Car Reviews

The Vanta is GWM’s way of telling us that its facelifted Cannon ute can be just as tough as much pricier alternatives form other makers.

The Isuzu MU-X LS-U sits in the middle of the range and arguably offers the best value as well as the most choice.It is available with a choice of the 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine with 4x4, or the 3.0-litre four-cylinder with 4x2 or 4x4. The smaller engine makes 110kW/350Nm and the bigger punches out 140kW/450Nm.Some of the most noticeable enhancements for 2025 include new 12-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, a new leather-wrapped steering wheel, piano black interior trims, a 7.0-inch digital instrument display panel, a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, USB-C ports, LED fog lights and tyre pressure monitoring.The LS-U 1.9-litre 4x4 is priced from $61,400 (plus on-road cost), the 3.0L 4x2 from $57,400 (plus on-road cost) and the 3.0L 4x4 $63,400 (plus on-road cost).

As the second step on the GWM Cannon ute ladder, the Ultra represents the best value of the line-up.

The Isuzu MU-X LS-T is the brand’s rival to the Ford Everest Tremor 4WD, sitting just below the flagship X-Terrain.The LS-T is only available with the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, but it can be had as a 4x2.Key equipment for the LS-T includes a new 360-degree surround-view camera system, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather-accented upholstery, black headlining, white ambient lighting and black elements on the front bumper, grille and rear bumper.The MU-X LS-T is priced from $65,400 (plus on-road costs) for the 4x2 and from $71,400 (plus on-road costs) for the 4x4. However, at the time of launch, Isuzu Australia is offering a drive-away deal of $69,990 for the 4x4 model.

The Lux is the new entry-level version of the facelifted GWM Cannon ute range, a facelift that has added plenty of zing. Pricing starts at $40,490 which is a pretty sharp proposition in the dual-cab ute world.

A racy all-new grade was launched alongside the facelifted version of the third-gen Qashqai in early 2025, in the shape of the N-Design.

Launched in early 2025, the facelifted version of the third-gen Qashqai saw the Ti-L luxury grade gain Nissan’s EV-first e-Power hybrid option.

Launched in early 2025, the facelifted version of the third-generation Qashqai brought a fresh nose, clear tail-lights, revised wheels and a more up-spec interior.

Mazda's expansive BT-50 line-up is crowned by the SP. This is the style icon of the line-up, aimed at buyers who want a ute with a sporty, dynamic look.The SP is only available as a 4x4 dual cab pick-up and adds a range of gloss black elements for a unique visual appearance, including 18-inch alloys, sports bar, side steps, fender flares, roof rails, exterior mirror caps and door handles, while also getting a manually-operated roller tonneau cover and black and terracotta synthetic leather and suede seat trim.The SP is only available as a 4x4 pick-up and is exclusively powered by the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine. Like the rest of the 3.0-litre 4x4 range fuel economy is rated at 8.0L/100km.Pricing for the SP starts at $71,500, plus on-road costs, but Mazda is offering a big saving at launch by doing a $67,990 drive-away deal.

The Sealion 7 is the flagship in BYD's mid-size electric SUV range, delivering oodles of grunt from its twin-motor, AWD setup.