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The Tank 700 appears to have the green light for Australia.That’s the good news. So is the fact that it will offer GWM's vaunted new twin-turbo V8, as well as a long-wheelbase model with three-row/seven-seater capability, making it more family-friendly practicality.The bad news is that the Toyota LandCruiser, Mercedes G-Wagen-like hybrid off-road SUV is still up to two years away from launching here, despite the debuted of a facelifted version at last month’s China Auto Show in Beijing.According to GWM Australia Public Relations Manager Justin Stefani the company will hold out for the next redesign that is due to surface in its home market later next year or in 2028.“There is no timing confirmed,” he said.“It aligns with what (GWM International Vice President, James Wang) said… that, from an engineering perspective, we would look to potentially bring the 700 into Australia on the back of a new iteration.“Because the 700 is quite an old vehicle, it’s been around for a while, so if you think about chronologically, (this just facelifted) 700 comes out, new V8 powertrain comes out, and we’d be silly to put a car in for 12 months that’s aged and then have to update it.“We’d probably wait until the next-generation is out, and then look to how that business case works.“We’d probably say 18 to 24 months off.”So, how actually old is the 700? Using a variation of the platform found in the Tank 500 SUV and Cannon Alpha ute, this large, design-driven body-on-frame 4x4 five-seater wagon arrived in China in early 2024.As part of the mid-cycle update, the MY26 facelift includes a revised front-end design, new trims and updates to what’s under the bonnet.This includes the implementation of that highly-anticipated 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, to be made available with electrification. Details are to be divulged at a later time, as it has yet to hit the roads in China.Which means, for now at least, the 700 headline is the new 3.0-litre twin-turbo internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol V6s.First up is the 260kW/560Nm non-electrified unit, driving all for wheels via a nine-speed torque-converter auto developed in-house at GWM and shared with the China-market Cannon Alpha and Tank 500. It’s good for 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds, 190km/h or 12.5 litres per 100km.Next up is the Hi4-T plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version, adding an electric motor to up the V6’s combined power, combined torque and acceleration numbers to 385kW, 800Nm and 8.3s, while a 37.1kWh battery pack allows for under 100km of pure-EV range. This one prioritises off-road 4x4 prowess.Finally comes the all-new, GWM-first Hi4-Z PHEV application, removing the centre differential but adding an electric motor and 59kWh battery out the back, for a WLTC (China)-claimed 190km range, as well as a 720kW and 1375Nm combined-bump in outputs, shaving 0.6s off the 0-100km/h time. This is more on-road focused, boosting efficiency significantly.Note the latter’s additional electrification tech significantly cuts into the 700’s braked towing capacity, dropping from 3500kg to 2500kg.Plus, cargo capacity suffers as well, from the ICE’s 490 litres to 392L (Hi4-T) and just 180L (Hi4-Z), followed by corresponding drops when the rear seatbacks are folded down, from 1601L to the Z’s 1025L.Maybe that’s why GWM Australia has elected to wait for the next-gen model, which may have better electrification packaging so as to not compromise practicality.With the latest electrified V6 and V8 petrol choices, combined with upgraded diesel options and the Australian Tune 1 steering and suspension upgrades by ex-Holden dynamics engineer Rob Trubiani, the 2028 700 is shaping up to be an intriguing premium off-road SUV indeed.

