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Good towing ability, coupled with off-road ability and durability are the reasons why many Irish farmers have opted for 4x4s as their vehicle of choice. On farms, 4x4s have to earn their keep while being versatile and giving farmers a safe choice whether on the road or on the land.
In this special Irish Farmers Journal Focus on 4x4s, we dig deep into examining the latest 4x4 models for the market and preview some new models. We give advice on making the best 4x4 choice for your farm. Farming pickups with off-road ability are an obvious choice on many farms. We examine the growing range of pickups now available and give advice on what farmers need to consider when making the 4x4 pickup their choice of farm transport vehicle.
We examine the scope for owning a new-generation crossover on the farm. We tease out the best specification options for the farm family when weekends include shows and other livestock events.
We examine the issues around preparing a modern 4x4 and/or 4x4 pickup for an NCT/DOE test while looking at the potential costs of owning a 4x4.
Sales of commercial 4x4s typical of the types of vehicles used on farms and in farm businesses, showed a very significant increase in 2015. An analysis of the end-of-year figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) shows a 53% increase in overall commercial 4x4 registrations, well ahead of the increase in the overall car market of 30%.
The 4x4 market is booming. And that converts to an extra 1,251 4x4 commercials registered in 2015 compared with 2014, leading to a total market of 3,573 units. This indicates that many farmers have been in the market for commercial 4x4s in 2015.
The availability of the lower tax, five-seat commercial 4x4s is boosting demand for 4x4s across the country. The leading models include the Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover Discovery, both of which have recorded significant increases in sales. Ford’s Kuga, a smaller commercial 4x4, is available as a four-seat commercial model and has been very popular, with sales up by 125% year on year.
Commercial 4x4s are a worthwhile farm transport option for the VAT-registered farm business. They are price competitive if the VAT component of the price can be refunded to the farm business. They are considered as a valid farming expense and this means that a large proportion of the running costs are also tax deductible.
The option of extra rear seating has made 4x4 commercials such as the Land Cruiser, Discovery and Kuga, as well as the Mitsubishi Pajero and Outlander, very attractive 4x4s for farmers to buy. Other brands that have shown significant growth in sales include the Hyundai Santa Fe and the SsangYong Rexton.
The extra row of seats in the new-generation 4x4 commercials provides a safer method of transport for passengers. This, coupled with improved towing abilities, better economy and enhanced comfort, adds significantly to the usefulness of the 4x4 commercial on Irish farms.
With 4x4 pickups back in favour among motor companies, all of the leading brands plan to launch models in the coming years. By 2020, we can expect to have at least 15 4x4 pickup choices on the Irish market.
There is growing demand for 4x4 pickups on farms, in industry and even for leisure use. The Irish market continues to grow and the analysis of the latest figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) shows a 49% increase in new 4x4 pickup registrations in 2015 compared with 2014. That comes on top of a 46% increase the previous year.
There are now eight different models on the market, if we include the option of the Land Rover Defender. This iconic 4x4 is on the way out in 2016, with hints of an Indian-built replacement in the near future.
The market is due a shake-up this year with the arrival of the new Nissan Navara, with more comfort, power and class-leading 3.5t towing ability. We can expect Nissan’s figures to jump significantly.
The Ford Ranger continues to evolve and there is another new model due here in 2016. The current/previous model was our choice of farmer’s 4x4 pickup at the National Ploughing Championships. The latest generation brings even more changes in terms of power and fuel economy.
The Mitsubishi’s L200 was revamped in 2015, with a host of improvements. We found that this was the most economical 4x4 pickup that we tested in September last year. The new challenges in fuel economy are coming from the new Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara.
Sales of the Isuzu D-Max soared ahead of some of the competition in 2015, with an impressive 62% increase in numbers sold. This is an impressive and understated 4x4 pickup that delivers value and deserves to be driven. Volkswagen’s large Amarok recorded the lowest level of sales growth, while the price competitive Great Wall Steed recorded increased sales, while still lingering at the bottom of the market.
All 4x4 twin-cabs can be taxed by farmers as commercial vehicles if you can provide a herd number and evidence of farming. A tax clearance certificate is needed by some registration offices. They are strong and durable and offer a greater level of safety for all of the family.
More pick-up options on the way
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