Off road

Mitsubishi has put itself back in the game, with its new Pajero 4WD.The Japanese brand whipped off the covers of the new rugged off-roader before it heads to Australia later this year.The company has claimed this Pajero will be the most capable and comfortable Pajero to date.Mitsubishi has prioritised Australia which will be the third market to get the new SUV, following Thailand and Japan.After five years in the wilderness the Pajero returns, but it is a lot different from what some might remember.This version is built on a rugged ladder frame, which underpins most off-road focused 4WDs and utes, instead of the car-like monocoque platform of the most recent generations.It shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, but Mitsubishi has done a lot of work to make the Pajero a more refined and accomplished daily driver.The chassis is stiffer with greater use of high-quality steel, which increases its stability during cornering but also improves its durability and reliability to better handle the rough stuff.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to smooth out bumps and lumps.It uses an evolution of the engine found in the Triton, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder with a variable geometry single turbocharger diesel unit, instead of the bi-turbo set-up of the Triton, which makes 150kW and 480Nm, a jump of 10Nm compared to the Triton.Mitsubishi has also ditched the six-speed auto from the Triton for an eight-ratio gearbox. This will improve performance and help lower fuel use by giving the vehicle more control over the rev range.The new Pajero has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.It is ready to rumble off-road with the company’s Super Select 4WD-II tech, which delivers part time four-wheel drive for on-road driving, full-time four-wheel drive for all conditions and a rear differential lock and a low-range transfer case for heading off the beaten track.There are seven selectable drive modes including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.Rally-bred tech such as Active Yaw Control (AYC) is standard. AYC helps manage the torque delivery to left and right wheels to increase stability when cornering. It is paired with active stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes to help the Pajero manage slippery surfaces.It has chunky proportions with square, muscular haunches and a blocky rear-end. T-shaped headlights linked by a light bar across the bonnet and similar shape tail-lights give it the look of a classic 4WD for the modern age.Mitsubishi has added a throwback to Pajeroes of old with the hexagonal rear design feature to pay homage to the externally rear-mounted spare tyre of previous models. The spare is located under the car now.The Pajero pampers just as much as it can handle punishment.This is the most modern looking Mitsubishi interior by far.Dual 14.3-inch screens - one for the multimedia and the other for the driver’s instruments - dominate the dash.The central screen also houses what the brand calls a Multi Meter, which is a modern, digital version of the old triple meters from previous generations.The new digital readouts will show altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles and left and right torque distribution.But the dashboard in front of the driver is lathered in soft-touch materials and designed to give the feeling of space with its swept-back design. And the built-in grab handle is a throwback to the past.It is built to seat seven, with the third row able to slide up to 150mm and a tumble mechanism for easy access to the last pew.Mitsubishi has thought about people actually using the last row, with what it claims is plenty of headroom and room for feet under the seats in front.Refinement was top of mind during development with increased sound insulation and acoustic glass making it quieter than any Pajero.Other headlining features include three-zone air-conditioning, panoramic sunroof and a 12-speaker Yamaha stereo.Full Australian details and price will be revealed ahead of the cars arrival before the end of the year.

Volkswagen has finally launched the new version of its Walkinshaw-tuned Amarok ute, the W600. At its media drive in Tasmania, we test the so-called ‘ultimate driver’s ute’ on the very roads it was developed on!

I have a 2024 Ford Everest Trend. There’s a vibration through the steering and floor when going through gear changes.

