JCB is launching a new 4×4 to add to its WORKMAX brand of utility vehicles.

The new model – the JCB Workmax 800 D – offers 600kg (1323lb) maximum payload, is powered by a 784cc Yanmar diesel engine coupled to a two-speed CVT with Kevlar belt and features 4×4 drive plus selectable electronic diff lock. The steel-construction tipping cargo deck will take 400kg.

Underneath there’s a steel plate guard for major transmission components. To protect the engine during wading the air intake is mounted as high as possible, waist-high inside the front stowage compartment.

Many accessories will be available, such as sealed cab with stable doors, soft door or hard door options and hydraulic lift.

The all-new Ford Ranger will be on show at the Ford stand at the NEC, Birmingham, after debuting at Geneva, during the Commercial Vehicle Show in April. The new pick-up features Adaptive Load Control, Trailer Sway Control, Voice Control and the segment’s first rear-view camera system.

On sale around November this year and available in three different cab body styles, there are two ride heights and four series choices. With an all-new chassis frame, front and rear suspension and steering system, towing capability is now 3300kg, up 300kg on the current model.

There’s a choice of two new common rail Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels and new six-speed, automatic and manual transmissions: A new Dagenham-built 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I4 diesel engine with peak torque of 277lb ft and power output of 148bhp and 3.2-litre, or Ford Duratorq TDCi I5 diesel engine with 347lb ft of torque and power at 197bhp. Pricing will be announced nearer to launch.

The first Saab 9-4X crossover to be commercially produced has now rolled off the assembly line at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

Regular production began just three months after the 9-4X was unveiled last November at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The first vehicle, an Ice Pearl metallic Aero model with a 2.8V6 turbo engine, is bound for a media test drive event in the United States before being shipped to Sweden for display at the Saab car museum.

Featuring Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system and adaptive chassis control, the 9-4X goes on sale in the US in May, UK sales start late 2011 and Europe and other world markets are scheduled to begin from August.

Pricing for the new Volkswagen Amarok pick-up, available in three trim levels, starts at £16,995 for the Startline model; £18,995 for the Trendline, while the range-topping Highline will cost from £21,575.

The four-wheel-drive double-cab is available with the choice of two diesel engines, the 2.0-litre BiTDI 161bhp engine or 120bhp 2.0-litre TDI.

Standard equipment on the Startline model includes 16in alloys, 4MOTION selectable four-wheel drive with low range, ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) incorporating Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Stability Control and off-road ABS.

Trendline includes cruise control, multifunction computer and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob. On the outside there are front fog lights and 17in ‘Aldo’ alloys.

The terrible situation in Libya and the Middle East in general has had an effect on the off-road adventure travel business.

As you can see from our International Calendar there are many trips organised to Morocco, and they are still going ahead at the time of going to press.

Trip that have been cancelled, however, include Atlas Overland’s Tunisian tours, due to take place this year.

Peter Girling of Atlas Overland commented: “Tunisia appears to have settled down, however we understand customers’ reluctance to book holidays to that destination at present so we have organised additional Morocco tours instead.

There were plenty of shocks and the hard ‘cell’ at Europe’s most significant auto expo, as electric and fuel cell technology came to the fore; but unlike last year, there was also a proud showing of 4x4s
Words & photos: Phil Weeden

On the way home the other day, I gassed up the company Discovery Td5 at a cost of £110. At the weekend, I then jumped on a train to Newcastle, the ticket for which cost £88 return. So the £73 I paid for the return flight to Geneva seems like a bargain by comparison. And for that you get to the Swiss city and back in one day; and once at the airport you’re just a five-minute walk to Palexpo, where the 81st Geneva Motor Show was staged from the beginning of March. It’s the most important show to the European car industry and everyone pulls out the stops to show their company is on the up.