Media post: 4WD models to watch out for in 2014

Isuzu MU-X

If you’re in the market for a new 4WD this year, be sure to add the following five vehicles to your research and test drive list. If you do go ahead and buy a new 4WD, make sure you get the most of your vehicle by keeping it well maintained. While they might be more robust than their petrol counterparts, diesels need a little more attention to detail, in particular their fuel injection systems. To maximise your 4WD’s performance and longevity, take it to a diesel specialist such as Hi Tech Diesel for servicing and repairs.

1. Holden Captiva

Holden has announced it plans to overtake Toyota as Australia’s favourite brand of car by 2020. To help them achieve this, they have restyled and significantly reduced the price of their popular Captiva. A Holden Captiva 5 in diesel will now set you back between $32,000 (LT AWD diesel auto) to $35,000 (LTZ AWD diesel auto), while the Captiva 7 is priced between $32,990 (LS diesel) to $40,990 (LTZ AWD diesel).

2. Isuzu MU-X

While the Japanese-owned truck manufacturer is better known for its work utes, the company has now entered the highly competitive SUV market in Australia with the MU-X. Based on the tough-as- nails D-Max ute, the MU-X is a brand new design for Isuzu boasting a D-Max inspired grille and high ground clearance. Its tough-looking outer is backed by Isuzu’s own common-rail 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with 130kW of power, and 380Nm between 1800rpm and 2800rpm. The MU-X is available in either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

3. Nissan Navara ST-X-550

If you’re in the market for a ute and need some serious towing power, take a look at the Nissan Navara ST-X 550. It’s the only 3.0 litre V6 turbo diesel engine available in a dual cab in Australia and delivers a massive 170kWs of power and a huge 550Nm of torque. This sets the Navara apart from its competitors and is probably why Nissan holds the lion’s share of the light commercial vehicle market in the country.

4. Subaru Forester

The Forester continues to come up trumps in 2014. The AWD continues to be Subaru’s top selling vehicle and the third best-selling mid-size SUV in Australia. On offer this year are three diesel models (all manual transmission) ranging from $35,490 up to $43,990.

5. Jeep Cherokee

Making its entry back into the Australian market this year is the Cherokee, Jeep’s all new mid-size SUV. Now part of the Fiat Group, the 2014 Cherokee is built on an Italian family-car chassis with the aim of blending off-road capability with comfort, space for the family and economy. There will be four models: sport front-wheel drive, longitude AWD, limited AWD and Trailhawk AWD. Set to launch in May, the Cherokee will be priced between $31,000 to $55,000.

This year, car manufacturers continue to produce and release a range of quality vehicles in the hotly contested Australian SUV market. This offers greater choices and with many companies lowering their prices across their models, now is the time to grab yourself a deal. Just be sure to look after your new baby and get it regularly serviced and maintained by a mechanic who specialises in diesel vehicles.