In the world of off-roading, there are vehicles that do it purely for utility, and then there are machines made for the pure thrill of the ride.
Kawasaki Teryx KRX4 1000 belongs to the second category. Recently launched in India at an absurd sum of Rs. 52.90 lakh (ex-showroom), it is a four-seater high-performance off-road vehicle that makes any 4×4 seem like a frail piece of machinery. Built to tackle almost any terrain imaginable, the KRX4 is the closest you can get to experiencing the speed, power, and aggression of a racecar on the dirt.
The Heart of the Beast: 999cc Parallel-twin Engine
The KRX4’s beating heart is a 999cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke parallel-twin engine sourced from Kawasaki’s Ninja 1000 and Z1000 sportbikes. This is not a water-cooled torque-y tractor engine, but rather something akin to a high-revving literbike. As such, it offers a healthy dose of power for a machine that weighs significantly lesser than your average car.
Power: 110 HP @ 8,300 rpm
Torque: 102 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
Transmission: Automatic CVT with Centrifugal clutch (High/Low/Neutral/Reverse)
Drive: Selectable 2WD / 4WD with Front Differential Lock
Suspension: Fox 2.5 Podium Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks with piggyback reservoirs
The power is delivered via a continuously variable automatic transmission. There’s nothing slow or ponderous about the KRX4’s acceleration, as the 110 HP is needed to propel this relatively light utility vehicle. The power delivery is sharp, and the rev-happy engine reaches its redline with a surprising eagerness. The engine’s broad powerband is utilized to maximum effect by the CVT gearbox which is specially tuned for performance. In short, this is a fast machine, and it knows it.
Built for the Air: Chassis and Suspension
The “KRX” in the name stands for Kawasaki Racing Experience. As such, the KRX4 is more focused on high-speed desert driving and technical racing, rather than being a utility vehicle. Unlike other utility task vehicles, the KRX4 utilizes long-travel suspension systems to keep the vehicle planted at high speeds.
Wheel travel: 17.7 inches (front) / 18.1 inches (rear)
Suspension: Fox 2.5 Podium Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks with piggyback reservoirs
The KRX4’s suspension travel is significantly larger than what you would find on a regular UTV. In terms of suspension, it is closer to a trophy truck, but with more travel. The large travel figures help the vehicle to absorb the harsh impacts of the trail without compromising the vehicle’s stability. The suspension is not a standard coil-over setup, but rather uses Fox’s unique Live Valve Internal By-pass technology. This allows the shock absorbers to change their damping characteristics depending on the movement of the piston. In effect, they offer a suppler feel on smaller bumps, while still being able to handle large obstacles with ease.
The frame is a high-tensile steel tubular space frame that provides a good balance of rigidity and weight. The high-strength steel is utilized on the vehicle’s underbody in the form of impact-absorbing skid plates. The KRX4 features two rows of seating with driver and front passenger riding in low bucket seats with high bolstering and integral headrests. The seating position is very similar to what you would find in a race car, with occupants being positioned low and close to the action. The seats are 4-point harnesses (seatbelts).
Four-Seater Comfort: Interior and Practicality
As mentioned in the name, the KRX4 1000 is a four-seated vehicle. The two rear seats offer a degree of comfort and legroom that is sorely missing in other similar machines. The seats are lower and more upright compared to the front seats, but still possess generous bolstering and headroom. The rear seat occupants also benefit from a storage space located at the back of the front seats that can accommodate small items like helmets or work tools. The space behind the rear seats is also useful and can double as a storage compartment.
Additional practicality features include:
– Tilt steering for the driver
– Ample legroom for rear seats
– Storage space behind the rear seats
– Doors and a roof for protection
Technology and Control: Driving Modes and Displays
The KRX4 1000 is a thoroughly modern machine that utilizes a set of technologies to help the driver manage the beast.
Drive Modes:
The drive mode selector is located on the dash convenience panel and toggles between Sport, Eco, and Rain.
Sport: Maximizes power delivery and sharpenes throttle response
Eco: Maximizes fuel economy and overall driveability
Rain: Limits power delivery for slippery conditions
Drivetrain Modes:
The vehicle possesses a set of electronic on-the-fly selectable modes that can be accessed by the driver at the center console. The mode selector switch lets you choose between 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD with Front Differential Lock.
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EPS: Electric Power Steering
The electronically assisted power steering reduces the effort needed to steer the vehicle at low speeds (e.g., tight technical trails), and lightens up at higher speeds for more stability. It also minimizes the effect of torque steer (steering wheel kickback) when driving over large obstacles.
Instrumentation:
The driver has access to a multi-purpose information display. The display is a digital LCD screen that offers information on speed, RPM, fuel, drive mode, and 4WD status. Higher trim levels (eS) get an upgraded TFT color display that lets you connect the vehicle to your smartphone, as well as offering GPS navigation.
Tyres: Traction on Demand
The KRX4 1000 utilizes 15-inch beadlock-style alloy wheels. The wheels are wrapped in Maxxis Carnivore tires that are 8-ply, radial construction. On the Lifted edition, the wheels are 35-inches in diameter. The Maxxis Carnivore is a very capable tire that is suited for sand, mud, rocks, and even gravel-surfaced trails.
Safety
Safety equipment is paramount on a high-performance dirt bike, and the KRX4 1000 has plenty of it.
ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure): The KRX4 1000 utilizes a reinforced steel structure to protect the occupants in case of an accident.
4-Point Harnesses: The driver and front-seat passenger have a 4-point harness to keep them secure in their seats.
Doors: The doors are a necessity since they prevent limbs from dangling out of the vehicle.
Netted Windows: The netted windows allow for proper airflow without risking personal safety.
Pricing and Variants in India
In India, Kawasaki has launched the Teryx KRX4 1000 with a starting price of Rs. 52.90 Lakh (ex-showroom). KRX4 1000 variants on offer in India are as follows:
KRX4 1000: Standard variant with FOX suspension and digital dash
KRX4 1000eS: Upgraded variant with Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension and TFT dash
KRX4 1000SE (Special Edition): Comes with a WARN VRX 45 winch, KQR Sport Roof, and special graphics
Is the KRX4 1000 Right for You?
The Kawasaki Teryx KRX4 1000 is not for the average buyer. Due to its size and performance, it is ill-suited for city driving. It is also far too noisy and powerful for the typical buyer. However, for the off-road enthusiast, the KRX4 is the ultimate vehicle. It is one of the most capable four-seater utility vehicles out there. Its combination of high power, long-travel suspension, and practicality makes it one of the best options on the market. Especially for those that want to explore beyond the limits of the road, the KRX4 is a worthy investment.
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