Geely has spilled some essential information on its coming ute.The boss of Geely’s Australian operation Alex Gu shared some of the brand’s thoughts on its new ute, and how it will come later than rivals but may have some surprises in tow, which he hopes will “exceed” expectations.Gu said “of course” the brand will offer a ute in Australia, but it won’t be for a while.“I hope it will be available within two to three years,” he said.It will be a little bit different from the upcoming Geely Cruiser 4x4 concept shown in 2025 and its off-road architecture shown at the Beijing Motor Show, according to Gu.“Pick-ups in Australia are an off-road pick-up. So this, we will study. It is unique knowledge because Geely, we don’t have those kinds of historic platforms. But, we will study and create to satisfy that ute market,” he said.Gu added the new-from-the-ground-up ute would definitely be a plug-in first.“It will be New Energy first. It could be plug-in but for the next-generation I’m not sure, so far it is being based on studies,” he said.This could come in the form of a unique range-extender style set-up, with one shown at the Horse Powertrain stand at the 2026 Beijing Motor Show.Horse Powertrain, which is an independent spin-off from both Geely and Renault specifically for developing engines, had multiple new powertrain options to show, with two suited for any ute or off-roader.The first is a range-extender style set-up, which Horse Powertrain staff told CarsGuide was developed to either add to a battery electric platform, or with its compact dimensions, sit between the frame-rails of a ladder-frame 4x4.The unit, dubbed C15, is a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which can be placed upright or lay flat like a boxer engine, with an overall height of just 275mm. In turbocharged form it can produce up to 120kW, and can act either purely in range-extender form or combine with a dual electric motor transmission to provide direct drive to the wheels.There is the possibility of a 3.0-litre V6 from Horse Powertrain to power Geely’s ute, although this would require a platform we’re yet to see, something even more capable than the Geely off-road architecture shown at Beijing.Horse Powertrain’s new engine, dubbed the W30 was specifically referenced by Gu as a possibility.“The V6 we use two to four electric motors to make even bigger horsepower, so this is a very good upgrade of technology, you can do different things.”Horse says the W30 is is capable of outputting 350 - 400kW of power and up to 700Nm of torque, but is intended to be mated to its 4LDHT transmission, which is a four-speed unit with a huge electric motor on the rear capable of producing an additional 400kW.Horse Powertrain’s product people told CarsGuide this unit was developed specifically for large 4x4 and pick-up truck applications, and the big motor was expressly designed to help with towing and heavy payloads.One reason Geely was taking its time developing a ute was also because it wanted to study how its rivals were going to impact the market. This is part of Geely’s slowly-but-surely strategy to only release what Gu referred to as “star” models in each segment.He noted the brand was aware and studying other players entering the Australian market with ambitious new ute products, like Chery’s diesel hybrid ute, saying the brand was watching if this direction was "feasible".Gu said the current monocoque Geely Radar ute, which is currently sold in New Zealand under Riddara badging, was not the “solution” for the Australian market.“Because just like with some SUVs, it must have four-wheel drive,” he said. “If you don’t have four-wheel drive, you have not satisfied what the customer demands.”“So Geely, we fully study the customer demand, and provide exactly or even beyond what the customer is expecting of them otherwise.”“For the ute, just like Ranger or HiLux or Shark 6, these have a different character, so we must benchmark those ‘star’ models."

Subaru has joined the lengthening list of global carmakers pushing black plans to produce new-generation EV models, with the Japanese maker preferring to take an initial financial hit through program rescheduling to benefit from what it believes will be longer-term savings.Global players including Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Volvo, VW, and most recently Honda, have shelved multiple EV model programs in the face of slower than expected market uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and ongoing consumer preference for hybrid and pure-combustion models.Now, as reported by Automotive News, Subaru Corporation is delaying its independently developed electric vehicle to be produced in Japan, a move that comes in the face of the company’s dramatic 90 per cent fall in operating profit for the (Japanese) financial year ended March 31, 2026.Speaking at Subaru’s most recent Board of Directors meeting in Tokyo, President and CEO Atsushi Osaki confirmed Subaru operating profit plummeted from ¥405.3 billion ($3.58 billion) in 2025 to ¥40.1 billion ($350 million) this year.He said US tariffs on new vehicle imports alone had wiped out ¥226.9 billion ($2.00 billion) from earnings with “EV-related write-downs and impairments” accounting for another ¥57.8 billion ($510 million).“In the US, our key market, the pace of BEV adoption has slowed due in part to the easing of environmental policies. “Given this, the timing of our BEV market introduction will be pushed back.“We want to begin a comprehensive reevaluation of the entire strategy, including which models to bring to market.