Build Your Dreams (BYD) made big waves late last year when it announced and showed its Shark 6 midsize AWD ute. Not only was the Shark the first PHEV-powered vehicle in the ute segment but it promised stunning performance at a stunning launch price of $57,000. 

Stunning because $57k barely gets you into a Ranger XLS or HiLux SR5, and the Shark comes with much more standard equipment than either of those two market leaders. 

The company backed up the fanfare selling a tad more than 2000 Sharks in its first month on sale (February ’25), outselling ever-popular utes like the Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara. It will be interesting to see if BYD can keep the momentum rolling on, and for how long it can maintain the current price point. 

Early adopters that jumped in to get a Shark shouldn’t be disappointed in their purchase as they have a large, efficient, extremely well equipped ute that is going to tick all the boxes for many buyers. In its single specification, the Shark 6 includes features and interior finishes that are only available on top-spec 4×4 utes from other manufacturers… and at a considerably higher price than $57k.

JUMP AHEAD

• What does it get?
• Powertrain
• Interior
• Safety
• On- and off-road performance
• Verdict
• Specs

What does it get?

BYD is a Chinese company that builds and sells more EVs in its homeland than almost all of its competitors put together. It’s well established in the EV market and is spreading globally quicker than the spicy cough, and it seeks that market domination wherever it sells cars.  

The Shark 6 is BYD’s first ute and it’s targeted straight at the Australian market where such vehicles are so popular that they make up a large part of overall sales.  

The Shark 6 is a familiar four-door cab on a separate ladder-frame chassis but that’s where the similarities to convention end. The suspension is independent at each corner using double wishbones and coil springs, and there is no low range in the drivetrain. In fact, there is no transfer case at all, nor any connection between the front and back wheels.

Size-wise, it’s at the bigger end of the midsize ute segment, closest to the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok in size, and the generous cabin space is well appreciated.

Powertrain

Propulsion comes courtesy of a pair of electric motors – one at each the front and back axles, plus a petrol engine that can operate on the front axle when called for, but its primary use is charging the batteries that power the electric motors.

The ICE power unit is a 135kW/260Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine and it is mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle along with a 130kW/330Nm electric motor. The motor powering the back wheels is totally isolated from the front. It makes 150kW and 340Nm and comes into effect when required either for traction or ultimate performance. That’s 321kW and 650Nm in total!

Most of the time it’s the electric motors driving the Shark 6 while the ICE maintains charge in the batteries, but the petrol engine cuts in at speeds above 70km/h and when full throttle is applied. Put your right foot down in the Shark and BYD claims it will dash from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, and we have no reason to question that – the Shark gets up and goes hard when you ask it to!

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The battery is a 29.58kWh unit that sits low and flat in the chassis and BYD claims a range of up to 100km on a full charge using EV power only, depending on driving conditions. 

The battery is charged by the ICE petrol engine, regenerative off-throttle charging or when plugged into a charger or home GPO. The petrol tank holds just 60 litres of fuel but with a 2.0L/100km official consumption rating, it gives close to 700km in touring range before you need to fill the tank or charge up from an external power source. 

Driving the Shark around town it is mainly in full EV mode so it’s super quiet, and even when the petrol engine cuts in to charge the system you barely hear or notice it, resulting in very smooth and quiet propulsion. It’s only when you put your foot down that you notice the ICE powering the front wheels, but even then it is relatively quiet and smooth, particularly when compared to diesel-engine powered utes. These attributes, and the well-appointed interior, make the Shark 6 a very agreeable town ute.

Interior

The Shark 6’s cabin is spacious and reasonably well laid out. The finishes and touchpoints are soft, giving a feel of quality and luxury missing in most midsize utes which are more commercial-grade. The orange trim on the vents detracts from the quality appearance but that’s purely subjective; someone must like it.

The seats are covered in synthetic leather that has a genuine leather look and feel. The front seats are both heated and ventilated and have power adjustment. The rear seat has room for adult-size passengers with a reasonable recline on the backrest making it better for comfort than many other utes, especially on longer drives.

The centre infotainment screen is a huge 15.6-inch unit that sits in landscape mode in standard placement, but it can be rotated 90° to be viewed in portrait configuration if desired. However, if you wear polarised sunglasses the view of the screen might go dark for you in this upright mode. The landscape orientation is easier to view anyway. 

The multimedia unit has DAB radio, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and inbuilt satnav with free map updates for three years. The 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system adds to the premium feel of the cabin. Also included is dual-zone climate control and a wireless phone charging pad.

