News

Dunes, dust - and dust-ups - marked Stage 5 of the 2012 Dakar. While Polish driver Krzysztof Holowczyc (Mini) enjoyed his first ever Dakar stage win, the performance of Orlando Terranova (Toyota) was far less noteworthy.

After Stage 4 of the 2012 Dakar, a new hierarchy has been established in the car category, with Stephane Peterhansel taking the stage win. Over the 326km Special Stage between San Juan and Chilecito marked by dusty trails and treacherous rocks, the Frenchman's performance also moved him to top place in the general classification, with a margin of 5'41" over South Africa's Giniel de Villiers in the custom Toyota Hilux he is debuting in this year's Dakar.

Mitsubishi's Outlander Platinum Edition is now available in a limited release of 1000 units, tempting buyers with a host of upgrades. Based on the 2012 model year LS Outlander, the Outlander Platinum is available as a two- or four-wheel drive with the choice of manual or CVT transmission (five seat version only).

Cementing its position in the Australian 4x4 market, Toyota's FJ Cruiser has rounded out its first year on sale by winning 4x4 Australia magazine's 4x4 of the Year title.

Back in the heady days of the 1990s, the Hummer was available in civilian spec to private buyers, with luminaries such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mike Tyson cruising the streets of LA in H1 Hummers.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has released a limited edition Pajero Platinum. Capped at 2000 units, the exclusive Pajero Platinum is based on the 2012 model year GLX with premium styling and specification upgrades.

Stage 3 of the 2012 Dakar rally saw another strong performance by the Minis, but this time, it was the turn of Spain's Nani Roma (Monster Energy/All 4 Racing) to shine, winning the stage from Krzysztof Holowczyc (Orlen X-Rad/All 4 Racing).

The first leg of the gruelling, challenging, infamous Dakar rally got underway on January 1, starting in Argentina, and covering over 8,000 kilometres on its way to Peru. Following the withdrawl of the all-dominant Volkswagen Touareg, this year's event has opened up to revitalised teams fielding Hummer H3s and Mini Countrymans.

The first leg of the gruelling, challenging, infamous Dakar rally got underway on January 1, starting in Argentina, and covering over 8,000 kilometres on its way to Peru. Following the withdrawl of the all-dominant Volkswagen Touareg, this year's event has opened up to revitalised teams fielding Hummer H3s and Mini Countrymans.

As the first step in something of a product onslaught, Skoda Australia has released a DSG-transmission-equipped version of its capable Octavia Scout 4x4 wagon.

Celebrating the launch of the 1999 Defender, Land Rover Australia launched a special version it called the Xtreme. The special launch edition was designed for extreme off road conditions and came fitted with wide alloy wheels, all-terrain tyres and a bullbar.

The new Ford Escape has been unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show, and is likely to land down under in 2013.

Mitsubishi has given its aging Pajero range a boost announcing a number of upgrades, including the availability of reversing cameras on most variants along with modest interior and exterior changes.

Orders are now being taken for the latest star from the Land Rover stable, with all pre-launch stock sold. Pricing starts from $53,395 for a TD4 Evoque Pure (5-door) 6 Speed manual 4WD model.

Holden's latest SUV has broken cover at the Dubai motor show. The Chevy Trailblazer, which will be sold locally as the Holden Colorado 7, will be the first heavy-duty off-roader SUV to wear a Holden badge since the Jackaroo almost a decade ago, when it arrives in 2013.

Nissan's sports-4WD Trailrunner concept vehicle took pride of place on the Nissan stand at the 1998 Australian Motor Show.

The recently debuted EarthCruiser range of purpose-built modular camper bodies is set to get a sibling. The separate, additional "Blue Dog" range will feature slide-out sidewalls and expanded interior space.

Rally drivers of the future now have a fresh way to make their mark on the sport with the new Australian SUV Rally Challenge.

Ford Australia will expand its local compact SUV offering to include the new Ford Kuga from March 2012.

Russell Christophers, Ford Australia Product Development Director and E8 Vehicle Line Director, has announced that December will be his last month on the job, with his retirement beginning on January 1st, 2012, almost 39 years after he began with the Ford Motor Company.

Back in 2004, the release of the award-winning all-wheel-drive Ford Territory frightened the life out of Holden.

For anyone setting up a four-wheel drive, preparing to embark on a major 4x4 trip, or just keen to savor the latest 4x4 accessories, innovations and outdoor gadgets, the 2011 National 4x4 & Outdoors Show Melbourne was the place to be. For the third successive year patronage increased, with some 35,027 people passing through the gates at the Melbourne Showgrounds from the 2-4th September.

Hyundai's Santa Fe range gets a stack of stylish design updates for model year 2012, including a refined exterior design and a more features for families.

Hyundai joined the ranks of the fully fledged compact SUV market in November 2000 with the debut of its all-new Santa Fe V6 full-time four-wheel drive mid-sized wagon.