Ute News

Details have been hinted at, and speculated about, and shadowy arty teasers have further whet the appetite of Amarok fans everywhere but still information about the upcoming Walkinshaw VW Amarok remains scant.

The on-again, off-again Tesla Cybertruck launch in Australia appears to at last be approaching on again, with a version of the electrified horror show doing the rounds at our EV conferences, and the brand's chief confirming a slightly modified version of the vehicle is under review

A Nissan Americas executive has hinted at the future of the brand’s ute and pick-up family becoming much more streamlined.

Kia’s recent pricing announcement for its Tasman ute has caused the internet to explode, with many enthusiasts and prospective buyers weighing in on the debate about whether or not the newcomer costs too much.

With the eagerly-anticipated Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) finally hitting showrooms in the middle of this year to give the BYD Shark 6 PHEV a run for its money, is that where this level of electrification development stops on the T6.2 platform?

Chinese brand BYD is plotting an SUV and ute-lead takeover of the Australian new-car market, with the carmaker's local executives promising ladder-frame SUVs and even a tougher Shark 6 ute as part of a broad product rollout.

Can you have too much of a good thing? Australians love utes and in recent years we’ve seen more and more brands look to capitalise on that, but it may not be a case of the more the merrier.

MG might have only been a popular mainstream brand for a few years, but the bullish carmaker is intent on being a top-three brand in Australia quite soon.

Chinese newcomer brand JAC has shed some light on just what makes Australia so appealing to China's army of new-car brands, suggesting a combination of conditions, customers and tough competition makes the country irresistible.

Kia has confirmed pricing for the Tasman Dual-Cab ute range, with a vast price spread that spans $42,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level S to $74,990 for the flagship X-Pro, ahead of the ute’s official on-sale date in July.That pits the flagship Kia Tasman squarely against top-tier models in the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger line-ups, falling somewhere between the Ford Ranger Wildtrak ($69,640) and Platinum ($80,640), and about even with the Toyota HiLux GR Sport ($74,310).“The Tasman is by far Kia Australia's most anticipated model yet, reflecting the scale of Australia's ute market and the passion of these owners,” says Kia Australia Chief Executive Officer, Damien Meredith.“We are confident the input from Kia Australia at each stage of its development, along with its competitive value and versatility, will make it a very strong contender in the local market.”We now know the Tasman dual-cab will arrive in five trim levels, the S, SX, SX+, X-Line and X-Pro.Yet to be detailed are dual-cab chassis (due in August) and single-cab chassis (due in late 2025) ranges, but the latter will be offered in S 4x2, S 4x4, or SX 4x4 guises, while the former will be offered across all five trim levels.For now, the two-wheel-drive S dual-cab ($42,990) opens proceedings with 17-inch black steel wheels, rear bumper steps and LED headlights.Inside, there are cloth seats, push-button start and what Kia calls its 'Integrated Panoramic Display', combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5.0-inch climate screen and a 12.3-inch central multimedia screen. There’s a six-speaker stereo and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as dual-zone climate. The S is also available with 4WD, lifting the price to $49,990.The range then climbs to the SX, which is 4WD only, and lists at $54,490. The equipment list expands to include 17-inch alloy wheels, a Terrain Mode with Snow, Sand and Mud presets, standard navigation and some extra safety equipment, including Smart Cruise.Next is the SX+ - $62,390, 4WD only - which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, part-leather seating, ambient interior lighting and second-row air vents, as well as two 240v outlets (one in the cabin, one in the tray), and a wireless charging pad.Things get more luxurious - and more expensive - from there, with the X-Line listing at $67,990, and adding paddle shifters, slide and recline rear seats, a double wireless charger, Kia's rear-fender storage, artificial leather seats that are heated up front and a bed liner and roof rails.Finally, the flagship X-Pro is yours for $74,990, and gains true off-road kit like 17-inch black alloys fitted with all-terrain rubber, an electronic locking differential, the brand’s X-Trek mode, a new Rock function for its Terrain Mode, a ground-view monitor and an off-road page which shows steering direction and angle while on the move.There’s also a better Harmon Kardon sound system, heated seats in the back, seat ventilation for the front seat riders and a sunroof.Interestingly, Kia has taken a choose-your-own-adventure approach to payload, promising that all variants can carry in excess of 1000kg, with the X-Pro rated at 1013kg, and the entry-level single-cab chassis rated to 1124kg. But you can also opt to have a reduced payload of less than 1000kg, unlocking novated leasing opportunities.Towing is 3.5-tonne braked range-wide, while the GVM is 3250kg, and all Tasmans get an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller. Likewise, all dual-cab variants can fit an Aussie pallet in the tub (1512mm length, 1572mm width, 540mm height).All Tasmans are powered by the same 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine and eight-speed automatic, producing a total 154kW and 440Nm. It’s available in eight colours, including Clear White, Steel Grey, Interstellar Grey, Aurora Black, Runway Red, Cityscape Green, Tan Beige and Denim Blue.Kia says offical orders are now open.