4×4 in pristine condition.

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ONYX Lights ION-L-9-G2

• RRP: $1480 (pair inc. harness)

A dual-colour (clear/amber) daytime running light (DRL) adds a layer of safety and style. The ION-L-9-G2 has IP68 and IP69K ratings, indicating resistance to water, dust and pressure, which is essential for harsh outdoor conditions. A high-strength PC lens further boosts its resilience, while the light is backed by a three-year warranty.

The order books have been open for barely a month, but the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6 has already hit the ground running.

Since retail pricing for the electrified ute was announced at $57,900 at the end of October, the petrol-electric dual-cab has seen around 4000 orders placed in Australia.

That’s impressive for two reasons: firstly, it’s a strong showing not only for a brand that’s so young in the market (BYD only started selling cars in Australia in 2022), but also for the brand’s first-ever dual-cab utility. Secondly, the Shark 6 is the first plug-in hybrid ute to enter the Australian market – is its strong reception a sign that Aussie ute buyers are more open-minded about new-energy powertrains than first thought?

Deliveries aren’t due to commence until early 2025, so the bulk of orders for the Shark 6 so far are ones that have been placed without a test drive. Around half of sales to-date were lodged in the first 24 hours after the order books opened as well, with BYD taking deposits on more than 2000 Shark 6s in its first day – a number that probably would have been higher had its website not crashed due to overwhelming traffic.

How does that kind of volume compare to other utes? If we focus on 4×4 models (the BYD Shark 6 is only available in a dual-motor 4WD configuration), there are only two models that are reliably at or above 4000 sales each month – the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. Other rivals like the Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton typically sell between 1000-2500 units per month, but the real question is whether the Shark 6 can sustain this inertia in the long term and secure a solid – and enduring – third place position in the ute sales ranking.

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Two things may get in the way of that: supply, and demand. With the Shark 6 being built in China and enjoying the massive industrial support on offer in that country, it’s not unreasonable to expect that ensuring adequate supply won’t be a problem for BYD.

However, the company has so far only confirmed an initial allocation of 2000 cars, with potentially 1000 more in the first shipment to help satisfy initial demand. With all 3000 of those now having customer names against them, BYD looks to be facing a supply challenge for the Shark 6 if all of those refundable deposits turn into sales, and the next month of pre-orders delivers another 3000-4000 deposits.

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Demand may be challenging in the long-term as well – vehicles with a strong new-technology appeal normally experience very strong demand in the pre-launch and launch phases, but once that latent demand is satisfied sales volumes quickly settle to a fraction of the initial amount. Another factor can’t be ignored here either – competition. In the second half of 2025 Ford will launch the Ranger PHEV into Australia, and it’s highly likely that buyers looking for a plug-in hybrid ute – whether private or commercial – may be holding off until that model arrives.

There will also be more competition from other Chinese brands as well, with the GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4 T plug-in set to go on sale locally in the first half of the year. The BYD Shark 6 might have the PHEV ute market all to itself right now, but that first-mover advantage won’t last long.

It’s not hard to understand the Shark 6’s appeal, though. With 321kW and 650Nm of combined output from its dual electric motors and 29.58kWh lithium-ion battery, the Shark 6 is one of the torquiest and most powerful utes on the market. With a 1.5L turbo petrol engine able to fire up when the Shark 6’s 100km EV-only range is depleted, the BYD can run for around 800km in total as a hybrid before needing recharging or refueling.

On the other side of the coin, its maximum towing capacity is only 2500kg in a segment where 3500kg is the new norm – but clearly that’s not a huge concern for at least 4000 punters.

It seems the news of Ford Australia’s Super Duty Ranger model has sparked the interest of the aftermarket which has up until now been doing a roaring trade of upgrading 4x4s with GVM upgrades to increase load capacity.

Ford announced last week that it has been working on the Ranger SD and will introduce it to market as a 2026 model with capacities of 4500kg GVM, 4500kg towing, and a 8000kg GCM.

While initially born of the demands of industries such as fire services, forestry, national parks and other that require a go-anywhere 4×4 with heavy weight capacity, the Ranger SD will also have strong appeal in the touring and off road segment particularly for those wanting to tow heavy trailers.

We’re expecting a long slow drip-feed of information and teasers on the Ranger SD to dribble out over the coming year and the latest is this image on the SD’s steel, 18-inch, 8 lug wheel and 33-inch tyre which is similar to what you will find on commercial variants of the Ford F-250.

