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Contents MAR 2023 www.facebook.com/4x4aus www.4x4australia.com.au GRENADIER LAUNCHED Huzzah! We get behind the wheel of the exciting new Grenadier off-roader at its official debut in the Scottish Highlands. 30 42 Plenty to like about Budget-spec this home-built Navara SL Warrior LC45.. ready to rough it.

PAGE FIND US 114 ONLINE AT ˸;˸$8675$/,$&20$8 More cool kit to fill the 52 4x4 shed Race-inspired 4cast Nissan Navara with hot four-pot. 10 4WORD 12 LATEST NEWS FROM THE 4X4 WORLD 16 TRAVEL BULLETIN 4x4 Driven 88 20 FIRST DRIVE: INEOS GRENADIER 30 CUSTOM: FJ45 LANDCRUISER Following the 42 DRIVE: 2023 NISSAN NAVARA SL WARRIOR lonely trails to 52 CUSTOM: 2019 NISSAN NAVARA Cooper Creek. 120 READERS’ RIGS 122 SHED: 2022 FORD RANGER SPORT V6 4x4 Explore 76 GOOGS TRACK, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 88 COOPER CREEK, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 4x4 Gear 64 MU-X BUILD: ROLA TITAN & RIDGE MOUNT 68 RANGER BUILD: WHEELS AND TYRES 76 70 RANGER BUILD: TRIG POINT CANOPY 106 TESTED: FRONT RUNNER SLIMLINE II RACK 108 TESTED: OZTRAIL TARKINE 1400 RTT Tackling Googs 114 NEW STUFF ON THE MARKET Track in the wet.. 4x4 ADVICE 98 HOW TO: NIGHT DRIVING 98 THE SCORE The tricks to 124 ALL THE STATS, FIGURES AND driving at night, PRICES OF EVERY 4X4 YOU CAN BUY in the bush. 4x4 parting pic 130 YOUR SHENANIGANS CAUGHT ON FILM

4WORD EDITORIAL Editor Matt Raudonikis MATT RAUDONIKIS Deputy Editor Evan Spence Art Director Jamie Burgess IS THE INEOS Staff Journalist Tristan Tancredi DIFFERENT ENOUGH? Editor-At-Large Ron Moon W E have a couple of very or Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and Sub-Editor John Panozzo exciting vehicles for you I think they could have created Staff Photographers Ellen Dewar, Alastair Brook in this issue, and they something different. Let’s hope I’m are totally different to not disappointed by how it drives in WHEELS MEDIA each other. The first is the bush and on the highway. News Editor Kat Fisk the all-new Ineos Grenadier which Marketing Specialist Katie Bastion promises to be the most significant The second vehicle is something Production Services Di McLarty and welcome new vehicle in the totally different to the Grenadier, Finance Director Marena Paul 4x4 sphere in decades, thanks to its even if it still has the look of Finance Business Manager Margaret Clantin live axle and traditional off-roading a classic 4x4. Richard’s FJ45 Accountant Sasha Wein construction. The Grenadier looks LandCruiser is a stunning build and General Manager – Technology Tim Kenington great on paper and Dan sounds he’s already proved its mettle on Publishing Director – Digital Mike Stevens pretty impressed with it from his epic off-road adventures. Content Director – Enthusiast Simon Telford first drive in Scotland, so now we Chief Operating Officer Scott Davison wait to see how it fares on home soil From its turbocharged Ford Chief Executive Officer Christian Clark and familiar tracks. six-cylinder petrol engine to its 80 Series chassis, Nissan Patrol diffs CONTACT US Personally, I’m a bit disappointed and computer-designed panels, this SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES: in the way the Grenadier looks. rig shows what can be built with Ph: (02) 8315 2092 - Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM (EST) Sure, Ineos wanted to create a some know-how and talent. And to Email: [email protected] successor to the classic Land think Richard did most of the work Web: secure.whichcar.com.au/4X4Aus Rover Defender, but after the idea himself in his home shed makes the Post: Wheels Media, PO Box 161, Hornsby, NSW, 1630 to purchase the rights to keep result even more impressive. manufacturing the Defender fell GENERAL ENQUIRIES over, I hoped the company would Having a vehicle that retains [email protected] come up with something more a classic look but benefits from individual than what we have now. the use of an updated chassis and ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES drivetrain is something I’m sure we Scott Crowley I have no complaints about the can all appreciate. chassis and driveline used, or the [email protected] overall style of the Grenadier, but it looks too much like an old Defender Published by Wheels Media, a division of Are Media Pty Limited, ABN 18 053 273 546 © 2021. All rights reserved. ISSN: 0726-2418 SUBSCRIBE TO ˸;˸$8675$/,$ Save up to 37% Head to 4x4.subscription.com.au or call (02) 8315 2092 BARRA- 10 4x4Australia.com.au I

