What's the difference?
So, you’re after an affordable alternative to the increasingly expensive Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. You need it to be tough enough for work, but also big and comfortable enough to haul family every now and again.
It’s a common predicament, and one that's increasingly served by Chinese and Korean alternatives.
Today, we’re looking at LDV’s latest effort - the T60 Max Plus. While it looks like just another new variant from the outside, it’s hiding some significant changes underneath, and it takes its place at the top of the T60 range in 2024.
Could it be the right ute to fit your budget? Let’s take a look.
Hyundai is leading the charge. And not just in electric vehicles.
Not yet known in Australia for utes, the brand’s Santa Cruz is part of a new wave of car-based dual-cab “pick-ups” that is sweeping North America.
We’re talking monocoque-bodied utes here, not body-on-frame light trucks like a Toyota HiLux.
Recently, we learned that Hyundai is planning to release the Santa Cruz in Australia in the not-too-distant future, giving us the excuse to get behind the wheel of one right now.
What’s it like? How’s the driving experience? Is the tray 'ute' enough? And would it work in Australia?
Let’s find out!
The Max Plus brings a lot of welcome upgrades to the T60 range, particularly in its previously non-existent active safety suite, but it’s not all good news. There are still a few areas where this ageing ute could use a lot of polish.
Still, there’s something to be said for how refreshingly straightforward much of it is, and for the most part its specs and features are up to the task of competing with many more expensive alternatives.
We need the Santa Cruz and its ilk in Australia. It’s great to be in a dual-cab ute that is compact enough to fit in a regular car-parking space and light enough to be efficient.
In ways, the Hyundai is reminiscent of the better Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore utes of yore, especially in its performance, dynamics and civility. And why wouldn’t it be a good fit here? Back in 1932, Australia invented the coupe utility, after all.
Bring it on, Hyundai.