Famed desert adventurer Denis Bartell passed away peacefully on January 2 after a short Illness.
He was a legendary desert traveller, first crossing the Simpson Desert in 1977 – the first of 60-odd crossings by vehicle, camel and on foot. At that time he named the biggest dune in the Simpson, Big Red, and in conversations with him on top of that magnificent dune he reckoned he should have copyrighted that name.
In 1979 he became the first to drive what we now call the Madigan Line, and in 1980 he re-discovered many of the native wells that had eluded other searches.
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His canoe trips down the Cooper to Lake Eyre and other inland streams were just as groundbreaking and epic. He was also the first to drive a solar car from Darwin to Adelaide, a precursor of the annual solar challenge.
In 1984 he set out on foot across his beloved Simpson Desert, from Alka Seltzer Bore to Birdsville. That crossing, the first unaided walking crossing of the desert, took 24 days. The following year, he set out on his greatest physical challenge, a walk from Burketown on the Gulf of Carpentaria to Adelaide on the Gulf of St Vincent, via, of course, the Simpson Desert.
There were many other adventures, continuing up until recently, always with the Simpson Desert as its heart. Our thoughts are with his wife, Jeanne, his kids and greater family. RIP mate.
Having decided to upgrade my storage drawers from a Black Widow system to a lightweight RV Storage Solutions package, I discovered that my lithium battery would no longer fit behind the cargo barrier.
My solution was to mount it under the false floor, secured with tie-down straps. This wasn’t the smartest, safest or most secure solution but I couldn’t find anything off the shelf… until MSA 4×4 Accessories launched the MSA Battery Box in May 2023.
Designed to fit with any type of drawer system, the MSA Battery Box suited my needs. Even though the current set-up was stable, I was always concerned that severe corrugations could loosen the straps and my battery would then bounce and strike the roof of the false floor, possibly causing a catastrophic lithium fire or damaging the battery so it wouldn’t work.
The instructions that came with the MSA Battery Box were simple to follow and once I’d worked out where I was going to mount it, I began the installation. Hot tip: place all the supplied nuts and bolts into a container so nothing is lost.
The only tools needed were a 13mm and 10mm spanner, a couple of Allen keys, a drill and an 8.5mm drill bit. While it was easy to drill the required 8.5mm holes through the back wall of the aluminium storage system for the top bracket, I did need to use rivnuts for the bottom bracket, as I couldn’t access the bolt from the other side.
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The box bolts onto these brackets, so you need to ensure they are securely mounted. With the box then secured to the brackets, it was time to place the battery into its new home. With foam padding on the sides of the box, the battery is prevented from moving around or being damaged from rubbing.
I then adjusted the securing saddle to suit the width of the battery before screwing down the poles. With the cables attached to the positive and negative terminals, it was time to fit the lid, which also features internal rubber padding. Once on the lid is secured to the battery with the supplied screws.
I have travelled more than 20,000km since I installed the MSA Battery Box, and I’m certainly impressed. The lithium battery is now safe and secure and well protected inside the battery box. When I recently needed to replace the battery it was an easy task. All that is required is unscrewing the lid to remove it, unbolting the securing saddle, removing the cables from the terminals, swapping the battery out then reversing the steps.
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I like that all the nuts and bolts are stainless steel, and there are captive nuts for the lid to bolt into. The rubber on the lid prevents any issues from the exposed terminals while the foam inserts on the walls of the box protect the battery from vibrations.
The battery box has four entry points for wiring to the battery with rounded lips to prevent wear through the wiring. I like the simplicity of the battery box design and easy installation but it isn’t light due to its rugged 2mm powder coated steel construction, so now my lithium setup with the box weighs about the same as an AGM battery. Having said that, it’s worth the extra weight to know the lithium battery is safe and secure.
Another cool thing about the MSA Battery Box is the mounting plate that is supplied can be used to mount a DC-DC charger, an air compressor, a water pump or a fuse box. So, if you have the space, you can kill two birds with one stone.
Here are some numbers to close out: the battery box weighs 11kg, the same as my lithium battery. The external dimensions are 354mm (l) x 244mm (w) x 252mm (h). The internal dimensions are 330mm (l) x 194mm (w) x 224mm (h), which means it will accommodate any standard N70 battery or a range of AGM and lithium batteries.
