Off road

Volvo is about to get extremely dirty with the offroad FMX truck.The tough truck has been developed by Volvo globally for work in the booming resources industry as well as construction, but most variants are built in Australia at Volvo's Brisbane plant with many local revisions.Volvo already sells an FM model, which is built for distribution.The FMX is based on the FM, as the name suggests, but has been optimized for off-road duty.Volvo Australia already has experience in this regard, having developed its own off-road conversions for some of its customers who were happy with an FM but wanted to take them off-road.Previously, a palm-oil operation in Papua New Guinea worked extensively with Volvo Truck Australia to modify the FM so it could perform better in the rigors of the rainforests. Several mining companies also ran the FM on dirt at its sites.Volvo in Sweden took on some of the lessons learned by Volvo Australia and its off-road FM modifications when it came to developing the FMX, including approach and departure angles.The FMX will be available in 6x4 and 8x4 configurations, both of which are made at Volvo Australia's plant in Queensland. A 6x6 version, which is shipped straight from Sweden, is also part of the line-up.A differential lock for optimum traction is fitted as standard to all FMX models, while tandem axles also feature differential locking between the axles. Depending on the specification, the FMX is capable of handling gross vehicle weights of up to 48 tonnes.There are two different engine options, the 10.8-litre D11 and the 12.8-litre D13. Both are in-line six-cylinders. The D11 is available with 306kW (410hp) and 1950Nm or 336kW (450hp) and 2150Nm.The D13 is available with 343kW (460hp) and 2300Nm, while a 373kW (500hp) and 2500Nm variant tops the engine line-up. Transmissions include a 14-speed manual and a Powertronic six-speed full automatic, but the most popular gearbox option is the i-Shift automated manual.This 12-speed unit has been tuned specially for off-road work in the FMX and is now able to detect the truck's load and then select the right gear for take off. The FMX has a range of upgrades over the standard FM to toughen it up and make it a more focused off-road worker.It is impossible to miss the FMX given its strikingly aggressive design. Volvo designers realized it wasn't enough for the FMX to be tough, it had to look tough too. The FMX front end is dominated by the unique rugged bumper that wraps around a steel bash plate. It's not all just about looks though as this three-part bumper has 3mm steel outer corners and a tough central tow hook rated to 25,000kg.There are also separate lenses for the high beam, low beam, parking lights and turn indicators, which can all be replaced individually in the field which also add to the rugged look. The FMX's air intake is mounted high above the side windows to keep out as must dust as possible while maintaining good rearward visibility.There is also an optional ladder that sits behind the cab, which allows the driver to check the load. It has been designed so the driver can step onto it from the cab, which means they don't have to step onto the ground, which is handy if it is muddy. A new ladder and grab handle has been designed for easier access and a new swing-step folds out at the bottom for safety.The 6x6 model also comes standard with heavy-duty engine protection and its special steel fuel tanks have been raised for better protection. Volvo Trucks Australia general manager, Gary Bone, explains it made sense for the company to build the FMX."In a lot of markets around the world we were modifying the FM product to move into extreme applications," he says. "The decision was then taken by the senior truck management to build a dedicated Volvo truck for the extreme applications our world can throw at us."

Toyota has added a special limited edition Altitude version of its Prado with more than $10,000 of added features at a cost of just over $5000. The limited edition Toyota Prado Altitude will only be in production until the end of April 2012. The current (fourth generation, but third in Australia) Prado has been on

For the first quarter of 2012, passenger car sales are just ahead of last year - up by 601 cars and led by growth in the small, medium, sports and peoplemover segments.Large car sales continue to give the Red and Blue brigade sleepless nights, sliding by 20 per cent or more - the Broadmeadows crew in blue seems to have more to worry about with Falcon only selling 1275 last month, it needs EcoBoost to bloom.The market is bolstered by booming SUV sales, up 23 per cent up on 2011 tallies to the same point.Mazda's new CX-5 sold 1419 without full diesel availability and was only held out of the top SUV spot by a stellar March from Nissan's X-Trail.The total market for March was 97,616 - up by 3.9 per cent - with passenger car sales adding 976 vehicles to the margin, but there was black ink across the SUV sales sheet, up by 4254 sales (an 18.4 per cent increase).Every SUV segment was up, .For the first quarter the total market stands at 260,122 vehicles, ahead by 11,658 vehicle sales or 4.7 per cent over 2011.WINNER - Kia kept its spot in the top 10 and would be pleased with it's results, as would the Jeep beancounters within Chrysler Australia, as the American off-road icon more than doubled its Aussie sales and made up for Chrysler and Dodge.LOSER - At the other end of the spectrum, Audi had a March and first quarter to forget - down nearly 35 per cent in March and just over 20 per cent behind 2011 for the first quarter. Only the new Q3, Q5, A5, A6 and R8 had positive growth numbers. 