The teaser video shows a vehicle driving up Rocky Track in Toolangi State Forest in Melbourne, a track that is challenging and well known with local 4-wheel drivers. It’s a given that the local Ford team will be out and about testing the Ranger SD over terrain like this and in many other conditions as well and testing and development at the company’s You Yangs testing facility near Geelong.

If the Ranger Super Duty delivers on its promises it will offer a factory-built mid-size 4×4 ute with heavy duty capability off the showroom floor, negating the need for owners to look to the aftermarket and Second Stage Manufacturers (SSM) for upgrades.

Up until now this type of vehicle has been the domain of the Land Cruiser 79 Series and Mercedes Benz G-Professional cab-chassis with regular Rangers and Hiluxes modified to do lighter duties. Even the mighty LC79 and G-Professional are subject to extensive modifications for both capacity and safety for such work by the industries noted above.

The Mercedes has been plagued with problems when used for such work with many departments complaining of faults that keep vehicles off the road while being repaired and, with questions being asked about the long-term future of the Toyota 70 series, the new product from Ford Australia could find itself perfectly positioned to make its mark.

We’re sure that Ford will keep up fed with a steady flow of information in the months before we see an actual Ranger Super Duty.

GMSV has released a catalogue of accessories for their flagship model Silverado, which not only aims to give their customers a means of personalising their utes, but also allows the mods to be fully covered under the factory warranty.

A range of options are on offer, as well as a pair of value bundles – the Terrain Pack and the Black Pack – which may be more cosmetic than lockers-and-gearing, but still provide owners with a degree of individualisation of their new rig.

The Terrain Pack (for the ZR2 models) features a tonneau cover, sports bar, rocker protectors, weathershields and the fancy black Chevrolet tailgate lettering for maximum cool points, while the Black Pack (on the LTZ Premium) makes all the lettering, you guessed it, white (just kidding, it’s black), along with the front Bow-Tie emblem and the 20in rims are high gloss black to round out the theme.

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“We know that so many of our customers personalise their Silverado,” says GM Australia and New Zealand managing director, Jess Bala, “and the launch of these dealer-fitted accessory packs will give them even more choice, while at the same time simplifying the process.”

While the majority of the individually available accessories are largely skin-deep, you know, things like hood deflectors, all-weather mats for the tray and chrome sidesteps, there are a few options for those who like to tow or tour in their full-size as well.

There’s a range of tonneau covers ranging from soft, to roll-up aluminium to trifold to fully electric and activated by the key fob – which are handy if you don’t want to invest in a canopy, or the rear under-seat lockable storage would be useful for stashing gear on a trip. The swing out, lockable and weatherproof toolboxes make a lot of sense, as do the cargo tie down rings and 3500-4500kg hitch towball kits and the trailer camera.

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Regardless of your intended use, it’s nice to know that there is a range of gear available for the Silverados which is covered under the new car warranty (or 24 months/50,000km from the date of install, whichever is greater).

You can find the details of what’s available below.

2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 ZR2 TERRAIN PACK

$4,192 List Price (excl. Fitment Costs and GST)

• Soft Tonneau Cover
• Sports Bar
• Weathershields
• Rocker Protectors
• Black Chevrolet Tailgate Lettering

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2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 LTZ PREMIUM BLACK PACK

$3,032 List Price (excl. Fitment Costs and GST)

• 20” High Gloss Black Accessory Wheel Package
• Black Chevrolet Tailgate Lettering
• Black Lettering Kit
• Black Front Bow Tie Badge
• Black Z71 Emblems
• Weathershields

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GMSV 2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 PREMIUM ACCESSORIES