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From a functionality point of view, it’s good to see that the temperature controls are always on the screen so you don’t need to go looking for them through menus, but with no physical dials or knobs, you can’t use them without taking your eyes off the road. There are physical rollers on the steering wheel and consoles for sound system volume control which is a plus for usability.

There are plenty of USB power outlets for both front and back seat passengers as well as a 230v/10A power outlet at the back of the console. There’s another three 230V/10A GPOs in the cargo tub for running tools and appliances off the battery pack. 

The orange vents aside, the high levels of equipment and features gives the Shark’s cabin a premium feel that is lacking in the top models of the popular midsize utes, and is only found elsewhere in full-size American pickups costing twice as much as the BYD.

The quiet ride is aided by the use of Continental tyres but they are not well suited to off-road activity. Thankfully they are a common 265/65R18 size so you should be able to fit more durable alternatives. BYD offers the option of Toyo or BFG all-terrain tyres as well a choice of alloy wheel designs.

Safety 

As you would expect of any all-new vehicle, the BYD Shark 6 features all the latest ADAS tech including a driver monitor with all the associated bells and whistles.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that the system was nowhere near as intrusive and annoying as similar systems in most other new vehicles. The warning chimes are subtle and not too offensive and the ADAS doesn’t constantly fight you at the steering wheel on freeways and backroads… but try and make a lane change without using an indicator (common practice in Melbourne) and the system lets you know it’s there and that it’s working. 

On- and off-road performance

Not so smooth is the suspension which is very stiff and gives the Shark a firm ride on smooth roads and a rough ride on Melbourne’s woeful roads and highways.

One particular patch of potholes on exiting a roundabout rattled the Shark to such an extent that the whole cabin shook violently, leading me to wonder how it would feel once we got on a dirt road. I didn’t have to wait long as we soon hit the access road to our photography location; a well-groomed gravel road that has small corrugations in it. Again the Shark 6 shook violently with the scuttle shake you used to get in some convertible cars, but in this case it was felt through the whole passenger compartment. 

I swapped into another 4×4 ute (standard suspension and tyres) and drove up the same road and while the corrugations could be felt it didn’t react and shake hard like the BYD did. With this in mind, I would have concerns about taking a BYD Shark 6 on standard suspension on any extended outback travel. A softer and more compliant suspension package would be warranted, and would improve the ride quality both on and off the road. 

The shortcomings of the suspension also revealed themselves as the track deteriorated and the lack of suspension travel has it easily cocking wheels and losing traction. This in turn showed up the shortcomings of the drive system. After stopping on what could only be described as a gravel driveway with a slight incline, the Shark 6 wouldn’t advance off the mark, only spinning a single front tyre.

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As described earlier, there is no mechanical connection between the front and rear wheels, only an electronic one. The Shark 6 does have multiple dive modes – Normal, Mud Land, Sand Land, Snow Land and Mountain Land. In the Normal mode, which you would expect to use on such a gravel track, the Shark 6 is essentially a front-wheel drive vehicle and it wasn’t until I selected one of the other modes that drive was applied to the rear wheels by its motor and the Shark 6 progressed. 

It was no surprise that the Shark 6 failed to progress when pointed at a steeper rutted track when in Normal mode but playing with the modes did bring positive results. We found that Mountain Land mode worked the best and got the Shark 6 up the track… but it did so kicking and screaming. The electronics are slow to react and feel and sound a lot like the early ETC systems from Land Rover that came out in the Discovery Series 2 (update model without centre diff lock) and early Freelander models. It’s slow to react and noisy in doing so, resulting in excessive wheelspin and kicking up plenty of dust. 

With its electric motor powering the rear wheels any sort of locker would probably come as a software update from BYD, but for owners looking to upfit their Shark 6 for specific usage, BYD has partnered with Ironman to develop a range of accessories. These must be purchased from BYD at the time of buying your Shark and they include a choice of front bumpers including a bull bar, roof racks, roller tonneau cover and a canopy. 

With the exceptionally high sales of the Shark 6 in its first months on sale we expect other aftermarket equipment manufacturers to soon jump on board with gear for this ute. 

Verdict

I expected better of the Shark 6 considering how ‘advanced’ it feels in many areas, and I was disappointed in its performance off sealed roads.

This is not an offroad 4×4 ute; I brought up these tractive deficiencies of the Shark 6 when we drove a pre-production prototype last year and BYD said it would be updated and addressed in the production model.  The off-highway deficiencies aside, the BYD Shark 6 is an exceptional ute that brings new levels of efficiency, interior trim and design to the ute segment. 

