Off road

With a host of upgrades, the TRX500FM and variants, TRX500FPM and TRX500FPE are due in Honda dealerships this month.Designed to lighten the hardest days work, these four-wheeled machines combine a new engine, a re-engineered chassis and upgraded styling in one easy to handle package.These new ATV models come with the Honda guarantee of the highest quality, durability and reliability.The liquid-cooled, 475cc single-cylinder, OHV four-stroke engine has a high compression ratio and six per cent more torque to  deliver plenty of hard-working power.Also new is the fuel injection system which features a 36mm throttle body and provides instant throttle response, consistent performance at high altitude, hassle-free cold-weather starting and increased fuel efficiency .The rear suspension system combines a steel swingarm design with a single high-quality shock absorber to produce supple, well-controlled travel. And braking power to match is ensured with larger 196mm dual front hydraulic disc brakes.Although designed for hard work, styling is important and the new TRXs feature new body styling with a tough, rugged look, featuring large oversized fenders front and rear for mud and splash protection.A multi-function LCD digital meter is compact, tough and waterproof, and features large readouts for fuel gauge, gear position, speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, hourmeter and oil change reminder.The TRX500FPM and FPE have the added benefit of Honda's revolutionary Electric Power Steering (EPS) which guarantees easier, more responsive handling while the TRX500FPE also has optional Electric Gear Shift (ESP).All three variations of this new 500cc class ATV sport TraxLox system allowing the ATV to switch between 4WD and 2WD mechanically to make tackling difficult terrain simpler.Find out more at www.hondamotorcycles.com.au.

Would I get better mileage if I fitted a snorkel to my 2010 Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DID Turbo diesel?

There's something very special about the launch of a brand new, never before seen car like Land Rover's new Range Rover Evoque. With its killer good looks, this is a car going places, a car that's going to do big things for Land Rover - not just here but around the world.Preparing to drive the car for the first time in Wales this morning, we admit to being a little excited. Due to arrive in Australia early next year, Land Rover is already holding close to 170 orders for the compact luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV). Hell, the orders started rolling as soon as they showed the first pictures, with many people happy to put their money down just to make sure they're the first to get one.VALUEDid I mention the price? You can get your hands on one of these delectable looking runabouts for as little as $49,990. That's the asking price for the entry level, two-wheel drive model with a turbodiesel engine - but you'll have to wait a little longer for that one which won't be launched until March or April.TECHNOLOGYThere's a choice of three and five-door, two-wheel and four-wheel drive models, with three engines and two transmissions and a variety of options packs. Standard equipment includes push button start, an electric parking brake and Bluetooth with audio streaming, as well as rear parking sensors, colour computer screen and power adjust front seats. For the top of the line Prestige model with a turbocharged petrol engine and all the options, you can pay close to $120,000.If the Ranger Rover Sport experience is anything to go on, the Evoque is headed for number one with a bullet, destined to easily become the biggest selling model in the Range Rover range based on price alone.Buyers flocked to the cheaper, smaller Sport model when it was launched in 2005. Last year, Land Rover sold 4789 vehicles in Australia and 3451 vehicles so far this year - an increase of nearly 20 per cent. There's even talk the Evoque could double sales.At the same time however the Evoque is likely to steal sales from other models, so the marketing focus is going to be on getting new customers into the brand. Land Rover Australia brought its dealers over to the UK to see and drive the car for the first time a month ago.The reception was very positive according to spokesman Tim Krieger."The Range Rover Evoque is the smallest, lightest and greenest Range Rover ever and we expect it to have huge appeal in the market, many of whom may never have considered a Range Rover before, Krieger said. "We already have 8000 people who have registered interest in the model and over time we expect it to be our biggest selling model."The petrol engine is the excellent 177kW 2.0-litre twin turbo unit that we have already seen in some Ford and Volvo models, with direct injection and twin variable valve timing, coupled with a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission. The two 2.2-litre fuel efficient diesels, at 110 and 140kW, are the same as those found in the Land Rover Freelander 2.For a car to succeed it has to nail what we call the three Gs. It has to look good, it has to be offered for a good price and finally it has to go good. Two out of three ain't bad - we're about to find out whether it ticks the final box. Just climbing into the Evoque now.DRIVINGAt the end of the day (and what a long day it's been) it doesn't really matter how well the new Evoque goes or does not go - it's all about the looks. This is not just a good looking car, but a great looking car, inside and out - that will appeal to a wide variety of people (both male and female).It's bigger inside than you might think, with more headroom than the sloping roof suggests. But rear legroom is tight and it has a smallish boot.The Evoque shares its underpinnings and drivetrain with Land Rover's Freelander, with the same 2660mm wheel base - although we're told the chassis has been heavily modified. Ironically, the Freelander looks more like a Rangey than the Evoque does, leaving us to wonder whether there was much debate over what badge it should carry. The final production version of the car is very close to the original LRX concept that was shown in 2008.Design director Gerry McGovern was adamant there were to be no concessions to engineering that compromised what he describes as an exciting, dramatic shape. The designer is confident the result is going to hit the sweet spot.Evoque sits 27mm lower and is 145mm shorter than the Freelander, but incredibly has a wider track and 12mm more ground clearance - not that many owners are likely to take this little beauty bush bashing. With a higher roof line, the five-door is 30mm taller than the three-door version providing back seat passengers more headroom.Extensive use has been made of plastic, aluminium and composite construction materials to reduce the weight, resulting in better performance and fuel economy. The fenders are made of plastic, while the roof and bonnet are aluminium and the tailgate is made of composite material. The result is a car that's about 100kg lighter.So what's the Evoque go like? The 177kW turbocharged petrol model that we drove first up had a sporty engine note and packed a punch, with more power and torque than the 3.2-litre six that it replaces.The engine weighs 40kg less than the six and delivers much better fuel economy. Rated at 8.7 litres/100km, it returned 13.5 litres/100km over a combination of motorways, back roads and heaving going in the mud. The high output SD4 140kW turbo diesel delivers plenty of performance too, with an impressive 420Nm of torque. It's good for 6.5 litres/100km but delivered 11.8 litres/100km over the same drive route.Both engines are teamed with a six-speed Japanese Aisin transmission that allows the driver to change gears manually using steering wheel mounted change paddles. The petrol and diesel will appeal to different buyers. We found the drive experience in both vehicles was not as smooth as we'd hoped, with some odd vibrations and noises on occasion. In both cases, the transmission exhibited a slight hesitation before hooking up - just enough to be irritating.The electric steering is good with plenty of driver feedback, but not nearly as good as BMW's variable ratio steering. Both the cars that we drove were fitted with 19 inch wheels and Continental tyres. It's easy to drive and holds the road well even in wet conditions, but the tyres generated quite a bit of noise on some road surfaces.Off road the Evoque is in a word impressive, with four dial-in terrain response settings for different conditions. The challenging slippery, sliding muddy conditions that we encountered were no real deterrent. In this environment it shines as easily the best in class. Given its off road pretensions, we were surprised to learn the Evoque is supplied with a reinflation kit in the event of a puncture.But the local Land Rover franchise has taken a decision to supply our cars with a space saver spare as standard - not ideal but better than nothing. Overall, the Evoque offers an impressive combination of luxury, performance and economy with some minor niggles - none of them are going to stop you buying it.