MSA 4X4 also makes a Slimline Battery Box for smaller lithium batteries. Both MSA Battery Boxes come with a lifetime guarantee.
The resurrection is complete, and the Betoota Hotel is open again for the first time in 23 years.
Well, it reopened on 20 July 2020 but it was a real challenge to reach the finish line according to Robert ‘Robbo’ Haken, the owner who purchased the pub in 2017.
Betoota was once a thriving town at the turn of the century as a customs post collecting taxes for goods travelling between South Australia and Queensland. The township is located 167km east of Birdsville, 219km west of Windorah and 345km from Innamincka, and is 6km from the turn-off from the Birdsville Development Road.
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The old double brick walls have seen much over the past 100 years with the hotel being built in 1923 and closed in 1997, when then-owner Simon Remienko retired at 82 years of age. He’d owned the pub since 1957 and passed away in 2004.
Now it has reopened, the Betoota Hotel has come alive once again. Sitting at the bar chatting with Robbo, people were always coming and going, with $5 beers helping travellers to wash the dust from their throats. The pub is open from 10 am to 12 am every day.
Free camping is available out the front of the hotel with access to flushing toilets and hot showers ($5 for a shower paid for at the bar). If you’d prefer waterfront views, head down to the creek to camp by the permanent waterholes where the yabbies will be biting.
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For something more upmarket, Robbo has three rooms out the back for $100 per night, with double beds and three single beds in each, and the shearers quarters has 15 beds at $20 per bed.
Robbo is an old-school publican and the way he interacts with customers is hilarious. If you ever wanted to be a barfly, this is the pub to do it in; you’ll hear many stories from Robbo and the ambience is fantastic.
Robbo’s background was in V8 motor racing, and for more than 20 years he repaired the bodywork of busted-up racecars. While I was visiting, he helped out a couple of travellers who’d developed brake issues somewhere between Windorah and Betoota. After finding some brake line in his workshop, he cut it to size and flanged it so that the travellers could make it to Birdsville – that’s the type of fella Robbo is.
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There is a plethora of memorabilia around the place and the original entrances in the dining room and the concrete flagstones are worth checking out. There are also plenty of areas in which to sit and enjoy the experience, under the verandah, in the bar, in the pool room or out in the beer garden. For a remote outback pub, it doesn’t get much better than this.
When the Birdsville events are on, the pub draws people in like moths to a flame. With camp oven cooking, $5 beers and live music keeping the place rocking, it’s no wonder many travellers choose to camp at Betoota and travel to Birdsville on the back of one of Robbo’s old trucks, the FJ, the Jeep or the Ford Model T.
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There are also a couple of annual events that occur in Betoota itself; the Betoota Races are held on the last weekend in August and the Betoota Horse & Motorbike Gymkhana is held over the Queensland Easter School Holidays.
In 2024 the Betoota Hotel is also resurrecting its traditional cricket game where everyone is welcome – get in touch with the hotel to find out the dates.
Dinner is a busy time at the hotel and when we were there Robbo was on his own. He’d whipped up his famous ham and salad stew with rice and bread, which was so tasty many of us went back for seconds.
After dinner, the fire was lit outside the pub and everyone gathered around, chatting about where they’d been and where they were going next.
It was an excellent way to end the day and I’m told that this is a regular event, just with a different mix of travellers.
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Essentials
Beers: $5 per can/stubby
Great Northern Original
Great Northern Supercrisp
Cooper’s Pale Ale
Carlton Draught
Tooheys New
VB
Carlton Mid
XXXX Gold
Pre-mix spirits: $10 per can<\/strong>
Breakfast: Bacon and egg rolls ($25)
Lunch: Pies and sausage rolls from Charleville
Dinner: Robbo’s Famous Ham and Salad ($35)
Pub Of The Month
Address: Old Birdsville Development Road, Betoota Qld
You never know when you might get in strife when four-wheel driving out on the tracks, which is why it’s vital to always be prepared and carry appropriate recovery gear.
We’ve recently thrown a MAXTRAX Bush Recovery Kit in the Triton just for those unexpected occasions.