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4CAST NEWS AND VIEWS Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary extras • 37-INCH BFGOODRICH ALL-TERRAIN KO2 TYRES • WARN VR EVO 10-S WINCH • AEV 17-INCH SAVEGRE II WHEELS • AEV 2.5-INCH DUALSPORT RT SUSPENSION SYSTEM WBILSTEIN 5100 SHOCKS • AEV 7000 SERIES OFF-ROAD LIGHTS • AEV EX FRONT BUMPER • AEV REAR BUMPER & TYRE CARRIER • AEV FRONT SKID PLATE • AEV OFF-ROAD JACK BASE • AEV PROCAL SNAP • AEV VEHICLE BUILD PLAQUE • 4.56:1 AXLE RATIO (4XE) • MOPAR WIPERS WITH INTEGRATED WASHER JETS 20TH ANNIVERSARY WRANGLER RUBICON SPECIAL WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS J EEP USA has marked the 20th up with the a host of extras to further AEV is a Michigan-based, Montana-born anniversary of its iconic Rubicon improve their leading off-road capability, designer and manufacturer that has been models by releasing a limited run of many from leading aftermarket company, creating parts and vehicles since 1997. special editions stateside. American ExpeditionVehicles (AEV). Many of those vehicles were show specials Restricted to just 150 vehicles based commissioned by Jeep, and parts that have on the Wrangler Rubicon 392 and Rubicon In addition to those listed in the table been officially licenced by Jeep. 4xe variants, neither of which are offered in above, other cool features include a Gorilla Australia, the Anniversary Editions are sure Glass front windscreen, a new design grille, AEV was doing HemiV8 conversions to sell out fast. a red leather-wrapped dash panel and an in Wranglers long before Jeep built the 83-piece tool kit. Rubicon 392 and created the Brute ute that The Rubicon moniker refers to the bares more than a passing resemblance to legendary Rubicon Trail in Northern The extra features create what Jeep the current Jeep Gladiator ute. California that was forged by pioneers claims to be the “the most capable in early Jeeps and is still used today to Wrangler ever”. Off-road spec’s include While the 20th Anniversary Rubicons validate the off-road capabilities on new 360mm ground clearance, 942mm water are not being built in right-hand drive and ‘Trail Rated’ Jeep models. fording, 50° approach angle, 33° breakover are not for Australia, you can buy AEV angle and 43° departure angle. products here via its agents and Jeep The first Wrangler Rubicon was unveiled specialists, JeepKonection in Melbourne at Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, in The Rubicon 20th Anniversary kit adds and Murchison Products in Brisbane, or at spring 2002. It was a 2003 TJ Wrangler, USD$21,983 to the cost of the Wrangler www.upfitter.com.au while the current gen is the JL model. Rubicon 4xe which starts at USD$54,735 in the USA, and USD$20,135 to the Wrangler Get in touch with team to create your The 150 Anniversary Editions are beefed Rubicon 392 from USD$82,495. own special edition Wrangler Rubicon. 12 4x4Australia.com.au

ELECTRIC INEOS WILL BE OFF-ROAD READY SECOND MODEL TO BRING ‘IMPRESSIVE OFF- ROAD CREDENTIALS’ TO THE EV MARKET I NEOS has confirmed its first “We do see off-road as being a big pretty bloody electric vehicle will follow in the part of the growing DNA of the Ineos good.” footsteps of its Grenadier pilot Automotive brand for sure,” he said. model, offering a serious all-terrain While Ineos is confident of its option wrapped up in a zero- “The page was blank five years ago. EV ability when the road comes to emissions package. We’ve done some quite significant an end, critical battery life, towing scribbling on that page from a brand capacity and overall range will be The imminent Grenadier has point of view that gives us the sort of just as important to a local audience already proven its off-road mettle in product we’ve been driving over the last when it comes to Australian off-road an adventure across Scotland’s frozen couple of days. That for me will be the adventures and feasibility, and Ineos Central Highlands powered by BMW’s cornerstone of what Ineos stands for, for is yet to offer a claimed driving range. silky six-cylinder petrol and diesel the long term.” engines, but its maker says the first Like the BMW partnership required electric Ineos will continue the family Tennant wouldn’t reveal many to bring the Grenadier to life, Ineos tradition of go-anywhere ability. technical details about the second will recruit the expertise of third- Ineos model, but confirmed its EV party engineering specialists to Speaking at the international launch would offer respectable off-road develop and build its electric off- of the Grenadier in Scotland, Ineos ability, despite significant mechanical roader, but is yet to confirm exactly Automotive’s commercial director, Mark differences to the Grenadier. which suppliers will provide the Tennant, said capable 4x4 vehicles major building blocks including for adventurous “From a battery-electric point of view, battery, drive motors and power customers are it will still have some pretty impressive systems. what Ineos is off-road credentials, it’s not going to be all about. a ladder chassis – it’ll be a skateboard However, it can be confirmed that base vehicle, but we’re still pushing our existing macro manufacturing partner engineers to make sure it can do some Magna would be assigned to assist with development and construction. impressive things,” he said. “It won’t be by definition “We’re working with Magna for the quite what the engineering. That’s the first building Grenadier is, block,” said Tennant. but it’ll still be For now, Ineos is only talking about its first two models, but a recent MoU WORDS DANIEL GARDNER with Hyundai resulted in a Grenadier prototype powered by a hydrogen fuel-cell. “We’re very excited to be doing a battery-electric vehicle, but for this sort of vehicle, the Grenadier and things that are bigger, we think hydrogen represents a really good alternative,” Tennant revealed. 4x4Australia.com.au 13

4cast NEWS AND VIEWS PORSCHE PARTNERS WITH MAXTRAX FOR THE 911 DAKAR AUSTRALIA’S OWN RECOVERY BOARDS TO GET THE PORSCHE 911 DAKAR OUT IF IT GETS STUCK IN THE DUNES WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS M AXTRAX is an Australian the world. tough, engineering-grade reinforced invented and manufactured Porsche has recognised the value of nylon material) but they are exclusive item that will be familiar in their grey colour – and the fact that to many off-roaders, while such a product and partnered with the they are co-branded with Porsche and many others might have brand to offer special MaxTrax ‘Minis’ MaxTrax. seen the bright orange plastic boards for the 911 Dakar. The Minis are just strapped to the roof racks of 4x4 640mm in length, while standard This is quite unique for Porsche vehicles. MaxTrax measure 1150mm – so these accessories, which are normally are perfectly suited to vehicles with branded exclusively with Porsche, but The boards are designed to help get limited storage space or a short roof the MaxTrax brand is included to show a bogged vehicle unstuck by putting like the 911. that these are genuine Australian- them under the tyres and then driving made products. up on to them and out of the obstacle If you option the 911 Dakar with the in a safe and easy manner. It’s a simple official ‘Roof Transportation System’, A set of regular MaxTrax Minis idea, and many have copied MaxTrax you can also fit the MaxTrax mounting retail for $199, and while there is no with limited success. pins to secure them on board. price listed for the Porsche-branded product, we dare say it will be MaxTrax is now a global product and The MaxTrax offered by Porsche are considerably more costly. is used by defence and special forces, made to the same specifications as as well as adventurous drivers around all other MaxTrax (using the unique UV-stabilised, flexible and GREY MAX The MaxTrax Minis come in a grey colour exclusive to the new- model 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar. 14 4x4Australia.com.au