The Queensland group dealer is already preparing for a tough season of rounds in the 2012 Australian Off Road Championships, and he was delighted to have his co-driver with him in the honour parade at the Albert Park F1 weekend."It was an honour to represent the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport and the Australian Off Road Championships at the Formula One festivities, and I was especially pleased that Dylan Watson my young Co-Driver (Glen Watson son) was able to participate in this experience," Pickering said.The 2012 Off Road Championship will see considerable change this year, and the Pickering team is already preparing their campaign."There has been a repositioning of events, with some being dropped and new ones added," Pickering said. "The first Australian Championship event will not be until June at Sea Lake in Northern Victoria. This is a track which I believe has something like a 40-year history of off road racing, and we're looking forward to its introduction into the championship."The opening round at Sea Lake - the Mallee Rally - on the Queens Birthday long weekend in June 8-10, marks the return of the fixture to the AORC after 10 years being off the calendar.It will be followed on August 3-5 by the Goondiwindi 400, which has been brought forward on the calendar due to the soaking October weather that has hampered the event in recent years. AORC organisers say the drier winter weather shoul allow the teams to test the full potential of their suspension on the famous Goondiwindi melon holes.The third round is the Teagle Excavations ARB Pines Enduro at Millicent in South Australia - an exciting race set in the stadium style arena at Teagles Quarry and Tantanoola Pine Forests.The 2012 grand finale is a brand new event - fittingly also on brand new terrain - at Gatton in Queensland's Lockyer Valley. But for Pickering's team, those four main events will not be the only action. "We will do as many Queensland and local events as we can in the interim - although the floods have caused the cancellation of many events."Pickering said while his petrol-engined Mitsubishi Pajero was being readied for the 2012 season, the team was still working on plans to eventually race with a diesel vehicle."We would like to get a diesel engine  to full race spec. It would be great to race a vehicle with a diesel engine, which is now almost 100 per cent of all vehicles sold in the series production class we race in."Australian Off Road ChampionshipRd 1 Sealake - VIC 8-10 JuneRd 2 Goondiwindi – Qld 3-5 AugustRd 3 Millicent - SA 7-9 SeptemberRd 4 Gatton – Qld 10-11 November

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering  would you buy one?Mazda's goofy looking, all new singing and dancing ute. The XTR sits between the XT and GT models and this one has the six-speed manual. It and the Ford Ranger are twins under the skin.Prices start at $32,590 plus on-roads. This one is $48,810. The optional six-speed auto adds $2000 to the price.The Ford Ranger springs to mind. Same mechanicals but better looking. Then there's the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton not to mention VW's more expensive Amarok.The range kicks off with a 2.2-litre diesel, but this one gets a big 3.2-litre five cylinder diesel that kicks out 147kW of power and 470Nm of torque from a low 1750 revs. No mention of a petrol model.Rated at 8.9 litres/100km (auto gets 9.2) We clocked up 500km at a rate of 8.8 litres/100km just taking it easy.Pretty zippy for such a big bus. The short shifting manual is ideal for getting through the gears in a hurry but, with narrow gates, it's easy to muff the change if you're not paying attention. Hills require little effort, even in top gear.Gets 2.5 out of five stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius sets the benchmark with 5). Produces 235g/km of C02. All variants with side airbags (which includes this one) score a maximum five stars for safety which means it could double as a means of family transport.Relatively. The suspension is truck hard and jiggly on all but the smoothest roads, but you have to expect this from a ute (especially an off road one).Fun. That's the important thing. At close to 2.1 tonnes, almost 5.4 metres in length and more than 1.8 metres wide, it's a big truck and takes up a lot of driveway. All grades come with cruise control, Bluetooth, power windows and mirrors, airconditioning, and a whole suite of safety technologies. XTR models add 17-inch alloys, front fog lamps, dual-zone climate control, leather gear shift knob and steering wheel, satellite navigation and chrome trim.Apart from the goofy styling there's not much to complain about. With an 80-litre tank it has a range approaching 900km, has a 1.1 tonne payload capacity and can tow 3.3 tonnes. Ground clearance is 237mm but is compromised by the side steps.

