Outback Travel Australia

Australia’s new National Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) has been vilified by some self-interested parties, but it doesn’t no more than bring Australia kicking and screaming, into the 21st century. Russia is now the only country in the world without a vehicle emissions standard.

Every ute maker claims at least a nominal one-tonne payload figure and more than three tonnes trailer towing capacity for several 4WD utes in its range, but you need to check spec sheets and real-world tare weights for the true position.

We sometimes get asked how we can justify promoting the sales of imported 4x4s and other products, by testing stuff that comes from countries that mightn’t share our Australian values. Our answer is simple: we’re in the product testing business, not the political business.

While traditional brands busied themselves resisting the electric vehicle age, Chinese companies were concentrating on the future and are now reaping the rewards, while many established brands are facing market share and financial losses.

A used 4WD can save you thousands, but there are some tricks of the trade you need to be aware of.

Many of us would like to have a flash off-road caravan, 4WD campervan or motorhome, but it does’t take much research to discover that a new, off the shelf vehicle will set you back between $150,000 and $500,000. There are ways to reduce that initial outlay or to offset the costs.