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FEB 2023 TRAVEL ALL THE LATEST 4X4 BULLETIN NEWS AND EVENTS Now is the time to get out and about to enjoy this great land and support the communities. Experienced adventurer Ron Moon has listed a few upcoming highlights, as well as essential track info. As always, check with event organisers before locking in your plans. LORELLA SPRINGS TOMAHAWK GETS BETTER CROCS SEEN WAY SOUTH (QLD) Above: Lorella Springs Wilderness CLOSED (NT) BEACH ACCESS (TAS) Park is part of a 4000km² cattle A North Stradbroke Island tour station near Borroloola and it The iconic wonderland Tasmania Parks & Wildlife operator recently reported offered access to 4WD tracks, and 4WD destination on Service and the Tomahawk seeing a 3m crocodile off the bushwalks, bird watching, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Community Association island. Rangers from Qld’s swimming and remote camping. the Lorella Springs recently joined forces to Department of Environment (Pic©Tourism NT/Sean Scott) Wilderness Park, has build a new beach access are conducting a full-scale been closed by the for Tomahawk Beach. The search to confirm the sighting GYMKHANA & BIKEKHANA owners to the general new access point also allows and to catch the reptile when (NSW) public. It seems tour visitors to launch their boats it will be removed and shifted groups will be able to from the beach when the boat back to a wilder, remoter place. Plan your trip out west for access the place but red ramp cannot be accessed. the annual Gymkhana and tape and government The island is generally Bikekhana at the small hamlet interventions seem to Tassie P&WS asks that not considered typical croc of Packsaddle, north of Broken have been the main you follow the off-road habitat, with croc country Hill, to be held over the Easter reason it is closed to the vehicle Code of Conduct if beginning about 600km north weekend from April 8 to 9. In normal traveller. It’s a you are four-wheel-driving around Gladstone. With 50 true country style, it’ll be a lot sad loss to adventurous in this area. This is to ensure years of protection though, of fun and the country, after four-wheelers. everyone has a safe and croc numbers are increasing the recent rains, is looking the enjoyable experience, and and they are spreading out and best it’s been for years. to help preserve the natural are now reaching what was environment. their historic range. 16 4x4Australia.com.au

For pub grub with a difference, try the fare at the Prairie Hotel, Parachilna. FALLS CREEK ROAD PIG HUNTERS GET PARACHILNA PUB CLOSES CLOSED? (VIC) VACCINATED (QLD) CAMPING (SA) As we go to press, there is Up on Cape York, pig The Prairie Hotel in no indication from VicRoads hunters Parachilna, a famous when the Bogong High Plains are being pub on the edge of the Road between Mount Beauty advised Flinders Ranges will reopen and Falls Creek will reopen to be on March 1 after its summer to traffic. vaccinated closure. There’s now a The windy Victorian against the Japanese microbrewery on site adding High Country road was encephalitis virus to the feral food menu that closed some months back (JEV). Recent has made the pub famous. because of a huge landslide, testing over There’s accommodation in and while contractors have Cape York the Prairie’s Outback Lodge, been working to reopen it, has seen JEV but isn’t cheap and the pub it still seems to be some discovered in a no longer offers camping. time off. number of places Still, there is a small and the free overnight campsite a few The only access to Falls JEV vaccination hundred metres away just Creek Village is via Omeo or programme has been off the main highway north. Mitta Mitta, but it’s a long extended to cover all of diversion as you have to go Cape York. back the same way. 4x4Australia.com.au 17

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DRIVE INEOS GRENADIER 20 4x4Australia.com.au

WORDS DANIEL GARDNER GLOBAL CHEMICAL GIANT INEOS DELIVERS THE VEHICLE LAND ROVER NEVER COULD 4x4Australia.com.au 21

DRIVE INEOS GRENADIER L OVE or hate the Land Rover in either its aluminium-bodied form or Defender, its place in off-road simply the memory, I bet you didn’t once history and fourbie folklore is think about approaching Land Rover and undeniable. Personally, I have offer to buy the tools and manufacturing countless Landie memories rights to save the model from an arguably growing up in southwest rural Britain untimely end. But that’s exactly what with a collie on the passenger seat and a Ineos CEO Jim Ratcliffe did. bale or two in the back, so it’s very much the former for me. And, like many, it was Despite the backing of one of the with sadness when I learned JLR would largest industrial chemicals company in put the iconic Defender out to pasture the world, negotiations didn’t go well. (one more time) ending a bloodline that Land Rover declined any offer from effectively started in the 1940s. Ineos and the Defender’s fate remained sealed, but this only made Jim and his Perhaps in denial of the looming team more determined to offer the end like many enthusiasts around the world something Land Rover couldn’t or world, you considered grabbing one wouldn’t. Five years later, the Defender of the extraordinarily expensive final name lives on in a milder monocoque editions and squirrelling it away in a model that has little in common with shed somewhere. Perhaps you thought the original aside from a cool retro about picking up an older tired version interpretation of its styling. Undeterred to maybe restore or just hold on to for to produce an heir to the traditional posterity’s sake. Defender throne, however, Ineos has produced something completely Whatever romantic notion you may extraordinary – the Grenadier. have considered to preserve the Defender 22 4x4Australia.com.au

SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT UNLIKE the modern Defender which and essentially flawed as the dear old While the silky sixes are still fairly has reimagined the original boxy design Land Rover. Instead, Ineos’s first model prolific in the BMW family, with the help through a contemporary lens, the is a paradox of traditionalist engineering of powertrain development specialist AVL, Grenadier sails as close to Land Rover’s and off-road purity, combined with Ineos extensively remapped the pair of largely unevolved design as the legal winds deceptively modern and refined touches. engines for its own purposes. In the case would allow it. In fact, the courts ruled Thank you Land Rover, but Ineos will take of the diesel, the rev limit was slightly in Ineos’s favour following a challenge it from here. lowered, while power and torque were by JLR. But under the incredibly similar pared back also in the name of longevity. façade including the flat panels, classic While every attempt was made to keep In both cases, an eight-speed ZF automatic round headlights, garden-shed glasshouse design and engineering in-house, the transmission sends power to the dirt via all and curved shoulder-line, lies a fascinating start-up needed to enlist the help of an four wheels and a pair of live axles. machine that couldn’t be more different to established heavyweight to find the right the now defunct Defender. drivetrain, and at the Grenadier’s core If you’re looking for a true objective you’ll find a choice of BMW petrol and comparison therefore, the Jeep Wrangler Actually, it’s at this point that we will diesel engines. Opt for the B57 straight- and Suzuki Jimny are the only two models cease making comparisons with the six 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel and the on the current market that roll on a full Defender. At its international launch in Grenadier has 550Nm and 183kW under live-axle chassis but, as our first ride in the Scotland, it took all of about 30 seconds of the right pedal. Go for the B58 petrol Grenadier demonstrated, it’s not really that driving to realise the Grenadier does not equivalent and those figures shift to simple. deserve comparison to a model as dated 450Nm and 210kW. PHILANTHROPIC The steel ladder chassis is corrosion- protected in a three-stage process including a final powder-coating in black. Choose an optional colour however, and Ineos will donate to a corresponding charity. Red gives cash to the Halo Trust to remove land mines from war-torn communities around the globe, while the grey finish sends funds to the Rhino Orphanage in South Africa. 4x4Australia.com.au 23

DRIVE INEOS GRENADIER MACLAUNCH IT should be obvious that Ineos has challenging terrain is not through confidence in the Grenadier’s all- electronics and insidious intervention terrain ability, choosing not the dry of traction control, but honest and plains of South Africa or the Australian obvious mechanical grip. For almost all outback for its international debut, the steep inclines we attempted, low but the frozen and utterly inhospitable range and a locked centre differential Scottish Central Highlands in mid (via a traditional mechanical lever) was winter. Here, you’ll find almost every sufficient to tackle very-low-friction nemesis for an aspiring 4x4 newcomer surfaces. For the really tough stuff, from saturated peat bogs, through electrically locking front and rear diffs slippery rock gardens, deep ruts, mud, can be called on for substantially more icy wading and even beaches – albeit traction. freezing loch sands and not the kind we’re used to in the other hemisphere. Whether you opt for the Trialmaster with 17-inch steel wheels, or the Fieldmaster which wears alloy 18-inch wheels, both are equipped with BFGoodrich T/A Baja Champion rubber providing a good basis for grip. Just days before our arrival, the Central Highlands was plunged into a minus 10°C cold snap, but the following thaw had forced water up through the boggy soil, turning the surface into a slick of mud and slush. The Ineos approach to progress in 24 4x4Australia.com.au



DRIVE INEOS GRENADIER OFF-ROAD all corners, while the hill-descent system is easily the smoothest we’ve IT’S only later when the way ahead experienced, carefully controlling turned rocky with strong streams vehicle speed rather than allowing of melt-water did we engage all locked the car to run away before reining differentials via the cool ceiling- in speed with a panicked attack mounted buttons. In some of the from the ABS. Overall, the Ineos has most challenging conditions Scotland commendable composure in even could muster, the Grenadier made the nastiest conditions. progress look easy. The occasional knock from the rear suspension Exceptional off-road ability is suggested the five-link set can bind what the Grenadier pertains from at the limit of its travel, but the the brochure to its utilitarian Grenadier has a spooky ability to keep looks, so it’s perhaps not surprising all four wheels in contact with the that it delivers on those promises. prevailing surfaces. Wheel articulation is good in ON-ROAD composure is absolutely the best that a twin live axle can deliver. It even usurps FAR more surprising, however, are its some independent leaf-sprung rear manners when it returns to the road. arrangements. In keeping with tough A deeply compromised on-road ride 4x4 hardware, steering is courtesy of a is something all-terrain enthusiasts traditional steering box which provides have always accepted in exchange the ultra low and slow ratio with for the toughness and agility of live- damping good for off-road negotiation axle, ladder-chassis vehicles, but and more than 3.5 turns lock-to-lock. the Grenadier demonstrates there is This takes some getting used to on-road another way. with a little wander in-lane, but the precision is good with plenty of weight. While its suspension set-up sends a little shudder through to occupants, along with a bit of body roll, its 26 4x4Australia.com.au

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DRIVE INEOS GRENADIER ACCOMMODATION SEATS are courtesy of Recaro and are and air. Like virtually every Grenadier ultra supportive, not intrusively bolstered feature, anything can be optioned to any and even verge on sporty, while the variant for almost unlimited customisation central switch panel is another interior possibilities. For example, the Safari centerpiece that initially appears to be windows standard to the Fieldmaster style over substance but quickly proves can be added to the Trialmaster, while itself as a practical highlight. The tough the Trialmaster dual locking diffs can industrial-looking switches even extend be donated to the Fieldmaster for an to the ceiling, where the various off- additional charge. road modes are located with a brilliant aesthetic, and all with the same hose-out IP But while there’s plenty of traditional rating of the cabin. touches, the Grenadier also has one foot in the 4x4 future.There’s no instrument cluster Order a Fieldmaster, and the delightful with only a warning light binnacle between Safari Windows above each front seat are the steering wheel and the road. Instead, included, allowing a pop-up for ventilation all vehicle information is displayed on the or lift out completely for unrivalled light central touchscreen. SCREEN PLAY A 12.3-inch touchscreen offers access to five main off-road information displays. Attitude displays the vehicle’s roll and pitch angles along with steering angle. The TPMS screen bundles transmission and gearbox temperatures with tyre pressure. Pathfinder offers additional Record, Follow (breadcrumb) and traditional roadbook navigation options. The Statistics screen has detailed trip information, while the Battery screen offers crucial power consumption and charging information. PRICE IS RIGHT DESPITE its initial utilitarian appearance, asymmetric rear doors can support up to the Grenadier is not as austere as you 140kg, and a vertical towing interface is might imagine, but then neither is its price. not limited to the commonplace ball hitch When the Grenadier was first announced, and can accommodate everything except a Australian pricing started at $84,500, but, fifth wheel. since then, global supply and logistics problems have pushed the point of entry A dedicated electrical system up to $97,000, which may seem a bit steep management screen allows the vehicle’s – until you see what’s included. power systems to be closely monitored – a genuine boon for campers and serious off- The Grenadier’s body is perforated along road modifiers. Chequerplate panels on each flank with Airlineschiene – the railing the front wings are reinforced beneath to used to secure commercial airline seats – support the weight of an adult climber, and allowing almost infinite accessory fixing your choice of rock-sliders or side-steps are options. A roof-access ladder fitted to the part of the deal. 28 4x4Australia.com.au

