Opinion
Gallery1
Some big 4x4 news stories landed throughout 2016, none bigger than the revelation of Mercedes-Benz’s X-Class Pick-Up in October.
With SUVs and LCVs taking further strives towards market dominance in 2016 – the Ranger and Hilux were the best-selling vehicles on the overall market in the later stages of the year – there were some big stories that shaped a successful year for the 4x4 industry.
We’ve analysed the stats to bring you the biggest news stories of 2016.
As mentioned, Merc’s revelation of its X-Class Pick-Up in Stockholm, Sweden, was the most popular 4x4 news story of 2016. Due to arrive in Australia in 2018, the X-Class pick-up is set to shake up the one-tonne ute class!
2: Ford Ranger Raptor, HSV Colorado, Hilux TRD and Merc-AMG ute revealed
Back in March, 2016, we discussed the future of the exxy performance dual-cab ute. We pondered if Ford would bring out the Ranger Raptor, Holden a HSV Colorado, Toyota a Hilux TRD, and Mercedes an AMG ute.
The Amarok V6 has already landed, and we’ve even tested it against the Ford Ranger (February, 2017), but it was massive news when VW officially reported the much-rumoured V6 was a reality. It’s a sweet thing, too.
4: Production to end for FJ Cruiser
It was sad day when news broke that Toyota was ending production of its FJ Cruiser. The under-rated off-road warrior controversially won our 2011 4X4OTY award, and it has wowed the 4x4 community since. Tony Cramb, Toyota Australia’s executive director of sales and marketing, said: “It will leave lasting memories as one of the most iconic vehicles in Toyota’s rich SUV history.”
The Ranger sits with the Hilux at the top of sales tree, and when news landed that 2017 updates to the range were inbound, expectations were that it may overtake the venerable Toyota. The changes aren’t shocking, but all 2017 Rangers will receive a powertrain tweak to meet Euro 5 emissions standards.
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
COMMENTS