Adventure

I feel like 2024 was the eye of the storm. It’s the year, which sits between a big surge of electrification, yet before our market will be hit with a big shake-up with at least 12 new manufacturers entering the fray in 2025.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has always been a quiet achiever in a market full of vehicles that generate more excitement, that have greater cache with the car-buying public, and sell better than the Pajero Sport. It generally moves less than half the units top-sellers such as Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X move in the same amount of time.

The realm of high-end, high-performance utes is an increasingly competitive slice of the new vehicle market. The latest Ford Ranger Raptor to enter the arena has a V6 engine, an upgraded suspension set-up and drive modes aimed at further bolstering its growing reputation as a built-for-purpose adventure machine.But does the Raptor have serious potential as a touring 4WD?

Why are beadlocks illegal in Australia? Beadlock wheels/rims are designated as strictly for off-road use (only). They are not legal for on-road use in Australia because they have not yet been approved for use on sealed surfaces and do not comply with existing vehicle standards in accordance with Australian Design Rules (ADR).

The GWM Cannon Ute range is in runout with sales of between $2000 and $6000 for private buyers – and even larger discounts for ABN holders – as the brand readies its next-generation model.

The fourth and final piece of the full-size, US-sourced pick-up puzzle has slotted into place in the shape of the Toyota Tundra Limited. We've spent a week behind the wheel to see if its brawn, capacity and equipment justifies a solid price tag.

Last week, Ford dropped a bombshell by announcing the Ranger Super Duty line of tough workhorse utes. This week, we’ve learned that it will incorporate the big North American-market F-250 Super Duty’s eight-stud, steel wheel and all-terrain tyre package.

The most expensive Prado wears the name of the National Park in which its Australian media launch took place.At the top of the Prado tree, the Kakadu moves back to match the VX's appearance with 20-inch alloy wheels, body colour bumper trims, illuminated side steps and 'Lux' grille.Inside, it has genuine leather-accented upholstery, heated steering wheel, heating and ventilation for the front and second row outboard seats, eight-way power adjust for the driver and four-way for the passenger.Carpet floor mats, a refrigerated centre cubby, power-adjust steering column, 14-speaker JBL sound system, terrain monitoring cameras and a panoramic sunroof finish off the ritzy Kakadu's equipment list.The Prado has not been rated by ANCAP yet but comes fully featured with adaptive cruise control (that can be set to regular if you wish), lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, speed sign assist, driver-attention monitoring, rear occupant alert and nine airbags.It uses the same 'GA-F' ladder frame platform as the larger 300 Series and a version of the old 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder with a 'V-Active' 48-volt starter generator. The Prado now has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.The Kakadu builds on the list of features with adaptive dampers, five on-road drive modes, a torsen limited-slip rear differential and Toyota's multi-terrain select off-road system.

Reports are circulating like wildfire about a 'mini' Toyota LandCruiser FJ. 

Volkswagen Australia used its Amarok dual-cab ute to set a new record for crossing Australia's 10 deserts... in one go. And a limited run of 300 '10 Deserts Edition' examples has been commissioned to celebrate. We've driven it on-road and over some challenging off-highway trails to find out if the value and dynamic ability equation adds up.