While there are changes afoot in the 4x4 market, the most notable change will be the introduction of smaller pickups and possibility of electric power for this work-orientated segment of the motor market. The pickup trend is growing across the world and almost all leading car brands are offering a pickup option, with Peugeot and Citroën due to offer one in the near future.
When you see a brand such as Mercedes-Benz offering a pickup that says enough about this growing trend, which combines a motoring choice for work and for play. There are lots of manufacturing connections, with Nissan, Renault and Mercedes-Benz linked. Mitsubishi and Fiat have pickup links with Mitsubishi and now that Mitsubishi is part of the larger Renault and Nissan group, we can expect to see further changes.
The next most obvious entrant is the electric and hybrid segment and Tesla owner Elon Musk has pickups in his melting pot. Most manufacturers are sticking with diesel for the sheer pulling power that few other power sources can match. Tesla intends to challenge that concept; we will have to wait and see.
Here we look at some of the new 4x4s that will have application for farming and rural businesses. These range from the top towing Land Rover Discovery to the compact Suzuki Jimny that many farmers are making good use of.
Land Rover Discovery commercial
After a period of absence Land Rover is now offering new commercial version of the Land Rover Discovery in Ireland. It is priced from €43,367 ex-VAT (VAT at €10,653) in Ireland, and is available in SE and HSE specifications across the 3.0 TD6 model.
Featuring 1,856 litres of load space replacing the second and third row seats, and available with Land Rover’s 3.0D TD6 258bhp engine, Discovery Commercial shares the fundamental underpinnings of the Discovery, from its wide-spaced double-wishbone design at the front to its advanced multi-link layout at the rear.
The new generation Land Rover Discovery Commercial is a two set vehicle with entry prices from €43,367 ex-VAT.
Discovery Commercial comes exclusively with four-wheel-drive, automatic transmission, twin-speed transfer box and air suspension. The HSE models feature heated seats and a cold climate pack as standard which includes heated windscreen, heated washer jets and heated steering wheel.
Discovery Commercial’s load-space measures 1,635mm long, 939mm high and 1,411mm wide.
It comes with Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response systems which optimise the vehicle’s engine, gearbox, and centre differential and chassis systems to match the demands of the terrain.
Mitsubishi has announced the arrival of the new L200 4x4 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the pickup’s introduction in 1978. The obvious changes are to the styling and design of the pickup. Mitsubishi claims that its enhanced 4WD system delivers improved off-road performance, and the latest in active safety and driver assistance systems.
Mitsubishi has a new version of the L200 on the way for 2019 with more comfort, durability and enhanced safety features.
New L200 4WD models are fitted with either Super-Select 4WD, which delivers optimum traction and handling characteristics for any given surface, or Easy-Select 4WD, which simplifies switching between drive modes for different road surfaces. The new L200 is expected to be available in Ireland in 2019.
Volkswagen’s Tarok pickup concept combines the features of the latest generation of digitally networked SUVs with the versatility of a 5m pickup. Among its clever features is a large variable loading area, which can be extended thanks to the folding rear panel in the four-door double cab. The floor space can be extended by opening the tailgate or using the brand new mechanism that allows the bottom of the passenger cab rear panel to be folded down.
Volkswagen launched a concept version of the new Tarok in South America and we can expect to see this novel design five-seat pick-up in Europe in the near future as a cost-effective farming car.
As a result, drivers can also use the back of the cab to transport extra-long items.The Tarok is powered by a 1.4-litre 150bhp four-cylinder TSI petrol engine combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox and permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive. It can be expected that Volkswagen will offer the Tarok with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel direct injection (TDI) TSI engine that also delivers 150bhp, for European markets.
Suzuki has a new fourth generation Jimny SUV on the way. The Jimny has been part of the Suzuki lineup since 1970 and the third generation was introduced in 1998.
The new model has a more robust look and retains the ladder chassis and part-time four-wheel-drive system with a low range transfer gearbox. There is a new three-link rigid axle suspension for greater comfort.
The new Jimny with get the benefits of the latest Suzuki Power Boost petrol engines. On the inside the dash layout is refreshed with a clear off-road feel to it.