• Electric Rolling Tonneau Cover, with Key Fob.
• Tri-fold Tonneau Cover with aluminium outer cover, lockable, easy open.
• Hard Roll-Up Tonneau Cover, aluminium
• Soft Tonneau Cover
• Swing Out Toolbox (driver or passenger side) – mounted, lockable, weatherproof storage for tools.
• Cargo Net
• Cross Rail
• Cargo Tie Down Rings
• Tailgate Gap Cover
• Hood Deflector
• Weathershields
• Silver Chevrolet Tailgate Lettering
• Black Chevrolet Tailgate Lettering
• Black Front Bow Tie Badge
• Black Lettering Kit
• Black Z71 Emblems
• Front Flat Mud Guards
• Black Round Side Steps
• Chrome Round Side Steps
• Sports Bar
• Wheel Lock & Lug Nut Kit Black
• 20” High Gloss Black Accessory Wheel Package
• Centre Console Organiser
• Rear All-Weather Mat
• Rear Under seat Lockable Storage Organiser
• Tow Hitch 50mm Ball Kit – 3500kg
• Tow Hitch 70mm Ball Kit – 4500kg
• Trailer Camera
• Trailer Tyre Pressure Sensors

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Volkswagen Australia has proudly announced that it has achieved a Guinness world record for driving Australia’s 10 recognised deserts in a time of six days and 17 hours in a modified Amarok

Employing a team of three drivers the Amarok covered 6,421km to take in the Great Victoria, Great Sandy, Tanami, Simpson, Gibson, Little Sandy, Strzelecki, Sturt Stony, Tirari and Pedirka deserts passing through Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

They actually smashed the previous record which was closer to 14 hours and held by a motorcyclist.

The drivers, German endurance driver and multiple record holder Rainer Zietlow, his compatriot Marius Biela and Australia’s Brad Howe, drove in shifts with two up front while one of them attempted to sleep on the back seat of the VW Amarok Style V6.

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Brad Howe told us that sleeping in the car was a challenge and they wore rugby players headgear to allow them to ‘rest’ against the side of the door while driving over the rough terrain. Even then, the sleep was sketchy at best.

The drive was non-stop except for refuelling and one extended halt that occurred less than 24 hours in to the drive. This was in the early hours of the morning when the Amarok was bogged when crossing a damp Lake Poeppel in the Simpson Desert in pitch darkness.

“I woke up and looked around and when I realised where we were I told the driver to try and get to the side of the lake but it was too late,” Brad told us as we took the record-winning Amarok for a spin in Victoria’s forests.

There was no support crew with them and getting the car out was done by jacking it up, digging out under the tyres and placing boards under them, and that took three hours.

A similar incident was narrowly avoided driving through the flooded areas at the northern end of the Canning Stock Route but luckily, they were able to reverse out of the bog and pick a firmer line to traverse it.

The Amarok used for the drive was modified for the task using accessories that many adventurous owners would be fitting to their own 4×4 vehicles. ARB suspension with BP51 shocks, underbody protection, rated recovery points front and rear, ROH wheels with Kumho m/t tyres, a Rhino roof rack, ARB lighting, and a 160-litre fuel tank from Brown Davis.

Not so common was the specifically made tyre rack on the cargo tub that was fabricated to carry spare wheels and tyres. The car only had one puncture over the length of the trip and no other mechanical faults. 1199-litres of fuel were consumed and 500ml of engine oil over the arduous journey.

ROAD GOING

The good news for Amarok buyers is that VW Australia has produced a limited run of 300 specifically equipped 10 Deserts Edition Amaroks set to go on sale early in 2025.

Built on the Amarok ‘Life’ model using the TDI500 4-cylinder bi-turbo engine and part-time, dual range 4×4 system, the 10 Desert Edition Amaroks ae fitted with bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels, raised ARB suspension, underbody protection and a soft tonneau cover. More aggressive all terrain tyres will be available as a no-cost option

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The added height of the suspension brings the ground clearance up to 275mm which VW says is more than any other car in its class, only topped by the bespoke built Ford Ranger Raptor.

The bi-turbo diesel engine of the limited-edition car gives little away to the V6 as used in the record setting Amarok. It’s 500Nm of torque is more than up to the needs of on and offroad driving, towing and hauling. VW was also quick to point out that the 4-pot is 80kg lighter than the V6 over the front axle making it more nimble and better suited for off road work.

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We had a chance to drive both the limited edition 10 deserts Amarok and the actual record setting vehicle on some bush tracks west of Melbourne and the modifications to both improve their respective off road capabilities.

LIMITED EDITION

The 10 Deserts Edition Amarok is based on the mid-range Life model but it really isn’t missing out of anything. It is following the trend we’ve seen in the later part of 2024 with ‘Black Edition’ variants of double-cab 4×4 utes being based on lower-spec models with a bit more equipment added to improve the overall package. VW had a record setting accomplishment to celebrate so we were spared yet another Black model but the recipe is the same.

