Tradies Reviews
Isuzu D-Max 2022 review: 1.9-litre SX single cab-chassis 4x2 auto - GVM test
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By Mark Oastler · 02 Mar 2022
The Toyota HiLux partly owes its enviable status as Australia's most popular ute to its long-standing dominance of 4x2 sales, which mostly attract ABN-armed tradies and fleet buyers chasing rugged no-frills workhorses with low purchase and operating costs combined with strong resale values.
Toyota HiAce 2022 review: LWB diesel auto GL Package - GVM test
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By Mark Oastler · 23 Feb 2022
When the current HiAce was launched in 2019, it was a no-brainer that this sixth-generation model would continue - or probably increase - Toyota's long-standing dominance of Australia's mid-sized (2.5-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial van market.
Nissan Navara 2022 review: Pro-4X Warrior - GVM test
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By Mark Oastler · 02 Feb 2022
Ford's desert racing-inspired Ranger Raptor was clearly the catalyst for Nissan Australia to create a tougher and more specialised 'Warrior' version of its D23 Navara. However, unlike the Raptor which is designed and developed in-house by Ford, Nissan has partnered with Melbourne-based automotive engineering specialist Premcar to meet its design requirements.
Volkswagen Caddy Cargo 2022 review: GVM test
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By Mark Oastler · 18 Jan 2022
Volkswagen's Caddy has for many years dominated Australia's under-2.5 tonne GVM small van class. In 2020 its leadership was emphatic, commanding more than 70 per cent of sales in this light commercial vehicle segment.
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Toyota HiLux 2022 review: Workmate petrol manual 4x2 single-cab cab-chassis - GVM test
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By Mark Oastler · 28 Dec 2021
Up to the end of November the Toyota HiLux 4x4 was outsold by Ford's Ranger 4x4 in 2021, but the HiLux continued to maintain top spot in Australian ute sales because of its firm grip on the work-focused 4x2 market, in which it commands an enviable sales share of around 40 per cent.
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SsangYong Musso 2022 review: XLV ELX - GVM test
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By Mark Oastler · 10 Dec 2021
The Ssangyong Musso 4x4 ute has always been a small-volume player in Australia. However, since adding the XLV long wheelbase/leaf spring variant to its existing short wheelbase/coil-spring offering in 2019, the Korean manufacturer has been increasing its sales foothold.
Ford Ranger 2022 review: Raptor X GVM load test
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By Matt Campbell · 15 Nov 2021
The Ford Ranger Raptor X is better known for desert racing and show pony antics than hard work, but it's a ute - so it should be able to cope with a load in the tray, right? We tested the 4x4 pickup to its payload limits to see how it managed tough work.
Ford Ranger 2022 review: Raptor X towing test
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By Matt Campbell · 29 Oct 2021
There are plenty of reasons to want a Ford Ranger Raptor X - but towing isn't one of them. It has a lower towing capacity than all the other Ranger models, and its soft suspension with Fox Shocks means it's not really cut out for hard work. Can it hold its weight towing a 1725kg cherry picker? We did this towing review to find out.
Hyundai Staria Load 2022 review
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By Matt Campbell · 15 Oct 2021
The Hyundai Staria Load is an all-new take on the commercial van from the Korean brand - this one is built on a passenger car platform, and shares a lot with its donor car, the Staria people mover. It's larger in all directions, offers more cargo volume than the iLoad it replaces, and moves the game forward for commercial vehicle safety, too. But is it any good?
Ford Transit Custom 2022 review: Sport 320L LWB DCiV towing test
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By Marcus Craft · 26 Sep 2021
Work vans are renowned on-board load-carriers - because that's what they're designed for - but how does one of their ilk perform when towing a near-capacity load?The Ford Transit Custom Sport 320L double cab in van (DCiV) is a versatile example of the Custom Sport range because it can carry people and products.But towing an almost 1800kg cherry picker puts it under plenty of pressure.