A bit of chassis sharing between Mercedes-Benz and Jeep sees the new Grand Cherokee rolling on the same basic chassis as the upcoming Benz ML-Class. And it shows - in refinement, comfort, safety, noise reduction and many other areas. The big Jeep even handles pretty well considering its 2.0 tonne weight.We have been driving the penultimate Limited V8 Grand Cherokee which sells for $60,000 neat (more if you go the options boxes). It's an impressive piece of kit particularly in the looks department and ride comfort.The Limited scores leather, Alpine premium audio, a 30 gig hard drive music register and plenty more. Safety is bolstered by a wide range of electronic systems as well as hardware like six air bags and safety cell body/chassis.Distinctive Jeep styling permeates the whole body but it's been brought into the 21st century and is as handsome as anything out of Europe or the US. Grand Cherokee is a five seater with plenty of occupant room and a large load space. The assertive exterior is set off on Limited by 20-inch alloys and dual exhaust tips.The Limited V8 runs a tried and true 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with overhead valve operation and Jeep's version of cylinder deactivation to save petrol. The same engine can be found in the Chrysler 300C. It's not the most powerful donk around but generates an honest 259kW/520Nm output, sufficient to push the big Jeep with real purpose when you push the accelerator.But the good thing is how fuel efficient it can be thanks to the cylinder deactivation. We got into the 10s/100km on the freeway with average combined consumption hovering in the 12s, impressive for something this big.It has a lovely rumble to the exhaust and idles completely still. Drive goes to all four wheels via what's called Quadra TracII all wheel drive with high and low range. Select-Terrain allows drivers to dial up the correct settings for a range of driving including rock, snow, mud, sport, sand and auto all of which change ride height, power delivery, gearing and other dynamic functions.Hill descent is another handy off-road aid. Power goes through a well-fettled five-speed auto transmission that offers a sequential shift mode on the selector.Made in Detroit, the new Grand Cherokee is surprisingly good value when you look at what you get. Similar vehicles from other makers cost a lot more.We'd have one in a flash, but probably the new 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel even though the V8 petrol isn't that thirsty.

