Off road

An all-new engine is a big deal for any manufacturer.

Jeep has gone from hunter to hunted.

It is yet officially launch in most markets, but the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series has already come in for a makeover, courtesy of Japanese Toyota specialists Modellista.More subtle than savage, in most places, the makeover sees the LC300 fitted with

We now know just about all there is to know about the new LC300, from power to capability, detailed specs to launch timings. Heck, we can even take a pretty good stab at price.

Nissan has ripped the covers off its 2022 Navara PRO-4X Warrior flagship ute but, like its N-Trek predecessor, no changes have been made to the turbo-diesel engine.This means a 140kW/450Nm from a 2.3-litre twin-turbo unit, placing Nissan's flagship ute do

One of the Toyota Kluger's biggest weaknesses used to be its thirst for petrol, but now the Hybrid version has arrived

Australia's boys and girls in blue will soon have a new vehicle at their disposal, with the new LandCruiser 300 Series a sure-fire starter to replace the LC200 in Australia's harder-to-reach destinations.The tough-as-teak Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series is

Modern conveniences and a timeless design.Those are the hallmarks of the just unveiled interior of the all-new Ineos Grenadier. The brainchild of British billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Grenadier is being designed as a hardcore off-roader to go head-to-head with the likes of the Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and new Toyota LandCruiser 300. Having already revealed the Defender-inspired exterior design and confirmed it will use BMW-sourced petrol and diesel engines, the interior was the last major design element still shrouded in mystery.“When we started thinking about the Grenadier’s interior, we looked carefully at modern aircraft, boats and even tractors for inspiration, where switches are sited for optimal function, regular controls are close to hand, auxiliary ones are further away,” explained Toby Ecuyer, Head of Design for Ineos Automotive. “You can see the same approach in the Grenadier: the layout is functional and logical, designed with ease of use in mind. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t.”As with the rest of what we know about the Grenadier, the interior combines the latest in luxuries with the practical demands. The two-spoke steering wheel features buttons for key functions that appears to include a ‘Toot’ button for cyclists but there’s no instrument panel to allow for a clearer forward view.Instead the key driving information is included in the 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen that sits proudly atop the centre console. The multimedia system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for both entertainment and navigation. But there’s also a ‘pathfinder off-road’ system that allows the driver to mark their route with waypoints on unmapped roads.While this is cutting edge, the rest of the centre facisa appears to be inspired by aircrafts, with large switches and dials that can be operated with gloves on. In keeping with the plane theme, the switchgear continues onto the roof between the front occupants, with more key functions controlled from that upper panel, as well as pre-wired slots for accessories, such as winches and auxiliary lights if needed.One other small nod to current-day cars is the gear selector, which appears to have been taken directly from BMW’s parts bin. Alongside it is an old-school low-range shifter, with Ineos not following the more recent trend of its rivals by making that function a switch or dial.While it may have some modern conveniences, the Grenadier has been built for people who really want to get it dirty. That’s why the interior includes a ‘hose-out’ rubber floor with drain plugs and switchgear and a dashboard that are “splash-proof” and can be wiped down for cleaning.Ineos has confirmed there will be at least three seating layout options for the Grenadier. The first is a private customer version with five Recaro seats, then a commercial variant with the choice of either two- or five-seat layouts. According to the company, the two-seater will be capable of fitting a standard Euro-sized pallet (which is longer but narrower than an Australian pallet) behind them.All seats are trimmed in what the company calls “hard-wearing, anti-pile, stain- and water-resistant fabric” that requires no aftermarket treatment or covers.Storage has been a key part of the design process, with a large centre console box that’s lockable, a dry storage box under the rear seats and large bottle holders in each door.Another practical feature is an optional ‘Power Pack’ that includes a 2000-watt AC converter that can power tools and other small electronics such as camping equipment. Also available as an option are glass roof panels that can run either side of the roof-mounted console. They are able to both tilt or be completely removed depending on the operator's needs.Ineos says the Grenadier is on track to hit the market in July 2022 - at least in Europe - with 130 prototypes already halfway through the company’s goal of 1.8m kilometres of testing. Currently the Grenadier is being put through its paces in the dunes of Morocco, according to the company’s statement.With Ineos’ British heritage the Grenadier is confirmed for right-hand drive production and will be sold in Australia, likely a short period after its overseas on-sale date.

