Articles by Mike Ryan

Ssangyong isn't a name that necessarily springs to mind when considering a new SUV. The brand has had a mixed history in Australia firstly with the original Musso 4x4 wagon sold by Mercedes-Benz and then later under the Ssangyong badge. Buyers have every reason to be confused with the brand as new models have arrived spasmodically, its profile is low and with its latest flagship offering going head-to-head with some of the fiercest competitors in Australian motoring it has its work cut out to see light of day!

The Willys Jeep like the Model-T Ford is a motoring icon. The ubiquitous small four-wheel drive was considered by American President Harry S Truman as "America's greatest contribution to modern warfare." And it was in WWII that the Jeep was to earn its stripes, and be credited to a large degree with the success experienced by American and Allied forces.

Specialist European car manufacturer Hamann Motorsport have taken a 5.0-litre V8 supercharged Range Rover and taken it to the next level of performance.

Ford has finally announced a replacement for its Escape SUV, with the arrival this March of the European built Kuga.

If you thought 2011 was a monster year for new 4x4 releases, then think again, as 2012 promises to maintain the momentum, with a string of new models on the horizon.

A new look 2012 Australian Off Road Championship has just been announced by AORCom. Featuring four rounds, the fresh approach to the championship sees the existing Goondiwindi 400 (QLD) and Pines Enduro (SA) joined by the Sea Lake Mallee Rally (VIC) and an exciting new race at Gatton in Queensland.

The Dakar 2012 proved to be the 'Year of the Mini', with the X-Raid All4 Raing Minis finishing first and second in the event. The only real challenge to the X-Raid Minis came from the Hummer H3s of Robby Gordon and last year's winner (in a VW Touareg) Nasser Al-Attiyah.

The Dakar 2012 proved to be the 'Year of the Mini', with the X-Raid All4 Raing Minis finishing first and second in the event. The only real challenge to the X-Raid minis came from the Hummer H3s of Robby Gordon and last year's winner (in a VW Touareg) Nasser Al-Attiyah.

The penultimate stage of the 2012 Dakar rally, from Nasca to Pisco, saw more challenging dunes, but made little impression upon the overall standings, with Stephane Peterhansel looking a near certainty to wrap up his 10th Dakar title with one stage remaining.

The Mitsubishi Zaus - an off road concept vehicle - made its Australian debut at the Sydney Motor Show in 1997. Zaus - an acronym for Zooming Adventure Utility Sports - took Mitsubishi's Pajero's on and off road performance and added wind-in-the-hair motoring!

After losing more than an hour on Stage 11, Robby Gordon's hopes of a podium finish, let alone a Dakar win, were gone. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, the American set his sights on Stage wins for the remainder of the 2012 Dakar, and started off in brilliant style on Stage 12.

For Stage 11 of the 2012 Dakar, the rally entered Peru for the first time. The Hummer vs Mini battle that has characterised much of the rally has now become an inter-team rivalry, following the massive amount of time Robby Gordon lost on the day's stage.