Kymco’s local ATV armoury has been beefed up with the release of an extensively updated MXU 700i LE EPS, in addition to an all-new gap-filling middleweight – the MXU 550i EPS.

Both single-cylinder liquid-cooled machines meet the stage one requirements for the Australian Consumer Goods (Quad Bike) Safety Standard, and retail for $11,490 (MXU 550i) and $13,990 (MXU 700i LE) respectively.

The four-valve 550 adds a versatile element to the Kymco line-up. Compared to the carburetor-fed MXU 400, the next model down in the Kymco line-up, the 550 offers a more modern and high-end look, and with 25kW (34hp) and 39Nm the quantum leap in performance is compelling.

That not only makes it easier to tow, for example, but also a better proposition over unpredictable terrain. And all at a competitive price point!

Meanwhile, the updated MXU 700i LE EPS has a linked braking system, anti-theft steering lock, more ground clearance, increased towing capacity, extra fuel capacity (and relocated fuel cell for better weight distribution) and more suspension travel. There’s also a USB charging port. Power figures are 33kW (44hp) and 55Nm.

Apart from the obvious – engine displacement – the main differences between the 550 and 700 are:

•    Alloy wheels on the 700 and steel on the 550;
•    14-inch wheels on the 700 and 12-inch on the 550;
•    26-inch tyres on the 700 and 25-inch on the 550; and
•    The 700 has a winch.

However, thanks to a special request from Kymco Australia, the 550 is on parity with the 700 by having a front protector bar as standard fitment, while both models come with indicators – great news for buyers requiring primary producer registration.

MXU 550i EPS key features:

•    Fuel-injected 501cc DOHC four-stroke, four-valve, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine;
•    Sealed air intake filter system to keep the air filter clean and dry;
•    CVT automatic transmission with low, high, neutral and reverse gears with park function and engine braking;
•    Durable four-wheel independent suspension for sure-footed handling in rough terrain’
•    On-demand 2WD/4WD with differential lock and shaft drive;
•    Linked hydraulic disc brakes with park locking feature;
•    Five-position preload adjustable shocks;
•    Dual high/low beam headlights with LED markers and dual rear brake lights;
•    Front and rear steel tube cargo racks;
•    Two-inch receiver for mounting a standard trailer hitch;
•    427kg towing capacity;
•    Backlit LCD instrumentation;
•    Front protector bar; and
•    Under seat storage.

MXU 700i LE EPS key features:

•    Fuel-injected 659cc DOHC four-stroke, four-valve, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine;
•    Sealed air intake filter system to keep the air filter clean and dry;
•    CVT automatic transmission with low, high, neutral and reverse gears with park function and engine braking;
•    Durable four-wheel independent suspension for sure-footed handling in rough terrain’
•    On-demand 2WD/4WD with differential lock and shaft drive;
•    Linked hydraulic disc brakes with park locking feature;
•    Five-position preload adjustable shocks;
•    Dual high/low beam headlights with LED markers and dual rear brake lights;
•    Front and rear steel tube cargo racks;
•    Two-inch receiver for mounting a standard trailer hitch;
•    USB charging port;
•    467kg towing capacity;
•    2500lb (1134kg) winch;
•    Backlit LCD instrumentation;
•    Relocated fuel cell for improved weight distribution and stability;
•    Front protector bar; and
•    Under seat storage.