Utes

Volkswagen has unveiled plans to build a next-generation Amarok ute to debut in 2027, but it seems this new version will never see Australian shores.This is because Volkswagen will be using the same Amarok name on an entirely separate product, specifically designed for the South American market.But if a current Ford Ranger-based Amarok is still on your wishlist, fear not, because production of the ute delivered in Australia will continue, with the brand saying: “The existing partnerships for the production of the Amarok in South Africa will remain in place. “In this way, Volkswagen will continue to ensure a reliable supply of vehicles to international markets – while simultaneously pursuing a locally based product strategy tailored to the needs of the Latin American market.”Judging by the wording used, it seems the new South American Amarok won’t be a platform-share vehicle with the Ranger, and will instead be its own bespoke product.As to what this could look like, it is too early to tell, although it would be unsurprising to see the previous-generation Amarok ladder frame live on with a new-generation overhaul. As the brand says, “more than 770,000” units of the previous-generation ute were built in the same Argentinian plant which is earmarked to build the new version in 2027.According to the company, VW is investing 580 million US dollars (nearly A$1 billion) in the new-generation ute, which includes research and development as well as upgrading the Pacheco plant in Argentina.Previous-generation Volkswagens living on in markets where safety and emissions technologies are not as advanced is not a new concept, particularly in South America, where VW has strong domestic production presence.For example, a second facelift of the previous-generation Amarok which never saw Australia is already sold in Brazil and Argentina, which shares styling elements with the Ford Ranger-based and South African-built version sold here.Additionally, it is not the only South-American developed ute Volkswagen sells overseas. It also offers the Polo-based Saveiro, a small monocoque pick-up designed specifically for South American tastes.Because of Volkswagen’s strong manufacturing presence, South American markets have also seen some models live well beyond their global expiry. For example, the second generation Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi which originally launched in 1967 was built and sold in Brazil from 1976 to as late as 2013 receiving various facelifts and more modern engines along the way.While this special Amarok version may never see Australian shores, it’s not to say the nameplate has never had special attention paid to it domestically. The previous-generation version received two locally-overhauled special editions put together by Walkinshaw in partnership with VW Australia which significantly upped its suspension and handling characteristics, whilst also offering a unique styling package and maintaining its hauling and payload specs.The success of this partnership has seen Volkswagen look to renew its partnership with Walkinshaw Group for a spruced-up version of the Australian-delivered second-generation Amarok, which it has previously said should debut in 2025.The new Ranger-based Amarok, however, hasn’t been off to the best start in Australia, having moved just 1459 units to the end of the first quarter of 2025. This represents a market share of just 2.9 per cent when it comes to 4x4 dual cabs, a 35.8 per cent drop year-on-year.

Mitsubishi has officially confirmed pricing and specifications for its new Club Cab and Cab Chassis Triton variants as it introduces additional sub-one-tonne payload options.The new Club Cab body style will apply to the GLX and GLX+ variants in respective cab chassis and pickup guises. They are a two-door, four-seat configuration that carry smaller rear seats while maintaining a full-sized rear tray or tub.Pricing will commence at $47,240 for the GLX Club Cab Chassis and $50,340 for the GLX+ Club Cab Pickup, both of which come standard with four-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic gearbox.New cab chassis body type options will apply to two- and four-wheel-drive GLX variants in both six-speed manual and automatic forms, as well as the GLX+, GLS and GSR variants, the latter of which are only available in automatic and four-wheel drive guises.Additionally, Mitsubishi has added sub-one-tonne payload options for the Triton GLX, GLX+ and GLX-R variants in Double Cab Pickup guise, a strategic move to make more variants qualify for novated leasing, according to Australian tax regulations.It follows a similar decision made to the high-grade GLS and GSR variants in August last year.No changes have been made to the Triton’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine, which provides 150kW/470Nm as standard across the range.Standard features on the entry-grade GLX included cloth seat trim, a vinyl floor, driver's seat electric lumbar support, 17-inch steel wheels, a 9.0-inch multimedia display, high- and low-range drive modes (only on 4WD variants) as well as heavy-duty rear suspension.The GLX+ adds a rear differential lock, 17-inch silver alloy wheels, side-steps, rear-window privacy glass, halogen front fog lamps, rear USB-C and USB-A ports and digital radio (DAB).GLX-R variants get even bigger 18-inch black alloys, Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD-II system, terrain control, hill descent control, a black sports bar, carpet flooring and a leather steering wheel.Mitsubishi's best-selling grade, the GLS, gets grey 18-inch alloy wheels, electric folding outdoor mirrors, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, a black Mitsubishi embossed grille, soft-touch interior materials with silver stitching, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, a wireless charger and push-button start.Headlining the range is the GSR with black 18-inch alloys, leather seats with orange stitching, plastic wheel arches, roof rails, electronically-adjustable driver's seat controls and a body-coloured front grille.All Triton variants carry a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and rear autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control (automatic-transmission variants only), blind spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert and a rear parking camera with parking sensors.They are also covered by a 10-year/200,000 warranty, with 10 years of capped price servicing and four years of complimentary roadside assist.Mitsubishi has confirmed that the full Triton line-up, which is now 18 variants strong, will be progressively introduced to the market through 2025, commencing with the double-cab-cab-chassis variants.Sub one-tonne payload GLX, GLX+ and GLX-R variants will arrive in Q3, alongside single cab cab-chassis and club-cab variants.Triton sales have fallen 9.4 per cent this year to date from 2920 sales in the first two months of last year to 2643 sales as of February 2025. It follows a bumper year for the model in 2024, following the new-generation model's release last February.

