BRP enters side-by-side market with Can-Am Commander

Bombardier Recreational Products introduces the Can-Am Commander™side-by-side models to their Can-Am offroad vehicle line-up available in New Zealand.

The Can-Am brand is becoming increasingly well-known in New Zealand through BRP’s existing all-terrain vehicle – ATV or quad bike – range of Outlander utility/recreational and Renegade sport/racing models.

The Commander represents a new business segment for BRP, says the privately-owned company’s president and chief executive officer José Boisjoli.

“BRP continues to set the pace in product innovations,” says Boisjoli. “Capitalising on the Can-Am brand growth momentum, we are entering in a new business segment with the Commander, which completes our product offering for on and offroad customers.”

Like the Can-Am ATVs, the new Commander offers riders both functional and performance-oriented features, and brings a new level of power, handling and user-focused features to the industry.

BRP New Zealand manager Richard Shaw says: “Whether for utility or sport use, the new Can-Am Commander is taking the side-by-side market to a place it's never been before. A Commander can be a practical workhorse one day and a fun, recreational vehicle the next.

“The Commander offers the freedom of covering a vast range of terrains just like a Can-Am ATV, but many people will prefer the comfort and security of sitting inside a vehicle. It’s like a highly nimble 4WD vehicle built for two, with the practicality of an all-new design, dual-level cargo box and many other features,” says Shaw.

An industry first, the dual-level cargo box is extremely functional with its high-strength, anti-rust and anti-dent composite construction. Two levels are separated by a removable, water-resistant panel, offering the opportunity for an upper and a lower bed with an independent tailgate. The upper bed carrying capacity is 181kg, the lower 91kg, and combined 272 kg, meaning the Commander has the largest load capacity in the market. The tilt-assist dump-box can be easily activated from either side of the vehicle. Both upper and lower tailgates are easily removable (no tools needed). Tie-down hooks and preformed vertical grooves for plywood dividers all add to the cargo-box’s versatility. A lock is an optional extra for the lower level cargo box.

“It has 28cm of ground clearance and all three models are capable of towing 680kg, making the Commander a versatile workhorse when needed. It runs on 91 octane fuel and is backed by BRP’s three-year warranty.”

Commander models feature industry-leading power and fuel mileage – for example, the Commander 1000X is 39 per cent more fuel efficient than its class competitor.

Commanders have pinpoint handling and an ergonomically-advanced interior, as well as numerous practical features like the dual-level, lockable cargo box and fantastic towing abilities.

Three models are available in New Zealand: the Commander 800R, the Commander 1000X and the Commander 1000XT. The two engine options are a 52kW Rotax 800cc V-Twin EFI engine and a 63kW Rotax 1000cc V-Twin EFI engine.

State-of-the art throttle-by-wire technology is provided through the Commander’s ‘Intelligent Throttle Control’ (iTC™) system. Every Commander has a 2-inch diameter high-strength steel rollover protection system (ROPS-approved), the largest fuel capacity in the industry (38 litres), and the roomiest cockpit storage of any other side-by-side vehicle. All models also feature double A-arm front suspension with dive-control geometry, designed to eliminate diving under heavy braking and while negotiating rough terrain. At the rear, the torsional trailing arm independent (TTI) rear suspension is inspired by offroad racing trucks and designed to provide excellent control in rough terrain. Plus TTI has up to 75 per cent fewer parts than competitive designs and should reduce tyre wear significantly.

The driver’s position is left-hand-drive and features adjustable seat position and tilt steering. Seatbelts and quick-attach side nets add to driver and passenger safety.

BRP recommends that both the driver and passenger of a Commander wear an approved safety helmet. While you do not need a car or motorcycle licence to drive a Commander, as it cannot be registered for on-road use, BRP recommends 16 years of age as the minimum, the same as is recommended for adult size quad bikes.

Shaw also notes: “The 1000XT model also sports a 1,814kg winch with roller fairlead, wired remote control and integrated remote storage, and is available in yellow or camouflage colour options. The yellow and black 1000X model takes the sporty route with the addition of HPG Fox Racing Shox front and rear.”

The recommended retail of the Commander 800R is $23,332. The 1000cc Commander models start at $28,505 for the XT and $29,343 for the X. New Zealand Can-Am dealers, for sales and service, can be located via the Australia/New Zealand pages on www.brp.com.

Backing up the feature-rich Commander models is a comprehensive line-up of accessories for customers who wish to tailor their ride to their own specific requirements. The accessories have been developed simultaneously with the new vehicles and offer total integration in form and function.

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately-held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and sport boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, direct injection technologies such as E-TEC, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines and karts. BRP products are distributed in more than 90 countries.