2015 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT Preview

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For a revolutionary new way to work and play, go and get the job done with PRO FXT’s 3-passenger Trans-Cab, or easily convert it to 6-passenger mode to bring an entire team of workers to the next task. The new 2015 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT has incomparable strength and endless durability backed by over a century of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. engineering experience.

Kawasaki’s new flagship MULE, the 2015 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT, maintains the durability for which Kawasaki MULE workhorses are famous, and adds increased engine performance, improved handling, and increased functionality to greatly boost its outdoor enjoyment potential. Three can seat comfortably on each row for a total of six occupants sharing enjoyment of the great outdoors. It only takes one minute for one person to transform the vehicle from three-person mode to six-person mode. The 2015 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT has a short overall length and wheelbase, making it very manoeuvrable.

The 2015 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT is designed to take on any terrain. Its frame boasts a good balance between lateral and torsional stiffness, delivering high durability with the ideal amount of chassis flex, balanced for great handling. It has a powerful 3-cylinder gasoline engine, rugged wide-body chassis, plush double-wishbone suspension, roomy accommodation for up to six who can slide in and out quickly thanks to the bench type seats, and numerous versatility and convenience features, like a tilting steering wheel we wish would have found its way onto the Teryx.

The new three-cylinder gasoline engine offers significant performance gains over earlier models. In addition to greater towing and carrying capacity, this stronger performance also translates to a higher top speed. The liquid-cooled, 812cc DOHC, 4-valves-per-cylinder, fuel-injected In-Line Triple engine churns out more than double the output of the gasoline-powered 4010. Taking into account coolant temperature, air intake temperature, throttle position, air intake pressure, vehicle speed and crankshaft angle, the fuel injection system (which uses a 34 mm throttle body) automatically meters out the ideal amount of fuel for extremely stable power delivery – regardless of the conditions. And of course, setting adjustments are not necessary when changing altitude, idling adjustments are unnecessary, and starting is hassle-free. With fuel injection, fuel delivery is instantaneous, contributing to predictable response for easy control while climbing a rock filled slope. The computer-controlled Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) system automatically compensates for temperature and altitude, to ensure the engine runs smoothly in any environment and its precision reduces fuel consumption and cuts exhaust emissions.

When comes time to make full use of the vehicle’s strength and torque of this awesome new engine, you will be pleased to find a 2” receiver hitch allowing towing of up to 2000 lb. with an optional draw bar. Towing and hauling can also be undertaken with more control in the 2015 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT because 212mm disc brakes front and rear provide confidence-inspiring stopping power. The CVT uses an N7-grade belt to add durability and has a wide spread of drive ratios for quick acceleration and ample pulling power. It is tuned to accommodate higher loads and to provide engine braking for driver reassurance when descending slopes. Another important fact to mention is the possibility of leaving the rear differential open to protect fragile grounds.

Lack of lateral support with the bench style seating should force the driver to take it easy in turns. Luckily a wide bar across the back of the front seats offers handholds for the rear passengers. We would have liked a dash-mounted bar in front instead of a handhold on the cage, older passengers might not be totally capable of staying in that position for long periods of time but this isn’t really a problem if you’re driving this vehicle how it should be, with calm and efficiency. Let’s not forget that Kawasaki sells the much more recreationally inclined Teryx and Teryx4 models. The more upright seating position will inevitably make you feel sort of ridiculous if you start driving this vehicle like a Sport model.

Sitting behind the wheel you will find that all the controls are very easy to spot quickly and use. The multi-function display ends up a bit far to the right but still does its job well of informing the driver with a slight angle in it so it faces you. It includes a digital speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, hour meter, clock, dual trip meters, 2WD/4WD indicator, water temperature warning indicator, oil pressure warning indicator, fuel injection warning indicator, CVT and EPS warning indicators, neutral, reverse and parking indicators and we love the fact that is also has seatbelt reminder lamps.

Any of the four 2015 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT models offers a high-capacity generator giving passengers superior charging output when on the trail. 60.8 amps at 2,000rpm is enough power to charge most popular portable devices. LE and Camo models include an additional two power outlets for rear passengers. 2015 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT owners will also have access to 60 accessories made specifically for this new platform, ensuring the very best fit and finish while maintaining the Kawasaki STRONG 3-Year Warranty. To protect the occupants from the elements, Kawasaki offers everything from hard and soft roofs, to full and half windshields as well as hard or soft cabin enclosures and doors. Owners can also choose from accessories such as a half windshield, audio system, heater, bed extender, cargo divider, dual battery kit and so much more. Consumers interested to see how their new 2015 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT will look with Kawasaki Genuine Accessories in place will now be able to build their vehicle online, adding their favourite accessories and seeing them in place. They then have the opportunity to print their custom build list and take it to their local Kawasaki dealer to purchase the exact vehicle specification they designed.

The Non-EPS model comes in Super Black finish with steel wheels, the second variation comes standard with the same amenities but with the addition of Electric Power Steering (EPS) and a tilt steering wheel. Next in the range is the desirable EPS LE. This variation comes standard with a host of additional upgrades over the EPS model, including LED headlights, aluminum wheels, a composite sun top and those two additional DC outlets for rear-seat passengers. Color options are Timberline Green and Dark Royal Red with a contrasting graphic along the doors and cargo bed. Last, but certainly not least, the MULE PRO-FXT is available with Realtree Xtra® Green Camo, which gives the avid hunter the ultimate color scheme for adventure. The Camo model includes EPS and tilt steering function. In addition, LED headlights and four DC outlets complete the Camo package.