Two Maverick X3s coming to Australia

Can-Am Australia has announced the all-new Maverick X3 sports side-by-side vehicle will be available locally in two different configurations.

The X ds model will be sold in a Triple Black livery, while the X rs will grace showrooms in Gold and Can-Am Red. The main difference between the two models is in the suspension packages, with the X rs offering a higher-spec setup with appreciably more travel. The X rs also has 25mm more ground clearance, one-inch bigger tyres as well as a full roof and heavy-duty skid plate – which explains while it also tops the scales 43kg heavier than the X ds…

Both models have the new four-link TTX rear suspension system which offers up to 610mm of rear travel in the case of the X rs.

The X rs is also wide, too: 1829mm compared to the X ds at 1625mm. Can-Am says the X rs's width is "specifically for dunes and wide-open desert riding". Which is exactly what we hope to be doing when we ride them next month at the international press launch!

The Maverick X3s are powered by a turbocharged, intercooled 900cc in-line triple that produces a claimed 154hp at 7500rpm and a massive 153Nm at 7000rpm.

The engine is placed in the rear of the chassis, and the Maverick features what BRP calls “a highly efficient airflow system that’s optimised from intake to exhaust to deliver superb engine efficiency and performance". Three oversized air intakes are positioned behind the driver: two to help cool the CVT and one to direct cold air to the engine

There's also a new QRS-X transmission which Can-Am says virtually eliminates turbo lag and "enhances throttle response without torque interruption".

The chassis has Dual-Phase 980 steel tubing, which is lighter than traditional steel and is claimed to have better torsional stiffness.

The cockpit features a flat-bottom steering wheel, which tilts up to 25 degrees and has an integrated gauge. Other features include a panoramic mirror, multi-function analogue/digital gauge (speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip and hour meters, fuel, gear position, sport mode, ECO mode, seat belt and 4×4 indicator, diagnostics, clock and auto shut off) and low seating position.

The steering wheel requires just 1.5 turns to go from lock-to-lock. Two driving modes are available (Eco and Sport), while the Tri-Mode dynamic power steering system offers three levels of assistance.

There are 262mm discs up front and 248mm discs in the rear, and other features include a 40-litre fuel tank, nearly 10 litres of storage, 90kg capacity rear rack, and a keyless start-stop button activated by a digitally encoded security system.

BRP Australia, the parent company of Can-Am, is yet to announce local availability or pricing on the X ds or X rs, but we'll have a full drive review from Mexico in mid-September.