• 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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  • Living the dream on the back roads
    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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News and General
Focus on the Navara
Wednesday, 19 March 2025

Founded and still based in New Zealand, Fully Equipped offers a diverse range of world-class accessories and a professional services.

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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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Motor Sports
Rally cars vs offroaders
Wednesday, 19 February 2025

Manukau has kicked off the off-road racing season in fine style.

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Products
Isuzu D-Max gets the Bendix Ultimate 4WD treatment
Friday, 04 April 2025

Bendix has introduced new variants of its Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kits to suit the Isuzu D-Max (RG) range, significantly improving braking performance for this popular off-roader.

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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
BYD Shark launched
Wednesday, 19 March 2025

BYD has entered new territory with the Shark 6, a utility vehicle blending cutting- edge innovation with raw power aimed at  taking on both urban streets and off-road trails.

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Motor Sports
Central Zone Club Truck Challenge
Wednesday, 19 March 2025

The Club Truck Challenge (CTC) kicked off for 2025 in Taihape with the welcome return of a few of our big guns; Dave Hintz,  Brent Ward and Bruce Tustin.

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New and tested 4WDs
T60 steps up
Wednesday, 19 March 2025

A few years back, in the midst of the Covid lockdown, LDV gave us the T60 to test. It had the most power of any ute in its  class, and was well built and slathered in spec and tech.

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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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New and tested 4WDs
D-Max vs Triton, finding the finest mainstay 4WD
Friday, 06 December 2024
When we first drove the new Triton, it impressed for its tech, spec and engineering, particularly for the latest versions of the 2.4-litre biturbo diesel engine and 4WD system.
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New and tested 4WDs
The annual guide to the 4WD market
Friday, 06 December 2024
The Annual contains a comprehensive 10 page Buyers Guide to all the AWD and 4WD SUV's, Wagons and Utes available in New Zealand
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New and tested 4WDs
Toyota Hilux SR5 hybrid tested
Monday, 11 November 2024
It’s been a while since NZ4WD tested a Hilux, and getting acquainted with the 2024 Hilux was informative. This one came on the back of the very good wide-body Hilux SR5 Cruiser we tested recently....
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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
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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Adventure NZ
Adventuring in the south
Friday, 06 December 2024
My good friend Gordon Colmore and I try to get away midweek for an overnight trip once a fortnight or so.
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