The Recovery Kit – Bush is supplied in a bag to keep everything organised, and it includes two Fuse Shackles, five Core Shackles that offer adaptable connection points; three Kinetic Ropes 92m, 3m and 5m); a static rope and a rope damper. We have also included MAXTRAX Lite Recovery Boards.
Fuse Shackles are a lightweight and safe alternative to traditional steel shackles with a minimum breaking strength of 7000kg, while core shackles have a minimum breaking strength of 14,000kg.
MAXTRAX Kinetic Ropes are claimed to outperform traditional flat snatch straps thanks to an impressive stretch of up to 30 per cent, which generates increased kinetic power, resulting in a smoother and safer dynamic recoveries.
The MAXTRAX Static Rope can be used as a load-sharing bridle, tree trunk protector or extension strap, while the Rope Dampener is designed to absorb energy in the unlike event of an equipment failure.
The MAXTRAX Recovery Board has taken a revolutionary leap forward with the introduction of the MAXTRAX Lite. Weighing in at just 1.8kg each and measuring 895mm long, these boards are a formidable addition to your off-road recovery arsenal.
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They are constructed from an innovative impact-resistant thermoplastic, which is a departure from the MKII’s reinforced nylon blend. This engineering choice makes the Lite almost 50 per cent lighter, offering a compact and lightweight alternative that is easy to store up on roof racks.
Despite lighter construction the MAXTRAX Lite shares the same DNA as its predecessor, to ensure it is a reliable and effective recovery board for those venturing off the beaten path.
With the MAXTRAX Bush Recovery Kit and the MAXTRAX Lite Recovery Board now carried in the Triton, we can be confident we won’t be ‘that guy’ who gets stuck in front of family and friends, with no means to get ourselves out.
The title of the award may be ‘Custom 4×4 of the Year’, but the public vote has been counted and a six-wheeler has beaten 11 other contenders to claim the coveted crown for 2023.
The winning D-MAX X-Terrain underwent a significant transformation by Six Wheeler Conversions, where a third undriven axle was added beneath the chassis. The conversion included a two-inch lift and a Formula two-inch upgrade at the front to maintain balance.
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This extra axle redistributes 60 per cent of the vehicle’s rear weight over the rear drive axle, and the enhanced setup supports the extended canopy and additional tow-ball weight for a caravan. With six-wheel braking and a raised GVM of 4630kg (with a 4500kg towable capacity), the D-MAX achieved a GCM of 8130kg, allowing legal road use in Australia. CORE Off-Road then designed its first dual-axle-supported canopy to complete the project.
By being voted the 2023 Custom 4×4 of the Year, Callum and Nicole have won a MAXXIS Tyres voucher valued at $2000, an MSA 4×4 Accessories voucher valued at $500, and a MAXTRAX voucher valued at $500.
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A total of 3815 votes were tallied to find a winner, with one lucky voter plucked at random to win a suite of prizes which included a MAXXIS voucher valued at $1000, an MSA 4×4 Accessories voucher valued at $500, and a MAXTRAX voucher valued at $500. The lucky winner was Georgia from Victoria, who was rapt to accept the prizes.
“Wow, thankyou so much! My partner is heavily involved in the 4×4 industry. You may know of him, he has a pretty cool HiLux. Who knows, one day he might be lucky enough to feature in 4X4 Australia magazine,” Georgia said. “We actually just bought four brand new MAXXIS Razrs, but a few spares will be unreal before we head to Cape York in May. We absolutely love and support the 4×4 community.”
Thanks to everyone who voted, and congratulations to our winners!
January 2024: Electric F-150 Lightning production numbers will drop to 1600 vehicles per week
Andy Hunt
Ford is set to significantly reduce the number of F-150 Lightning EV trucks being manufactured, lowering from a weekly estimated 3200 vehicles.
Commenting on a memo obtained by Automotive News [↗], Ford said the adjustment is due to “changing market demand.”
This is not a phenomenon exclusive to the Blue Oval, with many other brands in the US market observing that earlier predictions on sales growth had been overestimated.
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Ford’s electric truck reached record highs in November 2023 at nearly 4400 units, but this falls short of the initial production target of 150,000 vehicles per year (roughly 53,000 sales per year, assuming 4400 sales each month).
This news follows fluctuating prices for the F-150 Lightning, with prices in March 2023 being as high as US$20,000 over the originally announced figure for the base “Pro” variant, before being later slashed in July 2023 by roughly US$10,000.
