Ute News

Chery's ute to get truly local name.

China is dominating Australian new-car sales, but it’s also not alone, with a handful of legacy brands bucking the trend to somehow grow their sales in the face of BYD, Chery and GWM’s continued ascent.

If we know anything about BYD’s rollout in Australia, it’s that nothing stays the same for long. And so it’s unsurprising that the rumours that a new and tougher BYD Shark 6 will launch this year are gathering real steam.Those rumours solidified when BYD lodged Australian government documentation detailing the introduction of a new powertrain for the Shark 6, despite the current version being less than 18 months old in Australia.So CarsGuide has put on its detective cap to bring you everything we know so far about the Chinese ute that promises to now be just as tough as a Ranger, and to offer more tech than a HiLux.Why is this happening?We’re only guessing, but one of the criticisms the BYD Shark 6 faced when it first launched in Australia was its failure to hit some of the non-negotiables for dual-cab utes in Australia — towing and true off-road ability. While the fact the Shark 6 lags its traditional rivals hasn’t impacted sales one iota, it’s entirely possible those criticisms reached important ears.Add to that the fact that Denza has now arrived in Australia, and its B8 model addresses each of those concerns, with its 3.5-tonne towing and proper off-road equipment.In short, the blueprint for a new BYD Shark 6 had arrived.What will be the 2027 BYD Shark 6 platform and powertrain?We have more than a hint on this. In fact, we suspect the answer is already here in the shape of the B8.Government documents suggest the new Shark 6 model will adopt the B8’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine – something the company's executives have been hinting at since 2025 – along with twin electric motors to improve the grunt and massively improve the capability.The Shark 6's homologation documents reveal that the new 2.0-litre engine will produce 180kW before the electric motors are taken into account, compared to the current model's 135kW 1.5-litre turbo.Also worth pointing out that total system power on the Denza B8 is 425kW and 760Nm, but the Shark 6 won't reach that level. Its lodged documents confirm the petrol engine will be joined by a 200kW front electric motor and 150kW rear electric motor for a combined total output of 345kW.Will it be able to tow?Yep, that’s really the core focus of this upgrade. The bigger engine unlocks a true 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, and 750kg unbraked. That puts it on-par with the diesel dual-cab heavyweights of Australia.Will it improve its off-road ability?That’s a big maybe. If BYD is raiding the Denza product portfolio — and it is — then the B8 has a whole bunch of other kit, like front and rear diff locks, a digitised low range and infinite Terrain Modes.Both the B5 and the B8 have climbed the infamous Beer O'Clock Hill (a challenge the current Shark 6 couldn't rise to), so borrowing from the Denza grab bag of off-road goodies will be a huge step in the right direction.When will it arrive?BYD is yet to comment publicly on the arrival of a 2.0-litre BYD Shark 6, but the government filings suggest the launch is now approaching. We'd estimate an arrival in the second half of 2026, or in early 2027.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has warned the legacy carmaker may axe its Australian engineering arm if the local government doesn’t come to the table and help equalise costs.While the Blue Oval hasn’t produced any cars in Australia since 2016, it has since still led the engineering development of vehicles like the Ranger ute and related Everest SUV.Ford currently has around 1500 engineers employed in Australia.“Australia has become ground zero for the global industry because your government dropped all the tariffs,” said Farley to Australian media, including CarsGuide.“It’s a completely open market and also pushing CO2 , arguably way beyond the customer requirements.“So it’s this cauldron of innovation and brutal competition, and to have engineers here – we’re the only ones left.“It's amazing to me that no one notices that Toyota has like 10 engineers in the country, and Ford has got thousands.“Do we get credit at the brand level? Probably not, but thank god they’re here because we wouldn’t have a Super Duty without them, and the global Ranger wouldn’t be number two to HiLux globally.“ needs to decide if they want to help us equalise the cost differential … because this is among the most expensive places to have engineers on the planet.”Another element is the Australian government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) could further strangle the future of Ford’s local engineering efforts.“What we’ve seen around the world with this kind of pressure on pure EVs is that ultimately all OEMs develop compliance vehicles," Farley said.“They’re not designed for customers. They’re designed for the OEM to be compliant and they’re subsidised by the OEMs and the customers have great choice.“That’s not a natural market and over time that winds up not being sustainable.“Something your government, or any government, has to be very sensitive to around the CO2 glide path. We want to reduce our CO2 footprint, but there’s a level that the customer can’t afford, and not all duty cycles can be electrified.”Farley noted one particular use case that electrified vehicles currently aren’t suited for is for heavy towing and that this happens frequently in Australia.“From my standpoint, those are the two policy issues that this country has to face. You want to prioritise mining and extraction of raw materials? Fine, but then you’re going to have to make some tough choices," Farley said.“Is the CO2 road map sustainable for customers? I think Australia may be on the wrong side of that now.“As well, you have to decide as a country, do you want to have a traditional engineering capability in your country?”“I think the government has to decide on that and it can’t sit on the sidelines and pretend that’s not a choice.“It’s a choice because that engineering can be done in a lot of other places … cheaper and faster.“The good thing is Ford is committed, but we’re not going to make bad choices.”As it currently stands, Ford does have a wealth of credits as reflected in the 2025 performance period for NVES.To be exact, it has 451,899 credits which it can either trade with other carmakers for profit or hoard to offset the results in coming years as the targets get stricter.A major reason for why Ford currently has NVES credits is because it, among a wealth of other brands, advocated for the implementation of two different target types – Type 1 and Type 2.Type 1 vehicles are regular passenger cars like sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs, whereas Type 2 vehicles include utes, vans, as well as body-on-frame four-wheel drive SUVs with a towing capacity of more than 3000kg.The latter has CO2 targets that aren’t as low but they still scale down as the years progress.Many of Ford’s best-selling vehicles, including the Ranger, Everest and Transit all fall into the Type 2 category.For context, in 2025 the CO2 emissions target for Type 1 vehicles was 141g/km and for Type 2 vehicles was 210g/km.It has since been reduced to 117g/km for Type 1 vehicles and 180g/km for Type 2 vehicles in 2026.It takes until 2028 for the CO2 emissions target for Type 2 vehicles to undercut the original 2025 CO2 emissions target for Type 1 vehicles.It's understood Ford is already making efforts to reduced its fleet CO2 footprint in Australia.The company has discontinued the 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo engine in the Ranger and Everest, instead relying more heavily on the single-turbo version in addition to the wealth of other powertrains offered, including V6s and a plug-in hybrid.The Blue Oval has also introduced more electrified Transit Custom offerings in Australia.Beyond the E-Transit Custom and E-Transit commercial vans though, the only other pure electric vehicle (EV) Ford Australia currently offers is the Mustang Mach-E mid-size SUV.