VERDICT products. Although designing the ACCESSORY TO A Grenadier from scratch has been GOOD TIME I WAS prepared to forgive the a monumental amount of work for Grenadier a lot. Its off-road ability the Ineos team, there’s not a single INEOS understands the 4x4 is so wonderfully versatile that a member who wishes they could have community’s passion for choppy on-road ride akin to the done it the ‘easy way’. personalisation and is offering a Wrangler would be acceptable. The decent list of custom options for odd switch that looks like it’s borrowed I can’t help but wonder what the the Grenadier. Partnering with Red from another manufacturer would Grenadier would be if Ratcliffe’s Winches, Rhino-Rack and Gearmate, be equally alright for a brand that’s plan-A had come off. It would have the range of factory-backed extras trying to focus on the big things in been a success in itself to see an already includes everything from a its infancy, as would a few squeaks iconic model preserved for a few fold-out tailgate table, a 5.5-tonne and rattles in a hardworking foray more years but, in the face of rope winch, a full 150kg road roof model. As it happens, the Grenadier adversity, Ineos has produced a rack, and batwing side awning. asks for no preferential treatment machine that sets a new standard for and is unbelievably well-rounded and off-the-shelf off-road ability combined Ineos Australia CEO Justin complete. But how different this story with innovative refinement and Hocevar explained that third-party could have been. manners. specialists were important for boosting the Grenadier’s flexibility, Inside sources report that Land The Ineos Grenadier is not just the including Redarc which had been Rover’s Defender line and tooling was machine the Defender could never enlisted to design auxiliary battery feeling its age as badly as the model, have been, there’s really nothing else electrics and the option to instal with tired presses and stretched jigs quite like it. lithium-ion power. compromising the quality of finished “We’re still open to talk to others,” said Hocevar. “We know that we can deliver some accessories for customers but there’s a range of other things that we won’t do. “Allowing others (suppliers) to come in with their own areas of expertise provides further flexibility for customers.” Hocevar explained that a number of customers had been enquiring about long-range fuel tanks, fit- out of drawers, sliding fridges and electric brake controllers, prompting the company to continue exploring aftermarket and factory-endorsed options. 4x4Australia.com.au 29

CUSTOM FJ45 LANDCRUISER RICHARD SWINDEL-HURST STARTED A PROJECT TO KEEP HIM OCCUPIED DURING LOCKDOWNS, AND THE RESULT IS THIS EPIC BARRA-POWERED FRANKENCRUISER WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS PHOTOS ELLEN DEWAR 30 4x4Australia.com.au

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CUSTOM FJ45 LANDCRUISER TRAY OR most young blokes, their make it a modern car that looks like a Plenty of the owner’s first 4x4 will be something 40 Series.” handiwork at the rear cheap and cheerful that of this rig; 300mm was they can jump in, turn the Being a mechanical engineer certainly chopped off the back of the key and hit the tracks. These helps when you want to undertake such a chassis and the fabricated days, we’re seeing plenty of project, and it gave Richard the knowledge to tray was fitted on custom first timers able to shell out for come up with a plan to achieve his goals. To mounts. Two fabricated a brand new vehicle and then say he started the home-built project from fuel tanks each holding 100 equip it with all the trimming, but scratch is an understatement, and the first litres of 95 octane unleaded Melbourne’s Richard Swindel-Hurst took a step of the project was building the shed to went under the tray. totally different approach for his first real 4x4 house it in. project – he didn’t even start with a complete vehicle. While Richard has done most of the work “The 40 Series is my favourite shape of himself in his shed, he started off by asking LandCruiser” Richard told us. “While it’s the vintage LandCruiser specialists, LCS 4x4, to best-looking LandCruiser, it’s a little light on fit a 45 Series cab on to an 80 Series chassis. for features, so I decided to modernise it and “LCS 4x4 mounted a 40 Series cab on an 80 Series chassis for me and it came back to my shed as a rolling chassis,” Richard recalled. 32 4x4Australia.com.au

BATTERY A 110Ah lithium battery is mounted at the back of the cabin and controlled by a Redarc DC-DC charger. Starter battery is an Optima AGM unit. BEING A MECHANICAL ENGINEER CERTAINLY HELPS WHEN YOU WANT TO UNDERTAKE SUCH A PROJECT, AND IT GAVE RICHARD THE KNOWLEDGE TO COME UP WITH A PLAN TO ACHIEVE HIS GOALS 4x4Australia.com.au 33

CUSTOM FJ45 LANDCRUISER TECH WINCH TYRES The Haltech iC-7 dash is another world-class LCS 4x4 front bar cradles The 35-inch Goodyear Australian-made product and allows Richard to an 8274 High Mount winch MT/R tyres on steel monitor and control all of the Barra engine’s vitals upgraded with a Bullet rims make for durable from the driver’s seat. He says it was invaluable 6.8hp motor (below). rolling stock for off-road on the Cape trip, allowing him to see and clear any touring. fault codes from the engine. 34 4x4Australia.com.au

