What's the difference?
Chinese manufacturer BYD was the first to launch a plug-in hybrid ute in Australia with its Shark 6 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). And it has recently become the first to launch a cab-chassis PHEV variant, to boost the Shark 6’s 'workhorse' appeal for tradies and other buyers who prefer their own choice of trays or specialised service bodies. We recently put one to the test to see how it measures up.
This is a very important ute if you’re Volkswagen Australia.
A lot of time and money has gone into making sure this, the 2026 VW Amarok W600 as engineered by Walkinshaw, is the ultimate driver’s ute. Not the best 4X4, but the best ute on the road. Sounds like an odd task, right?
It might be, but a couple of thousand people bought the last version of this ute, so why not try to make it better?
Over a long development period and a steady build-up, including previews at the former Holden proving ground at Lang Lang, Volkswagen has teased its ‘ultimate driver’s ute’.
Now, we get to put the production version to the test on the very roads that helped shape it during its development in Tasmania.
BYD’s Shark 6 continues to break new ground with its work-focused Dynamic PHEV cab-chassis, which impresses with its quiet operation, spirited acceleration, excellent handling, single-digit fuel economy and generous standard equipment at a competitive price. However, its tow rating is one tonne less than PHEV ute rivals which could be a deal breaker for some.
The Amarok W600 is impressive when you get it onto a twisty road, and my hat goes off to Walkinshaw for turning a dual-cab into something that is genuinely fun to drive on twisty roads. I’m not kidding, the W600 is proper fun.
But it’s expensive, and despite the tough looks and on-road ability, it doesn’t have any more on-paper performance than its standard siblings. That and its ride is compromised by its new abilities.
Those who spend the cash on a W600 probably won’t be disappointed if they can handle a slightly stiff ride, but it’s possible VW is expecting people will be more into the idea of a corner-carving dual-cab than is the reality.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.