4x4 Magazine Australia

I ’VE spent a lot of time driving many different new vehicles over the last couple of months. Between the 4X4 OfTheYear test and multiple new-model launches, I’ve sampled many new 4x4s and have been reacquainted with some old favourites. One standout from driving all these different new cars is that the newer they get, the more annoying and distracting chimes they emit. While vehicle manufacturers and do-gooders like to warn us about the dangers of distracted driving, and are happy to point the blame at drivers themselves, the onus should be on the vehicle companies and the distractions they create. The chimes, bleeps, buzzers and bongs that come from the dash of these new vehicles has become so relentless that I’ve had to teach myself to tune out from them…

FORD has revealed pricing and specifications for its Ranger PHEV, with the plug-in hybrid ute to be priced from $71,990 when it launches in Australia in mid-2025. A key rival to the BYD Shark and and GWM Cannon PHEV utes, the Ranger PHEV line-up will consist of four variants when it launches: The base-spec XLT ($71,990 MLP); the Sport ($75,990); the Wildtrak ($79,990); and the Stormtrak special launch edition ($86,990). Compared to the combustion-only powered Ranger equivalents, the PHEV is significantly dearer. Spec-for-spec, the 2.0L XLT is currently priced at $63,640; the 3.0L XLT at $68,840; the 2.0L Sport at $66,140; the 3.0L Sport at $71,340; the 2.0L Wildtrak at $69,640; and the 3.0L Wildtrak at $74,840. The PHEV Ranger struggles to compete against its biggest rival, the BYD Shark…

MULTIPLE powertrain options are currently “under study” for the D-MAX and MU-X, with Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) considering ways to reduce its CO2 outputs to meet strict New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) regulations. Isuzu has confirmed both the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and the 1.9-litre hybrid used in Thailand are on its radar, but the Japanese marque stopped short of confirming whether we’ll officially see either powertrain locally. While hesitant to discuss any details about future products, IUA did mention it is looking at every powertrain solution it has globally, but doubled-down on the fact that whatever powertrain is chosen would need to be fit for purpose for Australia. “While we are working on solutions, it’s important for us to mention these solutions are fit for purpose. They’re not compromised. We…

ENJOY THE SIMPSON DESERT (QLD/SA) The mighty Simpson Desert is open once again for adventurous travellers to enjoy. Don’t forget the permits you will require. For the latest information for the Queensland side of the desert go to parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/munga-thirri/about and for the South Australian side go to www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/munga-thirri-simpson-desert-national-park BANKA BANKA STATION (NT) Set on the Barkly Tablelands, north of Tennant Creek and just off the Stuart Highway, this sprawling 1400km² cattle station is rich in natural and cultural attractions. The property accommodation ranges from camping, powered sites, and king, single and double cabins. The traditional owners continue to use Banka Banka and play an active role in the management of the property. Learn about the traditional use of their country and take a walk to important cultural sites such as…

ISUZU Ute Australia (IUA) has revised its MU-X model line-up for 2025, with the Japanese marque adding a new flagship X-Terrain variant atop the model hierarchy, as well as refreshing the style and updating tech across the now four-model line-up. The changes have resulted in a price increase across the 4x4 range, with the entry-level LS-M now $54,400 (up from $53,400) and the top-spec X-Terrain $74,400 (up from the previous top-spec MY24 LS-T model’s $70,990). Against its biggest seven-seat rival, the Ford Everest, these changes are rather insignificant, as the bigger Everest still costs considerably more spec-for-spec. Comparatively, the Everest 4x4 is priced at $59,240 for the base-spec Ambiente and tops out at $81,200 for the top-spec Platinum. Headlining the changes to the local line-up is the addition of the…

GREAT Wall Motors (GWM) has given its popular Cannon ute a significant midlife update paying particular attention to items that have previously attracted negative media and introducing a new, more powerful engine to the range. GWM has dropped the ‘Ute’ nomenclature, figuring that most Australian buyers could tell what it is after looking at it, and the 2025 Cannon line-up now comprises four variants all priced at less than $50k +ORC, starting with the Lux at $40,490 and topping out with the XSR at $49,990. GWM has hinted that a Premium Cannon model will be coming as well but powered by the older 2.0-litre engine; exact timing on that model is yet to be confirmed. All other 2025 Cannon variants receive the new 2.4-litre diesel engine that makes a claimed…