Sitting forlornly in our shed is an old HiLux, with hose-out trim, a column-shift and a radio that's not familiar with Frequency Modulation - a proper workhorse. Fast-forward to 2011 and Toyota are selling them by the boatload - more than 700,000 so far and it is still a regular podium finisher each month in the

Whatever Subaru's game plan is, it seems to be working. Sales are up despite the fact that the cars are more generic than ever, with design that ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous.The Forester is a good case in point. Over the years it has morphed from a knockabout, all-wheel drive station wagon into a just another high riding, roly-poly SUV.Be that as it may, earlier this year, Forester became Subaru's biggest selling model of all time, eclipsing even the Impreza — with sales in excess of 150,000 since launch in 1997.It comes as no surprise then that Forester leads the fiercely contested SUV segment in Australia and has done for the past three years.For whatever reason, it has struck a chord with buyers.But one wonders whether time is running out for the niche Japanese car maker, with its "symmetrical" all-wheel drive mantra.The thing is, all wheel drive is starting to lose some of its gloss, with electronic braking systems able to achieve the same level of safety these days.And you end up paying more for all-wheel drive at the pump, because driving all four wheels all the time by necessity pushes up fuel consumption.Having got that off my chest, I'd like to now sing the praises of the new Forester and its new third generation 2.5-litre boxer engine.It might have lost some of its character, but the new model distinguished by a new front grille exudes a real feeling of quality and is a pleasure to drive, with a sporty spring to its step thanks to the Boxer engine.TECHNOLOGYThe new FB engine which makes its debut in the Forester offers no additional power but there has been a small increase in torque.The flat four definitely feels more refined and responsive and the switch to chain drive means no more cam belts to replace.The new engine, the first completely new design in 21 years, puts out 126kW of power at 5800 revs and 235Nm of torque at 4100 revs, with 0-100km/h taking 9.2 seconds.Fuel consumption is rated at 9.3 litres/100km, compared to the previous model's 9.6 litres (we were getting 9.8).Sadly, however, while the engine might be new, we're stuck with the same old five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, although we're told the auto has been improved.The rest of the world has moved on.Our test vehicle, the base model Forester X with a five-speed manual, has dual range gearing (low and high range).DRIVINGThe engine sounds fabulous and the ride is exemplary, but pushed hard the wagon with its higher centre of gravity exhibits plenty of body roll.Corners taken at speed will spark an extreme reaction from the electronic stability control system.Low range is handy for slippery boat ramps and the like, but off road the Forester can get further than you think in the hands of an experienced driver, with 220mm of ground clearance.Steel wheels are standard fitted with 16 inch Bridgestone 215/65 Duellers and a full sized spare wheel is provided.Inside you get cloth trim and manual airconditioning, but it lacks outlets for rear seat passengers.The dash include a darker finish and darker tone metallic-type highlights for enhanced appearance.Cabin noise levels are reduced through use of an enlarged, higher density, under bonnet noise insulator.Bluetooth is also standard and there's a 12 volt outlet plus AUX and USB ports in the centre console box, with controls for the phone and audio mounted on the wheel.AT A GLANCEPrice: from $30,990Warranty: 3 years/ unlimited kmSafety: 5 star ANCAP2 occupant safety rating , Symmetrical all-wheel drive, ABS, EBD,VDC, SRS Airbags – dual front, dual front side and curtain, Active Head Rests.Engine: Horizontally-opposed Boxer 4-cylinder, petrol engineBody: 5-door WagonTransmission: 5-speed manual transmission, 4-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.Thirst: 9.3L/100km, CO2 220g/km