I said at the start that the Shark 6 represents a great first entry into the ute market, and that comment stands. Now we await to see how the brand seeks to address its deficiencies, or whether it prefers to leave the vehicle as simply a ripper town ute.  

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Specs

Get out and enjoy this great land and support local communities.

There’s plenty going on all around Australia, and Ron Moon has his finger on the pulse regarding track changes and advice, station stays, recommended campsite stays, and much more. Read on for iconic events and unmissable outback destinations to jot down in your itinerary!

Explore Australia

Copper Coast Cornish Festival (SA)

The towns of Kadina, Moonta and Wallaroo, will be a buzz with excitement, celebrating the Kernewek Lowender Copper Coast Cornish Festival between May 12 and 18. With over 60 events, the program allows you to experience unique Cornish heritage and traditions.

Enjoy a Cornish pasty, a locally brewed Swanky, food, entertainment, art, concerts, dancing and people of all ages dressing in traditional Cornish costumes. There’s a cavalcade of cars and motor cycles and a street party while you’ll be spoilt for choice as you fill your days with truly unique experiences.

Ord Valley Muster (WA)

This great event will run from 16-25 May and will include a heap of attractions including the Kimberley Moon Experience, featuring some great artists from all over Australia. There’s Art in the Park, along with bush tucker and more. Check out ordvalleymuster.com.au for the latest information and to book – it sells out, so get in quick.

Bourke Show (NSW)

The Bourke Pastoral and Agricultural Association welcomes everyone to come and participate in a great community event to be held this year on Saturday May 17. 

The upcoming event will include a wide range of activities from a dog and pet show, to an animal nursery and a whip-cracking competition. In addition, there will also be a fashion parade, a bull sale, an historic car competition and display, food stalls, a sideshow alley, rides, a mechanical bull, live music and fireworks. It promises to be a fun-filled and diverse event with something for everyone.

Turning on the Fagus (Tas)

In late April and May, Tasmania’s only winter-deciduous native tree turns on its autumn show, triggering a pilgrimage to see entire hillsides ablaze in shades of rust, orange and gold.

The fagus hasn’t quite achieved the renown of other endemic Tasmanian plants, such as the Huon pine, yet this prehistoric survivor of the Gondwana era is remarkable. It’s one of only a handful of native deciduous species in Australia. The unique Tasmanian fagus thrives in cool, wet locations, typically above 800m, and in autumn its crinkle-cut leaves change colour as it announces itself in flamboyant style. Check it out if you are down in Tassie.

Closure of Piccanninie Ponds (SA)

Piccanninie Ponds remains closed for water activities until further notice to allow for the regeneration of aquatic vegetation and fauna species following an outbreak of filamentous algae. The Conservation Park remains open to the public, however entry into the water for diving and snorkeling is not permitted and permits are not being issued.

Closure of Aroona Dam Sanctuary (SA)

Aroona Dam Sanctuary, just outside Leigh Creek, will be closed intermittently during June, August and November 2025 for a pest-control program. These dates include from 6pm on 12 June until 6am on 17 June, and again between 28 August until 2 September, and from 27 November until  2 December 2025.

Nelia Gaari Station (NSW)

Situated on the west side of the Darling River between Menindee and Wilcannia, Nelia Gaari Station is a sheep grazing property that offers a unique and welcoming spot to park your caravan, campervan or 4×4 vehicle for short or extended stays. Go boating, fishing, yabbying or exploring, play a round of golf, or just kick back around the campfire. Your hosts Lily and Greg invite you to share their beautiful stretch of the Darling River.

Lucky Bay (WA)

Located 30 minutes south of Kalbarri township, this beachfront nature-based camping area is an ideal off-the-beaten-track getaway. Accessible only by 4×4, campers spend their days by the beach, swimming, fishing and four-wheel driving or just relaxing.

The camping area is nestled amongst the sand dunes and is suitable for tents and camper trailers. Facilities include bush toilets, a chemical toilet dump point and rubbish bins. Lucky Bay is also a dog-friendly campground, however dogs must be kept on leash at all times. Please note that fresh water is not available at Lucky Bay, so campers must be self-sufficient.

Also note that bookings are not available for Lucky Bay; campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For further information, call the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions on (08) 9937 1140. Fees are $15/night/vehicle.

Wirraminna Station (SA)

If you are heading along the Stuart Highway on your travels this year and are looking for a place to stop for the night then this may be a good one for you. Wirraminna Station is located 2km off of the Stuart Highway between Pimba and Glendambo.

