MG Mgu9 News

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming much more popular and mainstream in Australia, however one EV category has seemingly faltered before it even properly started. The utility, or ute for short, is an incredibly popular body type in Australia and examples have been the best-selling vehicle for over a decade now, but there have only been a handful of electric utes on offer to date Down Under. The first was the LDV eT60 which launched in late 2022 and was priced from an obscene $92,990 before on-road costs, which was more than double the amount of the standard, turbo-diesel-powered T60 dual-cab ute at the time. The eT60 also only offered 330km of WLTP-claimed range, was rear-wheel drive and had a braked towing capacity of just 1000kg. For context, the most popular utes in Australia offer all-wheel drive, as well as a braked towing capacity around 3500kg. LDV admitted the eT60 was aimed primarily at government and business fleets, with only a minimal number of early adopters expected to fork out the cash for one. Since then only two other electric utes have launched in Australia. The KGM Musso EV launched locally in 2025 and unlike many utes, including the regular turbo-diesel-powered Musso, that have a body-on-frame architecture, it has a monocoque platform which is related to the Actyon and Torres SUVs. As a result the Musso EV is much more car-like to drive, but it still offers all-wheel drive and up to 420km of WLTP-claimed range. This monocoque platform does limit the braked towing capacity to 1800kg though, however payload is up to 905kg, depending on the variant. The Korean ute is limited in its potential as a towing rig and makes it better suited for lighter-duty or lifestyle applications. The most recent addition to the electric ute stable in Australia is arguably the most important yet. Toyota has now introduced an electric version of its popular HiLux ute, dubbed the HiLux BEV. In Australia there are three versions of the HiLux BEV, the SR dual-cab chassis, SR dual-cab pick-up and SR5 dual-cab pick-up. Pricing starts at $74,990 before on-road costs and goes up to $82,990 before on-road costs. Each variant is $17,000 more expensive than the turbo-diesel-powered equivalent. While the HiLux BEV has dual electric motors offering all-wheel drive, it only has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg and up to 345km of NEDC-claimed range, depending on the variant. Similar to how LDV positioned the eT60, Toyota has said the HiLux BEV is primarily aimed at government fleets and mining and construction sectors. Only a sliver of projected sales will be from private buyers. For now that’s all the electric ute options in Australia and none offer the same amount of braked towing capacity as its turbo-diesel-powered equivalent. However, that’s soon set to change. China’s MG is launching an electric version of its U9 dual-cab ute in Australia in the second half of 2026. According to approval documents, the MG U9 EV will offer a braked towing capacity of 3500kg. Power will come from a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up with a total system output of 325kW. The full details haven’t been confirmed yet but overseas it's offered with a 102kWh lithium-ion battery pack with up to 430km of range, according to WLTP testing. LDV had previously confirmed that it would launch the eTerron 9, which is an equivalent to the MG U9 EV, in Australia however this has now seemingly fallen off the radar. Beyond this there are no other electric utes that are locked in for an Australian launch currently. Isuzu previously noted that it plans to introduce the D-Max EV in Australia, but it still hasn’t provided any timeline for when. It’s already offered in other markets, like the UK, and offers a 3500kg braked towing capacity and 1000kg payload, but only 263km of WLTP-claimed range. Additionally it’s unlikely that the full-size American electric pick-ups like the Tesla Cybertruck, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV and Rivian R1T will ever come to Australia as demand for these kinds of vehicles is declining in the US and they would need to be re-engineered for right-hand drive applications. This may change with Ford’s upcoming mid-size ute that’s based on its new universal EV platform, as well as the forthcoming Slate small electric ute, but neither are confirmed for right-hand drive production. While all the electric ute options in Australia currently are flawed in some way or another, the sales charts show that punters are still keen on reducing their fuel bills and CO2 footprint with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) utes. The biggest winner thus far is firmly the BYD Shark 6 which is now available in three variants - Dynamic dual-cab chassis, Premium dual-cab pickup and Performance dual-cab pickup. The latter variant offers a benchmark 3500kg braked towing capacity, whereas the others offer a 2500kg braked towing capacity. Depending on the trim, the Shark 6 offers up to 100km of NEDC-claimed electric range. Likely a key reason for its sales success is how much it costs. The line-up starts at $55,990 before on-road costs and extends to $62,990 before on-road costs. This puts it roughly at the same price as mid-spec diesel versions of the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. We’ll have to wait and see whether Australians embrace electric utes, however they’ll likely remain a niche offering for fleets for the time being.