Some Americans might be downsizing their cars but there are still plenty willing to fly in the face of global warming and drive huge SUVs and "pickups."Petrol is hovering around the US$4.00 mark which is extremely unpalatable to consumers used to much cheaper fuel but even this hasn't dented sales of big SUVs very much. The pickups they are based on are also rolling out the door in large numbers.Americans love them and after a brief stint in Toyota's Sequoia we can understand the attraction.TECHNOLOGYThis is a vehicle that weighs nearly three tonnes, makes a Toyota Landcruiser look small and is powered by a whopping big 5.7-litre, V8 petrol engine. Built on the same ladder chassis as Toyota's equally huge Tundra pickup, Sequoia boasts seating for seven within its cavernous body.VALUEThe Platinum model we drove was "fully loaded" as they say with power ancillaries, leather, large format satnav, heated seats and premium audio.It sells for less than US$60,000. Other lower spec' models go for as little as US$40,000, still with a V8 petrol engine but "only" 4.6-litres.The drive car we sampled featured air suspension with two modes, soft and sport, as well as constant all wheel drive with selectable low range. It runs a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential change mode.DRIVINGThe big beast looks imposing with a prominent grille and bonnet dominating. People of smaller stature might need a step ladder to get in but access is relatively easy.With seven seats load space is limited but enough for two suitcases. Sequoia has a reputation for being virtually unstoppable off road despite its size and weight.On the freeway it feels nimble and responsive and has a surprisingly tight turning circle for parking and city driving.Bad luck if you fancy one of these vehicles-they are only made in left hand drive with no plans for a right hook model any time soon. The same applies to the Tundra ute.Pity, Australia is big enough for both.

Faith based on fear is never complete faith.So fear not this Chevrolet beast. Have faith that it will go, turn and stop with all the balance and road etiquette needed for a six-metre long, two-metre wide, five-seater ute with huge tub out back.TECHNOLOGYA 6.6 litre, turbocharged V8 diesel — with better than 1000Nm of torque plus 296kW of power — is a good start for the 2011 Silverado. A six-speed Allison transmission to help deliver all this is just right. And, once sitting high at the wheel and on down the road a bit, the steering feels right. Initially it seems a touch light at the straight ahead but it's understood this 2.6 tonne ute — what we'd call a full-size, big-boned pick-up — will not be thrown around quite like a Holden Colorado.There's four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (plus exhaust brake), stability control and switchable four-wheel drive to keep the Silverado safe and sure.PRICE AND FIT-OUTIt needs to be big and tough for this is a $115,000, four-wheel drive, dual cab machine able to carry three tonne and tow close on ten tonne.It is an American utility vehicle, converted to right-hand drive by Queensland-based Performax International; a long-established crowd adept at swapping steering wheels on Corvettes, Camaros, Mustangs, Chev and GMC trucks — with others soon on the menu. Customers for big utes range from intrepid travellers to mining executives to equine lovers.The Silverado here was the 2500HD in LTZ trim, leather and lashings of wood grain panelling, dual control air conditioning, trip computer plus big stereo, Blue Tooth and USB plugs. Of pluses in this huge cabin is the excellent fit and finish of the Queensland-made, right-hand drive dashboard which, of course, retains driver and passenger airbags. On the downside, the dial for the lights could be confused with the nearby dial for four-wheel drive high and low.DRIVINGThe Duramax diesel V8 fires with a low growl. (It can be started with the key fob from up to 50 metres, allowing the engine to warm up and air conditioning to kick in.) Snick the steering column-mounted gear shift into D and move off in a gentle, don't-argue manner.Down the highway there is faith in this big Chev to sit sweet and secure on its optional 20-inch wheels. It has the ride comfort and power (unladen here) to more than match it with highway traffic, has the bulk to see further on up the road and the road manners, plus ever-smooth transmission, to slot into traffic gaps (often helped here by others allowing respectable amounts of space).There's a 135 litre fuel tank which would get a bloke a fair way when consumption is running around a claimed 12 litres per 100km mark for light use; that runs up to early 20s when towing. Some dramas arrive when trying to find a park in the local shopping centre; the cabin may fit but then there's that 1.9m x 1.5m tray to accommodate; rear parking sensors are a boon.Yet for the most part this is an easy, comfortable machine to drive. Off the bitumen some of that ride comfort may disappear. It is fine on a good dirt or gravel road but the suspension becomes a bit lumpy and jumpy when the track deteriorates.Best here to slow the show down and, in some cases, engage four-wheel drive high for a little less skittishness. (There is an optional off-road kit though here the Chev's bulk could become an issue, driver and truck will prefer the wide open spaces.) And really it's the towing and the carrying that is the Silverado's forte; the extra differential is a handy piece of kit for muddy paddocks, sandy tracts and the like. The Chevrolet Silverado is a high, wide and handsome piece of kit best approached as a big tough workhorse, an American light truck with a tidy conversion to right-hand drive.CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500HDPrice: $115,000Engine: turbocharged 6.6 litre V8 dieselPower/torque: 296kW/1037NmTransmission: Six-speed auto + four-wheel driveBody: Four-door uteDimensions: 6090mm (l) 2032mm (w)1905mm (h)Payload: 3010kgTowing: 9843kgWarranty: 4 year/120,000km, 4 year roadside assist

