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Vehicle Tests > Overlander 4WD of the Year
Overlander 4WD of the Year
The five criteria are -
Value for Money
This is simply what you get for your money with consideration given to the fact that what may be expensive to some is affordable to others It really is how much vehicle you are getting for the money.
Soundness of Engineering
A measure of how well is the vehicle engineered. How well does the engine and transmission work; how much fuel does it use; how well does the vehicle ride and handle in all conditions; how good is the dust sealing; the air-con; the interior; does the vehicle appear to be 'bolted' together properly; even simple things like the quality of the tie-down hooks in the luggage area are taken into account.
Fulfilment of Intended Function
All vehicles, even different 4WDs, are designed to do different things. This is a measure of how well a particular vehicle fulfils its design brief. Obviously a 4WD ute is designed to do a very different job than a luxury soft-roader.
Progressiveness of Design
This is a measure of design/technical advancement and covers every aspect of the vehicle: engine, driveline, chassis, suspension, body, interior, etc. A particular design element doesn't have to be new that year to be significant. A particular manufacturer may have introduced a new feature several years back, but that feature may still be right up at the pointy end of design.
read on below advertisement
The Overlander Factor
This factor represent the 'bush practicality' of the vehicle: genuine 4WD ability; design robustness (underbody protection etc); touring range; load space/carrying capacity; tyre practicality/alternate tyre choices; and the potential to fit factory and after-market accessories to enhance bush practicality.
Overlander 4WD would like to thank all the judges for their time and input to the 4WD of the Year test. Particular thanks to Vic Widman for the use of his driver training facility and his assistance in planning the drive route, Norm Needham for the hospitality at his home and the use of his vehicle hoist, Glenn Torrens for catering the test, and John Denman and Ian Glover for the superb camp oven roast we enjoyed on the Bridle Track.
Value for Money
This is simply what you get for your money with consideration given to the fact that what may be expensive to some is affordable to others It really is how much vehicle you are getting for the money.
Soundness of Engineering
A measure of how well is the vehicle engineered. How well does the engine and transmission work; how much fuel does it use; how well does the vehicle ride and handle in all conditions; how good is the dust sealing; the air-con; the interior; does the vehicle appear to be 'bolted' together properly; even simple things like the quality of the tie-down hooks in the luggage area are taken into account.
Fulfilment of Intended Function
All vehicles, even different 4WDs, are designed to do different things. This is a measure of how well a particular vehicle fulfils its design brief. Obviously a 4WD ute is designed to do a very different job than a luxury soft-roader.
Progressiveness of Design
This is a measure of design/technical advancement and covers every aspect of the vehicle: engine, driveline, chassis, suspension, body, interior, etc. A particular design element doesn't have to be new that year to be significant. A particular manufacturer may have introduced a new feature several years back, but that feature may still be right up at the pointy end of design.
read on below advertisement
The Overlander Factor
This factor represent the 'bush practicality' of the vehicle: genuine 4WD ability; design robustness (underbody protection etc); touring range; load space/carrying capacity; tyre practicality/alternate tyre choices; and the potential to fit factory and after-market accessories to enhance bush practicality.
Overlander 4WD would like to thank all the judges for their time and input to the 4WD of the Year test. Particular thanks to Vic Widman for the use of his driver training facility and his assistance in planning the drive route, Norm Needham for the hospitality at his home and the use of his vehicle hoist, Glenn Torrens for catering the test, and John Denman and Ian Glover for the superb camp oven roast we enjoyed on the Bridle Track.