BYD has officially revealed a new ute in Brazil that’s more lifestyle-oriented than the body-on-frame Shark 6.Dubbed the BYD Mako, this new ute is based on the Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, which has a more passenger-oriented monocoque platform.This therefore makes it a rival to the likes of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. It’ll also form as a rival to Toyota’s forthcoming Corolla Cross-based ute.Given this car was unveiled in Brazil, it seems the target market for this new ute is Latin America. It’s unclear if it will be offered in any other markets.“The Shark 6 is well accepted in this market and the lineup is pretty strong right now following the recent introduction of the Shark 6 Dynamic Cab Chassis and 2.0-litre Performance pickup. We’re pretty happy with that for now,” said a BYD Australia spokesperson.“But sure, we are always looking at what might be available, then assess whether it may fill a gap in our line-up and if there would be sufficient customer demand to make a business case work.”The BYD Mako is the Chinese carmaker’s second ute it currently offers, slotting underneath the top-selling Shark 6.According to previous reports, it features a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain marrying together a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. Total system outputs are 166kW and 400Nm.It’s understood that initial versions of the Mako will only be front-wheel drive, however it’s expected BYD will launch an all-wheel drive version at a later date.Interestingly the Mako retains a multi-link rear suspension set-up, like the Sealion 6, but it’s claimed to have reinforced springs and shock absorbers. This type of suspension set-up typically doesn’t offer as much payload as leaf-sprung utes.At this stage now payload or towing capacity figures have been detailed.The BYD Mako that was shown off in Brazil appears to still be in prototype guise.On the outside it looks rather similar to the Sealion 6, especially on the front half, but there’s a slightly different grille set-up, more aggressive roof rails and different 18-inch alloy wheels.The rear is where things make a sharp departure from the Sealion 6. There’s a large tub with a full-width LED lightbar for the tail-lights, BYD embossing on the tailgate, as well as a soft tonneau cover.Inside the prototype nature of this ute is even more prominent due to the series of kill switches, monitoring equipment and black tape to conceal design details.However, it looks virtually identical to the Sealion 6. This means there is a digital instrument cluster, 15.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system, as well as a small amount of physical buttons and switches on the centre console.At this stage BYD Australia hasn’t officially confirmed whether the Mako ute is coming to Australia.Despite this, BYD’s most senior executive recently promised a new model designed for Australia would launch during 2026. It’s unclear whether this is referring to the Mako or another vehicle."We have another special model, just for Australian customers," Liu Xueliang, Group Vice President of BYD and General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division Liu told CarsGuide.Chief Operating Officer of BYD Australia Stephen Collins was pressed for more information, but would only say that the brand will “have more to say about that later in the year”.The larger, body-on-frame BYD Shark 6 has been a runaway sales success in Australia. So far in 2026 a total of 10,709 examples have been sold.

Ram Trucks Australia has confirmed the return of the 1500 TRX muscle truck to the local market, this time around in SRT form, powered by an “uprated” 580kW (777hp) version of the 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8.Due to hit local showrooms in the first half of 2027, Ram said initial production allocations of the Ram 1500 TRX SRT will be limited, at the same time confirming “several hundred customers” in Australia attempted to place pre-orders on hearing the news in January this year that the performance pick-up was returning to the US market.Ram said technical specs and standard features for the MY27 Ram 1500 TRX SRT will be announced closer to local showroom arrivals.For reference, in US-spec this beast sends 580kW (+57kW) and 922Nm (+40Nm) to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto transmission, complete with sequential manual shifting.0-100km/h in 3.6 secondsWith the help of launch control the 3.0-tonne-plus beast storms from 0-60mph in a claimed 3.5 seconds, which would translate to 0-100km/h in a jaw-dropping 3.6 seconds.The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shock absorber system is also onboard to “continuously adapt to speed, throttle position, braking, torque, steering angle and more”.Initially arriving here in mid-2022, close to 1000 examples of the first-generation Ram 1500 TRX were sold in Australia and New Zealand, finishing with a 130-unit Final Edition in 2025.Revived by Ram CEO Tim KuniskisThe Ram 1500 TRX SRT was revived by Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis for the North American market in the context of a broader change in business focus for the brand’s parent company, Stellantis.A renewed emphasis on North America is a clear rebalancing of the corporate scales by Stellantis Group CEO Antonio Filosa, with former chief Carlos Tavares widely perceived to have favoured the group’s European brands including Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Fiat, Opel and Peugeot, with his successor Filosa now leaning into its US nameplates - Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram.In fact, Kuniskis is on the record with the goal of making Ram “number two in trucks” in the USA by the end of the decade.Ram Trucks Australia said it has been working closely with Ram Trucks USA to secure the updated TRX for Australia and New Zealand since its North American return was confirmed.Passion for the TRX in AustraliaRam Trucks Australia General Manager Jeff Barber said, “We know there is a lot of passion for the TRX in Australia, which is why we have worked hard to secure production out of the US for our market.“Supply of the new TRX will initially be restricted because demand is off the charts in the US, however the factory has been incredibly supportive of the Australian market and we are pleased to confirm the TRX is coming back,” he said.Pricing is confirmed with a 15 per cent increase over the previous standard model, which was pitched at $224,950, before on-road costs (Final Edition $249,950, BOC).Ram 1500 TRX SRT (MY27) pricingAvailable colours are: Bright WhiteDiamond BlackForged BlueMolten RedSerrano GreenSpitfire Orange 

