Reviews

LandCruiser's Prado may be a premium-priced off-roader, but it's also the top-seller in its class and one of the most capable off-roaders going around. For 2016, there's a new engine, new styling and new driver-assistance features aimed at keeping that #1 slot.

Luxurious and sophisticated, the QX80 is the premium brand's range-leading, full-size SUV and its arrival this month heralds the start of Infiniti's next phase of new-model releases in Australia.

Toyota has launched a new-generation RAV4 range with a new look and new features. Toyota say the latest generation RAV4 delivers advances in styling, performance, handling, economy, comfort and value for money.

Mazda have announced an increase in the towing capability of their BT-50 ute. Available on all BT-50 4x2 Hi-Rider and 4x4 utes, braked towing capacity is up to 3,500kg.

Ahead of its mid-year Australian launch, GM Holden has released details of the new 2x4 and 4x4 Colorado utility range.

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!

Honda hatched a cunning plan to increase sales of recreational vehicles in January 1999, announcing the addition of a compact four-wheel drive - the HR-V - to sell alongside its popular CR-V.

Both looked unbalanced, ungainly and not unlike a pop-top rental Toyota Troop Carrier.Thankfully, both models did not remain a fixture on their respective companies' model lists for long.While the Nissan's GQ Patrol wagon was comfortable enough, and actually stole a march over Toyota with the introduction of coil sprung suspension at launch, Toyota was poised to strike with the launch of the all-new 80 Series in May 1990.

The dilemma for Willys-Overland Motors following the end of hostilities was obvious: how could they maintain production of a vehicle that had won its stripes in combat?

A 70 year veteran of making genuine off road four-wheel drives, Jeep was slow in adapting to the demands of the burgeoning compact 4x4 market, which saw buyers flock to a new generation of mostly wannabe all-wheel drives.

Launching a new 4WD can be a risky business. Of course the manufacturers hold all the aces, getting to choose a location that will best show off the attributes of their new release. It was therefore either an extremely bold decision or one bordering on stupidity that saw Hyundai invite journalists to the release of their first turbo diesel 4WD on one of the most difficult and treacherous drives in the Victorian Alps.

The latest Jeep Patriot is now available, with a revised exterior look and enhanced interior features.

To be a winner in the competitive and lucrative SUV market, you need a product that not only looks good, but also drives and rides every bit as well. The new bold, sleek, yet aggressive Kia Sportage is just such a winner.

Subaru has moved to increase its leadership of the compact SUV segment by adding a stove-hot S-Edition version to the model line-up and introducing a smooth new naturally aspirated boxer engine.

Mitsubishi's medium sized recreational all terrain 4WD 5-seat wagon, Challenger received a major upgrade in 2000. It received new looks, suspension, transmission and improved convenience items.

This accounts for its unconventional styling, which Toyota says is a modern interpretation inspired by the original FJ40.

First it has to break into its highly competitive segment and go head-to-head with some of the fiercest competitors in Australian motoring, and secondly, it has to build the somewhat lost Korean brand's profile in this country.

Featuring a choice of two common-rail Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels and new six-speed transmissions the, 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel delivers peak torque output of 375Nm and power of 110kW, whilst a highly responsive and efficient new 3.2-litre 5-cylinder diesel produces a powerful 470Nm of torque and is power rated at 147kW.

The models feature a new interior, redesigned instrument panel, upgraded materials and new storage areas.

The first generation XJ Cherokee arrived in Australia in 1994, followed by the KJ in 2001.

Suzuki pioneered the small 4WD vehicle and with the new 1998 Grand Vitara reasserted its credentials as the best compact 4x4 on the market.

The 80 Series was the first full model change in nine years. Toyota wagon sales had been falling against the new improved coil-sprung Nissan GQ Patrol.

Isuzu General Motors strengthened its position in the light commercial market in 1998 with the release of an upgraded Jackaroo and new V6 powered Rodeo range.

Just as Mitsubishi have taken a Triton utility and given it the treatment under their Panther brand, Toyota have expanded their high performance 'TRD' model range to include the HiLux.