Ford was anticipating 5000 sales of their iconic F-150, seeking to compete with the popular RAM 1500, but the impact of the Lightning’s production cut remains unknown at this time.
September 2023: Ford F-150 Lightning still a chance for Australia
Ford has confirmed the F-150 Lightning is still a chance for Australia, with the all-electric pick-up set to be explored once the regular F-150 has been launched successfully.
Hope that the Lightning would join the petrol-powered F-150 on Aussie roads has been building since Ford announced its deal with RMA Automotive to convert the full-size US pick-up to right-hand drive.
Ford has also trademarked the Lightning name in Australia, adding further fuel to speculation that the 386-515km all-electric range pick-up would soon hit Aussie showrooms.
But while the first examples of the petrol-powered F-150 will arrive in dealers next month – stay tuned for our Aussie review on October 10 – Ford has reaffirmed the Lightning project is still in its infancy.
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“Are we looking at it? Yes,” confirmed Ford Australia boss Andrew Birkic at the media launch of the petrol F-150. “Is there a confirmed product program? Have I rung up Trevor [the GM of RMA Automotive] and said I need another line? No.
“That will come in the fullness of time. Not whether I say yes or no but in terms of we need to do further analysis and we just need to prove that we can do the conversion [on regular F-150], that we can do it with a lens on quality.
“So let’s just do that first. And then we’ll have a yarn about Lighting.”
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Encouragingly, the general manager of RMA Automotive, Trevor Negus, confirmed there is capacity to add Lightning and other Ford models into production should Birkic give the green light.
“Absolutely. The whole facility has been built with other products in mind, I guess,” said Negus. “So we’ve got the capacity to take larger F Series. We’ve got the capacity to take other vehicles.”
Other models understood to be considered for conversion are the Ford Bronco SUV and the larger F Series Super Duty.
March 2022: Ford is evaluating the F-150 Lightning business case in Autralia
Snapshot
Ford Australia confident F-150 Lightning would sell well locally
Ford has previously committed to five electrified models by 2025
Second-gen Lightning will enter production in 2025
The fully electric version of America’s biggest-selling vehicle is set to go on sale in the US in 2022, where demand has already prompted Ford to increase production targets from 40,000 to 80,000 by 2024.
The potential for the Lighting to be imported here has increased after Ford Australia this week confirmed it is importing the EcoBoost V6 version of the F-150 from mid-2023.
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Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO Andrew Birkic said the manufacturer needs to focus first on launching the regular F-150, but admitted the door was open for the Lightning down the track.
“There’s a lot of excitement globally about what the Lightning brings … and there has been a huge demand for [the Lightning] in the US,” said Birkic. “Is there a demand here? Yes, I’m absolutely sure we could sell that product, but we’ve got to make sure it’s commercially viable, and what we’ve also got to do is be in tune with our overseas colleagues, and right now that really is the focus.
“[The regular F-150] is an amazing product and we’re seeing the investment in Tennessee and Kentucky to support that. We’ve always got an open mind [about other variants], but we’re focusing on what we need to do – get the [regular] product here, get it done in a robust way, get the engineering done, get the remanufacturing set up. That’s our key focus and it needs to be. It’s important for us to have a significant and strong remanufacturing process.
“North America is investing billions of dollars in making sure that program is robust and they can get the cars to dealers and into customer hands, so right now our priority is ICE.”
While hybrid versions of the Ranger and Everest are expected to be the next models announced, many believe the Mustang Mach-E will complete the set – although today’s announcement has thrown another hat in the ring.
Start 2024 off on the right foot by picking up a copy of the January 2024 issue of 4X4 Australia, which is in stores now.
If your new year’s resolution was to get out and about more in your 4×4, then we have you covered here at 4X4 Australia. And our first issue for the year is packed with off-road goodness to get you started.
There’s plenty of new metal arriving in 2024, and none more exciting for traditional 4WDers than the INEOS Grenadier. In a market that is creeping towards a softer future, the rugged, go-anywhere Grenadier is bucking that trend. Read our comprehensive analysis in this issue.
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Equally exciting is the reinvented 70 Series LandCruiser now with an inline four-cylinder powerplant mated to an automatic transmission. We spent time at the vehicle’s local launch to establish whether the four-pot can live up to the legendary LC70 nameplate.