Volkswagen has officially revealed a new small pick-up for Latin American markets ahead of it launching initially in Brazil in the first half of 2027.The Volkswagen Tukan is built on the MQB platform, like the T-Cross, and is available in both single- and dual-cab configurations.However, unlike all other Volkswagen Group vehicles on the MQB platform to date, the Tukan swaps coil-sprung rear suspension for leaf springs, which are known for their higher payload capacity.At this stage Volkswagen hasn’t officially the payload or towing capacity figures for the new Tukan.The Volkswagen Tukan replaces the Saveiro which in outgoing form dates back to 2009 and is based on the third-generation Golf. However, the Saveiro nameplate dates all the way back to 1982.Two versions of the Tukan have been shown off so far. An entry-level, single-cab Robust trim, as well as a flagship dual-cab Extreme trim.All versions have LED headlights and tail-lights, aggressive and blocky design elements, as well as Tukan embossed into the tailgate.The entry-level Robust trim can be identified with its black plastic front bumper and black steel wheels, whereas the top-spec Extreme trim has a body-colour front bumper, alloy wheels, a sports bar and a tonneau cover. The latter is also finished in a signature Canary Yellow exterior paint.At this stage Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed exactly what will power the Tukan.However, given Volkswagen has said this new ute will be based on the T-Cross, it’s likely power will either come from a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder or 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.There will likely also be manual and dual-clutch automatic transmission options.Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed whether there will be an all-wheel drive option, so it’s likely that it’ll be front-wheel drive only.At this stage Volkswagen has only confirmed the new Tukan will be offered (and built) in Latin American markets. Brazil will be the first market it’ll launch in during the first half of 2027.Given this, it’s unclear whether Volkswagen will produce the Tukan in right-hand drive. It never made the Saveiro in right-hand drive.The only Volkswagen ute currently offered in Australia is the Amarok dual-cab, which shares its platform with the Ford Ranger.A new version of the Amarok is set to launch in Latin America soon and it’s understood to be based on the same platform as the LDV Terron 9/MG U9.It’s worth noting the Ranger-based Amarok has never been offered in that market and a heavily facelifted version of the original Amarok continues to be on sale there.

The Subaru Outback holds a special place in the hearts of adventurers everywhere. It’s long been regarded by its fans as a genuine mix of decent on-road manners, family-friendly practicality and sound off-road capability. Just right for light-duty off-roading.Now, Subaru claims, it has made the Outback even better and a new off-road-focussed variant called the all-wheel-drive Wilderness now sits near the top of the line-up.The Wilderness is equipped with a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol, four-cylinder, horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine, 240mm of ground clearance, improved approach/departure angles and electronically controlled dampers.But is this new Outback all it’s cracked up to be? Read on.

A fight is brewing over the newest Chinese ute earmarked for Australia, with the new Hunter a possible Mazda, Deepal or Changan.In fact, both Deepal and Changan already have a deferred trademark on the Hunter, while Mazda already partners with the latter on the 6e and CX-6e.The ute in question is the Changan Hunter K50 – a plug-in hybrid powerhouse that was recently updated with a bigger battery for a class-leading EV-only range.The latest update saw the K50 fitted with a 43.47kWh lithium-ion battery pack, promising an NEDC-rated range of 192km (estimated 150km WLTP), and a total range of over 1000km.It is a REEV, rather than a traditional plug-in hybrid, meaning its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is used only to recharge the battery or provide power to the electric motor, rather than drive the wheels themselves.Providing the shove instead are dual electric motors, one at each axle, delivering a total 240kW and four-wheel drive.It was initially thought the Hunter could arrive in Australia as a Deepal, but in the months since its refreshed launch, Changan itself has set up an Australian office and is currently recruiting staff for a factory-backed operation of its own.Meanwhile, Mazda has delved deeper into its partnership with Changan in China to deliver two crucial electric models, the 6e and CX-6e.Given the popularity of electrified utes in Australia – with the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha, Ford Ranger Stormtrak and the soon-to-launch Chery Stockman all competing for sales – there will no doubt be all three hands in the air to launch the Hunter, though a renaming might now be on the cards in Australia, given the JAC Hunter exists here.The current BT-50, developed in partnership with Isuzu, launched in 2020, meaning a replacement could feasibly be due as early as 2027.One thing we do know is it won't be a Mazda solo project, with the brand on record as not developing its own ute."Mazda does not produce trucks on its own," the brand has previously told CarsGuide.

