Tradie

The Fiat Scudo has returned to Australian showrooms after a long absence but does the latest third generation of this European workhorse have the credentials to be a major player in the mid-size commercial van segment?

Chinese brand Foton has released a range of new accessories for its Tunland pick-up to help it battle the big name utes. Foton has focused on three distinct packages catered for potential uses for its ute in partnership with Ironman 4x4. The first is designed to elevate off-roading and adventuring experience, and includes canopies, roller covers and roof platforms.It is the most expensive of the packages.  The canopy is available with either solid alloy opening panels or glass windows around the sides, both costing $6,845.85. The manual roll cover costs $2814.08, with the electrically operated one increasing the price to $3717.07. A rear tonneau cover is also available for purchase with a sports bar on the V9 and without it on the V7, both priced at $950.62. Both models can also be optioned with a roof platform costing $2558.05. The maximum cost of this cargo package is $14,071.59.This would push the price of a base Tunland V7 up to more than $54,000, before on-roads. The next package available focuses on its load lugging capacity. A seven-pin tow bar kit is available for $1560.89, along with RedArc electric brake controller costing $871.33 that is on run out. There are three items that are only available for pre-order at this stage, which are an electric brake controller ($1428.61), Anderson plug kit ($992.95) and recovery point kit ($418.01).This costs a total of $5271.79.The final package targets the general use of the Tunland, with a series of covering options. There is a carpet mat set ($129.95), rubber deep dish set ($212.64) and a hybrid of the pair ($288.86). A rubber tray liner is available for pre-order and will cost $232.42. All accessories are covered by the seven-year warranty.The Tunland returned to Aussie shores late last year with workhorse V7 and lifestyle V9 models. It starts from $39,990 for V7, with prices ranging up to $49,990 for the top-end V9.The Tunland finds itself in a tough battle against the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and mild hybrid set-up, producing 120kW and 450Nm. It sold 715 units up to June, but is yet to make a dent in the hold of the established pack. 

JAC Australia has announced pricing and standard specification for its much-anticipated Hunter ute, with sub-$50K cost-of-entry for the petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dual cab sure to put the cat among the pigeons in an increasingly crowded ute segment.Starting at $49,988, before on-road costs it’s just over $6000 cheaper than the Shark 6 PHEV and appreciably more affordable than similarly specified 4WD dual cab utes like the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Toyota HiLux.Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and dual electric motors, the Hunter delivers a stonking 360kW and 1010Nm of combined power and torque with official combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel efficiency of 1.6L/100km (NEDC). That consumption claim equates to a combined range in excess of 1005km, although it’s important to note the lab-derived efficiency number is predicated on keeping the Hunter’s traction battery consistently charged. Claimed EV-only range is “up to 100km.”Braked trailer towing capacity is a category-competitive 3500kg and payload is rated at 915kg.The Hunter is offered in two grades, the Pro 4x4 at $49,988 and the top-spec X 4x4 sitting at $54,844, both before on-road costs.And despite its aggressive price positioning the entry model’s standard equipment list includes JAC’s ‘Super E-Hybrid’ 4x4 system boasting five terrain modes (Snow, Sand, Mud, Rock & Off-Road Crawl Control), a chrome styling package (with body-coloured exterior mirrors), leather-accented interior, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-way adjustable power driver’s seat, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy rims (plus a full-size steel spare), keyless entry and start, tailgate with Lift Assistance, steering wheel reach and rake adjustment plus multifunction steering wheel controls.The Hunter X adds front and rear diff locks (optional on Hunter Pro), a black styling package (including black roof rails), heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, 360-degree camera view, front parking sensors, power-folding exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, welcome puddle lamps and a rear 220V accessory socket.According to JAC, “Before the first customer drives home in a Hunter, it will have already completed more than 100,000km of testing on Australian roads: durability runs, towing, load-carrying, hot weather, and on- and off-road evaluation. “Vehicle dynamics were overseen from day one by Michael Barber, the respected Australian vehicle dynamic tuning engineer whose past work includes some of the country's most demanding local vehicle programs,” it said.And introducing the new ute, JAC Motors Australia Managing Director Ahmed Mahmoud said, “This isn't a trade-off between price and capability. It's proof that premium performance, advanced hybrid technology and genuine capability don't have to come with a premium price tag. We didn't build Hunter to undercut the market. We built it to disrupt it and reset what Australians should expect from a PHEV ute," he said.Vehicles are scheduled to hit showrooms from next month with registrations of interest already open. And to sweeten the deal for early adopters JAC is offering the first 1000 buyers who reserve a Hunter their choice of a free home EV charger or $500 JAC accessories voucher on delivery.

