Adventure Reviews
Toyota HiLux 2024 review: Rogue V-Active - off-road test
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By Marcus Craft · 15 Jul 2024
The 2024 Toyota HiLux represents a small step in an EV-lite direction. Some new variants have 'V-Active Technology', a combination of a motor generator, 48-volt battery and DC/DC converter aimed at improving performance and fuel efficiency, compared to the standard HiLux's 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine. It's not a hybrid HiLux, but it's the closest thing you'll get until that arrives in 2025.
Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series 2024 review: 76 Series Wagon GXL - off-road test
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By Mark Oastler · 12 Jul 2024
At the introduction of Toyota's upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series late last year all eyes were on the new four-cylinder version with auto transmission. But the tough as nails 4.5-litre V8 diesel manual hasn't gone away with an order bank stretching from here to Christmas... at least. Time to revisit an all-time classic off-roader.
Volkswagen Amarok 2024 review: TDI600 Style
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By Marcus Craft · 10 Jul 2024
The Volkswagen Amarok has been around since 2011 and it has garnered a stack of awards, a legion of fans and long ago set the standard for refinement in utes. Times changed, though, and the rest of the ute pack eventually caught up or even surpassed it. But the new Amarok is here and it shares the Ford Ranger's platform and many of that ute's components. Is it better than the top-selling Ranger?
GMW Cannon Alpha 2024 review: Lux Diesel - off-road test
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By Marcus Craft · 04 Jul 2024
The latest Chinese-built ute - the GWM Cannon Alpha - brings with it a lot of news: there's a petrol-hybrid version available; a new-for-the-range 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine; and this ute is big - bigger than a standard GWM ute, bigger than a Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max. But is the new diesel worth your attention?
Ford Ranger 2024 review: Sport V6
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By Marcus Craft · 15 Jun 2024
There are plenty of variations of Australia's best-selling ute, the Ford Ranger, from which to choose. And where once the XLT represented an appealing balance of price and features, has the new mid-spec Ranger, the Sport, taken its place? Then the next question potential buyers have to ask themselves is: should I opt for the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine or the more expensive 3.0-litre V6?
GWM Tank 500 2024 review: Lux Hybrid - off-road test
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By Marcus Craft · 11 Jun 2024
Chinese-made vehicles continue to arrive here, packed with features and offering impressive value-for-money opportunities for anyone looking for a sharply-priced 4WD that's comfortable and capable.The GWM Tank 300 impressed us and now the Tank 500 hits our shores. It represents a first for Australia because the Tank 500 is a petrol-hybrid 4WD. So, what's it like? Wouldn't you like to know...
Jeep Wrangler 2024 review
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By Laura Berry · 07 Jun 2024
How do you change the Jeep Wrangler, without changing anything, but making it better than before? Well, they've done it and we've tested the updated Jeep Wrangler at its Australian launch.
Ram 1500 2024 review: Big Horn
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By Byron Mathioudakis · 24 May 2024
The Ram DT 1500 is one of the world's greatest utes. From the considered design and sophisticated engineering to its comfy and user-friendly cabin, we're frankly hooked. The Australian-remanufactured right-hand drive conversion is first class. And the big Hemi V8 shines. But the base Big Horn that's under $20K less than our favoured Laramie grade is just too compromised in the name of price.
Porsche 911 2024 review: Dakar
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By Stephen Ottley · 22 May 2024
Porsche already had 23 variants of its iconic 911 sports car but believed there was space for at least one more. Hence this wild and unlikely addition, inspired by its triumph in the world's toughest motor racing way back in 1984. The Porsche 911 Dakar is a sports car that's also an off-roader. We take this strictly limited edition (and very expensive) car and hit the trails.
Volkswagen Crafter 2024 review: Kampervan
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By David Morley · 07 May 2024
The VW Kombi and camping have gone together like a horse and carriage for more than half a century. And this imposing Crafter Kampervan is the brand's latest pitch to dedicated Aussie holidaymakers. Are you ready to take it on? Dave Morley has the lowdown on its pros and cons.