Do you know why there is no LPG converted Jeep Wrangler on market? Is it because the conversion kit is not available, or is it technically unsuitable? Or would conversion substantially affect its performance?

It says Toyota on the front, not Tonka. And no, you can't buy spare parts from Lego stores. This is a 21st century interpretation of a Toyota classic, the original FJ40 LandCruiser, and the fifth model in Toyota's 4WD line-up is no school run special.Its FJ-inspired features include angular lines, round headlights set either side of a wide, mesh grille, an upright windscreen with three wiper blades, a white roof and wrap-around rear corner windows.VALUESitting in the mid-$40,000 range puts it right in the heart of small to medium SUV terrain, but theres few within coo-ee of it in terms of 4WD ability. The four-litre V6 five-speed auto (shared with HiLux and Prado) is the only drivetrain on offer, with an equipment list that includes Bluetooth audio and phone link, power front windows, 17in alloy wheels (including a full-size spare slung on the back door), rear fog lamps, rear parking sensors, cruise control, air-conditioning and an MP3/USB eight-speaker sound system, which uses the roofliner as an active part of the sound system.TECHNOLOGYThe V6 petrol powerplant offers 200kW and 380Nm (with 310Nm spinning from 1200rpm), channelled via the five-speed automatic transmission to a part-time 4WD system that also has a rear differential lock and a switchable traction control system for extra off-road ability.Toyota claims the FJ Cruiser consumes 11.4 litres of PULP (9.3 on the highway and 14.9 around town) but its packing a small 72-litre tank, which doesnt bode well for the bush, when fuel use can sky-rocket look for the long-range fuel tank option box. The dampers were stiffened by 10 per cent and steering have been locally-tested and recalibrated to good effect, and the wheel tyre package was upped to 70-series tyres on 17in wheels.DESIGNThe look is love-it or hate-it, there seems to be no middle ground, although its easy to see the links to the LandCruiser FJ40, but the California design team threw a bit more stance and muscle inspired by one of the design team's pooches, an American pit bull. The upright windscreen with three-wipers, the white roof and the rear suicide doors, the high-waist, more than 220mm of ground clearance and old-school approach and departure angles, as well as the squared edges all suggest truck but looks can be a little deceiving.Inside, its not quite a hose-out interior but its not far off, with rubber floor coverings and tough-looking seat fabric. The clever electrochromatic rearvision mirror with built-in screen for the reversing camera contrasts with the painted metal interior panels and roughnready fixtures, but if you were into Hummers but looking for Japanese build quality, this might be your cup of billy tea.SAFETYIt might be retro but theres nothing 20th century about the safety features six airbags, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist, active front head restraints, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.DRIVINGThe news is good, in relation to the exterior it drives far better than youd think from looking at it. Sitting on a ladder-frame chassis with front double-wishbone/coils and a five-link/coil system at the rear, the FJ is immediately a surprise for its decent ride. Its not going to corner like a Cayenne but its not a corner-roller like an old Range Rover either, making it remarkably easy to punt around town without feeling seasick.Complaints are few tilt-only steering adjustment is a little too old-school for me, the rearvision is abysmal, with massive rearward pillars making the sensors and camera compulsory. The rear doors are a quirky gimmick - remember this was originally a US-destined machine - but entry and exit for some (without sidesteps) is not their forte, particularly in carparks, with no opening window also an issue for some.Drivetrain refinement is well above average, with minimal engine noise and despite the upright windscreen - theres not a heap of wind noise either. The steering is light and not exactly sharp, but when you ditch the bitumen you get an idea of what the primary aim of the vehicle is.Theres ample ground clearance for when you want to get dirty, as well as the rear diff lock and the active traction control that operates as an electronic limited slip diff. For serious climbing, lock the rear diff (with the option of more), select low-range and hit the active traction control button and the FJ clambers over all manner of obstacles with good wheel travel and without manic wheelspin or bashing the underbody protection.VERDICTTheres plenty to like about the FJ its an honest performer and makes no bones about what it is meant for; its not perfect but it thumbs its nose at the soft SUVs as it disappears into the mud without fear of it being a one-way return trip.