AIR ENGINE ARB twin air-compressor The 4.0-litre ‘Barra’ engine pumps out is mounted under the seat, 300kW and 600Nm thanks to a high-mount with pressure controlled intake manifold, custom airbox, front-mount through the app. intercooler with custom piping, three-inch exhaust and a four-inch snorkel. All the custom fab’ work was done by Richard. 4x4Australia.com.au 35

CUSTOM FJ45 LANDCRUISER XR6 TURBO using mounts from McKinnon’s Cruisers, Richard still did most of the work himself, “I BOUGHT an engine conversion from an learning MIG and TIG welding and XR6 turbo, which came in boxes and I was computer skills as he went. He 3D scanned then able to mount the motor and build the chassis before shaving all the 80 Series everything around it,” Richard added. mounts off and CAD modelling new mounts for the various drivetrain, body and tray That’s right, this classic Cruiser is running mounts. a boosted Ford powerplant. And while V8 swaps are popular, the Aussie-made mill is the more logical choice for an engine bay that was made for an inline six. “The Barra was a simple choice,” said Rich. “They are cheap, reliable power. They are great in stock form, but the perfectly balanced I6 responds extremely well to boost and it is easy to get power out of them on a budget. They are torquey down the bottom end and, once you couple them with a good auto trans like the ZF six-speed which came stock on Falcons, they are fantastic for four-wheel driving.” The six-speed transmission links with a 79 Series transfer case using an adaptor from PJ’s Off Road in Queensland. This classic Cruiser truly is a Frankenstein build, taking the best parts from all the right vehicles and suppliers and being cleverly adapted. While LCS performed the cab mount THIS CLASSIC CRUISER RUNS A BOOSTED FORD POWERPLANT. AND WHILE V8 SWAPS ARE POPULAR, THE AUSSIE MILL IS THE MORE LOGICAL CHOICE FOR AN ENGINE BAY MADE FOR AN INLINE SIX DASH PANEL Richard fabricated the dash panel to mount the switchgear, air-con controls and accessories. Likewise, he fabbed up the frames to mount the Subaru WRX seats to the hand-made floor panels. 36 4x4Australia.com.au

MOULDED VINYLS MOULDED CARPETS Our hard-wearing heavy-duty vinyl is heat molded Heat molded for a wide range of vehicles and manufactured in a two to suit many factory vehicles ranging from cars, piece or one piece for a variety of models. 14 colors in our standard Utes and 4WD’. Fantastic color range and selected OEM colours to choose, made in our highest range available in 9 quality carpet piles featuring loop, plush and super plush. different colors to choose from. BOOT BOOT CARPETS VINYLS The choice to be made Our hard-wearing heavy- in our high-quality duty vinyl is available carpet piles such as loop, in 9 different colors to plush or super plush car and choose from and molded produced to suit many sedans, to suit factory vehicles wagons and 4WD’s and available. ranging from sedans, wagons and 4WDs. UNDERLAY KICK PANELS CUSTOM FIT MATS Wide range of underlays These high-quality replacement kick panels are Our non-slip backed protection available to suit all your made to factory specifications and available in plain mats are perfectly tailor made needs, from standard to black board, carpet or vinyl for a full range of vehicles with many colors to from the 1940’s all the way our heavy-duty options. chose from. through until now. We offer Australia’s Also available is our largest range of colors with a superb selection of foam based waterproof 14 to choose from. To add to this fantastic color range, we also offer custom embroidery which underlay. includes a variety of options to choose from. DASH MATS 3D MATS UNDER BONNET Protect your dashboard area with our huge range Looking for some floor mats to keep that dirt and INSULATION of dash mats available in various colors to chose mud out? Then our heavy duty 3d maxtracs are the from. Available for many makes and models from perfect buy. Waterproof, high pressure washable Installed in just seconds and earlier years to now. and custom molded to suit each individual vehicle. supplied with clips to suit the Including a 3-year wear through and 5-year factory standard holes. Our fully manufacturing defect warranty which gives the molded cut to size bonnets featuring a black matte added piece of mind for tradies finish and made to absorb engine and road noise. and off-road users. Suited If your looking for noise reduction, this product will to cars, SUV’s and definitely exceed all expectations. 4WD’S. VISION AUTO PRODUCTS trufitcarpets.com.au 03 9791 1777 1/6 Airlie Ave, Dandenong, VIC 3175

CUSTOM FJ45 LANDCRUISER GU TOO Again, Rich fired up the welder and the CAD programs, fabricating the replacement PLATES were designed and fabricated to floor panels and transmission tunnel. reinforce the Cruiser chassis and mount a Consideration was made to allow access to GU Patrol steering box, which works with a removable panel to make dropping and aftermarket Patrol steering arms and links on installing the ZF tranny easier if and when the front end. needed. The diffs are also GU Patrol, with the rear Richard was working with the guys at LCS housing having all its Nissan mounts shaved on these panels and LCS now offers them and off and new mounts fabricated to fit on the the front guards on their site. The front and chassis using original 80 Series mounting rear ’guards were also similarly fabricated points. The housing was also shaved for to cover the 80 Series wheel track which is clearance and then reinforced. Both diffs run wider than that of a 40, and the 35-inch mud- ARB air lockers with 4.3:1 gears. terrain tyres. “I picked the Patrol diffs because they The tray was, of course, designed and built are strong and also easy to get parts for,” by Richard and is there to mount the spare explained Richard. wheel and tyre, storage boxes and gear for travelling, because the Cruiser was created The 45 Series cab needed extensive for more than just local wheeling in Victoria. rust repairs before it got its coat of Sandy Taupe paint and final fitting to the chassis. SUSPENSION LCS 4x4 fitted a 45 Series cab to an 80 Series chassis. The fabrication including the addition of GU Patrol diffs, steering box, links and arms to the front end. The diffs also running ARB lockers, front and rear. 38 4x4Australia.com.au