Toyota's Project 150D mini-HiLux ute project is on the cards for an Australian launch, with the brand confirming there would be demand for the smaller, car-based ute in Australia. Designed to take on everything from the BYD Mako (or Shark 5) to the Ford Maverick, the new ute is reportedly being developed for a launch in Brazil in the first half of 2027. When it does, the ute will debut Toyota's first tray-backed plug-in hybrid powertrain, using a system taken from the Prius.That would pair a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for a total system output of 166kW, while the e-CVT is joined by a second electric motor to enable eFour all-wheel drive.Toyota in Australia hasn't confirmed the ute for sale here, it has indicated its interest in it, suggesting it had identified demand for a smaller car-based ute.Asked if the Project 150D was made globally available, Toyota Australia would have its hand up for it, Ray Munday, Senior Manager Product Planning and Pricing at Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, replied: "We'd certainly look into it"."If it was the right product at the right price, we believe there is some demand for that here. But it's always got to be about the right product at the right price. Otherwise, it won't be successful," he said.Described by Toyota in the USA as an "SUV with a bed", the smaller ute is understood to be based on the same platform as the Toyota Corolla Cross. It will be one of a rash of new mini ute products, with the BYD Mako, or Shark 5, also to join the fray against vehicles like the Ford Maverick.In Brazil, the Mako is a plug-in hybrid producing an expected 175kW, and promising a circa-100km EV-only driving range, along with a choice of two- or all-wheel drive.Global markets are expected to see power increased to more like 200kW. The powertrain in question will reportedly be borrowed from the Sealion 6 SUV, pairing a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor.

Hyundai has affirmed its commitment to launching its first dual-cab ute in Australia, but concedes it might be later to arrive than first expected, with the brand's local CEO saying he'd rather "get it right than fast".From the outset, Hyundai has suggested it has several levers to pull in producing its first ute, with the brand saying it could lean on its US partnership with General Motors, borrow from sister brand Kia and its Tasman, or develop something itself.All signs had pointed to the brand's newly developed EREV technology as the likely powertrain choice, with the brand targeting a potential driving range in excess of 1000kms without needing to plug in from its petrol-electric solution.That remains "option number one", according to Hyundai Australia CEO Don Romano, but the executive says unfavourable exchange rates with the US Dollar has forced it to look closer to home for production."If it's built in the US we have an exchange rate issue we would have to deal with, there are also tariff issues depending on where we would also consider building. So we're going to keep our options open in this area because what we need is a...pickup truck, and it has to be unique," he says. "A lot of the Chinese brands are already bringing in pickup trucks, and I don't think Australia needs another standardised pickup truck, so what will make ours unique? I think it may take longer than we had initially anticipated to get there but I'd rather get it right than fast."Mr Romano says the brand is also considering where to build the ute for export, suggesting the brand is exploring facilities across the Asia-Pacific region to reduce the impact of currency exchange and transport. It is also plotting the impact of a new ute on Australia's tightening NVES, or New Vehicle Emissions Standard."We'll have to leave that hanging in limbo for now until we can better define, one; the impact to NVES, two; the drivetrain, three; the FX and alternative locations," he says."We have plants throughout Asia Pacific – we have plants in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam – and we want to utilise those plants as much as possible to minimise the impact of foreign exchange."So if there's an option there and it takes a little longer, so be it. As long as we get the right ute at the right price."Despite the headwinds, Hyundai insists its first ute is still a go-project, suggesting it still could be in market by 2030."It's definitely going to happen. The timing is really the issue, because if it's built in the US... and if the FX is favourable, it would be sooner. But if it's not, we don't need another ute that's priced too high," Mr Romano says."I'd say we're still looking at between now and 2030. There's a timeframe, but even that isn't a guarantee and it would be subject to us saying 'that's the right ute for Australia', and I haven't got to that point yet that anything we're doing at this stage is a guaranteed right vehicle for Australia."