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Another vehicle arriving in the first quarter of this year is the new-gen Mitsubishi Triton. We drove two pre-production variants ahead of the vehicle’s Australian launch and, without giving too much away, the completely redesigned and rebuilt vehicle is bigger and better than the vehicle it replaces in just about every way.
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The five-door Jimny XL is finally a reality, and John Law sampled the grown-up Jimny at the wagon’s local launch. The three-door is a fan favourite, but has it transformed into a genuine family 4×4 contender?
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On the custom 4×4 front, we point a microscope at a next-gen Ranger that’s now a work-and-play weapon sitting on 37-inch tyres. Plus, we take a look at a 2023 Silverado 2500 built to be the ultimate camping set-up. The behemoth proves there’s a spot for full-size American pick-ups in the Aussie bush.
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If your end-of-season break isn’t ending anytime soon, we’ve included a handful of travel pieces to help guide you to your next off-road destination. This month we travel to Judbarra National Park in the NT, along Karunjie Track in WA , and trace some of North Queensland’s remote mining trails.
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As our Tradie Triton build nears the finish line, we’ve added a MAXTRAX Bush Recovery Kit and Lite recovery boards. Plus, to keep us out of strife, a new PIAK Nudge Bar has been installed for frontal protection.
The Isuzu D-Max and MU-X could soon gain new engines with mild hybrid tech
The hybrid engine is a 2.2L turbo diesel with a belt-driven starter motor
D-Max mild-hybrid tipped to arrive from 2025
Mazda BT-50 also in line to receive the new engine
Australia’s third most popular dual-cab ute, the Isuzu D-Max, could soon gain a fuel-saving mild hybrid powertrain.
Reports out of Thailand, which is where the D-Max is produced, speculate the D-Max will soon gain a newly developed 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel that includes a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
According to Thai outlet Headlight Magazine, the new engine could be introduced as early as 2025 and is also tipped to power the D-Max’s SUV sibling, the MU-X.
The mild-hybrid set-up will reportedly use a belt-driven integrated starter motor to help reduce start-up vibration and improve engine response and performance in short bursts.
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It’s unclear when the new engine will be sold in Australia or whether it will replace one of the D-Max’s existing engines or be sold alongside the current line-up.
When asked about the likelihood of the new engine being sold Down Under, Isuzu Australia provided the following comment:
“At this point in time, we are unable to comment on any future model plans or powertrain developments. That said, as part of our due diligence IUA will continue to monitor local market requirements to provide a product mix to meet Australian consumer needs.”
Currently the D-Max is powered by either a 1.9-litre four cylinder turbo diesel with 110kW/350Nm or a more powerful 3.0-litre turbo diesel that produces 140kW/450Nm.
Both engines also feature in the Mazda BT-50 which was co-developed with the D-Max, meaning the Mazda is also a candidate to receive the new hybrid powertrain.
Hybrid engines are quickly gaining momentum in Australia’s dual-cab ute segment. A mild-hybrid version of the popular Toyota HiLux is confirmed to launch in the second half of 2024
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The hugely popular Toyota HiLux will add a mild-hybrid variant later this year, with Toyota promising the new engine will offer a 10 percent fuel saving and improved refinement. The Hilux’s hybrid engine is based on the existing 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel and will be standard on SR5 and Rogue 4X4 models and optional on the SR 4X4.
Mitsubishi is also expected to launch a hybrid version of the soon-to-arrive new-gen Triton and the Ford Ranger — which was Australia’s most popular vehicle in 2023 — will add a plug-in hybrid model next year. Chinese brand BYD is also developing a plug-in hybrid dual-cab and testing mules have recently been spotted on Aussie roads.
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Should the mild-hybrid D-Max make its way to Australia, it will be a logical stepping stone towards an all-electric model. Isuzu has already confirmed it is currently developing an all-electric version of the D-Max, with deliveries expected to commence in Europe in 2027.
That electric ute will join the LDV eT60, which is currently the only fully electric dual-cab offered in Australia.
UPDATE: Volkswagen has extended 2023 Amarok drive-away offers to 31 March while adding the most popular Style V6 to the offer.
