APPROACHING a daunting slope of logs embedded across a hillside, my confidence at nudging the latest ATV out of the Polaris stable down the sharp decline fast began to evaporate.
It is one thing to be re-assured at a media evaluation day of the tractive qualities of its new XP machine, quite another to rely on its innovative technology to shepherd me down the sort of track most hill farmers probably wouldn't blink at.
At the Werribee 4X4 Proving Ground, on the outskirts of Melbourne, where I was astride a brand new XP machine, I remained calm enough to recall the technical briefing which had highlighted its engine-braking attributes, also its Active Descent Control system.
So, inching the thumb throttle forward, I was relieved but not surprised the XP850 dutifully ensured an incident-free return to a more comfortable riding position on-the-flat.
While today's ATVs look broadly similar to their forebears, there’s been a raft of technology upgrades within the latest models, hence the invitation to trial a range of products, including the 'Extreme Performance' (XP) machines, from the burgeoning Polaris catalogue.
Chatting with national sales manager Nick Kitchen, I was surprised to hear that 1000cc capacity ATVs probably are around the corner.
More immediately, however, the new XP850 (denoting 850cc capacity and translating to about 70hp) looks to have more than enough grunt for day-to-day farm work, ably supported by its smaller brother, the XP550 (with a power rating of 550cc, or about 40hp).
Polaris is one of the top five ATV suppliers in Australia, currently weighing in at the number three position, underscoring the point its tried and tested 2WD Hawkeye 300 model already lays claim to being this country’s top-selling unit.
"Our success is being driven by three important criteria, namely ride quality, plus towing and carrying capacity," Mr Kitchen said.
When it comes to ride quality, I have to confess I thought first-generation ATVs were drawing a long bow in this respect, with a good chance a filling or two would be shaken free after time spent in the saddle.
Step forward the XP's dual A-Arm front suspension, also Polaris's independent rear suspension, to fully appreciate how rolling research and development programmes can genuinely enhance product performance over the years.
But it's the remarkable advent of power steering on these modern-day farm workhorses that really set them apart from earlier models.
Essentially, technology of this sort looks to be a vital factor in minimising fatigue after a day in the paddock.
Incidentally, while standard on the XP850, this facility is a desirable option on the XP550.
In the towing department, Polaris believes its 680kg towing capacity is unrivalled and has special appeal when hauling, for example, a box trailer and spray tanks which now can be in the order of 400L.
Similarly, the company is confident its 165kp rack carrying capacity, split 55kg on the front, 110kg on the rear, only serve to broaden its appeal in both farming and lifestyle sectors.
Refreshingly, once astride the new XP850, the somewhat splayed horse-riding stance is no longer with both feet and knees now positioned closer together due to a skinnier format – influenced, no doubt, by a decision to cleverly turn the engine sideways.
The continuously variable automatic transmission and its 8,000km belt warranty is another stand-out feature and a further indicator of the leaps and bounds currently being made in the cut-throat business of winning ATV sales.
Polaris has a swag of attachments, as evidenced by accessing its website. The top three include a tow hook, also its front brush guard assembly (often sought out by livestock producers), also canvass seat covers to minimise dirt and damage associated with working dogs.
At the end of the day, there’s no substitute for evaluating a state-of-the-art ATV than donning a helmet, gloves and goggles to make your own assessment.
"The proof of the pudding is in the eating," Mr Kitchen said.
Certainly, I came a way with a reinvigorated taste for the strides being made in ATV technology.
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