Off road

Volkswagen Australia has detailed its model year 2025 (MY25) update for the Amarok dual-cab ute ahead of first arrivals during the second half of 2025.The Amarok line-up continues to open with the Core TDI405 at $55,490, before on-road costs, or $55,990 drive-away. The latter price is $2000 more than the MY24 version.The line-up still extends all the way to the Aventura TDI600 at $82,990, drive-away. This is $3000 more than the MY24 version.Almost every Amarok variant picked up a drive-away pricing increase for MY25 except the Aventura TSI452 which continues to be the only variant offered with the 2.3-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine.It now starts at $79,990, drive-away, which technically remains unchanged from MY24. A full pricing table is at the bottom of this story.Headlining the MY25 Amarok update is the introduction of the off-road-oriented 10 Deserts Edition TDI500 which was made to commemorate the company achieving a Guinness World Record last year.Only 300 examples of this limited-edition dual cab ute are being made and they’re priced from $68,490, before on-road costs, or $69,990, drive-away. This is $8000 more expensive than the Amarok Life TDI500 which it’s based on.The 10 Desert Edition TDI500 features a 40mm suspension lift, 17-inch satin black wheels wrapped in Continental ATR tyres, underbody protection, a black sports bar, soft tonneau cover, all-weather floor mats and ‘10 Deserts’ decals.Additionally, MY25 versions of the Amarok Style, Panamericana and Aventura trims get 230V power sockets with an Australian plug pattern, backed by an integrated 400W inverter. They also pick up a ‘Trailer Assist’ mode which makes hitching and reversing trailers easier.It’s worth noting the related Ford Ranger also recently picked up these features as part of an update.Another change for MY25 is the ‘Mid Blue Metallic’ exterior paint option has been replaced by the new ‘Reed Green Metallic’ finish.Lastly, Amarok Core, Life and Style variants now get the option of a cab chassis tray body style.Opting for this is an additional $4000 over the standard asking price of the dual cab pick-up variant.Included is a standardised alloy tray that weighs 132kg and measures 1650mm long by 1900mm wide. There’s also a steel tray that weighs 243kg and measures similarly to the alloy tray, but pricing for this hasn’t been disclosed.Both of these trays are available as dealer-fit accessories, meaning they are covered by the same five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty as the Amarok itself.It also means any existing current-generation Amarok can have a tray retrofitted as a dealer-fit accessory. 

Toyota currently doesn’t offer a heavy-duty version of its Tundra full-size pick-up globally but that could soon change thanks to the handywork of an Australian second-stage vehicle manufacturer.

Ok, so it is looking like it might be time for a little mea culpa from me on the whole HiLux thing.

Toyota has confirmed the hybrid LandCruiser 300 Series will arrive in Australia in the first half of next year, but to the casual observer something appears off.In the UAE, where the vehicle will be launched first, Toyota claims it uses 10.9 litres per 100km. The diesel version currently on sale uses 8.9L/100km.This number seems high for Toyota hybrid fans that are used to fuel figures below 5.0L/100km… And it is.The LandCruiser 300 Hybrid uses a twin-turbo petrol V6 engine paired with a hybrid battery and electric motor combo. It is the same set-up found in the Tundra full-size ute, and is dubbed 'i-Force Max' in Toyota speak.It makes a whopping 340kW and 790Nm, which far outshines the current version’s 3.3L twin-turbo V6 diesel that produces 227kW/700Nm. There lies the answer to the fuel use question. This hybrid set-up isn’t geared towards efficiency but for performance and boosting the vehicle’s capabilities.It is more efficient than a non-hybrid assisted petrol engine, of course, but if what CarsGuide has experienced in the Tundra is anything to go by, it’s still a thirsty beast.During a preview drive of the Tundra, CarsGuide’s Andrew Chesterton said: “Tow heavy loads or get too adventurous with the accelerator and the number will be much higher than that.“We saw, wait for it, 25L/100km, pop up on our admittedly fairly vigorous test.”Marcus Craft in his off-road test fared better: “I recorded 14L/100km on this test. I did a fair bit of high- and low-range 4WDing and the Tundra was never working hard.”The Tundra is heavier than the LandCruiser, so the 300 Series Hybrid should be able to do better than the American pick-up truck.The verdict on how the i-Force Max engine performs while driving is another matter. All our reviews said it was a star performer in the heavier Tundra, with smooth, linear power delivery and no torque gaps. It is adept for those wanting to tow and will eat up long highway kays with ease.Toyota has also moved to quell fears that electrification will impact capability, saying in a statement, "The LandCruiser HEV’s hybrid system has been designed with true off-road reliability in mind."Even in the unlikely event of hybrid unit failure, the vehicle can continue operating solely on the combustion engine, ensuring peace of mind in remote areas."The hybrid battery area has been specially waterproofed to maintain the LandCruiser’s famed fording ability, allowing it to tackle rivers and water obstacles with confidence."Additionally, the vehicle also offers a third-row seat and cargo layout specifically optimised for the addition of the HEV system, ensuring no compromise in versatility or interior space," the statement said.It appears the hybrid LandCruiser 300 is a big step forward in how the off-road hero will perform, but be aware it’ll cost you at the bowser, especially as it is likely to need premium unleaded petrol.

My 2014 Mitsubishi Pajero GLS has always been a great runner. But over the last year, on several occasions, it starts up but as you drive away the engine cuts out after a minute or so. It restarts immediately and then runs perfectly. What could be causing this?

Rain water somehow got into my 2021 Ram 2500 Laramie on the left-hand side. It now needs complete replacement of the computer plus a rewire of the car, which is three months out of warranty.

The Land Rover Defender will gain more V8 options for the 2026 model year (MY26) as the British firm moves to rejuvenate the much-loved off-roader with design and tech updates.

BYD is part of a growing list of car brands that conduct testing and calibration work in Australia to ensure its models are better suited to the conditions.

Kia Australia concedes the ute market is more crowded and competitive than ever before, but the number of new players and products hasn't dampened its expectations for the Tasman, with the brand saying it welcomes the competition.

The long-awaited Toyota LandCruiser FJ project is reportedly about to bear fruit, with the new model – codenamed the Toyota 500D – to finally be unveiled at the Tokyo Mobility Show in October ahead of an on-sale date early next year, according to new reports.