OFF-road motorhomes are becoming popular with grey nomads searching for the road less travelled. But some of these "monsters" are difficult to handle.Now compact motorhome manufacturer Horizon Motorhomes of Ballina, NSW, has moved into the market with an off-road motorhome they claim is more agile than most. The Acacia off-road motorhome will be available in the VW Crafter 35 van (109,000) or a range of Mercedes vans (from $115,00-$148,00): 4x4 Sprinter 516 or 519, or two-wheel-drive 316 or 319.There are now seven van options and five layouts available in the Horizon range. Marketing manager Helen Spurgeon says customers for this compact format are mostly couples.The launch of the new off-road motorhome also allowed Horizon to redesign its Acacia Motorhome developed in 2000, she says."Virtually everything from the previous Acacia model has changed; the possible exception being where the bed is," she says."A popular restaurant-style dining arrangement has been added."The kitchen has benefited from some significant enhancements with the inclusion of an extended kitchen counter to deliver additional working space, an in-counter waste unit and designing in the stove and sink as separate units."The fridge has been upsized to 136 litres, elevated off the floor and moved across the corridor to make it more accessible while the trademark wide internal corridor has been maintained to maximise the move-around space for couples travelling together."For those who are older, features that make accessibility easier are critical, thus the elevated fridge and wide corridors within the motorhome. "The off-road model has 100-litre water tanks and the two-wheel-drive model has 175 litres. Outside, there is a barbecue gas point added. Options include additional shelving and solar power, but customers are able to personalise their motorhomes, Spurgeon says."The market for these motorhomes means ... they are built to order to enable Horizon to personalise the construction with the inclusions and options that different customers require," she says.

Back when the Snowy Mountains Scheme was in full flight, a bunch of Toyota 4WD vehicles were brought in to tackle the arduous conditions. They handled it easily and so started the legendary reputation Toyota now enjoys in this country. Paying homage to these early Toyotas is the FJ Cruiser - a modern day, hose out, tough as teak, proper "fourbie" with looks harking back half a century.VALUEIt's been around for a long time in the US but the (new) FJ only recently made it here and seems destined to be a popular addition to the Toyota range. This is emphasised by the fact that it's all Prado (petrol version) underneath and costs at least $10,000 less than the cheapest Prado - a three door turbodiesel. We are predicting Toyota won't be able to handle demand for the riveting FJ which turns heads in the street like a supercar.DESIGNIt has enormous appeal particularly with males who warm to the tough guy styling and have an affinity with the old FJ40 `Cruiser' from which the modern day FJ issues. Built on a ladder chassis with coil springs all round and selectable two range four wheel drive, the FJ Cruiser can tackle the toughest off roading you can throw at it.This is aided by impressive ground clearance and steep approach and departure angles. The entire vehicle has been "Australianised" with specific suspension and steering calibration as well as extra dust exclusion and and noise penetration treatment. FJ is sensibly offered in one spec' only - all with a white roof.TECHNOLOGYIt weighs around two tonnes but the powerful 4.0-litre petrol V6 out of petrol Prado makes light work of all driving conditions. It generates a handy 200kW/380Nm output while drinking 95 octane at the rate of 11.4-litres/100km - driving carefully. A large load space is provided with a rubber floor mat behind the barn door tailgate complete with an externally mounted full size alloy spare.The FJ rolls on 17-inch wheels with meaty 70 profile tyres suitable for moderate off roading and any sort of sealed road driving. The interior is a sea of hard plastic that looks cheap but imparts the necessary functional look. There's Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. OK audio, cruise, aircon, multi function trip computer and a reverse camera in the rear view mirror.SAFETYSafety kit includes six air bags, three wipers up front and stability control. No ANCAP crash rating is available.DRIVINGThe ride is excellent offering plenty of comfort and control in such a tall and potentially unwieldy vehicle. Not the case at all. It even steers pretty well and has plenty of kick from the engine across a wide speed range. This is harnessed by the five-speed auto offering smooth, almost predictive changes up and down.A six speed auto would be an improvement particularly for fuel economy. It's bulky but fairly compact fitting easily into the standard residential garage. Seats for five are large but could be more supportive especially the driver's pew. The rear hinged "suicide" doors are a talking point and practical to a certain extent.VERDICTWe really like this vehicle for a number of reasons not the least its styling. It is comfy, the right size, will go just about anywhere, is robust, well equipped and has plenty of poke. Uses too much fuel though. Wonder if there's a diesel planned.