2014 Polaris Sportsman Ace

Polaris Industries has unveiled what it’s calling an “entirely-new type of off-road vehicle” – the Sportsman Ace with a revolutionary sit-in chassis.

The vehicle’s architecture is completely new to the industry, the design combining the size and nimble handling of the Sportsman all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with the confidence and comfort of the Ranger and RZR side-by-sides.

The Sportsman Ace will be available in authorised Polaris dealers from April, 2014.

“The introduction of the Sportsman ACE is part of our strategy to remain the leader in the Powersports marketplace by introducing innovative products that define their categories,” said David Longren, vice president of Polaris’ off-road division. “In creating the Sportsman ACE, we wanted to not only appeal to current farmers, commercial users and off-road enthusiasts, but develop a vehicle that brings new customers to both work and recreation.

“We accomplished this by coupling an easy-to-use, nimble platform with a confident and secure ride that, together, provides drivers with an entirely new experience.”

Along with a low centre of gravity, the Sportsman ACE boasts 260.4mm of ground clearance and 241mm of rear travel due to its fully independent rear suspension fitted with preload-adjustable shocks.

Powering the Sportsman ACE is an all-new 32hp ProStar, fuel-injected, DOHC, counter-balanced engine, which Polaris says is the most fuel-efficient powerplant it has offered.

The fuel tank is just shy of 20 litres, while the Sportsman ACE has a unique ROPS (roll over protective structure) cab frame previously found on side-by-sides. There’s also a secure, high-backed, adjustable bucket seat paired with an adjustable steering wheel, and it’s also equipped with a three-point seat belt and has side bolsters to keep the operator properly positioned in the centre of the machine.

The steering wheel offers 89mm of tilt adjustment, and the driver’s seat slides back and forth by 102mm to customize the fit. For added comfort, an integrated dead pedal gives the driver a place to perch their left foot while the right nests in the integrated heel pocket and throttles the ProStar engine.

The cockpit’s flowthrough design also makes ingress and egress easy, and new side nets feature a metal rod to easily secure them both for clipping and positioning the nets to the back of the vehicle while exiting.

The Sportsman ACE is equipped with the same on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) system found on all Polaris off-road vehicles. The system eliminates the guesswork by automatically engaging when the rider needs more forward traction and then reverts back to two-wheel drive automatically when the AWD is no longer needed.

There are linked, four-wheel disc brakes with braided stainless steel brake lines. For added protection, accessories such as doors, front and rear brushguards, rock sliders, and a variety of custom wheel and tyre packages are available.

 To protect the driver from the elements, a Lock & Ride roof, windshield and rear panel install in seconds to offer a quick solution for all climates.

The Sportsman Ace can carry up to 206kg of gear, which includes an integrated 10.6-litre semi-dry, front storage compartment, and a high-capacity Lock & Ride cargo box with rack extenders and rear tie-down rails that also accepts the accessory Lock & Ride cargo box for additional dry storage.

The machine is pre-wired for the installation of a winch with up to 1587 kg of capacity, and there’s a 680kg towing capacity.

Polaris will also offer more than 25 accessories for the Sportsman ACE, including doors, winches, cabs and storage to suit their needs.

“This is a completely new proposition for the Australian ATV and side x side market,” said Polaris Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Peter Alexander. “This is a vehicle that encompasses the very best features of both ATVs and side by sides, with unrivalled capabilities for the Australian farmer coupled with outstanding performance for weekend recreational riders.”

“One of the great attractions of ATVs has always been their sheer versatility, nimbleness and agility. The Sportsman Ace continues to offer all these things with the added benefit of additional features to further ensure the security of the operator.

“The issue of ATV safety has been a pertinent one in Australia for many years. Whilst the largest variable in safety is inevitably the experience, training and attitude of the rider along with wearing appropriate safety gear and using machines within manufacturer’s recommendations, Sportsman Ace does go a long way towards providing another option with maximum protection features.

“This model is an ATV with a rich Polaris Sportsman heritage. What is unique is the provision of features which have, until now, only been seen on side by side vehicles. And like anything for the Australian market, this vehicle needs to be seriously heavy duty with capacities and capabilities which lead the market…and on that front, Sportsman Ace certainly delivers.”

Contact your local Polaris dealer for more information on the all-new Sportsman Ace.