It's not just from from Australia to the world for our latest automotive export. The Nissan Navara Warrior program that will now be launched globally can be tracked all the way back to Premcar's facility in Epping, Victoria.

I’m going to be totally honest with you, when news of the first Ford Ranger Raptor surfaced, I felt it was little more than an automotive curiosity.

You might not be too late for a Ram V8 - but you better be quick and your options might be limited.

So, you’re heading on a road trip! What fun, but also… kind of a headache if you don’t have the right vehicle.

According to multiple reports, Hyundai and General Motors are in the final stages of a deal that could see the two car brands exchange the basis for their models, including electric vans and American utes.

BYD says it's just getting warmed up in Australia, promising a "proliferation of product" with a focus on "utes and SUVs" as it seeks to make good on its promise to dethrone Toyota at the top of the new-car sales charts. The brand currently has six models in Australia – the Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal, Sealion 6, Sealion 7 and Shark 6 ute – but says it will launch two new models this year, with the roll

After an extended pre-launch period, KGM SsangYong has detailed its electric car-based ute as it launches in its South Korean home market.Part of an expansion of the Musso name as a sub-brand, which will also feature a replacement for the full-size ladder frame dual-cab currently sold in Australia, the Musso EV is instead based on the same monocoque platform as the Torres mid-size SUV, with which it also shares significant styling cues.The Musso EV features a single battery option, consisting of an 80.6kWh LFP unit granting it a claimed/combined 400km driving range between charges for the base front-wheel drive version.The base FWD has a 152kW/340Nm motor, while the dual-motor, all-wheel drive version produces 304kW/636Nm using a permanent AWD system KGM says has been developed based on know-how from its combustion 4x4 range.Additionally, the Musso EV can be optionally equipped with a self-leveling rear suspension system which maintains the correct ride height regardless of load, however its maximum towing capacity according to Korean regulations is just 1800kg. Its payload is also a mere 500kg, putting it more in the lifestyle camp than positioning it as a heavy-duty load-lugger like Australia’s most popular dual-cab options. Interestingly, though, it also features a step cut-out like the current Ranger for easy access to the tray.When it comes to off-road ability, the Musso EV has an approach angle of 19.2 degrees, a departure angle of 23 degrees and a ground clearance of 187mm.It is capable of charging at a peak rate of 200kW meaning a 10-80 per cent charge in 24 minutes. It also features vehicle-to-load, allowing it to support the use of power tools and camping equipment.Inside, the Musso EV also has a much more modern design than the current combustion ute, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens for the multimedia system and digital instrument cluster. It features the brand’s latest ‘Athena 2.0’ operating system which is also capable of supporting phone app connectivity. It is also available in an array of trim choices in its home market, either a black leather, tan leather or a white two-tone finish.The brand has even launched the Musso EV with an array of factory modifications, including a roll bar, rolling tonneau cover and a roof carrier. Other factory options include a ‘clear sight’ ground view camera, sunroof, 360-degree parking camera suite, genuine leather seats, front and rear skid plates, as well as a premium Alpine audio system.The Musso EV is priced from the equivalent of A$52,000 for the base 2WD which would make it an interesting offer in Australia, although it is unclear how much extra may be added to the price-tag once the ute is converted to right-hand drive and had local compliance and import fees added.KGM SsangYong has confirmed the Musso EV for a local launch although timing or pricing is yet to be locked in.Thus far SsangYong's new Korean owner has been on a new-model blitz to try and turn around the perpetually embattled brand. The Torres has launched to replace the outgoing Korando as the company's mid-size SUV offering and the Actyon will soon arrive as a slightly larger, more Mitsubishi Outlander-sized alternative.KGM SsangYong is also yet to offer any electric vehicle Down Under, although the Torres EVX has been on its radar for some time.

It may be faster and more powerful than the ‘Hemi’ V8-powered model it replaces but the big question is whether the in-line six-cylinder MY25 Ram 1500 maintains its well-established ‘tough truck' aura with two fewer cylinders under the bonnet.