Mazda is still playing cover-up on its BT50 ute. The softer styling of the new model, most notably the smiling car-like front, has been masked to give it a harder edge and more of a tough-truck look.Almost every promotional shot of the BT50 shows it with a confronting bull bar and bulging spotlights.The face mask on the test car looked bizarre with its winged Edna Everage style cat's eye glasses and night piercing eyes. Without the facial surgery, styling marries a passenger vehicle front with the tub of a ute. Clearly some like it, some don't.The pointed nose, bulging wheel arches and wrap-around tail lights are overtly sporty and bear a striking resemblance to other Mazda models. Add the "zoom-zoom'' catch-cry and it's clear Mazda is gunning for what it calls the "active lifestyle'' market as well as the workhorse business.The new BT50 is a quantum leap over its predecessor. It is more powerful, more refined, safer, more capable, better equipped, nicer to drive and is longer, wider and taller with a larger interior and a higher payload.Under the skin it is the same as its non-identical twin the Ford Ranger. If you could drive blindfolded you would not pick one from the other. Mechanically they are identical right down to the gear ratios.Unlike Ford, which offers an entry-level petrol model, Mazda's engines are diesel only - a 2.2-litre four cylinder and 3.2-litre five cylinder. The 3.2-litre diesel in the XTR on test produced a class-leading 147kW and 470Nm, or 37kW and 95Nm more than the 2.2 and 42kW and 140Nm more than the previous 2.5-litre diesel.Combined fuel use is 8.4 litres/100km, the same as that averaged by the test ute in outer urban and country running, including an off-road loop. The dual cabs and freestyle cabs are on sale now but, like Ford, the single cabs have been delayed yet again due to the floods in Thailand. Pricing is similar to the Ranger, although there are few direct comparisons because models and equipment vary.There are three trim levels - XT, XTR and GT. All models come with front and curtain airbags and all but the single cab get side airbags. Other standard features include stability and cruise control, traction and trailer sway control, Bluetooth, airconditioning and anti-skid brakes with electronic brake force distribution.The XTR adds 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, and a leather gear shift knob and steering wheel, while the GT adds leather seats, auto lights and wipers, and an auto dimming mirror. Pricing is similar to the Ranger, although there are few direct comparisons as models and equipment vary.Off road, the BT50 has the grunt, traction, clearance and wheel travel to cope with anything a driver might do. And hill-descent control works in neutral albeit at the expense of extra brake wear. The suspension compromise between a decent ride and disciplined handling is impressive.Mazda says it has gone for a firmer, sportier suspension than the Ranger, but it is hard to pick. Inside, the cabin is long and wide with generous head, leg and hip room, quality trim and a host of storage bins. The dash is clear, logical and intuitive and the main dials are easy to read.Large rear doors on the crew cab open wide and give easy access to the well-padded seats, which have a decent rake on the backrest.