A new special edition ute has been revealed in Australia, with the MG U9 getting a blacked-out look to tackle the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Pricing for the special edition dual-cab ute starts from $57,990 (drive-away), making it $5000 more than the base variant of the U9.  The ‘Black Edition’ adds several blacked-out elements to the exterior design.  This includes the grille, badges, wheel caps and side trim.  The blacked-out feel continues inside the cabin, with a black headliner and pillars.  The cabin also features heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, mirroring higher grades of the U9.  It also features a towing cruise control system to aid pulling heavy loads with the ute. The brand said customer demand has driven this update. MG said the U9 Black Edition will be a limited-unit model and will conclude the lineup for the diesel ute in Australia. It will continue to be powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, producing 160kW and 520Nm.  The U9 has had a tepid sales response in Australia, with less than 800 sales in 2026 as it grapples with other Chinese ute competitors like the JAC T9 and LDV Terron 9.  The BYD Shark 6 remains the most successful of the Chinese utes, with others struggling to make an imprint in a segment dominated by the Ranger and Hilux.  There is a fully-electric version of the U9 approved for sale Down Under that is due to launch in the second half of this year.  It will be one of few fully-electric ute offerings in Australia.  The KGM Musso EV is the main competitor currently, but Toyota will launch its HiLux BEV later this year as well.   

It is that time of the year again when car brands target a last flurry of sales before the end of the financial year.  These deals often tell a story of what stock brands need to move, and in a time when electric vehicle sales are more important than ever there are some strong deals on show.  Here is a look at some of the best ones going around in 2026. Kia is offering discounts across many of its models, with the most noticeable one being for its struggling Tasman ute.  The range-topping X-Pro Tasman now starts from $64,990 (drive-away), equating to a more than $10,000 discount on before on-road costs pricing. The deal is available until the 30 June 2026.  Kia’s strong-selling EV3 and EV5 have also picked up sizeable drive-away discounts ending 30 June 2026.  The EV3 is available from $46,990 (drive-away), which equates to free on-road costs, as well as a further small discount. The EV5 has received an even more substantial discount, starting from $49,990 (drive-away), with it previously available from $56,770, before on-road costs.  Hyundai has also put out some standout deals, especially on its electric range. But you'll need to move fast, with the offer ending on May 31, 2026. The brand’s Kona Electric range all have substantial discounts, with a starting price of $45,990 (drive-away). The recently-launched Elexio SUV is available from $57,990 (drive-away), with it previously on sale from $58,990, before on-road costs.  The Ioniq 5 is another of Hyundai’s models being offered with a noticeable discount, starting from $71,990 (drive-away) until 31 May 2026.  MG is currently offering discounts across its range to conclude the financial year, with all deals running until 30 June, 2026.  One of the biggest deals offered by the brand is a $6000 cashback offer on plug-in hybrid variants of its mid-size HS SUV. Petrol and plug-less hybrids examples are available with a $3000 cashback offer, which is also available on the QS large SUV and the U9 ute.  Additionally, these $3000 cashback deals include five years of free servicing on the vehicles.  There are also minor conditional discounts on the ZS small SUV and MG3 hatch currently.  BYD is offering $3000 cashback on several of its models in Australia for vehicles delivered by 30 June 2026.  The Premium variant of the popular Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute gets the deal, and is now available from $54,900 (before on-road costs).  Both variants of the Sealion 5 PHEV mid-size SUV, are also eligible, meaning it starts from $30,990 (before on-road costs).  The Sealion 6 and Sealion 8 PHEV SUVs are available with the $3000 cashback offer.  Chery is another brand to get in on the end of financial year deals.  Its Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid large SUV has discounts of $5000, now starting from $34,990 (drive-away).  The hugely popular Tiggo 4 small hybrid SUV and Tiggo 8 plug-in hybrid large SUV are being offered with a $2000 factory bonus discount.  Offers run until 30 June 2026. Ford has substantially reduced the price of its plug-in hybrid Ranger lineup, with it now starting from $62,000 (drive-away) down from $71,990 (before on-road costs) until 30 June 2026.  This price cut brings it closer to the price of the rival BYD Shark 6, which retails from $57,900 (before on-road costs). Some variants of the diesel Ranger are also being offered with sharp drive-away deals.  Toyota’s full-size Tundra hybrid ute has received a more than $10,000 discount for models from 2025 as part of a deal to remove on-road costs and add a cashback offer.  This means the ute is now available from $145,990 (drive-away). The offer lasts until June 30 2026. 

