Driven by consumer desire for a multi-purpose vehicle that can cross the boundaries between work, family, and recreation.

In fact, Utes have been amongst the top selling models for years. These include the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max.

Up until the start of 2025, diesel was the main source of fuel. However, with the NVES legislation introduced by the Government, under the misguided belief that we need to reduce our CO2 emissions, manufacturers have started offering alternative technologies.

This NVES legislation will see the price of our favourite Utes increase over time, simply because of the penalties levied against manufacturers.

However, as a bonus, this year will see the introduction of more Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV), as well as some notable Plug IN Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV).

Due for release this year are the FOTON V7 and V9 MHEV, Ranger PHEV, LDV Terron 9 and JAC Hunter PHEV. And we have already seen the BYD Shark 6 PHEV earlier this year.

We mustn’t forget the traditional diesel Kia Tasman that is due mid-year.

This year it’s an absolute Ute bonanza,  with many contemporary brands bringing innovative technologies.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Ute buyers– HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Ute buyers  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

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LDV have just released a new model, the T60 Max Plus. This is the top model in the range and as such comes with even more features.

These include:

• 3” central touchscreen,
• 3” driver instrument cluster,
• lockable tailgate,
• heated and power-folding side mirrors,
• electric power steering and park brake, and
• multi-link rear suspension.

In addition,

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB),
• Adaptive Cruise Control,
• Lane Keep Assist, and
• wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

are now standard on automatic transmission models.

The LDV comes with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine. Delivering 160kW of power and a healthy 500Nm of torque from just 1500rpm. This is combined with an 8 speed ZF automatic transmission and on demand 4WD.

The best feature is the price, from $45,990 driveaway for ABN holders

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LDV T60 Max Plus HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE T60 Max Plus RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Instead of the LDV T60 Max Plus  buyers could also look at:

4WD Dual Cab Utes are very popular now.

Buyers could look at the Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi Triton, Ford Ranger Sport 2.0L,  Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, SsangYong Musso, LDV T60, GWM Cannon

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program.

The post LDV T60 Max Plus 4WD Dual Cab Ute appeared first on Motoring Minute.

I recently went to the launch of the LDV eDeliver 7 van. This is a delivery van similar in size to the Toyota HiAce, Peugeot Expert or Hyundai Staria Load.

The difference is the LDV is electric. They are hoping to bring a diesel version in the next 12-18 months, but nothing is confirmed yet.

There are four different models, and two battery choices depending on the model chosen. These are either 77kWh or 88kWh batteries.

They are responsive and easy to drive. I drove the vans unladen and yet the ride wasn’t bad at all. Range is claimed at around mid 350km or so, but our van showed over 400km when we drove it.

First impressions are that it looks good. The sleek and smooth frontal treatment is stylish without going to extremes like the Hyundai Staria.

Inside all models, designers laid out the space well and included enough room for my taller frame to sit comfortably. The large central screen displays clearly and responds well to touch. I would appreciate wireless smartphone connectivity. Overall, I was really impressed with the LDV vans; they are sure to cause a stir, especially at the starting price of slightly under $60,000 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute’

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find everything you need to know about the LDV eDeliver 7 HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE LDV eDeliver 7 RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post LDV eDeliver 7 ell electric delivery van first drive appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The work Van segment has seen several clever and practical all electric vans appear as choices for buyers.

Its in this segment that the EV choice may just prove practical and popular.

Last year we saw the introduction of two smaller inner city style delivery vans. The Peugeot e-Partner as well as the Renault Kangoo E-Tech. Both of these are smaller style vans, with a range around the 250 to 280km mark. This is ideal if you are using the vans for local runs and can have a base charge system during the day or overnight.

They are small, nimble, and practical for inner city work.

Moving u from that the Chinese have taken a stance with the LDV e-Deliver9 and now the LDV e-Deliver7. Both are mid to large electric vans that don’t compromise cargo capacity. ‘

Renault Master E-TECH Electric, Ford E-Transit long wheelbase van and the Mercedes Benz  eVito Panel Van. Larger commercial vans with reasonable range.

Hyundai has the Mighty electric truck, a mid sized work truck that can be driven on a car license.

All up the commercial work vans and Utes are fertile ground for electric vehicles and we will see more of them this coming year

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE EV WORK VANS RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post We chat about the growing choices for EV work vans and Utes appeared first on Motoring Minute.