Jeep has pointed the Compass in a new direction.Set to hit showrooms later in July, the American off-road brand will be hoping the facelifted Jeep Compass can turn around its poor sales performance with a combination of new technology and a more refined appearance; especially in the cabin.While the exterior changes are subtle, with the signature seven slot grille flanked by tweaked headlights, fresh wheel designs and redesigned tail-lights, the big changes are reserved for inside. It’s here that the previous model’s look has been swept away by a raft of changes to try and make the Compass more appealing.The big ticket items include a new 10.2-inch digital instrument panel (on selected models) and a 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen that incorporates navigation as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All new Compass also come with a wireless charging pad for smartphones and other equipped devices.While the new screens attract plenty of attention, Jeep has redesigned the entire cabin with a new look dashboard and door panels. This also includes a new central tunnel that increases storage space by almost five-litres.Jeep Australia marketing and communications director, Tom Noble, is hopeful that the new cabin will help expand the appeal of the Compass beyond its current limited audience, taking sales from the likes of the Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona with its more practical and stylish interior.“Since its launch in 2017, the Jeep Compass has been renowned as the category leader when it comes to off-road capability in the compact SUV segment, and now we’re pairing that capability with advanced technology and a premium interior styling,” Noble said. “The comfort you want for your daily commute and the capability to tackle your weekend adventures have found harmony in the new Jeep Compass.”Jeep will offer an initial range of five Compass models, including a pair of limited edition specials.The new line-up begins with the Compass Launch Edition priced from $37,950 (plus on-road costs), powered by the long-serving 2.4-litre four-cylinder ‘Tigershark’ petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic and driving the front-wheels only.Standard equipment on the Launch Edition will include LED headlights, LED fog lights, black roof, keyless entry and ignition, cloth and vinyl seats, an electric park brake, the new wireless charging pad and 10.1-inch multimedia screen.It will also include a number of new safety features for the Compass, including autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian), adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed assist, plus the previously available Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection and Lane Departure Warning Plus.Next up the ladder is the Compass Limited, priced at $43,950 (plus on-road costs) when it arrives later in the year. It has the same 2.4-litre petrol engine but gets paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system.Upgrades over the Launch Edition include bi-function LED projector headlights, a body colour roof, front parking sensors and new park assist system and hands-free tailgate. It also gets leather trim, electrically-adjustable front seats, 40/20/40 split rear seats and the 10.2-inch digital instrument panel.The Compass S-Limited will be available from mid-July and start at $46,950 (plus on-road costs) powered by the 2.4-litre petrol with nine-speed auto and four-wheel drive. Unique elements will include new-look 19-inch alloy wheels, body colour wheel flares and side cladding to give it a “premium and sporty design”, according to Jeep. Inside it gets black headlining, grey accent stitching and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system.The more rugged Compass Trailhawk is up next in the range, like the Limited it won’t be available until later in 2021 and when it is it will be priced from $51,250 (plus on-road costs). It will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, which has been upgraded to meet Euro 6D emissions standards that requires AdBlue. It will be paired to the nine-speed auto and four-wheel drive system.It rides on unique 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with Falken All-Season tyres. It also gets a black hood decal for less glare when off-roading as well as red tow hooks, underbody skid plates, a 4.334 rear axle ratio and a full-size spare.It also comes with a surround view camera, leather-trimmed seats, red stitching accents and all-weather floor mats.The final member of the new Compass range is the 80th Anniversary edition, of which only 160 will be available in Australia. Starting at $47,941 (plus on-road costs) it will sit between the Limited and S-Limited in terms of price. It will be available in just four colours - white, black and two greys (Magnesio and Minimal).It will ride on 18-inch alloy wheels and get body coloured wheel arches, side moldings, door claddings and fascias. It will also get a ‘Granite Crystal’ grille and black painted roof with panoramic sunroof as well as ‘80th Anniversary’ commemorative badging.Cabin highlights include premium black leather trim, a storage space under the front passenger seat, heated steering wheel and front seats and the nine-speaker Alpine audio system. Like all Jeep models the new Compass will be covered by the brand’s new ‘Jeep Wave’ ownership program that includes a five-year/100,000km warranty, capped price servicing and lifetime roadside assistance.

Off-road accessories expert ARB has confirmed it will roll-out an expansive range of parts for the upcoming 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, but development won't start in earnest until the firm has its hands on the new SUV.