Diesel utes have been one of the categories hit hardest by rising fuel prices in Australia, compounding an already slowing segment of the market.  Even the best-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux are experiencing sales declines, with month-on-month drops for April. Ute options have grown substantially in recent times, with the addition of several new Chinese competitors.  The BYD Shark 6’s success is well-documented, but it is somewhat of an anomaly in a segment where Chinese utes have experienced stuttering sales performances. One of these utes is the Foton Tunland, which was recorded in sales data for the first time in April, managing 97 registrations for the month. The Tunland returned to Australia after a more than eight-year absence Down Under, with a starting price of just under $40K, before on-road costs.  The MG U9 is another experiencing a tough sales run, having amassed only 94 units in April and less than 700 units over the course of 2026 so far. With a drive-away price of $52,990, it is not priced too dissimilarly to the segment leaders like the HiLux and Ranger in the dual-cab category.  JAC’s T9 also continues this trend, mustering only 56 registrations in April, and only 359 sales so far in 2026. The brand recently released a new cheaper dual-cab chassis ute, starting from $38,990 (before on-road costs) to try and boost its market appeal.  One other Chinese ute falling into a similar category, bucking the wider market trend, is the LDV T60, with just 214 sales in April 2026. This number is better than many of its rivals, but still a decent chunk less than the established pack. It is priced from $45,253 (before on-road costs). Meanwhile, many Chinese brands are turning to plug-in hybrid power for their ute offerings, with many announcing new models launching before the end of the year.  JAC unveiled its Hunter petrol PHEV ute, which is already open for orders, while the GWM Cannon PHEV will also join the competition soon alongside its larger Cannon Alpha sibling.  Later in the year, Chery will enter the ute race with a first-ever diesel PHEV, as a point of difference to the successful Shark 6. Whether this flood of hybrid offerings can change the tide for many of these brands remains to be seen.

MG, the original Chinese-backed success story in Australia, has been on the back foot in the face of new rivals, but the brand isn’t staying still with the reveal of a range of new models for the Australian market shown at the Melbourne Motor Show. The Shanghai-based brand showed off several new modelss, including the much-hyped IM LS9 large hybrid SUV, which will go into battle against the Zeekr 8X and Denza B5 with its range-extender hybrid powertrain. The LS9 was launched under SAIC’s more premium IM brand in China last year, and features a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with no connection to the wheels, acting as a range-extender for a large 65.9kWh battery pack which grants it a 308km electric driving range according to the more lenient CLTC standard. The large SUV also brings unprecedented levels of luxury for an MG-branded product with generous interior claddings, large screens, and three rows of seating (in a six-seat layout for the Chinese market). The brand will introduce a fully electric version of its U9 ute, which launched in 2025. Appearing previously in approval documents, the U9 EV will have a dual-motor powertrain producing 200kW at the front and 125kW at the rear, although torque figures are yet to be confirmed. If the U9 electric follows in the footsteps of the LDV e-Terron 9 available overseas, it will be equipped with a 102kWh battery granting it a 430km driving range. Importantly, it plots a 3500kg towing capacity, which is more than can be said for the EV utes currently available in the market, like the Toyota HiLux BEV and its 2000kg towing ability. The existing combustion U9, powered by a 2.5-litre diesel engine, will also be offered in a new Black Edition trim level. Next, taking aim at the Tesla Model Y and newcomer rivals the Geely EX5 and GAC Aion V, is the S6 EV. It is essentially a scaled-up version of the S5 small SUV already on sale in Australia. The S6 moves into the mid-size SUV category, although maintains many of the same interior features as its smaller sibling, Right-hand drive specs as confirmed by the UK-market version of the car show a 77kWh battery pack with up to 530km of range in both rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive layouts. Also bolstering MG’s range of electric vehicles is an upgraded version of the rear-wheel drive MG4. Not to be confused with the just-launched MG Urban, which is in a lower price bracket in a front-wheel drive layout, the new facelifted MG4 will continue to cater to a slightly more premium and drive oriented audience, starting at $39,990 for the base Essence, and topping out at $47,990 for the returning XPower all-wheel drive version. Stylistically largely the same from the outside aside from new wheel and colour choices, the new MG4 will get a completely overhauled interior featuring a new 12.8-inch multimedia screen with wireless phone mirroring, a 10.25-inch driver display, as well as physical controls from the larger S5 SUV, new seat trims, and a more refined centre console treatment, with improved detailing throughout. Like the UK-market model, the new version dumps the entry-level 51kWh battery, with the base Essence now being a 64kWh proposition with an improved 452km WLTP driving range. It features a 140kW/350Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels, while the XPower features 150kW/250Nm on the front axle, and 170kW/350Nm on the rear axle it can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds. With the same 64kWh battery pack, the XPower’s range is reduced to 405km.