Be it an homage to Roman numerals, or an acronym from the adult film industry, the smallest of Subaru's new SUVs is leading the brand's showroom charge for 2012. Team with a new Impreza sibling, the XV (once a variant within the Impreza range but now a model in its own right) has been pumped up with ground clearance and a sterner look. We've spent time in the L six-speed manual middle child, followed by a week in the base-model, albeit fitted with the CVT with a six-step manual-change mode. VALUEThis is one of the XV's selling points, although it doesn't fight the pricepoint war with a 2WD model - it starts and finishes with all-wheel drive priced from $28,490, with the CVT adding $2500 to the ask. Standard fare includes the striking 17in alloy wheels, roof rails, fog lights, wheelarch flares and roof rails to differentiate it from the Impreza hatch. Inside, the cabin materials feel a little more upmarket, as does the features list - a super-informative trip computer, steering wheel (audio, cruise, phone and trip computer) controls, climate control, USB and Bluetooth (phone as well) connection for the decent six-speaker sound system, a reversing camera (displayed in the dash for the base model or on the satnav screen in the L), cruise control, power windows and mirrors. The CVT also gets paddles for the six-step manual change within the CVT - which actually holds in a "gear" as well, unlike some alleged manual shift options. The $31,990 L adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation (with Handsfree SMS read functionality), a sunroof,  sliding centre console (which is largely useless) and rear "privacy" tinted windows for shy back-seat passengers. TECHNOLOGYWhile the outputs and capacity are unchanged at 110kW, 196Nm and two litres, the engine is third-generation flat-four boxer engine with variable valve system, lighter-weight engine components and a longer stroke to improve fuel economy.The outputs aren't going to set segment benchmarks but the emphasis is more towards fuel economy. The aims for better fuel economy are also assisted by the addition of Stop-Start - which Subaru says on its own is worth about five per cent in the chase for better fuel economy.The trip computer showed 8.6 litres per 100km after our stint in the manual; the number on the trip computer at the end of our week in the CVT was 9.2. +For boffins looking for information overload, the trip computer information display gives all manner of other data - some of it even useful - including how much fuel has not been wasted idling at the traffic lights.Our fortnight's tally was 986mL, all without making much of an effort, but the system also shows what's going on with the drivetrain - if you need that as the driver then perhaps you need to pay more attention to what you are doing, but it might keep passengers amused, or concerned.DESIGNThe new-look Subaru small car's are dominated by a new snout and "hawkeye" headlights, as Subaru calls them, but it's got a more muscular look to it. The cabin is surprisingly roomy and comfortable for leg and head room front and rear, with a better feel to the cabin materials and no shortage of features. The quality feel of the cabin is only marred by a lightweight feeling to the doors, which don't close with the same sort of thud that some previous Subarus have managed. SAFETYSubaru has - until the new test regime possibly alters this - a range-wide five-star ANCAP safety rating and the XV has seven airbags (including a driver's knee bag), front seatbelt pretensioners and load-limiters and a reversing camera.It also has what Subaru calls the Vehicle Dynamics Control system - encompassing stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, hill start assist (in the manual) and a brake-assist traction control system that works like a limited slip diff.DRIVINGThere's no turbos here and that's a shame for anyone looking to play rally driver in the back paddock, but the XV is more, it seems, about getting dirty in a more sedate fashion. First and foremost, the two litre engine is not going to bother the traction control much away from standstill, thanks to the all-wheel drive system and the sedate flat-four. Keep it in the top half of the tacho and a brisk pace can be maintained, but don't expect bucketloads of torque down low. The six-speed manual can be a bit vague and it's not hard to miss a gate or get the wrong gear - it becomes less of an issue with familiarity but the action could be cleaner.The CVT is better than some other transmissions of that type previously sampled - it takes more throttle and steeper inclines to make the engine revs "flare" and it has a more direct feel (for a CVT) as well.The ride quality decent and the handling is composed, on sealed or unsealed surfaces - with 220mm of ground clearance it's also able to clamber over a bit more stuff than your average soft-roader, although there's no low-range transfer case.The manual model uses the old-school mechanical centre diff  with a viscous limited slip set-up that has a 50/50 torque split, while the CVT has an active torque split system that is constantly variable - having owned several Subaru all-wheel drive vehicles I have a personal preference for the mechanical system that doesn't have to react, but the active torque split systems are getting better.Bootspace is listed as 310 litres, rising to 741 if the back seats are folded - it's not the biggest boot in the class and the boot floor set-up covering the (sadly) temporary spare is a little cumbersome and intrudes on useful space.The stop-start fuel saver system is largely unobtrusive, working well enough with both the manual or automatic - it's subtle enough to work with differing brake pedal pressure (not just having the foot on or off the pedal). In the manual it needs the foot off the clutch pedal and in neutral, which doesn't always amount to a quick getaway from the lights if you're daydreaming. In the CVT model it's quicker but not as smooth - when releasing brake pedal pressure, there's some inching forward as pedal pressure is reduced, but on the whole it's a useful system.VERDICTThe old Impreza range had been left behind in terms of transmissions a little, but the new models have caught up and time will tell if the CVT route is the best course. It's a sharper-looking and value-for-money package that won't pin your ears back but will impress for economy, space and features and breadth of ability.