The station offers 10 large drive-through caravan sites and there is plenty of room for pets, and loads of space for kids to ride their bikes. There is 5G Telstra phone service but no Optus. Call 0488 068 956 or email [email protected] for more information and to make a booking.

Banka Banka Station stay (NT)

Set on the Barkly Tablelands, north of Tennant Creek and just off the Stuart Highway, this sprawling 140,000ha working cattle station is rich in natural and cultural attractions. The property offers multiple types of accommodation ranging from camping, powered sites and king, single and double cabins.

The traditional owners continue to use and enjoy Banka Banka and play an active role in the management of the property to ensure you have a cultural experience. Spend some time learning about the traditional use of their country and take a walk to important cultural sites such as Kajanpurra Waterhole and Punkkurr Punkkurra Spring.

John Williamson at Big Red (QLD)

The Big Red Bash won’t be thumping the desert this year but John Williamson will be playing a one-off event on Tuesday 8 July.

The one-night-only concert featuring the legendary John Williamson atop Big Red, is being held exactly 12 years since John played there in 2013. Just 1000 tickets will be up for grabs for this event. Ticket pricing and on-sale date will be announced very soon. A Vehicle Pass will be required for each vehicle. Camping on private land is also possible.

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The Stockmans Camp (VIC)

This excellent camp situated on a property 10 minutes south of Buchan in the far east of Victoria is a top spot to stay a while, or to start or finish a trip through the Victorian High Country or up through the Snowy River region of the state. There’s a large area for camping while a few boutique cabins can be booked for those looking for some luxury. Phone 0492 854 326 or visit www.thestockmanscamp.au for more information or to make a booking.

The Brunette Races (NT)

There’ll be Territory bush racing at its finest when the Brunette Races are run between 19 and 22 June this year. This iconic event is a highlight of the outback social calendar and consists of horse racing, an exciting rodeo, a campdraft, a kids gymkhana and lots more. The races are held at the A.B.C. Amateur Race Club racetrack, located on Brunette Downs Station, which is situated on the Barkly Tablelands.

Zipping through the Karri trees (WA)

A short drive from Pemberton in WA’s south west is the famous Gloucester Tree. While its hair-raising climb has been closed for a few years now (will it ever reopen?) there are a few other attractions that make the area worth a visit. The highlight for many are the tree rope courses, aerial challenges and the 750m long zipline amongst the giant trees. These are all run by Aerial Adventure that is based in Pemberton.

A bridge across the Mitchell River (QLD)

The wide bed of the Mitchell River north of Dunbar station in the Gulf Country of Queensland is now seeing a bridge stretch across the wide sands. This will make it easier for people to travel from near Dunbar Station on the Burke Developmental Road to Musgrave on the main road north to Weipa.

However, we’re not too sure how many will be able to access it in the wet season when dozens of other rivers flood and prevent access to this part of the country. At this stage we don’t know when the bridge across the lower Mitchell will be finished or its cost.

Rockview Farm (QLD)

Situated just off the Burnett Highway between Goomeri and Ban Ban Springs, the Boonara Creek is the perfect spot to pull up and unwind for a day or two to enjoy the beauty of nature. Enjoy the creek view by day and then watch the sun set to a sky full of stars by night. Campfires and pets are allowed. For more go to Hipcamp and search ‘Rockview Farm’.

Omeo Holiday Park (VIC)

Set beside the picturesque Livingstone Creek, the local Omeo Holiday Park is a short stroll to Omeo’s historic town centre. Omeo is in the heart of the High Country and only 35km, or about a 40-minute drive, to Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham. There’s a heap of 4×4 tracks in the local area as well as historic sites well worth visiting.

Spinifex Ridge Camping (NT)

Here’s a safe and pleasant spot to camp just five minutes’ drive west of Tennant Creek. There’s always plenty of space here so there is no need to book ahead. You can find directions to Spinifex Ridge on Google Maps or WikiCamps, or you can contact directly by phoning 0428 418 571 or emailing [email protected].

Sand driving at Stockton (NSW)

Stockton Beach and dunes within the Worimi Conservation Lands (WCL) remains one of the most popular beach areas you can drive in NSW. The area provides 4×4 access to more than 19km of Stockton beach front and more than 350ha of dune driving in the Recreational Vehicle Area at the southern end of the park.

All vehicles must be registered and display a valid WCL beach vehicle permit. This includes recreational vehicles such as quads and motorcycles, which must hold RMS conditional registration for the recreational vehicle area.

