NZ4WD

CHANGE IS GOOD A QUICK LOOK IN THE MIRROR My involvement with NZ4WD magazine goes way back. All the way to the closing years of the 20th Century. In the 1990s I was working for an agency, doing PR for Land Rover (among others). I was also in the grip of a lifelong addiction to motorsport, and the event that most captured my imagination was the Taupo 1000 off-road race. My brother Gary and I competed in the first 1000, and then in 1996 we watched the two-day mega-enduro. I shot rolls and rolls of film, and wrote an article on the race for NZ4WD editor Wayne Munro. That went to something like ten pages. In those days, utes were utes. Not a lot of sophistication, just a ladder chassis,…

It is probably no great secret that the media sector in New Zealand is undergoing a number of significant challenges, both in terms of advertising revenue and also in terms of massive increases in postal costs over recent years. We have therefore reluctantly decided that this issue of NZ4WD will be the last print issue of the magazine. We have built up a significant digital platform over the recent years and we will be maintaining that with regular curated stories going forward. • We have around 8,500 Facebook followers. • Around 3,300 people subscribed to our monthly EDM (Newsletter). • Around 4,500-5,000 website visitors each month. We are also planning to produce several exclusive digital issues (with a print copy sent to current paid subscribers). This will commence with our…

It’s been a while. In fact, a longer while than is comfortable. ‘Platform shared’ vehicles usually debut in different years, with the lead partner getting to market first. Ford’s T6.2 Ranger is an example: VW’s version came to market a year after the Ranger. Nissan’s new Navara is a result of a technical alliance with Mitsubishi, which launched it new Triton last year; the Navara, though, won’t go on sale until 2026. Nissan’s Australian boss insists, though, that the wait is worthwhile. The much-needed next-generation dual-cab ute will be a true Nissan – and carry “a lot of” differentiation from its Mitsubishi twin. The two will share elements – or the entirety – of their frames, but there is not word yet on how many body panels, if any, will…

In Australia, it’s the second-most popular large SUV of 2024. Now, the Isuzu MU-X is getting a midlife facelift update. Available over the ditch from 1 March 2025, the 2025 MU-X range is the Japanese marque’s most comprehensive SUV line-up to date, starting with the LS-M 1.9L and topping out with the X-Terrain 3.0L 4x4. Drawing from four years of consumer and media feedback, Isuzu says the 2025 facelift refines the already popular seven-seat large SUV even further; “evolving the specification and packaging with the updates improving on form, function, drivability and efficiency”. Designers have combined Isuzu’s signature design language with the latest in contemporary geometric and aeronautical themes across the exterior. Inside, the seven-seater sees updates by way of new upholstery trims and accents, an updated 4.2-inch or new…

At the Detroit Auto Show, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis has suggested the addition of a mid-size truck to the brand’s line-up. Kuniskis has highlighted the importance of bolstering the brand’s lower-cost options. “We’re a truck brand and we don’t have a compact, we don’t have a mid-size. I think we can grow more in our sub-$55,000 price point. I need a mid-size truck for sure.” Recently ‘un-retired’ to revitalise Ram, Kuniskis points the success that competitive brands have had in the mid-size and compact truck segments. Those represent a massive number of potential conquest customers for Stellantis, if it can solidify its position. “If I look at Toyota, they’re doing over 200,000 Tacomas a year. Ford’s doing close to 200,000 between the Maverick and Ranger. GM’s doing around 140,000…

BYD has entered new territory with the Shark 6, a utility vehicle blending cutting-edge innovation with raw power aimed at taking on both urban streets and off-road trails. Dave McLeod went along to the launch. This hybrid ute is packed with adventure-friendly features while staying aligned with BYD’s commitment to sustainability. The Shark 6 has a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 430 horsepower or 320kW/650Nm torque. It posts a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds, rivaling performance vehicles. For the explorers, its range of up to 800km offers reassurance on long expeditions, though its towing capacity of 2,500kg and a payload limit of 790kg (due to its substantial weight rather than ability) reduces its appeal for adventuring. With a robust ladder-frame chassis…