“We will continue developing the core components of BEVs, but we will significantly reduce the resources allocated to this effort,” he said.An all-new, in-house developed EV was scheduled to be produced at the brand’s new Oizumi plant in Gunma Prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, which is scheduled to open in 2028.But that solo strategy departs from the relative cost-effectiveness of co-production with Toyota on current electric models including the Solterra (bZ4X), Uncharted (C-HR+) and Trailseeker (bZ4X Touring).And as noted by Osaki-san, more than 70 per cent of Subaru’s global sales come from the US, with half of them imported from Japan and subsequently levied with a 15 per cent tariff.Despite a recent uptick in demand for the Solterra, Uncharted and Trailseeker in America, deliveries fell 3.2 percent to 641,000 vehicles, with the new-generation Outback in particular failing to hit the target with prospective buyers who openly state a preference for the wagon-like configuration of prior models rather than the chunkier SUV shape of the latest iteration.As to when the Oizumi EV program will be reenergised, Osaki said, “We intend to finalize the exact launch timing of our in-house BEV models after carefully monitoring market conditions. It is still too early to say a specific timeline at this point.“We are revising our introduction strategy to anticipate when the US market enters the BEV adoption phase.”Looking ahead, Subaru forecast coming year sales to increase 4.9 per cent to 940,000 vehicles, with North America up 3.9 per cent to 736,000 vehicles and Japan up 4.9 per cent to 108,000.It’s worth noting Australian Subaru sales dropped 3.9 per cent for the 2025 calendar year (39,005 vs 40,604 units) and were down 19.3 per cent year-to-date at the end of April 2026 (9737 vs 12,067 units).

Kia has sharpened the pencil on its slow selling Tasman ute.The Korean brand has knocked thousands off the price of most grades in the range until June 30, with some sharp drive-away deals.So far the Tasman has only mustered about 1600 sales, which is a long way behind its yearly 20,000 target. The segment leading Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux that have sold about 15,800 and 13,500 so far this year, respectively.There are some big deals to be had on top-tier Tasman versions.The range-topping Tasman X-Pro 4WD dual cab is now priced from $64,990 drive-away, which is more than $10,000 off the previous $74,990 (before on-road costs) price tag.The X-Line 4WD dual-cab variant is also more than $10,000 cheaper at $59,990. Similar big discounts apply to the mid-tier SX+ 4WD dual-cab.Entry-level S and SX 4WD dual-cabs also get some meaningful discounts that drop the price to $49,990 and $51,990, respectively.Kia has also wiped thousands off the price of hard working single cab chassis variants for ABN holders.The base S grade now starts at $39,990 drive-away for the two-wheel drive S with an alloy tray included. If you want 4WD it'll cost you $45,990. Both deals represent several thousands off the non promotional price.The Tasman is powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine that makes 154kW and 440Nm.All versions can tow 3500kg and most can carry a one tonne payload.Kia Australia boss Damien Meredith told CarsGuide it needed to do more to boost sales and it had several ways to do that, which now appears to be sharp deals.The Tasman ute has been critically acclaimed for how it performs its duties, but Meredith said there were several issues holding back the new ute.“I think once you’re inside it, it's fantastic,” said Meredith. “I think you know the exterior of the car is very polarising. Some people love it, some people don’t. And that’s had an effect.“I think you’ve got to be upfront and honest that the competition that’s out there is quite dramatic. “When we were planning this six years ago, the competition wasn’t as great as what it is right now.“So did we plan correctly? We planned as well as we possibly could, but the competition is hot, and there’s a polarising look to the vehicle.“We’ve fallen short. We know the facts.“The fact of the matter is we’ve got to make Tasman a better success in Australia than it is at its current level,” said Meredith.2026 Kia Tasman deals 

Land Rover has hinted at a radical direction change for its next-generation Discovery SUV. The Discovery has been experiencing a sales downturn in Australia, which reflects a global trend for the previously popular name. The Discovery has found itself in a changing environment, which has contributed to the fact it has sold the least number of units in Australia out of any model in the Land Rover lineup so far this year.The Defender SUV's successful introduction in 2021 has seen it become a big seller. It has arguably come at the expense of other models, such as the Discovery, but a spokesperson for Land Rover Australia said there remained separate customer bases for the Defender and the Discovery.  SUV alternatives have blown out in the past few years as well, with rivals introducing cheaper and similarly specified vehicles. Freelander is likely to be a direct rival for the Discovery, adding to its mounting task to recapture sales. Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer P.B. Balaji has confirmed the brand will take drastic action to rectify the model's decline. “Discovery is very much part of our ‘House of Brands’. an important part of our offering to the customers, and where the customer is able to access the brand, and the entire JLR franchise, at much more affordable prices,” Balaji told United Kingdom outlet Auto Express.“At the same time, it needs to be uniquely differentiated. Some customers have indeed migrated to a Defender. 