That said, VW Australia went a bit further than the others with uprated suspension giving extra ground clearance and improved body control, plus the no-cost option of more aggressive all terrain tyres, all of which are much appreciated extras.

The extra ground clearance was needed when driving around the off road tracks in Cobaw State Forest where deep ruts and tree buttresses threaten the standard side steps as we crawled over them.

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On faster gravel tracks the suspension feels more compliant than the standard Amarok settings giving a smoother ride without sacrificing handling and control.

The Ford-sourced 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine and 10 speed automatic power train has proven itself over the years as being punchy and reliable. I might lack the towing grunt and refinement of the V6 but gives nothing away in terms of driveability and past experience tell us that it is considerably more economical.

In earlier drives of the Amarok we have said that the Life model with the biturbo engine represents a sweet spot in the model range in terms of equipment and price.

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With standard equipment including LED lights, 8-way adjustable driver and passenger seats and a leather covered steering wheel and gear -shifter it is well equipped in relation to its competition at this end of the ute segment. It certainly doesn’t feel like a entry level model with only the striped-out Amarok Core coming in below it.

VW Australia hasn’t confirmed the pricing yet but says it will fall between the standard Amarok Life and the style model so we expect it to fall in at around the $65K mark when it lobs in showrooms early in 2025.

RECORD SETTER

Driving the kitted up Amarok that actually did the record-setting deserts run was a different experience to what you get in any new production car. In fact, it felt much like the many other modified 4×4 utes we’ve driven, especially those that have covered plenty of outback miles.

Taller, stiffer and full of rattles was my initial impression. The combination of the ARB suspension and the stiff, light truck construction Kumho muddies certainly made the Amarok feel solid on the road.

Brad Howe told us that the car felt softer when it was fully loaded for the trip and the suspension was still running these settings with the car now relatively unladen. Brad says he was relatively impressed with the adjustability of the BP-51 shocks adding that he only adjusted the rebound settings to better suit the load and conditions.

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With all the equipment on it, this Amarok feels a lot heavier than the Limited Edition offering plus the fact that it has the V6 powertrain. The V6 engine is more relaxed in the way it delivers its power than the bi-turbo 4-cylinder and the extra weight on this car we reckon the limited edition bi-turbo would give it a run for its money in a short sprint.

The this Amarok feels ready to take on anything and thanks to its added clearance required less caution on the rock steps and ruts. Even wit the tyres at road pressures they clawed over the obstacles easier than in the standard car giving the driver more confidence it it abilities.

More than anything about this Amarok, we think that it’s great to see a OEM working with leading aftermarket brands to build a capable 4×4 vehicle to take on the outback, just as the readers of 4×4 Australia are doing.

VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK LIFE SPECS

The ute segment is running red-hot right now, and there’s no shortage of newcomers looking to steal a slice of the gigantic sales pie in Australia.

One such upstart is the Kia Tasman, the first body-on-frame dual cab for the South Korean automaker, and one that’s already polarizing punters with its unique styling. However, metrics often matter more than aesthetics in this segment, so how does the Tasman tally up when you put it next to its core segment rivals?

There’s another East-Asian challenger entering the ring too, in the form of the BYD Shark 6. The BYD brand might still be in nappies, but it’s already gunning for market share with a boundary-pushing plug-in hybrid offering that’s already lodged thousands of orders before deliveries have even started. Are Aussies finally ready to embrace electrified utes in a big way? As with the Tasman, the Shark 6 will need to deliver on some critical numbers if it’s to attain true staying power in this ultra-competitive market.

To help you figure out the pecking order – and decide which of these new utes fits your needs better – we’ve arranged this helpful data matrix. With both the Tasman and Shark 6 being so new (the Tasman isn’t due to arrive until mid-2025), there are a few knowledge gaps, critically around both of their Gross Combination Masses (GCM), which means calculating their true worth as trailer-haulers is a little difficult.

But there’s definitely one thing to note about the BYD and the Kia: They’re massive. That Shark 6 in particular, which is the longest, widest and tallest of this bunch by considerable margins, but even the Kia eclipses something as sizable as a Ford Ranger. How do they do they measure in terms of cargo-carrying capacity though?