Securing the funky FJ Cruiser for Australia must have been a frustrating experience. Toyota Australia started talking about the possibility of getting the car with the stoned-faced execs at head office as far back as 2003.The main impediment was that the Cruiser was produced initially in left hand drive only for the American market. As one of the biggest markets for Toyota's 4x4s in the world, our more animated marketing people must have wanted a piece of that action.PRICEEight long years and a generation later, the FJ Cruiser is on sale here priced from a surprisingly sharp $44,990 plus on-roads. The FJ Cruiser is likely to have a broader younger appeal than Toyota's other offerings, ranging from those who just like the looks to others attracted by its off road ability.It's a car that will win the hearts and minds of a few Aussies, and right now Toyota could do with a shot in the arm as it struggles to redefine its place in a highly competitive and rapidly changing landscape.DESIGNThe Prado-based 4x4 is a design nod to the original FJ40 built from 1960 to 1984 and used during construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the car is described as a reinterpretation rather than a retro model. Few people would remember the original FJ40 anyway.In penning the design, the FJ's Korean born designer, Jin Won Kim, described how he was inspired by the chunky, muscular stance of the pit bull terrier he had as a teenager. A five-seater, the FJ features smaller, rear-ward opening "suicide" doors at the back to provide easy entry to the rear. As always it's an intriguing design, but not entirely practical, not when you need to open the front doors first. With short front and rear overhangs, 224mm of ground clearance, low range gearing, traction control and a rear diff lock, the FJ is equipped to tackle the rough stuff.ENGINE AND MECHANICALThere's only one model, with part-time four wheel-drive, a V6 petrol engine and five-speed automatic — in a choice of nine colours (all with a white roof). The bad news is there's no diesel option and no manual either at this stage, both of which are preferred by the off road fraternity.The 4.0-litre petrol V6 is a lift from Prado, with 200kW of power and 380Nm of torque. Weighing up to 270kg more than Prado, the FJ's economy is rated at 11.4 litres/100km. With a 72-litre tank, that gives it a range of up to 630km under ideal conditions. Note too that it takes premium unleaded.You might be forgiven for thinking the company has cut some corners to arrive at the asking price, given that the FJ is offered with fulltime four-wheel drive and a six-speed auto overseas.EQUIPMENTIt misses out on Prado's more sophisticated electronic aids like terrain response and hill descent control. You won't find a trip computer either nor is there a 12-volt power outlet in the rear, or for that matter room for a second battery under the bonnet to power a fridge.On the other hand, Bluetooth is standard along with an eight-speaker sound system complete with subwoofer and two hidden, roof mounted speakers that provide a surround sound experience.DRIVINGThe ride from the Australian tuned suspension and replacement 17 inch 265/70 series Dunlops is impressive, both on and off the road. But those who take their off roading seriously will be disappointed to learn a snorkel is not offered.On the road, the FJ offers a smooth, composed comfortable ride, but suffers from Prado's lethargic throttle response. All in all, however, what might be perceived as the car's shortcomings are not deal breakers.We didn't get to take on anything too extreme but look forward to pushing the boundaries when next we meet.