Buyers are about to get an exciting new ute from Ford. The Blue Oval is developing a ute model to add to its hugely popular Ford Bronco line-up, according to a report in AutoNews.The Bronco pick-up is due to launch in North America before 2030, and will join the likely Australian-bound Bronco hybrid coming next year.The Bronco has been a significant sales success in North America as a cheap off-roading rival to the Jeep Wrangler.This latest move from Ford will see the lifestyle off-roader take on the hotly-contested ute segment. Ford is looking to expand on the success of the Bronco name in North America by exporting it to global markets and introducing new variants.The Blue Oval has pivoted its focus away from EVs following substantial losses in the past year, and is now seeking different avenues. It suffered from extensive devaluation of its EV business due to low demand and high development costs, among other things.There is a monocoque, likely plug-in hybrid compact SUV Bronco being built in Spain for European buyers. A different Chinese-built electric and range-extender large SUV Bronco is earmarked for an Australian release in 2027.These variants differ from the Bronco and Bronco Sport off-roaders only available in North America.There is no official news on the Bronco ute’s future in Australia as details light-on at this stage. The ute will initially be built in the United States, meaning it will only come in left-hand drive for now, and future export plans have not been confirmed.Australia doesn't get the current North American Bronco because it's built in left-hand drive and its emissions-heavy turbo-petrol engines would incur fines under our regulations.Australia will instead receive the Bronco ‘New Energy’ range-extender hybrid and electric mid-size SUV in 2027, highlighting Ford’s interest in the name here. Any Bronco ute’s Australian launch likely hinges on whether its set-up will have hybrid power and will be built in right-hand drive.A spokesperson for Ford Australia said the brand would not comment on future production speculation.

GWM Australia has released pricing and detailed specifications for new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel powered versions of its Cannon Alpha dual cab ute and three-row Tank 500 SUV.And the Chinese brand is clearly determined to upset the established order amongst competitors for both models with aggressive price positioning and a value-focused list of included features accompanying their enhanced powertrain performance.Close to two years ago the petrol-electric BYD Shark 6 offered an instantly popular hybrid ute alternative and Chery’s soon-to-arrive Stockman will offer diesel-electric hybrid power.But while those newcomers have been thinking outside the box, GWM has stayed squarely within it, launching its all-new 170kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine as a shot across the bows of the market-leading Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max.In a launch statement, GWM said, “The message is simple: Australians still want diesel power, and GWM is giving them more of what they want, for less.“Both models will be priced thousands of dollars below comparable competitors, delivering a level of performance, specification and value designed to challenge the established market leaders,” it said.And it’s worth noting GWM is running with an introductory offer of a $2000 drive-away cash bonus or $2000 fuel card on these models until October 30, 2026.GWM is keen to highlight local development work to optimise the new engine’s performance, led by the brand’s Lead Product Dynamics and Integration Manager, Rob Trubiani.In fact, GWM said Australian and Chinese engineering teams have put the vehicles through “an extensive development program focused on optimising performance, refinement and durability for Australian drivers, including ride and handling, engine and transmission calibration, towing performance and software.”The 3.0-litre four produces 26 per cent more power (+35kW) and 29 per cent more torque (+140Nm) than the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel in supersedes. But despite the higher outputs, GWM is claiming combined cycle fuel efficiency of 7.3L/100km for the Cannon Alpha (substantially lower than the 2.4L’s 8.9L/100km) and 7.1L/100km for the Tank 500.Braked trailer towing capacity is 3500kg for both models (up from 3000kg for the Tank 500)  Confirming the pricing and spec details, GWM Australia Chief Operating Officer John Kett said, “When you look at the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 against the established volume players in their respective segments, the difference is clear. “We’re offering a higher level of standard specification, more performance and more technology, while asking customers to pay thousands of dollars less.“That is a proposition we believe Australian customers will find very compelling,” he said.Coffee OS (intelligent cockpit system)14.6-inch central touchscreen (up from 12.3-inch)12.3-inch colour digital instrument clusterWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoGWM App (vehicle status and selected functions controlled via smartphone)Full ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite18-inch alloy wheelsSide stepsRoof railsAuto LED headlights with DRL + electric levellingLED tail-lightsFront grille – chromePower fold exterior mirrorsKeyless entryRear privacy glassOne piece tailgateSpray on tub linerFull-size spare (steel)Synthetic leather trimPower front seatsDual-zone climate controlSix-speaker audioAdaptive cruise controlSeven airbagsBlack styling treatmentFront diff lockPanoramic sunroofFull-size alloy spare60/40 split tailgateNappa leather accented trimHeated and cooled front seats (with massage)Head-up display10-speaker audioFront and rear diff locksLow-range transfer caseAll-terrain mode selection18-inch alloy wheelsElectric sunroofSynthetic leather trimPower front seatsDual-zone climate controlAmbient lighting (seven-colour)Eight-speaker audioBlack styling treatmentNappa leather accented trimHeated and cooled front seats (with massage)Head-up displayAmbient lighting (64-colour)Heated steering wheel12-speaker audioActive noise cancellingPre-orders for the GWM Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 3.0-litre turbo-diesel models are open now with cars scheduled to arrive in dealerships from mid-September.