4X4 Australia May 2016 edition

THIS month we hit some challenging terrain in a customised JK Wrangler Rubicon, and we take a GU Patrol straight from the showroom floor to the rough stuff.

We hit the red dust in a HiLux Extra-Cab manual, and we get our hands on a foreign-born baby, Jeep’s Renegade Trailhawk – in petrol-powered form. We also explain why tricked-up 4x4 utes will be the next big thing in Oz!

Grab the latest copy of 4X4 Australia from newsagents, or get it before everyone else by subscribing to 4X4 Australia in electronic or print format.

Here’s what we’ve packed into the May issue:

THE SINGLE BLOKE’S 4X4The Toyota HiLux Extra-Cab caters for the bloke who’s not tied down by a wife and three kids. It’s cheaper, and in many ways more practical, than the Dual-Cab.

FROM SHOWROOM TO TRAILSThe GU Patrol might be getting on in age, but it’s a fuss-free tourer that can handle itself off-road sans aftermarket modifications.

FOREIGN RENEGADEClassic Renegade is resurrected, but does the lack of a diesel engine hurt it on Australian soil?

CUSTOMISED RUBICONWe go under the hood of an extensively tweaked JK Wrangler Rubicon. This thing is an off-road juggernaut!

FAMILY GETAWAYWe strap a Patriot X1 Camper to the back of a Toyota Fortuner Crusade and take the family to Warrabah NP.

A CHEAP PRADOThe Chinese-made Haval H9 shares plenty of bits with the Toyota Prado, but can it all come together on a local drive?

ROCK-CRAWLING BRUTEThis custom G63 AMG can smash any obstacle in its way, but it’s also a comfy highway cruiser.

HILUX HAY RUNWe tag along with Aussie Helpers to help those affected by the drought in Western Queensland.

WESTERN FRONTWestern Australia’s Pilbara region is sparsely populated and full of activities. Ron Moon heads there.

SNOWY RIVER RUNWe trace the Snowy River from the summit to the sea, passing extraordinary countryside on the way.

HALF CAR-HALF BOATTaking the term ‘off-road’ to a new level, with a collection of ‘amphibious’ Ford GPA Jeeps.

MEETING ARTHUR GODDARDHe’s the man who is known as the godfather of the Land Rover. 4X4 Australia stops by for a chat with the great man.

CLOSE TO HOMECathedral Rock is only a stone’s throw from Coffs Harbour, so we thought we’d stop by for a visit.

LOADED ’LUX GIVEAWAY4X4 Australia’s giveaway HiLux receives a dual-battery system from Piranha Offroad.

THE REST

The regular bits and pieces have made the cut, including columns by John ‘Roothy’ Rooth, Ron Moon, Dean Mellor and Fraser Stronach. Plus we review all the latest gear, and give you a lesson on how to winch safely.