Utes have been affected substantially by increasing fuel prices, thanks to their large fuel tanks and often thirsty turbo-diesel engines. Diesel fuel prices have jumped to more than $3 per litre, making filling up a diesel ute more expensive than ever. CarsGuide has compiled a list of all the diesel dual-cab pick-up utes on sale, calculating the yearly cost of each at $3.07 per litre (the average price in NSW on 31/3/26) over 15,000km. Isuzu Ute’s D-Max and Mazda BT-50 2.2-litre turbo-diesel variants are the efficiency leaders. The mechanically identical pair of utes cost $3038.02 in fuel in a year, averaging 6.6L/100km. The Ford Ranger’s single turbo-diesel 2.0-litre is next on the list, averaging 6.9L/100km, which equates to $3177.45 over 15,000km.  The new mild hybrid Toyota HiLux also has a competitive efficiency figure of 7.1L/100km, which is a little cheaper in fuel than the standard turbo-diesel variants.  Three-litre variants of the BT-50 and D-Max vary in cost, given fuel consumption fluctuates between 7.1L/100km and 7.8L/100km depending on the variant. The KGM Musso is one of the thirstiest of the utes, with its up to 9.0L/100km, costing more than $4000 over the course of a year.  The GWM Cannon Alpha diesel was the other ute to exceed the $4000 mark.  Concluding the list are the gas guzzling full-size American pick-ups, in Ram’s 2500 and the Chevrolet Silverado HD. Both have V8 diesel engines with a capacity of more than 6.0-litres, meaning they cost more than $7000 over the course of a year. 2026 ute fuel figures Australia    *Dependent on variant **Ram does not provide official figures for fuel consumption. This figure is sourced from CarsGuide's real world testing. ***Chevrolet does not provide official figures for fuel consumption. This figure is sourced from CarsGuide's real world testing.

If you think you’re seeing a lot more new utes with unfamiliar badges on them, you’re probably not alone. The arrival of new utes from predominantly Chinese brands like the 2026 MG U9, JAC T9 and of course the BYD Shark 6 might seem sudden, but those in the industry have been familiar with many of the seemingly new models for years. Don’t fret, though, we ran the numbers to see just how speedy the rise in new Chinese utes landing in Australia has been, because while the models themselves have been around for a while, some of them have become much more popular lately. In fact, you’re really not just imagining it - a few years ago the number of Chinese utes arriving annually doubled. Over the past decade, the total number of Chinese utes sold in Australia over a year has gone from less than 1000 to almost 40,000. And while the total number of utes sold each year overall also rose, from 190,000 to 235,000 over the same time, you don’t have to be a mathematician to see the massive increase in market share for Chinese brands. Years ago, Great Wall (now GWM) was laying the groundwork, building a more reliable reputation over time and learning how discerning many Aussie ute buyers can be. Anecdotally, early Great Wall utes were hated by mechanics, but GWM now has more than 120 dealers and a seven-year warranty. By the mid-2010s, things were improving, Great Wall utes and the Foton Tunland were still really the only Chinese utes here, racking up annual sales in the hundreds and making up less than 0.5 per cent of the new ute market. In the first couple of years of the 2020s, LDV had arrived and was doing much of the heavy lifting while GWM was in a lull before new generation Cannon utes showed up. Through 2021 to 2024, Chinese utes made up around 6-8 per cent of the new ute market in Australia, though 4x2 utes didn’t follow the trend, with brands focusing on cracking the 4x4 market rather than fighting with the big players in the fleet space. This decade has seen the presence of Chinese utes rise from being sold in the hundreds or four-digit thousands to finally cracking and exceeding 10,000 sales comfortably each year, perhaps with the increasing cost-of-living pressure and subsiding mistrust of early Chinese utes from the ‘bad old days’. But 2025 was the year it really changed, and one name is responsible: Shark. Not Australia’s most storied golfer, but BYD’s plug-in hybrid ute. In 2024, 6.8 per cent of new utes sold in Australia were from Chinese brands - in 2025, that jumped up to 16 per cent. About 15,600 Chinese utes sold in 2024 versus just shy of 37,700 in 2025 comes thanks to the 18,000 new BYD Shark 6 utes bought by Australians in 2025. The total number of utes sold (across 4x2 and 4x4) in Australia didn’t even increase as much as the number of new sales the Shark 6 brought in, 229,219 sales in 2024 is only a few thousand less than the 235,614 sold in 2025. And it doesn’t seem to be slowing, with the Shark 6 performing well even into its second year on sale and helping maintain a 17.6 per cent market share for Chinese utes in the first two months of 2026. Even if BYD’s game-changer doesn’t maintain its place leading the Chinese ute charge, there’s a strong chance it continues to build upon the enthusiasm for the category built up by the likes of GWM.