Offsetting price rises that will come into effect on 1 February for MY24 models, Volkswagen is offering select MY23 stock at between $5000-$6800 off (depending on state charges).
Initially, the deals were set to end on 31 December but the offer has now been extended with the addition of the V6 Style TDI600, which you can nab for $72,990 drive-away (instead of $70,990 before on-road costs) until 31 March 2024.
Like the other trims (detailed below), the Style V6 drive-away price includes five years of servicing, valued at $1800. Read on below for more info on the other models available.
Our original story, below, has been updated to reflect the extended offer.
John Law
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December: The 2023 Volkswagen Amarok ute is being offered at up to $6800 off until 31 March.
Volkswagen Australia has confirmed national drive-away pricing and a complimentary five-year service plan for the Amarok Core TDI405, Life TDI500 and Style TDI500 four-cylinder variants.
The base Core dual-cab 4×4 is available for $54,900 drive-away nationally. It usually retails for $52,900 before on-roads, or around $59,600 drive-away with a Sydney postcode – not including the additional $1800 five-year service plan.
Likewise, the mid-spec Life TDI500 is around $5000 off, priced at $58,900 drive-away nationally – compared to its $56,900 retail price, or circa-$63,800 on-road price.
The Style TDI500 is available for $68,990 drive-away nationally – $2000 more than its $66,990 retail price, and a saving over its usual circa-$74,000 drive-away price with a Sydney postcode.
The complimentary five-year service plan is also available for the mid-spec Style TDI600 diesel V6, which retails for $70,990 plus on-road costs – or around $78,000 drive-away.
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Volkswagen Australia has confirmed Amarok Core, Life and Style variants are available for immediate delivery, while the flagship PanAmericana and Adventura – fitted with the more popular diesel V6, along with an optional turbo-petrol four-cylinder – incur wait times.
“While we thank patient customers for moderate wait times for the Amarok PanAmericana and Aventura at the top end of our range, we are pleased to offer these deals on other variants that are readily available in showrooms,” said local Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director Ryan Davies.
The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok – heavily based on the latest Ford Ranger – launched in Australia in May. It is sourced from South Africa, not Thailand like the Ford, and incurs an additional five per cent import tariff.
The 2024 Volkswagen Amarok range will arrive in February with a standard brake controller, while the base Core TDI405 scores blind-spot monitoring.
Snapshot
Amarok gets standard brake controller for 2024
Base Core cops rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring
Prices up between $2500-$3000 with drive-away offers on existing stock
Volkswagen’s minor updates usher in price rises between $2500 for the entry grade and $3000 for flagship Aventura and Panamericana trim levels.
With improved stock flow for 2024 and all variants online, Volkswagen is looking to crack 10,000 Amarok sales this calendar year.
With the increases on board, Volkswagen’s answer to the Ford Ranger climbs closer to the Blue Oval’s flagship Platinum ($83,201 before on-road costs) and climbs well above the single-turbo Ranger XL entry ($50,380).
To offset price rises, the brand is extending drive-away deals for in-stock and soon-to-arrive MY23 models (first announced last year) to 31 March 2024.
2024 Volkswagen Amarok Pricing
Grade
Price (MSRP)
Change
Amarok Core 2.0 TDI405 4MOTION (Auto)
$55,490
Up $2500
Amarok Life 2.0 TDI500 4MOTION
$59,490
Up $2500
Amarok Style 2.0 TDI500 4MOTION
$69,740
Up $2750
Amarok Style 3.0 TDI600 4MOTION
$73,740
Up $2750
Amarok Panamericana 3.0 4MOTION
$78,990
Up $3000
Amarok Aventura 3.0 TDI600 4MOTION
$82,990
Up $3000
Amarok Aventura 2.3 TSI452 4MOTION
$82,990
Up $3000
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Additionally, the 184kW/600Nm Style V6 (currently the most popular Amarok) is on offer for the first time, listing at $72,990 drive-away and representing a circa-$5000 discount depending on your state.
It features intelligent Matrix LED headlights, a digital driver’s display, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, ‘ArtVelour’ upholstery, 12-speaker sound systems and heated front seats.
It joins the Core ($54,990), Life ($58,990) and Style TDI500 ($68,990, all drive-away) in also getting five services thrown in for free at time of purchase – adding $1800 value.