Enhanced Hilux hits the spot
The war for supremacy in the ute market is still being waged by market leaders Toyota and Ford, with the Hilux and Ranger.
Now entering its 21st year since the launch in 1995, the Toyota RAV 4 has graced the yards or driveways of 28,500 buyers and retains its dominant stake in the competitive SUV market.
Eight times since 2001 it has taken top the spot, including the last four years. To commemorate the milestone Toyota is launching a special Edition 21, limited to 100 units, and sure to be snapped up quickly.
Based on the 2L GXL 2WD variant, and offered in Blue Gem, Ink or Glacier White exterior colours, all have silver accents on the front and rear bumpers, door mirrors and wheel arches. Further detail is lower door mouldings offset by a black back door garnish, also used on the lower section of the rear bumper.
Dual five spoke, 18 inch alloys combine with exclusive Edition 21 badging, a genuine nudge bar and complementary black headlining and pillar trims on the interior.
Now in its fourth generation since the 1995 launch, the gutsy little performer shows no signs of lying down, and brings the latest technology to an army of shrewd buyers. That technology includes Toyota Safety Sense, lane departure alert with steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control and automated high beam control.
The package also includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and hill start control, seven airbags, and a rear camera combined with front and rear and parking sensors, which all combine with the solid construction to achieve a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.