Track access change: Robe (SA)

There have been significant changes to beach and track access south of Robe, especially around Little Dip CP, Nora Creina and Beachport. Some of the tracks that have been accessible in the past were through private property, and now ongoing issues with rubbish and people doing the wrong thing have resulted in the closure of those tracks.

With end-of-financial-year (EOFY) sales firing up across the country, 4×4 and camping enthusiasts are weighing up a familiar decision: Jump on a deal or wait for a next-gen model.

This is pertinent for the Toyota HiLux, with both updated and next-gen models landing over the next 18 months. However, for those gearing up for a winter trip or setting up a new touring rig, sharp runout pricing and dealer incentives are making it hard to look past the current model.

EOFY sales are primarily managed by individual dealerships and are dictated by stock levels and sales targets, but they often align with national promotions or support from the car manufacturer (like Toyota Australia). As a result, shopping around individual dealerships is often the best way to find the best deal.

Launched in 2015, the current HiLux isn’t the newest ute on the block, but it’s far from outdated. Over the years it’s scored important upgrades – including more grunt from the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel and better safety tech – but one of its biggest assets remains its reliability and huge aftermarket support. Whether you’re fitting a canopy, rooftop tent, long-range tank or full electrical setup, just about every major accessory brand has dialled-in gear ready to go.

For those willing to wait, Toyota is set to drop an all-new HiLux, built on the TNGA-F platform – the same bones that sit under the LandCruiser 300 Series. Expect a tougher chassis, better dynamics, hybrid (or possibly electric) drivetrains, and a cabin that finally feels next-gen. If the new US-born Tacoma is anything to go by, it’ll also come with a bolder, tougher look to match its upgraded tech.

The problem is, it’s not expected in Australia until late 2026 or even early 2027. And as seen with new LandCruiser and Prado launches, demand will likely outstrip supply. That means longer wait times, and possibly inflated prices at launch. Plus, early aftermarket support can take time to catch up – something to consider if you’re planning a full touring setup from the get-go.

The current HiLux comes equipped with a rear diff lock, solid low-range gearing, and decent clearance – all the basics you want for rough tracks, river crossings, and remote bush trails. While newer rivals like the Ford Ranger have raised the bar on-road, the HiLux remains simple, tough and easy to fix when you’re hundreds of kilometres from the nearest servo.

For campers and tourers, the HiLux remains one of the easiest platforms to build from. It works with virtually every drawer system, fridge slide, roof rack, or battery box on the market. Its towing manners are sorted, it hauls a canopy with ease, and it’s as comfortable on K’gari as it is hauling up a dusty escarpment in the Flinders. Servicing is straightforward, too. Toyota offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with maintenance due every six months. Fuel economy hovers around 8.0L/100km.

So what’s the right move? If you’re keen to get behind the wheel now, bolt on some gear, and hit the tracks this winter – all while locking in solid EOFY value – the current HiLux is still a smart, capable buy. But if you’re set on hybrid power, fresh bones, and next-gen gear, the 2026 model could be worth the wait – just be prepared for delays, and the usual new-model headaches.

Buy now if

• You need a new ute soon for work, towing or an upcoming trip.
• You’re happy with the current generation’s proven durability and strong resale.
• You find a sharp deal on runout stock you can’t ignore.
• You’re planning to modify your HiLux – the current model has huge aftermarket support, from canopies and bullbars to suspension kits.

Wait if

• You want the latest tech and better fuel economy.
• You’re curious about a hybrid HiLux but don’t want to jump brands.
• You’re not in a rush and don’t mind being an early adopter.

Whichever way you go, the HiLux remains a favourite for Aussie tourers – and the right one for you might be just a few EOFY clicks away.

A massive recall notice has been issued for 3.0-litre V6-powered Ford Ranger and Everest models built between 2022 and 2025, with a total of 13,490 vehicles affected.

The recall is due to a manufacturing defect, which could see the left-hand engine camshaft sprocket fracture. This may cause the engine to stall and lead to a sudden loss of motive power. “A sudden loss of motive power whilst driving increases the risk of an accident, which may result in serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users,” the report notice reads.

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The 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine at the centre of this recall produces 184kW and 600Nm, and it’s paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system. The Lion V6 powers a number of vehicles in the Ford stable including the Ranger XLT, Wildtrak, Sport and Platinum, as well as the Everest Sport, Wildtrak and Platinum. The 2.0-litre bi-turbo is unaffected.

It’s the same engine found in the V6-powered Amarok Style, PanAm and Aventura variants – plus it will sit beneath the lid of the upcoming Super Duty. 

