Rock-crushing Russian 4x4 truck camper coming

A fully compliant local version of Russia's toughest 4x4 light truck has just hit the Australian market, with overland touring and motorhome versions expected to be rolled out in the future by local importer AAV 4x4.

Best known for its Isuzu and Fuso-based Gladiator and Explorer off-road motorhome, the Breendale, Queensland based business has taken two years to bring the hardcore Russian pick-up to Aussie shores, which it sees as a serious alternative to a Mercedes-Benz Unimog or Iveco Daily 4x4 cab-chassis.

Most European off-road truck-based expedition vehicles in Australia are derived from Isuzu, Iveco, Unimog and MAN platforms, but AAV 4x4's Brett Bolton is hoping to offer a full motorhome version of the Gaz Trackmaster within two years, similar to its Fuso Canter 4x4-based Global Explorer.

"(The motorhome) will probably be built on the long wheelbase version, because the dual-cab and single-cab actually have the same tray, so the dual-cab is just that 800mm longer, so it means we can build a motorhome on the dual-cab chassis but using the single-cab," Bolton explained.

He said the three-seat, single cab-chassis version officially released this month should appeal to the "week-end warriors, and tradies looking for something a bit bigger... and a bit different (to other workhorse utes), as well as offering a higher carrying capacity".

Based on the 'military grade' Russian-built Gaz Sadko Next 4x4 light truck, the AAV 4x4 Gaz Trackmaster arrives from the factory ready for hardcore off-roading with a gutsy 109kW/490Nm, 4.4-litre, four-cylinder intercooled turbo-diesel engine and five-speed manual transmission, part-time pneumatic transfer case, front and rear diff locks, parabolic front suspension, four-wheel air brakes with ABS, 42in tyres, front and rear recovery points, a central tyre inflation system, rust-proof chassis, and a 60 degree approach angle, 315mm road clearance and 1.2m fording depth.

Australian-spec Trackmaster versions will also come with a snorkel and twin 90L fuel tanks, LED lights, suspension seating, optional front and rear 12V winches, a diesel pre-filter, plus front and rear steps and an integrated ladder to access the rear tray.

AAV recently finalised full Australian compliance for the 6.54m long single-cab version, with a longer wheelbase, 7.29m long. six-seat dual-cab version expected to be ready for Australian roads in early-2022.

Pricing for the AAV 4x4 Gaz Trackmaster starts at $89,990 plus on-road costs for the single-cab, with dual-cabs expected to start at around $97,000.

AAV 4x4 is also in the final stages of being able to offer an Allison six-speed automatic transmission upgrade, which will add around $21,000 to the price but make it easier to drive and more appealing to a wider range of buyers.

While not quite at the Unimog's level, Bolton sees the Gaz Trakmaster as a genuine, off-the-shelf hardcore 4x4 truck alternative to the other European and Japanese models.

"It's probably not quite at the Unimog level; the Unimog has portals and a lot more technology behind it as well," he explained.

"I guess it's an older style Unimog if you go back to the 416 days; that style of vehicle, or certainly a more capable Fuso or Isuzu."

The single-cab offers a range of driver comforts including an infotainment screen with smart phone mirrors, adjustable steering, heated seats, and plenty of in-cabin storage areas include a Vodka bottle-sized slot in the dash.

Fitted with exhaust braking and with a kerb weight of around 3600kg and GVM of 7450kg, the Gaz Trackmster is rated to tow up to 3500kg,

For full specs head to the AAV 4x4 website, or check out the 'first drive' video below...

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