Ron Moon (4x4 Australia) reports on his long term turbo Jackaroo that in its first three weeks with us clocked up 12 000 kms.
This is a blistering good Jackaroo. In fact, the new diesel isn't just good, it is bloody outstanding.
We literally drove this vehicle away from the press launch, fitted it with a range of TJM equipment and sent it on its way across to Perth where it joined the TJM Across Australia Expedition.In the following two weeks we clocked up over 9000 km as we sped north to the Kimberley and then down to Alice and The Rock, across the Simpson, down to Innamincka and east to Byron Bay before finishing at the 4wd show in Brisbane. It was driven by the film crew the whole time, racing up to the front so they could set up a shot as the convoy of starring vehicles could drive past, and then, once down the back, race to get in front again.
To say it was given a hard time is a gross understatement. Never once did it falter and once back in Brisbane it was given a good tub and clean and is now cruising the blacktop and dirt roads between home and the office. If anything, it is going better than ever!
So what makes this Jackaroo so good?
Well, this latest version of the tough Holden has lost none of its toughness or capability. The discerning Isuzu owner may even pick up the subtle changes on the outside or in the interior but where the vehicle is really different is under the bonnet. all new 3 -litre engine with turbo, intercooler, electronic injection control and high pressure rack is not only one of the most advanced diesel engines around, it is also one of the cleanest and definitely one of the most impressive performers.Maximum power output is rated at 118 kW at 3900 revs, while peak torque of 333 Nm is reached at just 2200 rpm.
There is not one diesel four wheel drive in our market that even comes close to those figures - even many aftermarket turbo installations on the big six engines don't offer this performance, and when you combine that with the relative light weight of the Jackaroo, you have a very good performing machine.
As I said, this vehicle was driven hard all the time, and as it was fitted with a roof rack and fully loaded, the fuel economy figures we got on the crossing of Australia would be, we'd suggest, as bad as they would get. On the blacktop we averaged around 14-151/100 km (18.5 - 20 mpg), while in the sands of the Simpson we averaged 18.31/100 km (15.3 mpg). We'll give you a better idea of average city type running, and we'll do our standard economy run as well, and let you know how this mighty Jackaroo fairs in our next report.
Our Jackaroo is the base model coming in at $43 340 but with vinyl flooring, no central locking or power windows, many people will opt to spend the extra $3650 to pick up the SE which comes with all that and more. Since it has been back at the office a number of people have driven our turbo 'Roo - not one has been disappointed. All we can say is, if you have an inkling to buy a new 4wd, take a look at this one.
Reprinted with kind permission from 4X4 AUSTRALIA Magazine October 1998