New kids on 4WD block
West Australians can catch their first glimpse of new four-wheel- drive models from Nissan and Holden at the three-day Perth 4WD and Adventure Show next Friday, with the all-new Patrol and Colorado 7 taking centre stage.
Both vehicles made their debut Down Under at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney last month and have been rushed to Perth ahead of their release.
The Colorado 7, the first true heavy off-roader to wear a Holden badge, will be in showrooms next month, while the luxury V8 Patrol will go on sale in February.
Nissan is aiming its first new Patrol in more than 15 years at the luxury end of the SUV market, with features like a large-format front DVD player, 2GB music server with six speakers, leather trim and an eight-way power- assisted driver's seat all standard.
It will be powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine paired to a new seven-speed automatic transmission and comes with a full suite of off-road features, including an easy-to-use all-mode 4WD system.
The higher-spec Ti and Ti-L also get a new hydraulic body motion control system that reduces body roll and maximises suspension travel.
Safety features such as forward collision warning, blind spot warning, and lane departure warning and prevention will also be available.
The new model is considerably larger than its predecessors and can comfortably take up to eight passengers, with ample space in the load bay even when all seats are filled.
The Colorado 7, which was developed with the Colorado pick-up and shares much of its architecture, is built with off-road adventuring in mind, yet still looks to provide comfort for the daily commute to and from work.
Both the entry-level LT and top-spec LTZ have seven seats and are powered by a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.
A genuine off-road vehicle, it has a part-time 4WD system, limited slip differential and hill descent control.
It has a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes standard with electronic stability control and dual front airbags which extend to the third row of seats.
Land Rover will also return to the event with a range of vehicles including the Discovery 4 and Range Rover Evoque, while Toyota will display its LandCruiser 200 GX and 70 Series LandCruiser Double Cab.
Isuzu, Volkswagen, Jeep and Mitsubishi will all have their latest models on show.
The show will embrace all things outdoors, with a wide range of the latest camper-trailers from Kimberley Kampers, Pioneer and more, and new products including ARB's SkyDome Swag and Engel's Smart Battery Box.
There will be a variety of guests, including Ernie Dingo and 4WD Action's Roothy, and plenty of entertainment for all of the family at the Engel Bush Camp stage.
There will be a 4WD test track, professional competition truck drivers taking on an obstacle course, a fishing stage and kids entertainment, plus all of the products and information.
The Perth 4WD and Adventure Show runs from November 9-11 at McCallum Park. For more information, visit 4wdshow.com.au.