Suzuki has refreshed the design of the Jimny 4x4 for 2019, with an enhanced look and the benefit of new engines.
The new Vitara will be available with both 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo-charged petrol engines as introduced in the S-Cross model range last year to replace the 1.6-litre petrol engine.
The Boosterjet engines provide more power and torque, greater efficiency and offers lower emissions. SZ4 and SZ-T grades are equipped with the 1.0-litre 111bhp Boosterjet engine and ALLGRIP four-wheel-drive system is available on the SZ-T with manual transmission.
The 2019 Vitara will be the most technically advanced Suzuki to date with new safety technology available such as dual sensor brake support, lane departure warning and prevention, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
Jeep has unveiled the latest Wrangler models, which it claims will be the most capable 4x4 ever, while delivering the high levels of comfort and handling for everyday use. The company claims the new Wrangler has a modern design that retains all the authentic styling cues of the iconic Wrangler. It comes with several new combinations that ensure more open-air freedom.
The new fourth generation Jeep Wrangler is available on order from this month with new engines coupled with more comfort and enhanced technology features.
To enhance its legendary off-road ability, it offers two four-wheel drive, active, on-demand full-time systems, Command-Trac and Rock-Trac, next-generation Dana axles, Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited-slip differential and an electronic front sway-bar disconnect.
The Wrangler is available with two new engine choices, a 2.2-litre MultiJet II turbo-diesel or a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. All Wrangler engine options come with the new eight-speed automatic transmission and feature Stop-Start (ESS) technology.
SsangYong has revealed photographs of the new Musso pickup which is due on the Irish market later this year. It is built on the same architecture as the new Rexton, and the company claims its body-on-frame construction gives a strong vehicle that delivers off-road driving performance and safety from its quad-frame and four-wheel-drive system.
It is available with either a six-speed manual or an Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox
The Musso combines a five-seat crew-cab body style with a load deck that will transport a full-sized Euro pallet. It also carries over 1t in load weight, and tows trailers of up to 3.5t.
Musso is powered by the same e-XDi220 engine found in the Rexton, and delivers a maximum power of 181bhp at 4,000rpm and a maximum torque of 420Nm at 1,600rpm to 2,600rpm (automatic transmission). It is available with either a six-speed manual or an Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox.
Tesla has released some information about its upcoming all-electric pickup truck, describing its design as a Blade Runner pickup truck. The truck is believed to be Tesla owner Elon Musk’s personal passion and he doesn’t expect to have huge sales of the novel looking pickup.
Tesla owner Elon Musk is more fired up about his pickup truck design and he may build a more conventional unit, which will also be electric powered.
Early concept drawings show a sleek, aerodynamic front leading into a traditional looking cargo bed. Musk said he was willing to make a more “conventional” truck in the future if it will sell better. However, the futuristic design is what Musk is currently most “fired up” about.
The Isuzu D-Max has collected some recent UK awards for its substance and style.
Judges were impressed by the economy and refinement of the innovative 164bhp turbo diesel engine. Double cab suspension changes from a five-piece to a three-piece leaf spring suspension for improved ride comfort and reduced noise levels, whilst retaining all the benefits of the current suspension.
With a 3.5t towing capacity and over 1t payload, the D-Max was also praised for providing a quieter, more economical driving experience.
The new updated Isuzu D-Max range is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 164PS and 360Nm of torque. It does not require AdBlue to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations and offers fuel economy that exceeds 14.2km/litre (40mpg combined).
Strength, durability and towing ability remain the same because the springs are made from a higher strength material. Rust prevention has also been improved as the stronger steel has increased hydrogen resistance and a slower corrosion rate.
The 1.9L turbo diesel engine meets Euro 6 standards without the need for the addition of AdBlue, unlike most of the Isuzu D-Max’s competitors to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations. The 165bhp engine claims to offers fuel economy that exceeds 14.2km/litre (40mpg combined). The new Trailer Sway Control system uses sensors to detect trailer swing and reduce vehicle speed if sway is identified, is available on D-Max models for 2019.