Owners of affected vehicles – full recall list here – will be contacted by Ford Australia, and the fix will be free of charge. Owners can call 133 673 to speak to the Ford Customer Relationship Centre.

The Ford Ranger is perennially Australia’s best-selling 4×4 vehicle, selling 12,462 units so far this year (up until the end of April); while the Ford Everest sits just below the Prado as Australia’s best-selling 4×4 wagon, with a total of 4986 sales to date (April, 2025).

The massive May issue of 4X4 Australia magazine is out now!

On shelves and in letterboxes this week, the May 2025 issue is loaded with quality 4×4 goodness including a 250 Series Prado perfected by none other than Mr 4WD.

The Prado ‘Altitude with Attitude’ has been given a thorough transformation, with new front and rear protection, uprated suspension by JMACX, Toyo tyres, and Rhino-Rack’s all-new Recon roof rack with an Alu-Cab roof-top on top. There’s a long shopping list of equipment to come including a winch and awning, as well as a revamped interior with storage drawers and a camping fridge. 

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On the topic of Prados, we managed to wrangle an original 70 Series Prado – granted, a substantially modified one – and lined it up against an all-new 250. The old-versus-new comparison yielded some interesting results, and we posed the owner of the 78 one question: Would you trade it in for a new one?

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The BYD Shark has been making waves since it launched in Australia at an eye-popping $57,990, enticing more than 2000 orders in its first 24 hours on sale. At less than $60K, owners are treated, not only to a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but to a vehicle loaded with premium equipment. But, more importantly, how does it perform off-road? Not great, all things considered.

A different beast altogether is RAM’s all new turbo-six 1500, a vehicle which has essentially left the old HEMI V8 in its dust and not looked back. The Hurricane inline-six powering the current 1500 produces an impressive 313kW and 635NM in standard trim (SO) and an intoxicating 403kW and 707Nm in HO trim – considerably more than the old V8 could muster. Sadly, this test didn’t include any dirt, but this thing is a monster on tarmac.

We did, however, take a 200kW/400Nm turbo-petrol 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SWB to some rather challenging off-road tracks, which the Jeep coasted over thanks to its triple diff locks, a disconnecting sway bar and BFG muddies straight from the showroom floor. Did someone say “unrivalled off-road performance”?

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On the custom front, we peaked under the lid of a 60 Series LandCruiser that was saved from the scrapheap courtesy of an Isuzu 4JJ1 3.0-litre engine transplant. The impeccably clean build also wears a long list of custom parts – as Mark Allen puts it in the article, “it’s an amazing amalgamation of old and new parts and technology”.

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What else is there?

• How to 4×4 on sand – a step-by-step guide
• Following the route of Leichhardt’s 1844 expedition in the Gulf Country
• Touring Victoria’s Wyperfeld National Park
• A 20,000km update on our set of Cooper AT3 LT tyres
• Bowden’s Own cleaning products put to the test
• An update on the BT-50 GT in our long-term shed
• New products, news and MUCH more!

The May 2025 issue of 4X4 Australia magazine is out now!

Land Rover Classic has confirmed the return of its highly revered Defender Soft Top under its new Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke program.

The European-bound Classic Defender V8 Soft Top will be built to order in Coventry (UK) and Essen (Germany) with an eye-watering price tag of £195,000 plus local taxes – that’s in excess of $400K.

For that coin, buyers are treated with a premium customer experience that includes countless personalisation options, with a one-on-one bespoke service offered for every single build. Utilising donor vehicles built between 2012-2016, Land Rover Classic then completely re-engineers the vehicles to OEM standard.

Personalisation options include the choice of 16-inch Wolf wheels or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys; five monotone or eight duo-tone leather options; a selection of 49 paint finishes; and unique grilles, door handles and bonnet scripts. For something a bit fancier, buyers can even opt for an onboard wine cooler and a custom surfboard rack.

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“With the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, we provide an even greater opportunity to turn Classic Defender V8 dreams into reality,” said Dominic Elms, Managing Director at Jaguar Land Rover Classic. “At Land Rover Classic we work with clients to provide a one-to-one bespoke service, so they can enjoy their vehicle safe in the knowledge it has been designed and engineered exclusively for them, by the original manufacturer – the people who know it best.”

The bespoke vehicle is powered by Land Rover’s 5.0-litre petrol V8, producing 302kW and 515Nm. This engine is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The Soft Top also benefits from uprated suspension consisting of revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers. The brakes have also been improved to four-piston Alcon units with 335mm front and 300mm rear discs.

