Utes

The Kia Tasman appears off to a running start in Australia, with the new diesel dual-cab accruing enough orders to see it finish ahead of the Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, Mazda BT-50 and BYD Shark 6 – and alongside the Isuzu D-Max – in its first month of deliveries.

Corporate mea culpas are an exceptionally rare phenomenon, but recently installed RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis has come up with one for the ages.

JAC has revealed the production right-hand drive version of its upcoming Hunter plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute which will sit atop the T9 range when it arrives in Australia early next year.Unveiled at the 2025 Greater Bay auto show (a motor show for the Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau area), the specific T9 Hunter PHEV shown was dubbed the “Australian Edition”, suggesting it will mirror the specification that will arrive on our shores.It features various changes over the diesel model which recently launched, including aero-style 18-inch alloy wheels, a slightly redesigned front bumper with JAC logo in blue and a sports bar over the tray.Inside, it scores a new steering wheel design and does away with the lever-style shifter in the centre console, replacing it with a rotary dial.The biggest changes are to the mechanicals. It scores a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (160kW/360Nm) with dual electric motors on each axle, producing 130kW/300Nm on the front, and 150kW/340Nm on the rear, for a claimed total combined output of 380kW/1000Nm.It is equipped with a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission linking the two power sources, and unlike the BYD Shark, it has a solid link to the rear axle rather than just an e-motor range-extender style set-up.To support this system, the Hunter is equipped with a 31.2kWh lithium battery, with an estimated 100km of driving range. According to the NEDC cycle, the Chinese-spec vehicle consumes 2.0L/100km in combined conditions, or 8.0L/100km when the battery is at its reserve power level.For the Chinese market, its payload capacity is rated at 715kg, although towing capacity is yet to be revealed. On the Chinese spec-sheet, it can sprint from 0-100km/h in six seconds. It will also feature a vehicle-to-load (V2L) discharge function good for powering tools, campsites, or even home appliances in a black-out.Expect local numbers for driving range, power outputs, towing and payload to be subject to Australian Design Rules and confirmed closer to its local launch.The Hunter PHEV was already previewed in Australia at the Melbourne motor show in April, where it was shown with a significantly tougher styling package, consisting of chunky all-terrain wheels, larger aftermarket-look alloys, as well as a black styling package for the sports bar, wheels, and grille.At this stage it is unclear whether JAC will launch the Hunter with the more tame look of the “Australian Edition” ute seen overseas, or the tougher look of the vehicle seen at Melbourne.Either way, the T9 will have its work cut out for it in order to challenge an array of new hybrid ute offerings. BYD’s Shark 6 has already made an impact with thousands of units on the road already, and GWM’s Cannon Alpha PHEV is now also available, offering mechanical links to the wheels for what the brand says is deeper capability for off-road scenarios.Ford will also soon launch its much-anticipated plug-in hybrid ranger in multiple trim levels, while further down the track Mitsubishi and Nissan have both made no secret of their intent to offer plug-in hybrids in the future.Pricing may be JAC’s way to carve out a space for itself, with BYD setting a hard-to-beat bar of just $57,900 before on-roads for its well-equipped Shark 6. As it stands, JAC’s T9 diesel range tops out at $45,630 before on-roads.JAC has yet another trick up its sleeve though, with the T9 platform also supporting a fully electric option. The full EV would complete the trifecta, potentially making the T9 the only dual-cab to offer diesel, hybrid, and fully electric drivetrain options in Australia.

The boss wants it, the punters want it, so it’s a red hot chance to be the real deal. We’re talking about the Ram Dakota, the little brother to the butch Ram 1500, and more akin to our favourite dual-cabs the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

The long-awaited Kia Tasman ute will finally land in customer hands in July of this year, arriving locally with a single 2.2-litre diesel engine option.

Will Geely be the next brand to hit the market with a hybrid ute?

GWM's made some big claims about the Cannon Alpha PHEV. It's able to tow 3.5 tonnes, it's got a range of more than 1000km, and it can actually tackle proper off-roading.But is it really going to be the best plug-in ute in Australia? And why is there a spare wheel in the back? We went on a road trip in one to find out.

There are more and more Chinese car brands entering the Australian new car market seemingly every day.

Toyota Australia has recalled 831 examples of its Tundra pick up built between 2022 and 2024 over concerns the reverse lights may not function correctly.A recall notice published by Australia’s vehicle recall regulator reads: “Due to a manufacturing defect, moisture may enter the internal circuit board of the reverse lamps over time. As a result, the reverse lamps may not illuminate as intended. Also, the rear-view camera may become activated whilst driving.”In extreme cases, the notice said: “If the traffic behind is unable to identify if the vehicle is reversing, it could increase the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.”Once parts become available, owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Toyota to book an appointment to have this issue rectified, free of charge.The issue is impacting all Tundras sold globally, with more than 440,000 cars in the US – where the Tundra is built – also recalled.Australians have bought 769 examples of the Toyota Tundra since it was first officially launched in Australia in November 2024, with all models presumed to be affected. The remaining impacted vehicles are likely to be individual imports purchased prior to its official release.

Here’s a little peek behind the curtain for you. During a media launch event for a new car, journalists will often be presented with information about the new model and given the opportunity to ask questions of engineers and executives.