Mazda has added two new model grades to its Australian BT-50 ute line-up.The first is the flagship Thunder, powered by the BT-50’s top-shelf 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, sending 140kW/450Nm to all four wheels via a six-speed auto transmission.A returning model grade, for $78,400, before on-road costs, it includes all of the premium GT variant’s standard equipment and adds a single hoop bull bar paired with Lightforce Beast driving lights, reinforced anti-slip side steps, a steel sports bar and a manual roller tonneau cover. Car-spotters should also look out for gloss black door handles and ‘Thunder’ graphics.And in case anyone on the job site is confused about who’s running the show, the BT-50 Boss is a new model grade, again a 4WD powered by the 3.0L turbo-diesel engine.This time, base standard equipment is equivalent to the XT grade with the addition of gloss black door and tailgate handles, gloss black exterior mirrors and a black steel sports bar. The Boss also picks up a tub liner and side steps.Standard price is $60,220, before on-road costs but Mazda has set an introductory price of $58,990, BOC. At the same time a 360-degree camera system is now standard on the XTR, GT and SP pick-up variants.2026 Mazda BT-50 pricing2026 Mazda BT-50 engine/powertrain and efficiencyPower options (varying by model) are a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 120kW/400Nm and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four delivering 140kW/450Nm. Both are matched with a six-speed automatic transmission sending drive to the rear or all-four wheels.Official combined-cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel efficiency for both powertrains is 7.1L/100km.2026 Mazda BT-50 standard featuresAside from included safety tech, standard feature highlights across all grades are:Android Auto & Apple CarPlayReversing camera8.0-inch colour multimedia touchscreenDigital radioAdaptive cruise control XT and above:Alloy wheelsLED headlightsHigher grades:9.0-inch multimedia screenSatellite navigationFolding exterior mirrorsSide stepsLeather-trimmed steering wheelLeather seat trimRemote engine startPower-adjustable driver’s seat 2026 Mazda BT-50 coloursStandard: ‘Ice White’.Optional ($695):‘Red Earth Metallic’‘Sailing Blue Metallic’‘True Black Mica’‘Geode White Pearl’‘Concrete Grey Mica’‘Ingot Silver Metallic’ Interior:Black clothBlack leatherBlack & ‘Terracotta’ synthetic leather & cloth2026 Mazda BT-50 safetyThe current Mazda BT-50 received a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment from testing in 2022:Adult occupant protection - 86 per centChild occupant protection - 89 per centVulnerable road user protection - 67 per centSafety assist - 84 per cent2026 Mazda BT-50 warranty and servicingService interval - 12 months / 15,000 kmWarranty - Five years / unlimited kmFive-year roadside assist2026 Mazda BT-50 dimensionsLength: 5320mm - 4470mmWidth: 1870mm - 1942mmHeight: 1785mm - 1800mmWheelbase: 3125mm