And therefore, that is the work that we are currently on to.“You should expect to hear from us, future plans on Discovery, sooner rather than later. We are as committed to the Discovery as any of our other brands.”The Discovery will also have to fight off competition from the incoming Chery sub-brand Freelander Down Under, which is part of a joint venture between JLR and Chery. It is unclear when this new Discovery model will be announced, but it appears to be one of Land Rover’s immediate priorities. A spokesperson for Land Rover said they could not confirm any details about the new Discovery model in the works or its potential arrival in Australia. The Discovery is currently in Australia as a petrol-only model, starting from $73,595 (before on-road costs), making it the cheapest model in the brand’s lineup. It is mainly powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing up to 184kW and 365Nm, but there is a limited edition version of the car, which comes with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6.

Iconic off-road brand Jeep may have been thrown a lifeline to be rescued from its current struggles in the form of Chinese carmaker Dongfeng with which it will build future models.Jeep’s parent company Stellantis has signed a new agreement which will see the joint venture currently known as Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile (DPCA) produce two Peugeot models and two Jeeps.The A$1.7 billion agreement will not only allow Stellantis to be more competitive locally in China with the models made at Dongfeng Wuhan plant but will also see these models exported globally.Speaking at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit last week Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said the partnership with Dongfeng was part of the company’s new strategy for the future. "Stellantis has been growing this last year, creating a clear view of being attractive for long-term partnerships to many players," he said."We are attractive because we are strong in many regions, we are attractive because of our scale, and mostly because we have unbelievably strong brands, so our level of appeal is big."We understand that by working with a set of partners to build a roadmap of technological improvement, supply chain improvement and maybe capacity utilisation. These are really good topics to work together and create benefits."Stellantis already has an existing separate agreement with Dongfeng and has produced the Peugeot 4008 and 5008 in China. The new joint venture will see Dongfeng’s Concept 6 and Concept 8 both shown at the recent Beijing motor show underpin two new Peugeot models.As for the two Jeep models both are expected to be 'new energy' (plug-in) vehicles but the platforms underpinning them is currently unknown. Filosa is expected to reveal more on this at an investor conference this week in the United States.Dongfeng currently has a large array of off-road models in its portfolio from the Rich 7 dual cab ute to the hardcore MHero SUV. The company also displayed what it calls the "first new energy all terrain extreme off-road concept vehicle - the MHero M-Hunter" at the Beijing motor show. It’s a model which may fit Jeep’s go-anywhere ethos well if it was to be chosen as the basis for a new model.Production of the new Jeep and Peugeot models will begin at the Wuhan factory in 2027.It could be the shot in the arm Jeep and Peugeot needs both globally and in Australia.Year to date sales of Jeep vehicles in Australia have reached just 249, a 65 per cent drop over the same period in 2025.Peugeot’s performance locally has been somewhat better but still underwhelming with 320 units registered year to date representing a 32.3 per cent decline compared to 2025.Stellantis will be looking to the new joint venture to give what are well known brands the technological innovation needed to compete in an auto landscape which is appearing to swing to Chinese dominance.  

