Many off-road enthusiasts often dream of being able
to buy military vehicles to satisfy their needs of conquering the most
demanding terrains, with the HUMVEEE, which eventually launched a series of
civilian versions, being the most notable example so far.
The trouble is the general public can get their
hands on such vehicles only when the armed forced organize surplus sales and,
even then, the vehicles put up for sale are not latest-generation models. There
is at least one exception, though: the Tomcar TX4 side-by-side vehicle which is
now available for civilian use.
Built by a company founded in 1991 to serve the
needs of the Israeli Special Forces, the TX4 is a rugged vehicle designed to
operate in the world’s toughest conditions. Designed as a reconnaissance
vehicle, the TX4 is a good-for-all rig that can transport four people and haul
a 1,134 kg payload in the most arduous of terrains. As Tomcar’s
first-ever consumer model, it has received some modifications for civilian
duty, targeting off-road and outdoors enthusiasts, ranchers, and more.
While it offers the same military-grade technology
as Tomcar’s other UTVs, the TX4 is more comfortable and better-suited for use
in vacation homes, ranches, beach houses, and areas with a lot of property to
explore.
A cross between a military-spec ATV, utility
vehicle, and pickup truck, the TX4 features a fully welded armored cocoon with
integrated frame and roll cage that comes with a lifetime warranty. Power is
delivered by a rear-mounted 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that
produces 107 HP and 108 Nm of torque. That’s not much, but then
again, the 1,202 kg curb weight should ensure that performance is
at least decent.
Hooked to a sealed CVT, the engine drives all four
wheels via an all-wheel drive system that uses a specially designed
triple-chain transfer case as well as selectable front and rear pneumatic
locking differentials. The UTV features a four-wheel independent suspension
with adjustable coil over shocks, achieving a 432 mm of ground
clearance and 355 mm of wheel travel. Depending on vehicle
configuration, tow ratings range up to 2,449 kg.
As you would expect from a military-grade vehicle,
things are rather austere inside. Still, the TX4 offers “luxuries” such as
electronically assisted power steering, automotive-grade materials, cushioned
PRB bucket seats with four-point safety harnesses, a fully functional HVAC
system, as well as easy-to-navigate dashboard and controls.
The TX4 starts at US$ 36,500, but Tomcar will add a
more expensive and upscale trim level with enclosed cab and additional
amenities in early 2020.
