Articles by Marcus Craft

Marcus Craft

Contributing Journalist

Raised by dingoes and, later, nuns, Marcus (aka ‘Crafty’) had his first taste of adventure as a cheeky toddler on family 4WD trips to secret fishing spots near Bundaberg, Queensland. He has since worked as a journalist for more than 20 years in Australia, London and Cape Town and has been an automotive journalist for 18 years.

This bloke has driven and camped throughout much of Australia – for work and play – and has written yarns for pretty much every mag you can think of.

The former editor of 4X4 Australia magazine, Marcus is one of the country’s most respected vehicle reviewers and off-road adventure travel writers.

What is E85 fuel?

By Marcus Craft · 15 Feb 2024

What is a E85 Fuel? E85 is an ethanol-gasoline blend that may contain up to 85 per cent fuel ethanol and 15 per cent petrol.

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The 2024 Prado is a sign of things to come

By Marcus Craft · 10 Feb 2024

Forget about the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, one of the most exciting vehicles on its way here this year is the new-generation Prado because it has some notable tech advancements onboard that are aimed at making your time off-road more safe, enjoyable and action-packed.

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How to build your ultimate 4WD

By Marcus Craft · 04 Feb 2024

Some off-road vehicles are capable of being driven straight out of the dealership and into the Simpson Desert … and some aren’t. Here’s our condensed list of some of the more important aftermarket mods and products you’ll need for safe and stress-free off-road adventures.

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Don't buy an EV, buy a hybrid

By Marcus Craft · 28 Jan 2024

As much as some of us love them, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will gradually go the way of the dinosaur as the global population considers positively impactful ways to keep us and the planet alive into the future.

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Everyone should own a 4WD - here's why

By Marcus Craft · 27 Jan 2024

Out of all of the vehicles available on the market today, a 4WD simply makes the most sense as a great all-purpose vehicle because it can be big and tough and it has a drivetrain, mechanical and suspension set-up engineered to pretty much get you anywhere you want to go. Everyone should own a 4WD – and I’m about to explain why.

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Don't make the mistake of buying a 4WD!

By Marcus Craft · 20 Jan 2024

So, you want a daily driver, family taxi and weekend adventure mobile all rolled into one? Well, your best bet is an all-wheel drive SUV, rather than a 4WD. Here’s why everyone should own an AWD.

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Nissan Patrol 2024 review: Warrior off-road Adventure test

By Marcus Craft · 16 Jan 2024

Nissan Australia and Premcar have given the legendary Patrol 4WD wagon the Warrior treatment.The Patrol Warrior has upgraded Aussie-tuned suspension, a Warrior-specific wheel-and-tyre package, a bi-modal exhaust system, and a payload increase to 736kg - but there are no power and torque increases.So, is this lifted and loaded 4WD wagon worth your attention?

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Jeep Gladiator 2024 review: Rubicon - off-road test

By Marcus Craft · 13 Jan 2024

Does Jeep's petrol-powered pick-up, the Gladiator, deserve to be cross-shopped against the Ford Ranger Raptor?On paper, the model's top-spec Rubicon seems like an off-road beast in terms of 4WD mechanicals and driver-assist tech.And though history is littered with failed paper champions, the Gladiator Rubicon appears to be one of the most capable showroom-standard 4WD utes in Australia.

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Overlooked 4WDs: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

By Marcus Craft · 13 Jan 2024

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is one of those vehicles that occupies a niche within a niche – similar to the Suzuki Jimny and Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series. It's a hardcore off-road vehicle with very few concessions to comfort, safety and common sense.

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Ultimate glamping trailer revealed

By Marcus Craft · 11 Jan 2024

High-tech glamping on wheels just might be the future of camping if LG Electronics (LG) has anything to do with it. LG is not a company known for its forays into the outdoors and recreational product realms, but that’s exactly what it’s doing with the latest version of its Bon Voyage camper-trailer.

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