Polaris turns attention to value end of market

It has also returned the Sportsman 400 HO to a full-size chassis, recognising the need for better ride and handling characteristics of the greater suspension travel and ground clearance this chassis affords. With a 455cc high output engine, towing capacity is also increased to 810kg.

‘Park mode’

The company’s proven CVT transmission also gets a ‘park mode’ on this model, although the handbrake toggle on the brake lever has been retained in response to customer demand for ease of use, for example when opening gates. As a result, the Sportsman 400 HO is priced at £4,799.

Sportsman 500 and 800 models are also available in the more affordable Value format, with the smaller model adding a front box as standard, adopting a design said to give

improved visibility over the front of the bike. The radiator has been mounted higher to keep it out of the mud and improve reliability in the wet.

On the 760cc 800 model, the engine has been moved 8cm towards the rear of the chassis to improve weight bias and handling, while reducing steering effort.

Premium models - the key common difference is the use of electronic fuel injection - have also been tweaked, with a small weight reduction for greater fuel efficiency, improvements to splash protection and the engine braking system, with a better seat used on the two-man Sportsman 550 X2 model.

Increased fuel capacity and AT489 II high traction tyres have been added to the 550 and 850 EPS (electronic power steering) models.

After adding a much-requested diesel version to its UTV line-up in September 2010, Polaris continues to grow the range, with 11 models now on offer.

Nimble and nippy enough to attract ATV diehards, says Polaris, the mid-size chassis now replaces a full-size chassis on the 500 EFI.

Powered by a 32hp engine and with a top speed of 44mph (71kph), this more compact UTV still offers a 454kg payload and 567kg towing capacity. It has a speedometer and instrument cluster, with electronic fuel gauge as standard - useful when working away from base - and can be fitted with a speed limiter ignition key.

A four-seater ‘crew’ version is also available, while still offering a 227kg capacity load box.

Top of the range

At the top of the range, the Ranger XP now has more power with an 800 EFI engine, delivering 50hp and a top speed of 55mph (89kph). A new fuel injection system, which only sprays fuel on to the piston as required, is said to work with engine management to give a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. The Ranger XP is available with electronic power steering as an option.

All Ranger models are fitted with side nets to minimise the risk of leg or arm injuries in a rollover. The Ranger 500 EFI HO is priced from £8,399.

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