While there are changes afoot in the 4x4 market, the most notable change will be the introduction of smaller pickups and possibility of electric power for this work-orientated segment of the motor market. The pickup trend is growing across the world and almost all leading car brands are offering a pickup option, with Peugeot and Citroën due to offer one in the near future.
When you see a brand such as Mercedes-Benz offering a pickup that says enough about this growing trend, which combines a motoring choice for work and for play. There are lots of manufacturing connections, with Nissan, Renault and Mercedes-Benz linked. Mitsubishi and Fiat have pickup links with Mitsubishi and now that Mitsubishi is part of the larger Renault and Nissan group, we can expect to see further changes.
The next most obvious entrant is the electric and hybrid segment and Tesla owner Elon Musk has pickups in his melting pot. Most manufacturers are sticking with diesel for the sheer pulling power that few other power sources can match. Tesla intends to challenge that concept; we will have to wait and see.
Here we look at some of the new 4x4s that will have application for farming and rural businesses. These range from the top towing Land Rover Discovery to the compact Suzuki Jimny that many farmers are making good use of.
Land Rover Discovery commercial
After a period of absence Land Rover is now offering new commercial version of the Land Rover Discovery in Ireland. It is priced from €43,367 ex-VAT (VAT at €10,653) in Ireland, and is available in SE and HSE specifications across the 3.0 TD6 model.
Featuring 1,856 litres of load space replacing the second and third row seats, and available with Land Rover’s 3.0D TD6 258bhp engine, Discovery Commercial shares the fundamental underpinnings of the Discovery, from its wide-spaced double-wishbone design at the front to its advanced multi-link layout at the rear.
The new generation Land Rover Discovery Commercial is a two set vehicle with entry prices from €43,367 ex-VAT.
Discovery Commercial comes exclusively with four-wheel-drive, automatic transmission, twin-speed transfer box and air suspension. The HSE models feature heated seats and a cold climate pack as standard which includes heated windscreen, heated washer jets and heated steering wheel.
Discovery Commercial’s load-space measures 1,635mm long, 939mm high and 1,411mm wide.
It comes with Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response systems which optimise the vehicle’s engine, gearbox, and centre differential and chassis systems to match the demands of the terrain.
Mitsubishi has announced the arrival of the new L200 4x4 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the pickup’s introduction in 1978. The obvious changes are to the styling and design of the pickup. Mitsubishi claims that its enhanced 4WD system delivers improved off-road performance, and the latest in active safety and driver assistance systems.
Mitsubishi has a new version of the L200 on the way for 2019 with more comfort, durability and enhanced safety features.
New L200 4WD models are fitted with either Super-Select 4WD, which delivers optimum traction and handling characteristics for any given surface, or Easy-Select 4WD, which simplifies switching between drive modes for different road surfaces. The new L200 is expected to be available in Ireland in 2019.
Volkswagen’s Tarok pickup concept combines the features of the latest generation of digitally networked SUVs with the versatility of a 5m pickup. Among its clever features is a large variable loading area, which can be extended thanks to the folding rear panel in the four-door double cab. The floor space can be extended by opening the tailgate or using the brand new mechanism that allows the bottom of the passenger cab rear panel to be folded down.
Volkswagen launched a concept version of the new Tarok in South America and we can expect to see this novel design five-seat pick-up in Europe in the near future as a cost-effective farming car.
As a result, drivers can also use the back of the cab to transport extra-long items.The Tarok is powered by a 1.4-litre 150bhp four-cylinder TSI petrol engine combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox and permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive. It can be expected that Volkswagen will offer the Tarok with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel direct injection (TDI) TSI engine that also delivers 150bhp, for European markets.
Suzuki has a new fourth generation Jimny SUV on the way. The Jimny has been part of the Suzuki lineup since 1970 and the third generation was introduced in 1998.
The new model has a more robust look and retains the ladder chassis and part-time four-wheel-drive system with a low range transfer gearbox. There is a new three-link rigid axle suspension for greater comfort.
The new Jimny with get the benefits of the latest Suzuki Power Boost petrol engines. On the inside the dash layout is refreshed with a clear off-road feel to it.