Volkswagen's iconic badge has just been changed forever, with its new ID. Polo GTI hot hatch going electric-only.There is no official news on whether the ID. Polo GTI will launch in Australia, but it is likely to be on the brand’s radar, particularly in light of increasing New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) penalties. Volkswagen Australia has been contacted for comment. It will start from the equivalent of around $65,000 in Germany, but expect it to be more expensive than that figure Down Under. It is about $15,000 more expensive than the standard ID. Polo recently unveiled in Europe. The car’s electric motor setup produces 166kW and 290Nm, enabling it to shift from 0-100km/h in less than seven seconds. This is more power than the outgoing petrol-powered Polo GTI, which produces 147kW and 320Nm.It is equipped with a 52kWh battery, offering a driving range of up to 424km, according to WLTP standards. This is the same unit found in the range-topping ID. Polo, offering 30km less range than in that car. It is capable of charging at 105kW via a DC charger, meaning 10-to-80 per cent fill-ups take roughly 24 minutes.The car adheres to VW's new design philosophy, with more physical buttons located on the steering wheel and centre console. The brand has included several interior elements to maintain a GTI feel for the car, despite its lack of internal combustion power. There is a 10.25-inch digital driver display, which can be changed into the style of the Mk 1 Golf in a nod to the first generation of the car. Elsewhere in the cabin is a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, which also gets the Mk 1 Golf retro add-onsThe news comes after the brand launched the standard version of its ID. Polo late last month, with the GTI going on sale later this year.

GWM has revealed its upcoming Tank 800 full-sized SUV flagship has been given the green light for Australia – and it’s going to be here sooner than anybody expected.To be released before the end of June next year, the body-on-frame 4WD wagon will arrive with electrified V8 petrol power options in the higher-end versions, to match considerable off-road capability, giving the Chinese brand flagship a point of difference against the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Y63 Patrol.It should have a considerable price advantage over its V6 turbo petrol-powered Japanese opponents, starting from around $100,000 if the speculation is to be believed, while equipment and luxury specifications suggest that the 800 will be more-closely aligned with their Lexus LX and not-for-Australia Infiniti QX80 offshoots.“The Tank 800 has just been approved for Australia for the second quarter of next year,” according to GWM Australia Public Relations Manager, Justin Stefani. “(GWM Australia Chief Operating Officer, John Kett) and I were just told this morning.”Previewed all the way back in 2021 as a concept vehicle, the production 800 will debut in China soon. The “cheaper” versions are likely to have seven seats, while the more-opulent models will have a 2+2+2 arrangement boasting ‘captain’s chairs’ with ottomans, massaging seats and other trinkets, as per the brand’s (unrelated) Wey V9X full-sized luxury SUV.In keeping with the Tank’s branding, the 800 will deploy GWM’s new separate-chassis platform architecture, that is also expected to eventually underpin a full-sized ute (think Ford F-150). That was mooted for release in the North American market (where the Chinese brands are yet to conquer), though that has been indefinitely delayed (but not cancelled, we understand) due to the current US administration’s tariffs.As revealed back in January, the Tank’s engine in question will be a 403kW 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol unit that, when mated to at least two electric motors and driving all four wheels via a dedicated hybrid transmission, bumps that power output up to 735kW.GWM Chief Technology Officer Nicole Wu, told the Australian media at the recent China Auto Show in Beijing that it will be made available in series-parallel hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle configurations, giving consumers unprecedented power as well as fuel economy.Less-expensive versions are expected to use variations of GWM’s 3.0-litre turbo petrol Hi4-T PHEV engines, which – in the smaller Tank 700 – delivers a handy 385kW and 800Nm.More information about the upcoming 800 will be divulged shortly.