Every personalised vehicle comes with a one-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

Specs

The NSW Government is proposing to overhaul how camping works in national parks – and it could change the way 4WD tourers and outdoor enthusiasts book, pay for, and access campsites across the state.

The Improving Camping in NSW National Parks consultation paper, released by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), promises improvements to booking systems and site management, but some outdoor enthusiasts are worried it could mean higher costs, tighter restrictions, or changes to access for remote and 4WD-only sites.

“The current camping fee system has not been reviewed for many years and is not designed to manage issues experienced in modern campgrounds,” the consultation paper reads. “The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to make it simpler, fairer and easier for people to use campgrounds in national parks while also addressing campground issues. 

“The changes were developed following consultation with more than 200,000 national park visitors and campers. These changes would deliver consistent and equitable camping fees for all New South Wales national parks and support sustainable management of visitation into the future.”

What’s being proposed?

As it now stands, some campsites are free, some charge as little as $6, and others go well beyond $30 per night. This new system proposed by the NSW Government would set state-wide pricing based on the facilities available, the demand, and the remoteness of the site. Remote bush camps with minimal services are expected to stay low-cost or free, but nothing is locked in yet.

The plan includes cracking down on “ghost bookings” and introducing a more streamlined, user-friendly booking platform. This could improve access for campers who don’t plan trips months in advance, making it a big win for spontaneous 4WD adventurers.

Currently, cancellation policies can be rigid. The new proposal introduces easier refunds and credits, encouraging people to cancel in time so others can snap up their spot. Campers who reserve but don’t turn up may face penalties under the new system, as NPWS wants to make sure sites aren’t sitting empty when others are turned away.

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National park camping has seen massive growth in recent times, with visitation up nearly 50 per cent in the past decade and more 1.8 million overnight stays registered last year. NPWS says park infrastructure and staff are under strain, and the current system isn’t keeping up with demand or expectations. The proposal aims to modernise how sites are booked and managed, but not everyone is convinced.

Common concerns include: Will bush camps that used to be free now come with a price tag? Will a rigid booking system kill spontaneity? Is this just the start of creeping commercialisation in national parks?

The NPWS says the changes aren’t set in stone, and that’s where the four-wheeler and camping community comes in. Campers and off-roaders are being asked to weigh in before any decisions are made, and we urge you to join in. 

The consultation paper is open for public feedback until Sunday, May 25, 2025. So have your say before it’s too late.

The Isuzu D-MAX EV has officially entered mass production, with the fully electrified ute slated to arrive in major European markets in Q3 of 2025.

These first vehicles set to run down the production line are left-hand-drive units, with production of right-hand-drive models scheduled to begin toward the end of this year. This should see the D-MAX EV in UK dealerships at the start of 2026, with Isuzu adding, “it will be rolled out to other countries and areas based on market needs”.

Whether Australia is included in this roll-out remains unconfirmed, with Isuzu Ute Australia unable to provide any specifics relating to future products, including the D-MAX EV.

“We are currently unable to comment on specifics relating to future model plans,” an Isuzu UTE Australia spokesperson told 4X4 Australia. “That said, as part of our due diligence, IUA will continue to monitor the local needs and evaluate the reception of BEVs locally, and work with the factory to provide a product mix to meet Australian consumer needs.

“While Isuzu Motors Japan have advised that they’re starting production on an electric pick-up (ute) for European markets in April 2025, we have no further information to share at this point in time.”

Earlier this year, Isuzu Ute Australia declared it was considering multiple powertrain options to combat looming NVES regulations. While careful not to discuss any details about future products, IUA mentioned it is looking at every powertrain solution it has globally to ensure it works here – but doubled-down on the fact it needed to be fit for purpose for Australian customers.

“While we are working on solutions, it’s important for us to mention these solutions are fit for purpose. They’re not compromised. We don’t want to bring something to market … that just ticks a box,” said Mark Harman, former PR manager at IUA. “We’ve always done a very good job with localisation, to ensure our products are Australianised for our market.”

In 2024, a press statement released by Isuzu Japan said: “Launching in select mainland Europe markets such as Norway in 2025, D-MAX BEV will be rolled out to the UK, Australia, Thailand, and other countries based on market needs and the maturity of EV charging infrastructure.”

In February this year when asked if we’ll see an electric D-MAX in Australia in the next few years, Ben Jaegar, head of sales at IUA, said: “I don’t think we can answer that one … The vehicle that is going to be released may not meet the requirements of our customers. It’s a very different market, different usage, different infrastructure for charging – all those sorts of things go into it. It’s a different volume market, for that matter.