Suzuki has refreshed the design of the Jimny 4x4 for 2019, with an enhanced look and the benefit of new engines.
The new Vitara will be available with both 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo-charged petrol engines as introduced in the S-Cross model range last year to replace the 1.6-litre petrol engine.
The Boosterjet engines provide more power and torque, greater efficiency and offers lower emissions. SZ4 and SZ-T grades are equipped with the 1.0-litre 111bhp Boosterjet engine and ALLGRIP four-wheel-drive system is available on the SZ-T with manual transmission.
The 2019 Vitara will be the most technically advanced Suzuki to date with new safety technology available such as dual sensor brake support, lane departure warning and prevention, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
Jeep has unveiled the latest Wrangler models, which it claims will be the most capable 4x4 ever, while delivering the high levels of comfort and handling for everyday use. The company claims the new Wrangler has a modern design that retains all the authentic styling cues of the iconic Wrangler. It comes with several new combinations that ensure more open-air freedom.
The new fourth generation Jeep Wrangler is available on order from this month with new engines coupled with more comfort and enhanced technology features.
To enhance its legendary off-road ability, it offers two four-wheel drive, active, on-demand full-time systems, Command-Trac and Rock-Trac, next-generation Dana axles, Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited-slip differential and an electronic front sway-bar disconnect.
The Wrangler is available with two new engine choices, a 2.2-litre MultiJet II turbo-diesel or a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. All Wrangler engine options come with the new eight-speed automatic transmission and feature Stop-Start (ESS) technology.
SsangYong has revealed photographs of the new Musso pickup which is due on the Irish market later this year. It is built on the same architecture as the new Rexton, and the company claims its body-on-frame construction gives a strong vehicle that delivers off-road driving performance and safety from its quad-frame and four-wheel-drive system.
It is available with either a six-speed manual or an Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox
The Musso combines a five-seat crew-cab body style with a load deck that will transport a full-sized Euro pallet. It also carries over 1t in load weight, and tows trailers of up to 3.5t.
Musso is powered by the same e-XDi220 engine found in the Rexton, and delivers a maximum power of 181bhp at 4,000rpm and a maximum torque of 420Nm at 1,600rpm to 2,600rpm (automatic transmission). It is available with either a six-speed manual or an Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox.
Tesla has released some information about its upcoming all-electric pickup truck, describing its design as a Blade Runner pickup truck. The truck is believed to be Tesla owner Elon Musk’s personal passion and he doesn’t expect to have huge sales of the novel looking pickup.
Tesla owner Elon Musk is more fired up about his pickup truck design and he may build a more conventional unit, which will also be electric powered.
Early concept drawings show a sleek, aerodynamic front leading into a traditional looking cargo bed. Musk said he was willing to make a more “conventional” truck in the future if it will sell better. However, the futuristic design is what Musk is currently most “fired up” about.
The Isuzu D-Max has collected some recent UK awards for its substance and style.
Judges were impressed by the economy and refinement of the innovative 164bhp turbo diesel engine. Double cab suspension changes from a five-piece to a three-piece leaf spring suspension for improved ride comfort and reduced noise levels, whilst retaining all the benefits of the current suspension.
With a 3.5t towing capacity and over 1t payload, the D-Max was also praised for providing a quieter, more economical driving experience.
The new updated Isuzu D-Max range is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 164PS and 360Nm of torque. It does not require AdBlue to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations and offers fuel economy that exceeds 14.2km/litre (40mpg combined).
Strength, durability and towing ability remain the same because the springs are made from a higher strength material. Rust prevention has also been improved as the stronger steel has increased hydrogen resistance and a slower corrosion rate.
The 1.9L turbo diesel engine meets Euro 6 standards without the need for the addition of AdBlue, unlike most of the Isuzu D-Max’s competitors to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations. The 165bhp engine claims to offers fuel economy that exceeds 14.2km/litre (40mpg combined). The new Trailer Sway Control system uses sensors to detect trailer swing and reduce vehicle speed if sway is identified, is available on D-Max models for 2019.
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