The demise of the diesel ute is approaching. The walls are closing in on the conventional ute as diesel fuel prices soar and the federal government's National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) starts to bite, signalling the days of the diesel ute might be numbered. The ute is the last refuge for diesel engines in the Australian car industry, with most brands already shifting to petrol, hybrid and electric in other segments. Electrified utes have been gathering momentum in recent years as they look to take the place of traditional diesel power. Here is a list of those which could take diesel's ute crown. BYD Shark 6 PHEV The Shark 6 has already proven its threat to the diesel ute since it went on sale in late 2024, seeing surging sales. Its sharp price tag at $57,900 (before on-road costs) makes it a cheaper option as a plug-in hybrid ute, and it is competitive with some diesel utes. The Shark 6 uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid set-up, meaning it is far cheaper to run than its diesel rivals (so long as you keep the battery charged). It also packs 321kW and 650Nm, despite modest towing and carrying capacity. It has made a solid impression in its time in Australia, being BYD’s best-selling car in 2025 - form it has carried into this year. Chery KP31 diesel PHEV Australia will be one of the first markets to see the KP31 when it launches Down Under this year. Technically, the codenamed KP31 is still a diesel, but it does come with plug-in hybrid assistance, and there is a petrol plug-in coming in 2027. Diesel adds a different flavour to the PHEV game in Australia, with it overcoming the lugging and carrying limitations of petrol PHEV models such as the Shark 6. While there is no official news on the power output of the 2.5-litre turbo-charged engine and electric motor, Chery has confirmed it will have a 3500kg braked towing capacity and a 1000kg payload. There will also be multiple locking differentials for rugged off-road ability, which is something missing from the Shark 6. GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and GWM Cannon PHEV GWM will be the only brand to have two plug-in hybrid utes on sale in Australia by the end of this year. It already has the Cannon Alpha PHEV on sale, with a starting price of $61,490 drive-away. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol set-up produces 300kW and 750Nm. The smaller Cannon PHEV recently revealed in China is not too far away, and will offer the brand a cheaper alternative to the larger and more premium Alpha. While the Cannon PHEV keeps a 3500kg towing capacity, its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and electric motor only produces 185kW. Ford Ranger PHEV The best-selling Ford Ranger received a plug-in variant in the middle of 2025 in Australia, and starts from $71,990 (before on-road costs). The 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid set-up pumps out 207kW and 697Nm, with maximum payload of 973kg depending on the variant. It has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg. Its hefty comparative price tag means diesel sales still far outweigh their electrified sibling. KGM Musso EV The KGM Musso EV is one of the only new electric utes on sale in Australia, with a drive-away price of $60,000. It comes in two-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, producing up to 266kW and 630Nm. Its 81kWh battery offers a maximum all-electric driving range of 380km, with 10-80 per cent fast charging taking 36 minutes. It only comes with a payload of 905kg and a braked towing capacity of 1800kg. Toyota HiLux BEV An electric version of the HiLux is a highly-anticipated new model of Toyota’s lineup, with potential to build on the success of the diesel HiLux in a new electrified era. Initial numbers don't paint a pretty picture. It has a provisional 2000kg braked towing capacity, less than the 3500kg on diesel alternatives, including the HiLux. It also only has a payload of 715kg. The other potential drawback on the electric HiLux is that it has a driving range of just 240km from its 59kWh battery, according to WLTP testing. Expect to see the HiLux BEV in Australia soon. MG U9 EV The U9 electric ute has just been approved for sale in Australia and will hit showrooms in the near future. It comes with a total system output of 325kW from a dual motor set-up and offers 430km of driving range (WLTP), from its 102kWh battery. It also has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, so it will be in line with its key diesel rivals. Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV The Frontier Pro is Nissan’s first plug-in hybrid and like many on this list is built in China, and there is strong potential for it to soon be available in Australia. It has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and electric motor, producing 300kW and 800Nm, and is also expected to have a 3500kg braked towing capacity.