There’s no denying that utes are very popular as platforms for adventure touring and off-roading.However, spend any time on our nation’s road and you see just as many, if not more, vans being used as the conveyance of choice for weekend wanderers, big road trippers, and the like – afterall, #vanlife is not a hashtag for nothing.So, does a van have greater potential than a ute as an adventure vehicle?Read on.A van, even an all-wheel drive van, is not as well set-up for off-roading as a 4WD ute, no matter how impressive the marketing for the van is or how often they mention “adventure” in the advertising.But, if hard-core off-roading is not part of your plan, a van has plenty to offer.In terms of engine and transmission, power and torque outputs, driver-assist technology and day-to-day useability, vans and utes are fairly even.But it’s in the areas of 4WD set-up, ground clearance, off-road angles and load-space where the major difference lies between utes and vans.A 4WD ute, by rights, is the better off-roader and should always have better off-road driver-assist tech, ground clearance, off-road angles, and wheel travel than a van.Again, if difficult off-roading is not part of your plan, then these issues (above) don’t matter – and, besides, a van is better set up for use as a live-in adventure platform largely because of its load space.A ute’s tub/tray, as standard, is not closed in so the extent of your packing is not limited by your vehicle’s roof-line – as it is in a van – because a ute’s tub/tray doesn’t have a roof. You can load beyond the top edge of a ute’s tub, and tall or awkwardly shaped loads aren’t a problem.However, unless a ute has a lockable cover on its tub/tray, security from thieves and protection from the elements remain a serious issue. Thankfully, numerous examples of OEM or aftermarket tub coverings are available (hard or soft tonneau covers, roller shutters, aluminium lids etc) for utes.Or you can buy an aftermarket canopy to be fixed to your ute tub, and some of those options are lockable. The problem is a canopy is not an engineered-at-vehicle-origin solution, so while it offers much better security, water- and dust-proofing than having no cover at all, it’s no match for a van’s factory built-in load space. Vans have plenty of positives for adventure in their favour, even as standard.Take, for instance, the Ford Transit Custom Trail, which has been designed for use as an adventure vehicle. The Trail can be optioned as a two-seater with hard-wearing plastic everywhere – ready for the messiness of work and life – as well as charge points (USB-A and -C) and storage (including a van-favourite dash-top slot for logbooks etc, outboard moulded cupholders and a nifty pop-out cupholder).The load space includes access via a barn door at the rear and the Trail can be optioned up to have a sliding door on both sides.The cargo area is substantial – 3002mm long (to the bulkhead; 3450mm long if load-through hatch is used), 1392mm wide (between wheel arches) and 1425mm high (floor to roof). Easily big enough for work equipment or recreational gear. It can cope with four Euro pallets (1200mm x 800mm each) and it has a listed maximum load volume (with the bulkhead) of 6.8 cubic metres.Load height through the rear barn doors is 531-585mm, depending on how much weight (driver, passenger etc) is already onboard.The load space has a metal bulkhead (with window and load-through hatch), load area protection kit (full height walls and moulded floor), LED lights and eight tie-down loops.Payloads in vans can range upwards of 1000kg, while payloads in utes (e.g. a single-cab) can be upwards of about 1000kg. (US pick-ups can manage more – with listed payloads of 1759kg and up – but in this yarn mainstream utes are the focus.)But a van’s rear load space could be considered a distinct advantage – or at least a major point of difference – over a ute.A van can be big, for example the cargo space in a 2021 long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 is 3061mm long, 1709mm wide, and 1391mm high; with 1265mm between the rear wheel-arches, so a 1165mm standard Australian pallet will easily slot in. Official cargo volume in the Vito is 6.6 square metres.Vans are built to carry loads and as such there is plenty of space in the rear, and amenities back there include tie-down points (with which to secure your load), lighting systems (halogen or LED), wood panelling on the interior walls and rear door, rubber or vinyl matting, or other grippy protective surface on the floor of the cargo area, and even power points.The load spaces in vans are ripe for customisation to house bedding, and extra storage for an adventurous person or couple.And the rear load space may provide open access to the driver and front passengers(s), or it may be separated from the cabin of the van by a bulkhead with a built-in cargo barrier.Access to that fully secure load space may be via sliding doors on either side of the van or by using the rear door, which might be 180°-opening rear twin barn doors (with window), or a single lift-up tailgate, and either of those can be fully locked open so a forklift can be used to place a heavier load in the cargo area.So while there’s no problem with permitted access, the load space is fully lockable, so theoretically secure, and the contents may be concealed.The cabins of utes and vans are similar in that they can be set up as mobile offices, with an