‘American-made Polaris off-road vehicles have long been acknowledged as benchmarks for innovation among premium brands where its reputation for off-road prowess and durability far surpasses expectations.’
Smith Power Equipment recently unveiled Polaris’ latest off-road utility vehicles, the new generation Polaris 1000 Premium, a UTV that can do just about anything, packaged in a suave and powerful guise. This top-tier off-road machine combines robust power with advanced features and is tailored for a variety of demanding applications where it excels in transportation in farming, game management and hunting or pure off-road fun and adventure far off the beaten tracks.
As the local distributor Smith Power Equipment is carefully aiming the UTV at the premium end of the market where work capability outweighs the initial price tag consideration and rather focuses on the long-term cost of ownership, in a powerful, ergonomically masterful and durable package.
National Sales Manager for off-road vehicles, Craig Tutton, says the Polaris 1000 Premium is engineered to handle the toughest terrains while offering the comfort and reliability needed for professional use. At its heart, is the newly upgraded ProStar 1000 Gen-2 engine. This 999cc, electronic fuel injection (EFI) engine delivers a solid 62hp of power, focusing on delivering torque at lower RPMs, ensuring the vehicle has more than enough to conquer steep inclines and to navigate through dense bushveld, dunes or traverse expansive farmland. The engine’s design focuses on reliability and longevity, with a reinforced driveline and enhanced cooling systems that prevent overheating, even under heavy loads.
The UTV’s transmission features lower gear ratios, providing more torque at lower speeds, which is crucial for tasks requiring power, such tough African terrains with a load on the back or towing heavy loads in tight spaces. The differentials are equipped with Polaris’ fast-engaging on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which is designed to effortlessly change between drive modes on the fly and further enhance traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.
For the kind of work it is expected to perform the Polaris 1000 Premium packs a lot into a compact package. Dimensionally it offers a balance between stability and manoeuvrability. With an overall length of 3050mm and a width of 1580mm, it is compact enough to navigate narrow paths yet large enough to provide a spacious interior for the driver and passengers. The vehicle has a wheelbase of 2060 mm, contributing to its stability on uneven terrain.
One of the standout features of this UTV is its ground clearance, which is a substantial 318 mm. This high ground clearance allows the vehicle to easily clear obstacles and makes it ideal for off-road adventures and utility work in rugged environments. This type of off-road prowess is unparalleled. It is equipped with dual A-arm 10 in. Front suspension and Dual A-arm, IRS 10 in Rear Suspension, which offers 254mm travel to ensure a smooth ride rather than a kick-in-the-butt experience as experienced by lesser machines. The vehicle’s chassis has been strengthened with larger diameter tubing, resulting in a stiffer frame that reduces flex, enhancing both the durability and handling of the UTV.
The rims are shod in 26-inch PXT 2,0 – 6 ply tyres that are designed to provide exceptional grip in a variety of local conditions, from mud to sand and rocky outcrops. They are paired with full-length skid plates and a steel front bumper for protection against potential damage from rocks and other obstacles.
In addition to its off-road capabilities, the Polaris 1000 Premium is highly versatile, making it an indispensable tool for various professional tasks. In farming, it can be used to transport tools, supplies or feeds wherever they are needed. It has an impressive cargo capacity and is able to carry about half a ton with ease. This can be extended with a towing capacity of up to 1,134 kg which makes it suitable for towing trailers or other equipment around the farm.
For game management and hunting, the Polaris 1000 Premium comes in Polaris Pursuit Camouflage and provides the perfect combination of stealth, power and agility. Its quiet engine operation ensures minimal disturbance to wildlife, while the AWD system allows it to traverse dense bushveld conditions and rough terrain with ease. The vehicle’s spacious interior and multiple storage compartments also offer ample space for gear and harvested game.
It is further set apart by several other high-end features including the interior design for comfort and featuring automotive-quality fit and finish, including a redesigned dashboard with centred controls and backlit switches for ease of use during night operations. The vehicle also includes safety belts and full net doors for both comfort and protecting occupants from cuts and bruises while also preventing splashes and debris from entering the cab.
Whether you are managing a farm, hunting in remote areas or seeking adventure, this UTV offers the power, durability and premium features needed to tackle any challenge. It is also undeniably made for those who demand the best in performance, comfort and utility.
For more detailed specifications and additional information, you can visit the official Polaris website, www.polarissa.co.za or check with local dealers in your area to explore the various customisation options available for the 1000 Premium.
Issued on behalf of Smith Power Equipment, Calista Maas by Media Savvy Communications, Raymond Campling
