Tradies Reviews

Mazda BT-50 2026 review: 2.2L - Australian first drive

By David Morley · 20 Oct 2025

Carving a slice out of the fleet market and hanging on to it is a constant battle for ute makers. Throw in ever-tougher emissions and fuel consumption targets and the threat of new Chinese rivals, and it's a cut-throat world. But Mazda knows that a trimmed price-tag is the way to woo fleet managers, even if you have to give up a few things in the process. Enter the revised BT-50 XS.

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Isuzu D-Max 2026 review: 2.2L

By Chris Thompson · 03 Oct 2025

A bigger engine designed to be more powerful and more efficient can only be a good thing for the Isuzu D-Max. Isuzu’s also gone to the trouble of adding a new gearbox and some new tech to go with it. But is it still a solid pick in an increasingly crowded ute segment?

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MG U9 Explore Pro 2026 review: snapshot

By Stephen Ottley · 30 Sep 2025

The MG U9 Explore Pro is the hero model in the Chinese brand’s new ute line-up. Boasting a generous list of creature comforts and some clever features not available on the other variants, the Explore Pro is clearly targeting the premium ute buyer.

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MG U9 Explore X 2026 review: snapshot

By Stephen Ottley · 28 Sep 2025

If you’re looking for a ute that can serve in the role of family transport the MG U9 Explore X is that kind of machine.

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MG U9 Explore 2026 review: snapshot

By Stephen Ottley · 26 Sep 2025

The MG U9 is the newest ute to hit the market and the U9 Explore is the entry-level model in the range.

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MG U9 2026 review: Australian first drive

By Stephen Ottley · 22 Sep 2025

MG wants to become one of the most popular brands in Australia - which means it needs a ute. The Chinese maker has taken assistance from its sister-brand, LDV, to rush the all-new U9 dual-cab ute into the market. But is it a case of too much too soon? Or is it the right ute at the right price? We drive it to find out if the U9 has what it takes to propel MG to the top.

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Ford Transit Custom 2026 review: Sport Double Cab - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 19 Sep 2025

For tradies, mid-sized commercial vans (2.5 to 3.5-tonne GVM) are like warehouses on wheels given they can offer up to 6.0 cubic metres or more of secure load volume.

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Mitsubishi Triton 2026 review: GLX Double Cab chassis - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 08 Sep 2025

The Mitsubishi Triton cab-chassis in base-grade GLX trim is clearly aimed at buyers wanting a turbo-diesel ute that's primarily designed for hard work, but does it tick all the boxes for tradies?

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Toyota Tundra 2026 review: Platinum - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 25 Aug 2025

The Tundra full-size pick-up was launched in its native USA a quarter of a century ago, yet it's taken that long for the big American to finally be available in Aussie Toyota showrooms. So, has the much anticipated right-hand-drive version been worth the wait?

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GWM Cannon Alpha 2026 review: Ultra PHEV - GVM test

By Mark Oastler · 21 Aug 2025

The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV has recently replaced its ground-breaking Hybrid predecessor, but does the newcomer's rechargeable battery tech and electric-only driving mode enhance or hinder its workhorse practicality?

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