What's the difference?
The Chevrolet Silverado enjoys enduring popularity in Australia’s unique new vehicle market for locally remanufactured right-hand drive versions of full-size US pick-up trucks.
Armed with unique V8 power, the range offered by General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) comprises the entry-level 1500 LTZ Premium and top-shelf 1500 ZR2, while the colossal 2500 HD offers the ultimate in heavy towing capabilities.
Their combined sales represent a leading market share of more than 40 per cent, in a specialised segment where purchase prices extend well into six figures.
The latest MY26 Silverado range is backed by a new five-year/unlimited km warranty paired with five years of roadside assist, which provides greater peace-of-mind for buyers than the previous three-year/100,000km and three years' roadside assist. The ZR2 also gets upgraded driver assistance plus additional exterior colours.
We recently spent a week aboard one of the latest 1500s to find out why the Silverado is such a popular choice for Aussie buyers and if it’s well suited to tradie duties.
Deepal is a recent arrival in Australia but its parent company Changan Automotive is one of China’s largest state-owned automotive manufacturers which was established in the 1950s.
Deepal Automobile Technology (to use its full name) is one of several brands under the Changan corporate umbrella targeting different market segments across passenger and commercial vehicle lines.
Deepal’s focus is on full-electric vehicles with an expanding Australian line-up comprising a compact SUV (S05), mid-sized SUV (S07) and a groundbreaking large SUV (E07) it calls the Multitruck.
We recently spent a week in the E07 to find out if it’s not only practical for family duties but also if its unique design offers genuine workhorse ability to validate its ‘truck’ credentials.
With its unique V8 soundtrack, all-terrain capabilities and sumptuous comfort, the ZR2 is a quintessential American muscle truck that's as capable of carting crews and accessing rugged worksites during the week as it is towing boats, horse-floats and caravans or getting muddy on weekends. For either work or play, there's a lot to like here.
The Deepal E07 is not a truck, so tradies need not apply. However, for couples and families it's a generously equipped and luxurious EV with a unique electronic approach to a reconfigurable interior, albeit with practicality partly compromised by its fastback styling. So, only car buyers will determine if this is a short-lived automotive curiosity, or a bold new direction for SUV design.