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GREAT ESCAPE build than what we’ve shared here and, thankfully, Richard documented the entire RICHARD started the build during Victoria’s build on video which you can watch on extensive COVID lockdowns, and he couldn’t YouTube. Look it up at ‘Designed and Built’ wait to get out and about with the Cruiser and sit back to watch the whole build and when they finally ended and borders opened. some action from the Cape York adventure. Not just for local day trips but an epic Better yet, grab a six pack before you do as Melbourne to Cape York adventure to really there are many hours of great info and prove the build’s mettle. After such a trip, it’s footage covering the build. no surprise that Richard lists the Tele Track and Fraser Island as some of his favourite 4x4 locations. When we spoke with him for this story, Richard was planning to design and build a canopy to go on the tray, to make it more suitable for touring as there is a trip to Western Australia coming up that will include the iconic Canning Stock Route and WA’s amazing beaches. What an incredible vehicle to traverse Australia’s best four-wheel drive tracks in. As always, there’s so much more to this RICHARD COULDN'T WAIT TO GET OUT AND ABOUT AFTER COVID LOCKDOWNS, WITH A MELBOURNE TO CAPE YORK ADVENTURE REALLY PROVING THE BUILD'S METTLE 4x4Australia.com.au 41

DRIVE 2023 NISSAN NAVARA SL WARRIOR 42 4x4Australia.com.au

SWGAEOARBORIOADRUSIIEOESSR-FMFOBORUEDORTEM-HLWET4HHPWEEEEDRFLAFLEECORCTASTOD?RDEYDUA–WLCI-TOCHUALBODFUFTT-HEREOFSAOLDR P REMCAR, the team behind building the off-road-focused, top- of-the-line Navara PRO-X4 Warrior for Nissan, has been tasked with creating a lower spec, more affordable Warrior based on the Nissan Navara SL. While many manufacturers are offering high-spec models with off-road-ready accessories, Nissan has done a smart thing by also providing a lower-spec four-wheel drive with upgraded components ready to hit the dirt from the factory. I love ‘pov pack’ 4WDs, because they are designed for work first and foremost – simple interiors, vinyl flooring and less gadgets and gizmos to distract you or potentially go wrong down the line.This is what makes the SL Warrior such a great thing, in theory, for Australian four-wheel drivers who are going to use their vehicles for work and play. From day dot, the SL Warrior comes with a 40mm suspension lift tuned for Australian conditions; a modern-looking, winch-compatible bullbar with recessed LED light bar; a small steel bash plate protecting the radiator and front-mounted intercooler; and it rides on larger Cooper AT3 all-terrain tyres. It’s an impressive-looking vehicle too, with a wider wheel track covered by bulging fender flares and a longer wheelbase compared to the stock SL Navara. The interior is quite basic and loaded with hard plastic surfaces, which might not sound appealing but in the real world this means a hard- wearing and easy to clean space, again perfect for work or play. But is it too basic? Would it make more sense to spend more on the higher-spec Warrior? That’s what we’re here to find out. 4x4Australia.com.au 43

DRIVE 2023 NISSAN NAVARA SL WARRIOR POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE THE seven-speed automatic gearbox in Navara is showing its age compared With the decent-size fuel tank listed at the Navara is a winner, both in terms to the competition. It’s a bit laggy off 80 litres, this should see almost 800km of gearing ratios and performance. It’s the line, but quite good in mid-range of driving before needing to refuel. a strong unit and is the same one used and in low-range 4WD. If Nissan was If that’s not enough, there are plenty in the Y62 Nissan Patrol, so you know to bump this figure up to, say, 500Nm, of aftermarket long-range fuel tanks it will be able to handle the power this would offer a far more rewarding available to suit the Navara platform. figures produced by the 2.3-litre twin- driving experience – you could always turbo diesel motor. swap in the 5.6-litre V8 from the Nissan In fact, there isn’t much you can’t get Patrol, which some clever cookies are for the Navara, as it’s such a popular Speaking of power, it’s the one thing doing in Australia. four-wheel drive to modify, even this SL Warrior could use more of. though Nissan and Premcar have done With 450Nm produced between 1500 to Fuel economy was good on test, most of the hard work for you with the 2500rpm and 140kW at 3750rpm, the resulting in an average of 9.9L/100km. SL Warrior. LED LIGHT Factory-fitted LED light bar integrated into the bullbar. 44 4x4Australia.com.au

DIFF ON-ROAD RIDE & HANDLING Nissan has a reputation THE steering feel of the Navara is the SL Warrior. It would also handle for building strong heavy and somewhat dull, but it’s not a load incredibly well, which is ideal a deal breaker as you’ll get used to considering the massive payload drivelines, the beefy rear- it. That’s about it when it comes to capacity offered by Nissan on the SL axle housing and diff negatives surrounding the on-road ride Warrior. found in the SL Warrior and handling of the SL Warrior. It’s an no exceptions. easy vehicle to pilot daily around town, I did notice a slight steering wheel on the highway and on dirt roads. shimmy when driving at 100km/h, which TRACTION felt like the tyres weren’t balanced Brake feel and performance is correctly. As this press vehicle had Traction control works excellent, especially the ABS calibration more than 8000km on it, of which I well off-road, especially on dirt roads which effectively pulls dare say were hard kilometres, a when combined with the the vehicle up without drama. On-road wheel weight could have fallen off, factory selectable rear ride quality, while a touch firm when resulting in the slight shake. I’ve not unladen, is impressive thanks to the experienced this in any other Navara differential lock. upgraded suspension included on and it certainly wasn’t extreme. ENGINE With just 2.3 litres helped along by two turbochargers, the Navara’s engine feels dated compared to the competition. 4x4Australia.com.au 45