Volkswagen Australia is adding two new V6 turbo-diesel variants to the dual cab ute’s local line-up, with the 2026 model year range becoming an almost exclusively 3.0-litre V6 offering.Volkswagen says it has been “guided by feedback from owners, dealers and enthusiasts in placing stronger emphasis on V6 powertrains, while simplifying the range to make choosing an Amarok clearer and more intuitive than ever.”But it’s worth noting, as with its co-developed Ford Ranger ‘twin-under-the-skin’, the 154kW/500Nm 2.0L twin-turbo diesel four from the Amarok Life and Style models has been squeezed out of existence by tightening emission regulations.And, unlike Ford Australia, VW has also made the call to phase out the 125kW/405Nm 2.0L single-turbo four-cylinder diesel, currently offered in the entry-grade Amarok TDI 405 Core.To help pick up the slack, the first of the Amarok’s new 184kW/600Nm 3.0L turbo-diesel entries is the Dark Label V6.Limited to 200 examples, it adds visual drama and a lengthy standard equipment list to the VW ute formula, including:20-inch ‘Matte Black’ ‘Bendigo’ alloy wheelsLED matrix headlights (with black surrounds)Darkened tail-lightsBlack sports bar, side steps, rear bumper, door handles and mirrorsFront bumper ‘X‑design’ in blackBlack front skid plateMatte Black B‑pillar foilRoof rails in Matte BlackSpray‑in tub linerBlack tonneau coverDark Label sticker pack (bonnet, doors, tub sides, tailgate) Pricing and exact arrival timing are yet to be confirmed, but it’s likely to hit showrooms before the end of 2026.Then, in the second quarter of this year, the Amarok W600 special edition will deliver another premium performance option.Locally-developed by Walkinshaw Automotive Group in Melbourne and based on the TDI600 Style, it features the 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 as well as a multitude of dynamic upgrades including a bespoke Koni suspension set-up, 20-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, a full-width LED light bar and (lots) more.Volkswagen believes it will “reinforce Amarok’s position as a leader in driving feel and performance within the dual‑cab segment.”And finally, the 222kW/452Nm 2.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder powered Amarok Style TSI452 replaces the previous Aventura TSI452 with spec upgrades including: Permanent all‑wheel driveSix drive modesOptional 20-inch ‘Bendigo’ alloy wheelsFor reference, the current Amarok Aventura TSI452 is priced at $79,990, before on-road costs.Volkswagen’s Australian Amarok line-up for MY26 (with pricing yet to be confirmed) will be:Amarok Style 2.3 TSI452Amarok Style 3.0 TDI600Amarok Style (w/ Tray) 3.0 TDI600Amarok PanAmericana 3.0 TDI600Amarok Aventura 3.0 TDI600Amarok Dark Label 3.0 TDI600Amarok W600 3.0 TDI600

A plug-in hybrid ute from Toyota might be in the works as the brand looks to expand its electrified ute line-up.According to a report by CarBuzz, Toyota has recently filed two patents of a plug-in hybrid ute in the United States.They were first filed in Japan in 2022, and the report suggests the PHEV idea is still on the cards for future development.One of the key details exposed by the patents is that the battery pack will be stored under the tub, which is the same as on the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid. This differs from the set-up on the BYD Shark 6, which has the batteries integrated into the chassis.The patents show batteries underneath the rear seats as well as under the tray for bigger ute models. Beyond these patents, there are no further details on which models would receive a PHEV set-up or when it might come to fruition.Toyota has already been taking big steps to electrify its range, including its ute models in Australia.Toyota will bring in a fully electric version of its HiLux this year, which will be a first from the Japanese brand. It has faced criticism for the electric HiLux’s driving range of 240km (WLTP) and its lower towing capacity compared to diesel-only rivals. Toyota claims this model will be targeted at fleets and mining companies rather than private buyers.A hybrid-only V6 Tundra full-size pick-up is also available Down Under.A PHEV HiLux might give Toyota the best of both worlds, and the capacity lean into the success of other brands that have introduced the powertrain.The BYD Shark 6 is the most notable example of this, having achieved a bumper year of sales since its Australia launch.It could ensure Toyota's ute has strong towing and load carrying capacity, while adding electrification.A potential route for Toyota could be a plug-in hybrid diesel engine for its HiLux ute, similar to what Chinese brand Chery is launching in Australia this year. It might also solve the increasingly prevalent issue of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will soon impact the diesel HiLux. 

