Polaris will tell you that the Sportsman 500 was nothing short of the best 4x4 ATV on the market -- until now. Meet the new 2014 Polaris Sportsman 570, which is available in one-up and two-up configurations (a preview of the latter is also coming to Moto123.com soon).

Despite featuring electronic fuel-injection, 22% more horsepower, and 44% more watts from a new alternator, the 2014 Polaris Sportsman 570 is barely more expensive than when it launched 18 years ago.


More convenience
Where should we start? The 2014 Polaris Sportsman 570 has 24.6 litres of integrated front storage, while the front and rear cargo racks can carry up to 41 kg and 82 kg, respectively. If that's not enough, this machine can tow loads of 556 kg (1,225 lb).

Riders looking to venture further into the woods will like the 17-litre tank that increases the range of the 2014 Polaris Sportsman 570 by 13%, not to mention the available Electric Power Steering (EPS) that reduces fatigue on tight, challenging trails.

More power
The major overhaul continues with a new liquid-cooled, 567 cc, 4-valve, DOHC, single-cylinder engine that produces 44 horsepower (like I said, it's a 22% gain over the previous model). The 2014 Polaris Sportsman 570 also uses an automatic transmission with a shaft-final drive.

More goodies
Other highlights include a MacPherson-type suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, an analog/digital instrument panel, a front-mounted battery, Lock & Ride technology that makes it easy to carry and secure gear, as well as revised ergonomics for superior comfort.

As mentioned earlier, the new alternator of the 2014 Polaris Sportsman 570 generates 40% more watts, allowing riders to operate more accessories like a winch or snowplow.

Bottom line
You don't gamble when making such big changes to such a winning recipe. Polaris designers and engineers know what they're doing, and their aggressive approach with the 2014 Polaris Sportsman 570 means that they plan to make the competition work even harder to catch up. Hopefully the new model will prove just as successful as its predecessor.