BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 20th Jun 2003
AVAILABLE with four-cylinder, 2.6-litre carburettor engine or 3.0-litre V6. Smart styling. V6 has advanced suspension with torsion bars at front and 3 link coil spring set-up at rear. Four-cylinder has leaf springs. 50kg lighter than the Patrol with better fuel economy. Top of the range V6 puts out 105kW at 5000rpm, with 228Nm of torque at 3000rpm, and is well equipped, with suspension front seats, power windows, cruise control, central locking and electric sun roof. Auto loses out on off road ability due to high first gear.
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 4D WAGON (1989-1998)
THE market leader in 4WD wagons. Full-time four-wheel drive system and rugged off-road suspension, but thirsty six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The spare wheel is mounted under the rear, reducing ground clearance. Well proven reliability, good dealer backup. Five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic available.
HOLDEN JACKAROO 4D WAGON (1985-1992)
SMALLER and lighter than the Patrol, with a 2.6-litre fuel injected four-cylinder engine giving 88kW at 5000rpm and 195Nm of torque, with a kerb weight of 1660kg. Outdated styling. Good driving position, comfort and off road performance - though not up to LandCruiser or Patrol abilities. Independent torsion bar front suspension, leaf springs at rear. Less ground clearance than its competitors. Umbrella type handbrake is outmoded. Auto transmission available with the LT1 model introduced in May 1990.
LAND ROVER 3.5 4D WAGON (1985-1991)
POWERED by the well proven 3.5-litre Rover V8, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. Rather stark, in the traditional Land Rover style, and expensive when new. Power steering and radio/cassette player are standard. Rough and ready workhorse, designed when four-wheel drives worked the land, not the high street.