HONDA has made inroads to the quad market with the launch of its first Multipurpose Utility Vehicle.

Called Big Red, the Honda MUV joins a host of other quad-bike manufacturers to have a side-by-side - a quad vehicle capable of seating two passengers next to each other - in its line-up.

Featuring a 657cc overhead valve, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine with a single cylinder and four-valve cylinder head, the MUV provides plenty of torque throughout its rev range.

Big Red also has a three-speed automatic transmission with a hydraulic torque converter, which makes shifting gears smooth.

In the engine, a liquid-cooled oil cooler helps heat dispersion. Further cooling benefits can be found in the radiator, which is mounted high behind the front grille where it is less likely to be fouled by mud and debris.

In the cabin, there are rubber-mounted seats for extra shock absorption.

Honda's four-pillar Occupant Protection Structure provides safety for the driver and passenger and there's even a waterproof 12-volt accessory socket between the bucket seats.

Other creature comforts include a glove box and dash storage area, while the battery and final drive shaft are maintenance-free.

Access to the engine oil-filter and dipstick is under the driver's seat, which detaches quickly and easily.

The tray has a 227kg load capacity and is lined with a moulded propylene plastic. It has enough room for a standard-sized cargo pallet.

Two or four-wheel-drive can be selected from a dashboard switch and the drive modes include two-wheel, with open rear differential for work on areas such as lawns.

There's also four-wheel-drive with rear differential lock and four-wheel-drive with all-wheel differential lock for the utmost grip.

Both front and rear suspensions are fully independent designs and there's four-wheel disc brakes.

The MUV's towing capacity is 544kg. Its recommended retail price is $19,990.

For more details, phone your local Honda dealer.