The days of big diesel dual-cab utes could soon be over, as carmakers around the globe pour resources into a new type of workhorse.Ford has had huge success with its small Maverick ute in the US, and now others want a slice of the pie.Some of the world’s biggest ute makers are pouring resources into developing new bite-sized utes that are reminiscent of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon utes of the past.Forget V8 grunt though, these new work-ponies will use hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric power for work and play.They also ditch the 4WDing and load-lugging focused ladder frame underpinnings used by current big dual-cabs for a more road-biased SUV-like platform.These are the four best examples in the works right now.The Chinese behemoth is preparing to reveal its second ute later this year, but we already know plenty about the Mako — or Shark 5 as it will be known in some markets.In Brazil the Mako will use a plug-in hybrid set-up to produce 175kW and deliver about 100km of EV-only driving range. It will also be available in two- or all-wheel drive.Patent filings in Europe point to even more power, with a potent 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid combo making 200kW.It will still be a dual-cab, with spy photos showing four-doors. The tray is smaller and styling is more reminiscent of other BYD SUVs such as the Sealion 5 than the tough looks of the Shark 6.Toyota has been caught testing its Corolla Cross-based ute in South America, codenamed Project 150D.Spy shots show a little dual-cab, in the same vein as the BYD Mako, driving in heavy camouflage. It is believed to be based on Toyota’s TNGA-C platform, which also forms the base for the Toyota Corolla, Prius and C-HR.Using that platform means the ute could have petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.It will likely use a similar set-up as the Prius, which means a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors to make 166kW and all-wheel drive.It is expected to launch in South America next year. Toyota North America executives have also expressed an interest in a small ute based on the RAV4.Ford is following on from the success of its Maverick ute with an all-electric alternative.It hasn’t been named yet, but it's odds-on to be called Ranchero after the company has trademarked the name in markets such as Australia for use on a pick-up truck. Ranchero also a throwback to an old car-based ute from the US discontinued in the late 1970s.It is being developed by Ford’s new ‘skunkworks’ team in California, which has been tasked with creating a low cost EV platform.Ford has publicly said it wants it to be priced about US$30,000 ($43,000) when it goes on sale next year.At its heart will be a Lithium-ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery, which will help keep costs down but will put a lower ceiling on its EV driving range. Don’t expect much more than 400km.Not much else is known, but it should be available in two- and all-wheel drive layouts. Slate Auto is a new electric car company backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and its first vehicle will be the modular Slate Truck.The Slate Truck is a little single-cab ute that can be converted into an SUV.It is a bare bones proposition with a starting price of US$24,950 ($36,200), which is several thousand more than originally promised.The Slate Truck uses a 63kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery that delivers a driving range of up to 330km. It can absorb up to 120kW via a DC fast charger or 11kW when connected to a compatible AC charger.Power comes from a single rear electric motor that produces 135kW and 264Nm.For now it is a US-only proposition, but so was Amazon and look at it now.

