A STYLISH-looking Can-Am Commander side by side vehicle (SxS) is the latest addition to BRP Australia’s burgeoning off-road line-up.
Dubbed a Limited Edition variant, its sporty looks are enhanced with more features than most cars and lend weight to its claim of being the most luxurious SxS available in the country.
I managed a sneek peak of the vehicle when it debuted in Montreal, Canada, ahead of its official unveiling in Australia late last year.
In the year or so since the first Commander rolled off its Mexican production line, the company maintains the product is "still very much in its infancy, still getting going" with the safety aspect appealing to farmers who like the full roll cage it offers.
The new Limited badged version looks to be fulfilling that commitment.
National sales manager BRP Australia, Rohan Slater, said the latest Commanders were aimed at creating “a premium experience” for those users who wanted “everything that was available” on their SxS.
“It comes with alloy wheels, GPS, iPod-integration, rear cargo net and a full sound system with four speakers – two in the front, two in the rear,” he said.
Add in a five megapixel camera, USB port, two-piece hard roof, half-sized front windscreen, also a rear windscreen and of course a reassuringly large diameter ROPs-approved roll cage.
“It’s all about appealing to those people who are passionate about these vehicles,” Rohan said.
Important safety features centre on the fact the vehicle will only manage 10kph – unless the driver has his seat belt on.
Also, there are multiple keys including a performance version which allows the vehicle to operate to its maximum capacity, as well as a ‘middle’ key that allows for 80 percent overall engine output and a ‘work’ key which limits the vehicle to about 40kph.
Another point of interest is the Limited’s Air Control Suspension system that permits individual adjustment of tyre pressures to suit user preference in a range of conditions.
Unfortunately, on the day set aside for a test ride, it was only possible to complete a lap or two of a less than demanding course to gain a feel for the raft of technology accomodated on Can-Am’s steely-blue coloured Limited newcomer.
What is quickly apparent, however, is the useful amount of ‘grunt’ associated with the company’s Rotax V twin engine which pumps out a healthy 976cc.
From a practical stand point I liked the look of the 4000lb front-mounted winch, also the dual-level rear cargo container which gives a degree of flexibility when configured to the load that has been ear-marked for transportation.
A Can-Am spokesman, speaking up on the banks of the St Lawrence Seaway, where a number of Limiteds were on hand to gain a brief driving experience, made the point the new SxS was better-suited to being outside your shed, rather than inside it.
I found it hard to disagree.
Footnote: Graham Fuller was a guest of BRP at its Can-Am SxS launch in Montreal, Canada.
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