• Prado taken to extremes - Arctic Trucks toughens Toyota’s new SUV
    The new Prado is definitely a capable offering, both on and off the road. For those looking for something a little more gnarly, renowned extreme mobility vehicle specialists Arctic Trucks (AT) has...
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  • Back to the mighty Motu
    It’s been a long time between drinks – so I was surprised and excited to receive an invitation to join the Mōtū 4WD Safari for  2025 – and ironic as I was working in the Waikura Valley just days...
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  • Staying safe on the road with PME
    Performance Mechanical & Engineering Ltd (PME) is the New Zealand importer and distributors of tyre pressure monitors  from Australian brand iCheckTPMS. iCheckTPMS monitors have been available in...
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  • Prado: squaring up for 2025
    First, look at it. The design is retro-inspired but still modern. A square-edged form just makes a lot of sense for an off-roader. This is the first new Prado in 15 years. The SUV environment has...
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  • Navara: Nissan sticks to its guns
    It’s been a while. In fact, a longer while than is comfortable. ‘Platform shared’ vehicles usually debut in different years, with the lead partner getting to market first. Ford’s T6.2 Ranger is an...
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New and tested 4WDs
Origin story
Wednesday, 19 March 2025

It all began with Jeep.

The wartime birth of the MB Jeep is well documented, and historians say In many respects, the jeep became the iconic  vehicle of World War II, with an almost mythological reputation of toughness, durability, and versatility.

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News and General
What’s that on your Jimny?
Wednesday, 19 February 2025

Mountain goat and beach boss, the Suzuki Jimny is New Zealand’s favourite small 4WD for a reason. It goes places bigger  4WDs can’t and has ‘fun’ stamped on its DNA.

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New and tested 4WDs
Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy tested
Wednesday, 19 February 2025

It’s been a while since NZ4WD drove a Hyundai. Before Covid, in fact. Way back when the previous Santa Fe had a mid- life refresh.

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News and General
Lucky ol’ America
Wednesday, 19 March 2025

Hands up everybody who sees a Lexus and immediately thinks ‘phwoarrr, off- roader’. Anybody?

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News and General
50 years of Jimny fun
Wednesday, 19 February 2025

No 4WD on sale today has stayed as close to its origins as Suzuki’s Jimny. This ‘proper’ 4WD SUV traces its roots back to  Suzuki’s first mainstream global success, the LJ50.

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Adventure NZ
Andrew’s Everest tourer
Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Andrew Nelson had done his time in ‘hard yakka’ 4WDing and was looking for a vehicle that could be an everyday driver and  off-road capable touring wagon.

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News and General
New MU-X breaks cover
Tuesday, 18 March 2025

In Australia, it’s the second-most popular large SUV of 2024. Now, the Isuzu MU-X is getting a midlife facelift update.

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Tech Talk
Transmission ratios: eight is enough
Tuesday, 14 January 2025

It’s a shifty business. Looking for a new or pre-loved 4WD is a chance to choose which fuel, which engine, and which transmission best suits the planned use of that vehicle.

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4WD Accesories
Protect the 4WD with Ironman
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Bull bars are one of the first accessories to be added to any 4x4, improving and frontal protection. A bull bar is first line of  defence on rural roads and off-road tracks.
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4WD Accesories
Ironman 4x4’s new rooftop tent range
Monday, 14 October 2024
Welcome to the all-new IRONMAN 4x4 rooftop tent collection. Named after famous star constellations, the tents are compact, functional designs that enhance off-road adventure and touring camping.
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4WD Accesories
Unravelling the World of Mud Tyres: A Guide for 4x4 Off-Roaders
Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Embark on a thrilling journey through New Zealand's rugged terrain with the ultimate companion: Mud Tyres.
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Adventure NZ
Work life balance done right
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Sometimes in life – the planets really do align – but for it to happen twice is a bit weird.
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Adventure NZ
Living the dream on the back roads
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Catherine and Graham Beaven are living the off-road caravan lifestyle from their base in Whanganui. The couple prefer less-travelled roads and freedom camping in New Zealand’s wild places.
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Adventure NZ
High country adventure
Tuesday, 14 January 2025
One of the many good things about retirement is that you can make a spur of the moment decision to go see a place you have not been before.
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