With the hammer predicted to drop on EV subsides in the coming weeks, there are growing calls to instead shine the spotlight on Australia's ute segment, where similar tax breaks exist for "commercial vehicles."

Is the Ford Ranger Super Duty actually as good as you've heard? Let's take a look.

Australians are still buying cars at a rapid rate but should we be more patient?Some of the most exciting new models are still months away from hitting showrooms. In this article we’ll reveal the five newcomers that should have you staying calm and holding steady for a few more months.Toyota RAV4 PHEVThe new RAV4 is headed into showrooms very shortly, but the brand is saving the most important new variant until later in the year. That would be the new, long-awaited RAV4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which will come in the final months of the year to push back against the rising tide of PHEV rivals.While Toyota may be a latecomer to this PHEV party, the specifications sound promising. The RAV4 PHEV will offer a 227kW, all-wheel drive variant with up to 150km of electric-only driving range for the flagship GR Sport model. There will also be a 200kW, front-wheel drive XSE variant.Toyota Australia has already revealed pricing for the pair, with the XSE starting at $58,840 and the GR Sport from $66,340. So if that sounds appealing, all you have to do now is wait…Mazda CX-5Sure, it won’t have a hybrid option initially, but the arrival of a new CX-5 is still something worth waiting for. The brand has taken an evolutionary approach to this new model, which is a good thing considering its long-running popularity.While the turbocharged engine has been dropped and the hybrid won’t arrive until 2027, the new CX-5 will have a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, stylish looks and a roomy cabin. But will that be enough to ward off the challenges from the RAV4, BYD Sealion 6 and 7, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage? That remains to be seen, but if you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV in ‘26 you will want to wait and see what the CX-5 offers before you make your decision.Chery UtePlug-in hybrid utes are all the rage at this moment in time and you could choose to jump into a Ford Ranger PHEV, BYD Shark 6 or GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV right now. Or you could wait until the end of the year when Chinese brand Chery launches the first turbo diesel PHEV ute.Previewed as the KP31 concept already, the new ute should look the part and by combining the preferred diesel power with the new PHEV technology it could be a gamechanger for the ute market.Obviously a lot of its success will be dependent on its price, but Chery has already earned a reputation for being one of the most aggressive brands when it comes to pricing. Which means this could be worth the wait for anyone looking for both a fuel efficient and affordable new ute.Honda PreludeIf you’re looking for a new sports car, like a Ford Mustang EcoBoost, Nissan Z or even a Honda Civic Type R, you may not want to rush in. That’s because Honda is due to reintroduce the famous Prelude nameplate to Australia by the end of the year.Making its return after more than 25 years in the wilderness, the Prelude picks up where it left off. The new version remains a stylish coupe based on a front-wheel drive platform, in this case the same underpinnings as the Honda Civic.While not based on the red hot Civic Type R, the Prelude is expected to have a version of the hybrid powertrain from the Civic e:HEV - a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to an electric motor for 149kW of power.While it may not be as potent as the Type R, the Prelude will turn heads with its sleek looks. Which is why it could be worth waiting for if you want to stand out from the pack.BMW iX3Finally, for anyone considering a premium electric vehicle in 2026, the BMW iX3 is probably worthy of consideration - even if it’s not due here until later in the year.While EVs are in a precarious position at the moment, the German brand has poured all of its latest and greatest technology into the new model to give it its best chance of success. This is the first model of the so-called Neue Klasse platform of vehicles, which will spawn the next-generation 3 Series too.It also features the next revolution of BMW design, with a bold new look that will undoubtedly polarise opinions when it arrives.More importantly, BMW claims this electric SUV will have up to 805km of range and will arrive with the punchy 345kW/645Nm iX3 50 xDrive variant that can sprint 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.