The MG U9 all-electric ute has just been approved for sale in Australia, according to federal government filings, adding a new rival to the developing segment. There are limited alternatives in the electric ute segment, making the MGU9 one of the first to hit Australian showrooms.  The dual-cab pick-up will take on the KGM Musso EV, which has a starting price of $60,000, drive-away, as well as the incoming Toyota HiLux BEV, launching in the first half of this year.  The MG U9 comes with a dual-motor set-up, with the front motor producing 200kW, while the rear motor produces 125kW for a total system output of 325kW. It is also expected to have ample torque to match its power.  Documents show it will be an all-wheel drive exclusive model.  Battery size is yet to be revealed, but we know it will be based on the LDV E-Terron 9 sold in China, which has a 102kWh battery offering a driving range of 430km (WLTP) - appreciably more than the HiLux BEV's 240km. It has a braked trailer towing capacity of 3500kg, keeping it in line with many of its diesel rivals, and bettering that of the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6. It can also tow more than the HiLux BEV, which is only capable of lugging 2000kg.  It measures up at 5500mm in length, 1997mm wide and 1860mm high with a wheelbase of 3300mm so it is also a size up on the HiLux BEV. We will likely learn more about MG’s new electric ute at next month's Melbourne Motor Show. 

China’s MG is in dire need of reversing its slowing sales in Australia and although peak ute may have already passed, its savour deserves to be its new dual-cab ute. Thankfully the MG U9 already has a lot going for it. It’s the Chinese carmaker’s first dual-cab ute in Australia, although it does share its underpinnings with the LDV Terron 9, which is another brand from Chinese state-owned SAIC Motor. Compared to the Terron 9, the U9 is a much more premium-looking proposition but its price tag doesn’t reflect this. The entry-level Explore grade starts at $52,990 drive-away, and extends to $60,990 drive-away for the fully loaded Explore Pro. This will barely get you a mid-spec HiLux or Ranger. It features a humongous grille and has a menacing presence that’ll make a HiLux or Ranger look small in comparison. You’re almost guaranteed to get people craning their necks to get a look at what this ute is. It's certainly one way to get your brand back out on the forefront. The U9 is also filled to the gills with high-end tech and finishes that ooze flash, which sets it above your everyday dual-cab ute. Depending on the trim there is a panoramic glass sunroof, large digital screens, digital rear-view mirror, plush leather seats with front-seat heating and ventilation, and a suede-like headliner. This is before mentioning the wild electric-folding mid-gate which extends the tub into the cabin and allows you to carry items up to 2.4-metres long. It’s an extremely unique offering in the dual-cab ute market, though it does come at a hefty cost – $5490 extra, and it's only available on the top-spec U9 Explore Pro. As standard however is rear multi-link suspension set-up which is much more passenger comfort-oriented than the typical leaf sprung ute. As a result payload is slightly down over other dual-cab utes. Despite the fluff, it’s worth calling out the U9 still stacks up where it counts most. It has a four-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer case and, depending on the trim level, front and rear diff locks. It also has a segment-meeting 3500kg braked towing capacity. However, like virtually every car, the MG U9 isn’t perfect. Although it’s only marginally larger than regular dual-cab utes, it certainly feels much bigger from behind the wheel, especially when doing tight manoeuvres in carparks or U-turns. Additionally, the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has healthy outputs on paper of 160kW and 520Nm, but it feels lethargic in reality and needs to be pushed to keep up with traffic. It doesn’t help that the car defaults back to ‘Eco’ mode every time it’s switched on. Even with this, I still achieved a rather disappointing average fuel consumption of 11.0L/100km during my urban driving testing. That’s not great, especially when you can get much less in the similarly-priced BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute. Even with these flaws, the U9 is a more deserving and a much better flagship for the MG brand, especially from an Australian perspective given how popular utes are still, than the niche Cyberster electric convertible. We’ll have to wait and see whether the Australian public latches onto the idea of the U9 but for now it’s a great step in the right direction of localising and understanding what a specific market needs and wants.