News

Following WWII Willys were continually looking for new and practical civilian models and so on November 27, 1956 came the announcement that Kaiser Jeep would build a new three quarter ton pickup truck. The design was completely new (although Land Rover also produced a FC model), as it placed the driver directly over the front wheels in a forward control position.

The Ford Escape received a welcome boost in March 2001, gaining a 150kW 3.0 litre Duratec V6 engine and a 4-speed electronic control automatic transmission (including lockup torque converter and overdrive) as standard.

Building on the success of the Grand Cherokee Jeep is reinvigorating its SUV offerings, with the introduction of a vastly improved Compass.

The Jeep Cherokee resulted from a clever marketing strategy to expand the popularity of the Jeep. At the bottom end of the range was the ever capable, iconic Wrangler, while at the other end of the scale was the extremely civilised Grand Cherokee.

The Toyota Prado was launched in Australia mid-1996 to replace the aging 4Runner. While the Landcruiser Prado had existed in the Japanese market for many years, as a long wheelbase military style vehicle with solid front axles and rear it was never considered to be suitable for the local recreational 4WD market.

Subaru celebrates the 40th anniversary of its signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) system this year.

Mitsubishi will reveal its next generation Outlander at the Geneva motor show this month.

London-based bespoke coachbuilder, Prindiville Design, has unveiled a Limited Edition Land Rover Defender, as part of an exclusive collection of some of today's most sought-after supercars that include the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Aventador.

Nissan has revised its Navara line-up, with a revised model range and equipment upgrades.

Ford will showcase a new one tonne Ford Transit at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The Ford Tourneo concept will offer eight seats and luxurious interior to provide a new look for people movers and commercial vehicles.

The opening stage of day three of the 2012 Rally Calder presented by East Coast Bullbars was marred by a major accident involving the Aston Martin V8 Vantage of Tasmanian's Ivan Thompson and Karl Francis.

Land Rover are set to unveil a convertible version of the Range Rover Evoque at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. While strictly a concept vehicle at this stage, the Evoque Convertible will explore the potential for the world's first premium convertible SUV.

The Detroit Motor Show bounced back from recent years highlighted by the financial plight of many manufacturers and associated austerity measures, to unveil a record 27 new vehicles on the first day and 40 for the show.

When it comes to large 4WD workhorse people movers, Toyota's Troop Carrier has the market stitched up!

Land Rover had always wanted to build a 4WD wagon. The idea of a 4WD Estate car was first mooted in the fifties and in 1952 Rover built a concept called the 'Road Rover'.

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!