2017 4X4 Of The Year announced tonight

WHAT fourbie will take home the coveted 2017 4x4 of the Year crown?

All will be revealed tonight at the Virgin Australia Supercar Championship-sponsored Australian Motoring Awards, taking place at Melbourne’s Crown Casino.

The ceremony starts at 7pm at Crown’s Palladium, with the 4X4OTY award presented at approximately 7.50pm.

Tune in to 4X4 Australia’s Facebook page from 7:40pm to enjoy a live stream of the presentation. Trust us, it will be worth it – we had to recount the 4X4OTY votes multiple times as it’s that tight!

To find the winner, eight judges, with tray-loads of experience in the 4x4 industry, put the seven finalists – Haval H9, Holden Colorado, Holden Trailblazer, Mercedes-Benz G300, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series and Volkswagen Amarok V6 – through a severe testing process during a week in the Victorian High Country.

Following the on- and off-road test routes, all judges compared each vehicle against a set list of criteria, rather than against each other. The criteria includes: value for money, breaking new ground (new tech or features), how well it is designed and built, how practical it is in the bush (what aftermarket enhancements are available) and doing the job it’s designed for.

You’ll notice no Ford Ranger or Everest in the group of contenders – and there’s a very simple reason why. Every vehicle competing for the 4X4OTY crown must be all-new or significantly revised mechanically during the previous 12 months.

The full coverage of the 2017 4X4OTY will be available in the March issue of 4X4 Australia, in stores February 2. So if you want to read it first in the mag, avoid our social media tonight!

The WhichCar Style, MOTOR Performance Car of the Year and Wheels Car of the Year awards will also be revealed throughout the evening.

THE CONTENDERS

HAVAL H9

HOLDEN COLORADO

HOLDEN TRAILBLAZER

MERCEDES-BENZ G300

MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT

TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 79

VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK V6