Alongside the Kia and BYD, we’ve put the stats for four segment favourites so you can see how the new arrivals stack up against stalwarts like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton. Also, we’ve gone ahead and done the maths on your behalf so you can see just how much each of them can carry when either at their maximum rated payload, or their maximum rated tow weight.

Size

Tub dimensions

Mechanical

Towing

* denotes information sourced from a non-OEM dataset.

As Black Friday rolls through Australia, MSA 4X4 is offering substantial discounts on their top-tier 4WD accessories. We’ve written extensively about the innovative and durable products MSA 4X4 builds and we reckon this is a great time to get a deal if you’re an off-road enthusiasts who wants to enhance your vehicles without stretching the budget.

The sale kicked off on Friday, November 22, 2024, and runs until 11:59 PM AEDT on Friday, December 6, 2024 so there is still plenty of time to get in and get a deal.

So load up that shopping cart with the some of MSA’s products in the list below and once you go to check out you can apply a stack of Black Friday coupons to get a healthy discount.

MSA 4X4’s 2024 Black Friday Deals

Drop Slides: Enjoy up to 15% off MSA’s Drop Slides, designed to provide easy access to your fridge or gear. MSA really are one of the best in the game and these slides are engineered for strength and convenience.

Storage Drawer Systems: Secure a 25% discount on MSA’s Storage Drawer Systems, perfect for organizing your equipment and maximizing space in your 4WD. Built with quality materials, these drawers are both durable and practical.

Canvas Seat Covers: Protect your seats with MSA’s premium Canvas Seat Covers, now available at 20% off. Tailored for a snug fit, they offer excellent protection against the rigors of off-road adventures.

Fridge Barriers: Keep your fridge secure with a 15% discount on MSA’s Fridge Barriers. These barriers ensure your fridge stays in place, no matter how rough the terrain gets.

Rear Wheel Bags: Take advantage of 10% off MSA’s Rear Wheel Bags, ideal for storing rubbish or wet gear, keeping your vehicle’s interior clean and odor-free.

To get a closer look at all these deals go to their Black Friday Specials page here

https://msa4x4.com.au/black-friday-specials/

Before you look for any other MSA 4×4 deals it’s worth noting Black Friday orders must be placed through the MSA online store during the sale period to receive their stated discounts.

Like a lot of sales this time of year, MSA 4X4’s Black Friday sale is a limited-time opportunity to upgrade your 4WD with high-quality accessories at reduced prices. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming expedition or enhancing your daily drive, these deals are worth exploring.

As the annual Black Friday sales take hold in Australia, we’ve had a look at some of the top 4×4 brands and their discounted offers.

To start, we looked at some of TJM Australia who have listed a series of big savings across their range from Bull Bars to Canopies.

With the touring season fast approaching, these TJM deals are a perfect way to upgrade your Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton or Ford Ranger.

The TJM sale will close off at midnight on December 2nd so get in quick with these offers.

TJM’s 2024 Black Friday Deals

Bull Bars: An impressive 20% off TJM bull bars tailored for various models, including the Isuzu D-MAX, Toyota Prado, and Mitsubishi Triton. Visit: https://www.tjm.com.au/black-friday-protection

XGS Suspension Lift Kits: It looks like you can snag a 20% discount on all their XGS Suspension products. Given this is a pretty hands on upgrade you’ll need to get in touch with them. Visit: https://www.tjm.com.au/black-friday-suspension

Canopies: Save up to $1,000 on select canopies, including their new Aeroklas Aluminium Modular Range, which the guys at TJM reckon provide segment leading style and functionality. Visit: https://www.tjm.com.au/canopies/modular-canopy

Yakima Roof Racks: Receive 20% off Yakima roof racks, which we’ve always thought is ideal for topping up your touring storage capacity. Visit: https://www.tjm.com.au/roof-racks/roof-platform-solutions-and-canopy-roof-racks

Aluminium Trays: Take advantage of a 10% discount on Bocar and Flexiglass aluminium trays, if you’re in need of an upgrade. Visit: https://www.tjm.com.au/trays-and-tubs/alloy-trays

On a final note take an eagle eye to the terms and conditions with any of these deals as the above listed discounts are only applicable to new orders placed and confirmed in a TJM store or online within the sale period. It’s also worth pointing out that fitment costs are excluded from the sale so keep that in mind when you’re doing the maths.

Keep an eye out on 4×4 Australia as we look for other deals that 4×4 enthusiasts should take advantage of.