If you were considering a new American ute from one of the brands doing factory-backed conversions here in Australia, you might be about to save yourself some money.This is the new Ram 1500 Express Black Edition, and the brand reckons it’s so affordable people might even consider it over a top-end mid-size ute.If you’re in the market for a proper big ute and you want to spend less than $110,000 before on-roads, this is your only factory-backed option. But not by much, in fact it sneaks in by just $50.The Ford F-150 XLT is $5000 more expensive before you jump twenty grand to the Chevy Silverado.But there is a decent list of features given you’re still paying six-figures for what would be a work ute in the US.There’s LED headlights and fog lights, 20-inch wheels, spray-in bed liner for the tub, and the ‘Power Bulge’ sports bonnet.Inside, an 8.4-inch touchscreen is smaller than you get in the rest of the line-up, as is the 7.0-inch driver display. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a six-speaker sound system keep entertainment covered, and there’s cloth seats, unlike other variants.An electric rear window, damped tailgate, remote start, and a decent set of safety kit including collision alert, auto emergency braking (AEB), rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keep aid ensure the 1500 Express feels current decade.No prizes for guessing what colour a lot of the trim on the Black Edition is. The grille, the badges, the exhaust tips, the wheel covers, even the body paint.You can get the Express Black Edition in red, white, or blue - very American - as well as grey, silver, and of course black.It doesn’t look much like a base model from the outside, especially with the aforementioned ‘Power Bulge’ bonnet. But a little giveaway is the plastic covers on the 20-inch alloys, which are actually alloy wheels but the covers are there for the looks.Another giveaway is the cloth trim inside. That and the smaller screens are pretty noticeable compared to other variants of the Ram 1500.That’s not to say it looks ‘cheap’, especially when I couldn’t reach the passenger door from the driver’s seat even if I wanted to.The central storage bin and additional trays for storage means it's less cupholder and more ‘mealholder’. It really is an interior so spacious the European mind could not comprehend.Even if the screens aren’t as big as other variants, the tech is straightforward and phone mirroring means not having to mess around if you prefer your own apps and settings. The more basic driver display is probably preferable for people who don't want big screens everywhere.Also, the more old-school, manually adjustable seats are comfortable and finding a seating position is easy. The cloth itself is also preferable to leather when it gets hot.The rear seats are similarly very comfortable and there’s no shortage of space, plus if you need more room than the tub will afford you there’s the option of folding up the rear seats for some interior space.At the back, there’s even a little kick-down step for easier access to the tub if you need to reach the tie-down points or grab something out without climbing in.The Ram 1500 also retains its 4.5-tonne towing capacity with the Hurricane engine as long as you use a 70mm towball, and the engine itself feels like it’s certainly up to the task.It’s a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six unit that makes 313kW and 635Nm, sent through its eight-speed torque converter auto to the rears, or all four wheels if you engage the part-time 4WD.It comes with a fuel consumption claim of 10.7L/100km from Ram, and on our short test loop we averaged 12L according to the computer.The new engine is also more powerful and torquier than the 5.7-litre V8 it replaces (291kW/556Nm) and, while there is just something ‘correct’ about the sound of the Hemi V8 as you put your foot down in previous 1500s, the six is no slouch.There's little lag from its turbochargers and the eight-speed gets to work quickly making the most of its ratios, while the power and torque on tap is enough to grant 100km/h in what feels like about six seconds.In terms of steering and cornering, the Ram 1500 doesn't quite feel its size and weight, and holds relatively flat around bends for something at 2.5 tonnes.There's no massive dead spot in its steering, and while it's relatively light it doesn't entirely lack feel or accuracy.Even its brakes do a pretty good job of pulling the giant ute up if you find yourself needing to avoid disaster.On that, it’s got six airbags for passengers but it’s also worth noting that, as a light-commercial vehicle, the 1500’s ANCAP rating is ‘gold’ rather than a star rating, denoting 70 per cent performance. When it comes to safety, ANCAP ranks it higher than the Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado.There’s a three-year, 100,000km warranty but no capped-price servicing, with intervals every 12 months or 12,000km. It’s not only a bit behind the industry standard there, but also rivals like the Ford F-150 and the Tundra that beat it with five-year warranties.

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.  

Chery sub-brand Jetour has detailed its Chinese F700 ute, which is a spin-off from the Stockman diesel-hybrid due to launch in Australia.Sporting tough and angular styling a little different from the rounded-headlight look of the incoming Chery ute, the Jetour F700 shares the same newly-developed and hybrid-first platform and underpinnings.Unlike the Stockman, which will launch with a diesel hybrid powertrain specifically designed to set it apart in the Australian market, the F700 will use a 2.0-litre petrol plug-in set-up instead.The F700’s 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine produces 155kW/340Nm and is expected to follow in the footsteps of the G700 SUV that came before it. This means maximum combined power could be as high as 665kW/1135Nm.This could preview the future petrol plug-in hybrid version of the Stockman, which is due to launch in Australia in 2027.The space between the front and rear axles will be taken up by an Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which maximises EV range over mechanical capability. The related G700 SUV has an electronic front and rear differential, with a software-simulated centre differential.If the F700 follows in the footsteps of the G700, it will use a 34.1kWh battery pack. In the G700 this grants it a 150km EV-only driving range and a 1400km combined driving range according to the CTLC standard. Jetour confirmed via its social media that the F700 will have a 1300km driving range and a combined fuel consumption of 1.39L/100km.While it appears the F700 will also use independent coil-sprung rear suspension instead of a solid rear axle, data filings with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information technology confirm it will have a towing capacity of 3500kg.The new ute’s interior hasn't been fully revealed, but one teaser image shows a far more tech-heavy cabin than the Stockman. It features a large 15.6-inch central screen, and a second dash-topping panel which extends the entire length of the vehicle, acting as both an information screen and a digital instrument cluster.We know it will have wheel sizes of either 18- or 20-inches and an 800-volt electrical platform, which supports ultra-fast charging with confirmation of a V2L system.Jetour is expected to launch in Australia in 2027, although its range of boxy off-roaders will be distributed separately from its Chery parent company, which includes the Omoda, Jaecoo, and Lepas sub-brands.It will directly compete with GWM’s Tank and Cannon brands, with its products also squaring off against BYD’s smash-hit Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute and the related Denza B5 SUV.Stay tuned for more on Jetour as the brand gears up for an Australian launch. It has been hiring staff locally for some months.