4WORD

AS THE country comes out of COVID restrictions and travel bans are eased, we’re all looking to get back in our fourbies and out exploring. The first part of the year wasn’t only quiet for travel but the virus killed new car sales, and the first six months were also pretty quiet on the new 4x4 front anyway. But the rest of the year is looking good with a swag of new releases and updated models hitting the market.

The federal government’s decision to extend the instant asset tax writeoff scheme to the end of the year will also help those in the market for a new 4x4.

The new Isuzu D-max should be hitting the market here this month and will provide a much-needed boost for IUA with its small. but ageing range of models. The D-max will share its underpinnings with the new Mazda BT-50 which won’t be here until the end of the year, but we scored a sneak peek of the new Mazda for the cover of this issue.

The segment leaders, however, won’t rest and let these newer models catch up. Toyota has announced upgrades to the Hilux with a much-needed boost in power and torque for its diesel engine that should inject some life in to it. The Fortuner wagon benefitting from the same performance lift.

There’s been nothing announced from Ford Australia about any changes to the Ranger, but we do know the new Ranger isn’t due until next year. That doesn’t mean that the Blue Oval won’t have anything for us in 2020, and we expect some special or limited edition model Rangers to boost its sales and keep it in the hunt for the sales lead alongside the Hilux.

Not everyone has the money for a new vehicle, and the used car market has held up stronger than new car sales so far this year. There are good buys to be had on current model 4x4 vehicles that are only two or three years old, and thousands of dollars can be saved compared to buying new.

In this issue, Fraser Stronach takes a look at the popular 4x4 utes and how the current models look for the used car buyer. New or used, there’s a fresh fourbie out there for you, gear to be fitted to it and tracks waiting to be explored.