Its Big Red Multi Utility Vehicle (pictured) is claimed to benefit from the company’s acknowledged automobile expertise, including its legendary focus on quality and performance.

Attractively priced at a tad under $20,000, ‘grunt’ is delivered via a four-stroke liquid-cooled 675cc engine that transmits power to the wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission.

Honda's fuel injection system is said to be enhanced by other benefits such as crisp throttle response, improved fuel consumption, easy cold starting and smoother idle control thanks to its Idle Air control valve technology.

Big Red uses an automotive-style transmission that features a hydraulic torque converter, three hydraulic clutches and an ECM to automatically select one of three forward gears or reverse.

A dash-mounted drive selector allows users to opt for 2WD with open rear differential for sensitive terrain and lawns, 4WD with rear differential lock for rough conditions, also 4WD with all-wheel differential lock to suit requirement.

Always of interest in farm utility vehicles are their cabs which, in this instance, feature rubber-mounted seats with adjustable backs while a four-pillar Occupant Protection Structure enhances safety.

Useful interior features include a waterproof accessory socket placed between the bucket seats, thereby giving easy access to 12-volt power, a glove box and dash storage for quick access to small items.

In addition to equipping Big Red with a maintenance-free battery and shaft final drive, Honda’s engineers located the engine oil-filler and dipstick under the driver's seat. Access to the air filter is by lifting the tilt-bed which, incidentally, can handle 227kg loads.

The bed is sheathed in a tough, moulded polypropylene top plate, and a standard cargo pallet fits flat with room to spare.

A heavy-duty receiver-style hitch with 544kg towing capacity allows Big Red to take on a range of jobs while a multi-reflector headlight system and LED brake light and tail light are standard.