DRIVE 2023 NISSAN NAVARA SL WARRIOR TYRES Good tyres are one of the best things you can do to improve off-road ability, and it’s great to see some Cooper AT3 all-terrain tyres on the SL Warrior from the factory. EASY CLEAN OFF-ROAD thanks to the progressive rear coil springs and Premcar-tuned dampers, A spartan (yet THIS is really what we wanted to with ride quality on corrugated roads comfortable) interior with get to, testing the mettle of the SL being exceptional for a ute. Not Ranger Warrior on the tracks around Lithgow Raptor good, but the SL Warrior isn’t vinyl floors is a boon in NSW. The Navara has always been pretending to be a Raptor. for serious four-wheel a solid contender off-road thanks to drivers, as they are easy coil springs on all four corners, superb With a 30mm wider wheel track and to clean after a day on low-range reduction, and an effective 30mm longer wheelbase compared traction-control system that remains to a stock SL Navara, stability on the tracks. active on the front end when the off-cambered 4WD tracks and when factory rear diff locker is engaged. climbing steep obstacles was brilliant. These subtle changes make for some With raised suspension, taller and impressive results in the real world more aggressive 275/70R17 Cooper and, best of all, these off-road focused all-terrain light-truck constructed enhancements found on the SL Warrior tyres, and solid frontal protection don’t come at the detriment of on-road (including a neat recessed LED light performance or the overall practicality bar), the SL Warrior went everywhere of the Navara. we wanted it to go, and without fuss. Suspension travel was impressive 46 4x4Australia.com.au



DRIVE 2023 NISSAN NAVARA SL WARRIOR CABIN & COMFORT ACCOMMODATION The lower-spec SL THE interior of the Navara SL Warrior Warrior is a more is pretty basic, but some folk, like work-focused vehicle myself, tend to like that in a vehicle. with a more utilitarian It’s perfectly comfortable thanks to the interior, but is no less decent cloth seats, of which only the driver’s seat is electronically adjustable; comfortable. although, the sea of hard plastics quickly reminds you that this is a workhorse. At RAISE THE ROOF no stage did I feel uncomfortable driving the SL Warrior and I would be perfectly There’s not much headroom in happy to do big days behind the wheel. the back seat if you are a taller person, but it would be perfectly I struggled for headroom and my comfortable for a younger family legs were cramped in the back seat, so this could be a concern if you regularly transport lanky folk such as my nearly two-metre-tall self. For a younger family, you’ll have no problems. Also, the SL Warrior doesn’t feature the sliding rear window that the higher-spec Navara has, but there is a blank spot on the dash for where the switch would normally sit. Missed opportunity there, but that’s the life of a base-model vehicle. There is a fairly basic eight-inch infotainment screen on the dash, which does the job but certainly isn’t cutting edge. It's compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it’s not wireless, so you’ll need to plug your phone in with a cable. You also miss out on some active safety technology such as lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. PRACTICALITIES DID you really think a 4WD ute utterly chunky. I have no doubt the SL LED lights. This is old tech these days, with vinyl floors wasn’t going to be Warrior will be able to handle such and as such the performance offered anything but practical? Practical is the high loads without any problem. by the headlights was pretty poor on SL Warriors’s middle name. A great dark rural roads. Thankfully, you have inclusion is the factory fitted towbar as In the tray area, there’s a simple that recessed LED light bar in the standard, which is rated to 3500kg. drop-in tub liner and four looped tie- front end to boost lighting output. Plus, the payload capacity of the down points. It’s a very useable tray SL Warrior is an impressive 1081kg with 1134mm of space between the You’ll also struggle to fit a set of thanks to an 100kg GVM upgrade over wheel arches, and there is a torsion- round LED driving lights to the SL the stock SL Navara. bar-style tailgate assist that makes Warrior’s bullbar, as there doesn’t opening or closing the tailgate a one- seem to be the space to physically One look at the rear-axle housing handed affair. mount them due to the minimal and shaved differential shows that overhang of the bar. this is a seriously stout ute, as they are Something I wasn’t stoked to see were the halogen headlights instead of 48 4x4Australia.com.au

SUMMARY 2023 NISSAN D NAVARA SL IS the SL Warrior the perfect ute? No. WARRIOR Is it a damn good ute that I’m happy Nissan and Premcar have created? A DEPARTURE ANGLE 19˚ A C Absolutely! For someone who wants off- B RAMPOVER ANGLE 26.2˚ road capability, less frills and a swag of C APPROACH ANGLE B off-road-focused accessories from the D WADING DEPTH 36˚ E factory, it’s a winner. E GROUND CLEARANCE 600mm 260mm Nissan has given the serious four- wheel driver a solid foundation to get 2023 NISSAN NAVARA SL WARRIOR out and explore the country from the ENGINE 2.3L 4-cyl twin-turbo diesel dealership forecourt, and for those MAX POWER 140kW at 3750rpm who want to further accessorise their MAX TORQUE 450Nm at 1500 to 2500rpm vehicle for off-road adventures, you TRANSMISSION 7-speed automatic have a head start. All of the included TRANSFER CASE Dual range w/ electronic selection upgrades look and feel to be of high FRONT SUSPENSION Independent double-wishbone/coil springs quality. With its wider track, taller REAR SUSPENSION 5-link coil sprung/solid axle suspension and larger tyres, the SL KERB WEIGHT 2169kg Warrior really looks the part, and best of all it’s not just a pretty face but a GVM 3250kg genuinely capable vehicle. PAYLOAD 1081kg TOWING CAPACITY 3500kg braked I’d love to see more power, though, FUEL TANK: 80L and the new-gen Navara which we FUEL USE 7.9L/100km claimed; 9.9L/100km as tested should be receiving in the coming years will hopefully address that. For now, PRICE $60,500 + on-road costs the SL Warrior is the Navara to buy – if I was in the market for a dual-cab ute, it would be towards the top of my list as it perfectly suits my needs. What can I say ... I’m a sucker for vinyl floors and modified base-spec 4WDs with genuine off-road capability. BULLBAR A unique-looking, winch-compatible bullbar and wider fender flares are a neat touch. I’m not sure you’ll physically be able to instal a set of aftermarket driving lights on the bullbar, though. 4x4Australia.com.au 49

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