immediate ease of use and comfort as priorities: think cloth seats, durable plastic surfaces and storage spaces aplenty including a lockable glovebox, dash-top slots (for log books, general paperwork etc) as well as door pockets and bottle-holder, a cup-holder at each end of the dash, and a centre console bin.With fuel prices so high, is a van more appealing than a ute in terms of how much fuel it will use?As a sweeping generalisation, vans are regarded as offering better fuel economy than utes, especially around town (with approximate average fuel use of 6.5–9.5L/100km), but utes are more aerodynamic than vans, so may produce better fuel-use figures in combined travel, for example, highway, bush tracks etc (with approximate average fuel use of 8.5–11.0L/100km (diesel); or 10L/100km, petrol).Vans may be lighter than utes, especially sans load, but weight and aerodynamics will change dramatically when either vehicle has undergone the fitment of aftermarket equipment (say, a bullbar, roof rack, storage pod etc) and/or a fit-out for camping and touring.Rather than DIYing your own home-away-from-home, an option well worth considering is going for a pre-built camper and using off-the shelf outfitters. The chances are – unless you’re very handy on the tools – building a rig yourself will take up a lot of your time, will likely incur additional expenses and is far less convenient for you than a built-to-order van.Sydney-based Aussie company Trakka is a fine example of a business whose sole focus is to produce top-quality purpose-built adventure-travel vehicles. Trakka is a family-owned and -run boutique business established in Sydney in 1973, and specialises in the Australian design and conversion of motorhomes, campervans and special-purpose vehicles.Its wide range of products includes the latest-generation Akuna range with the MY25 spec.The Akuna is based on the Volkswagen Crafter mid-wheelbase van, and is equipped with advanced safety and comfort features, updated multimedia system, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (130kW/410Nm), and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is available with VW 4Motion all wheel drive or front wheel drive.Akuna highlights include 5120Wh (10,000Wh and 15,000Wh options) total energy storage, AC 4000W / DC 840W total output power, an 800w solar roof set-up, high-tech fibreglass reinforced thermoplastic composite material, vinyl rubber-backed floor covering, maximum storage overhead lockers, 170L fridge/freezer, integrated 140L fresh- and 80L grey-water tanks built across the vehicle for more even weight distribution, a 15L hot water tank, and switch-operated electronic grey-water dump valve.The Akuna, as standard, is 6840mm long, 2720mm high and 2050mm wide and has 200mm of ground clearance.GVM is 4000kg and towing capacity is 3000kg.So, that’s a home away from home on wheels and ready for action.Is it time to re-think your ute purchase? Is a van or ute best for adventure? Ultimately, it comes down to which one best suits your lifestyle, but increasingly a van makes the stronger case of the two as an all-purpose adventure and touring vehicle.

An Indian-built Toyota LandCruiser FJ would include a plan to introduce petrol-hybrid powertrains, potentially opening the door to an Australian launch for the cut-price off-road hero, according to new reports.A new Toyota production facility in India’s Maharashtra region is expected to come online in 2029 – some three years after production of the petrol-powered FJ will commence elsewhere – with the delayed start expected to pave the way for new petrol-electric powertrains.That’s the word from Rush Lane, which reports that the FJ is slated for production at the new facility, both for domestic sale and for export markets. Thailand, where most of Australia’s utes are manufactured, is the other major production hub.Australia is unlikely to source cars from India, but the publication’s local sources suggest petrol and hybrid variants will be produced. Once those powertrains are developed, they would likely be produced at all production facilities.It’s the hybrid that would be of most interest to Australia, with Toyota here so far ruling out the FJ almost exclusively because of its basic petrol engine that wouldn’t meet tightening regulations. Without it, the brand says the FJ would be “very appealing”.“The LandCruiser name in Australia would be very appealing, but the hardcore reality we are facing in our country… variable regulations, new criterias, new vehicle efficiency standards,” the brand's then VP of Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley has previously told us.“We have to look very carefully at our product portfolio. What do we think we’re going to need? What are we going to sell in numbers? What do customers want and need?“Customers need that bigger LandCruiser. Customers need that LandCruiser ute. Customers need that HiLux. So we’ve got to be very carefully planned on our product portfolio moving forward.“It’s not about NVES, it’s just about regulations.“We’re moving to Euro 6 emissions standards. That’s the reality,” he said.A petrol-hybrid powertrain by the end of the decade might well put the FJ back on Australia’s hit list, where – according to recent price expectations in Japan – it would undercut everything from the Denza B5 to the GWM Tank 300.In Japan, the FJ will reportedly start at around $4.5m yen, which converts to just under $40,000.