“Is it one of the technologies being reviewed? Obviously it is because that’s a global powertrain that will be available to other markets. Whether it’s right for this market? That’s the decision that needs to be made,” he said.

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At the time, Isuzu also confirmed both the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and the 1.9-litre hybrid seen in Thailand are on its radar, but the Japanese marque stopped short of confirming whether we’ll officially see either powertrain locally. 

The full-time 4WD system in the DMAX EV features newly developed front and rear e-Axles, which will provide the hush-quiet linear acceleration expected of EVs. The D-MAX EV’s electric drivetrain produces 140kW and 320Nm, with the vehicle recording payload and towing capacities of 1010kg and 3500kg respectively. Full specs below!

“The D-MAX EV has been engineered to cater to both commercial and passenger vehicle requirements, while ensuring the rugged performance expected from pickup trucks,” Isuzu Japan said. The vehicle will be produced in Thailand.

Isuzu D-MAX EV: Specs

GWM is bucking the industry-wide trend of downsizing on diesel by developing a new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine for its upcoming Cannon Alpha and Tank model line-ups.

Confirmed by GWM executives, the 3.0-litre diesel will power the Cannon Alpha ute, Tank 500 and Tank 700 variants, and it’s slated to arrive in 2027. It does not apply to the current Cannon or Tank vehicles.

The new 3.0-litre engine is expected to improve performance, fuel economy and emissions, compared to the current 2.0- and 2.4-litre diesels. Its development is part of GWM’s wider strategic strategy to offer a diverse range of powertrain options, including diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric.

Currently in Australia, GWM offers two diesel powertrain options: a 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and a 135kW/480Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

GWM also recently announced that a four-litre V8 petrol engine is en-route, most likely powering a Tank 500 or Tank 700 – but conceivably a Cannon Alpha PHEV, as they share the same chassis architecture. It is expected that the V8 will produce more than GWM’s V6 hybrid which puts out 380kW and 800Nm.

The Chinese brand is also gearing up for the Australian launch of its BYD Shark rival, with the Cannon Alpha PHEV expected to be in local showrooms in just a few weeks.

The Alpha PHEV is powered by a 180kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, paired to a nine-speed transmission. Combined with the 37.1kWh ternary lithium battery, the Alpha’s total output is 300kW and 750Nm – significantly more torque than the Shark’s 321kW/650Nm.

With the end of the 2024-25 financial year fast approaching, 4×4 owners and small business operators are being encouraged to act now to take full advantage of the $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off (IAWO) before the rules are set to change on July 1, 2025.

Currently, eligible businesses – including sole traders and small business entities with turnover under $10 million – can claim an immediate tax deduction for each business-use asset under $20,000, provided it is installed and ready for use by June 30, 2025. For tradespeople, contractors and professionals who rely on their 4x4s, this opens the door to significant tax savings on essential equipment and upgrades.

Popular claims include tool storage systems, bull bars, snorkels, UHF radios, LED lighting, suspension kits, canopies, GPS systems, and other work-related vehicle enhancements. Each item is assessed individually against the threshold, so multiple claims can be made if each item is below the $20,000 limit.

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However, the scheme’s future remains uncertain. Under current legislation, the threshold is scheduled to drop back to just $1000 from July 1, 2025. The newly elected Labor government has committed to extending the $20,000 write-off for another 12 months, while the Coalition pledged a permanent $30,000 threshold if elected. This proposal is positive but not yet confirmed, so business owners are advised to act based on the current rules.

It’s also important to understand that assets must be installed and in business use by June 30, not just ordered or paid for. With EOFY demand increasing, businesses may face stock shortages, shipping delays or workshop booking backlogs, especially for high-demand 4×4 accessories. Missing the cut-off by even a day could mean losing the instant deduction and being forced to depreciate the asset over several years instead.

For those considering a full vehicle purchase, the car limit still applies. For the 2024-25 financial year, the maximum claimable amount is capped at $69,674, regardless of the vehicle’s price. If a $78,000 ute is purchased and used 80 per cent for business, the maximum claim allowed would be 80 per cent of the $69,674 cap – not 80 per cent of the full cost.

Assets acquired under finance or leasing arrangements may still qualify for the IAWO, depending on how the agreement is structured and whether the business takes effective ownership. Business owners using these methods are strongly encouraged to seek professional tax advice to confirm eligibility.

To comply with ATO requirements and protect your deductions, maintain detailed records of all purchases, including invoices and proof of payment. You’ll also need to track the business-use percentage of your vehicle and accessories. The ATO accepts various methods, but the most reliable is maintaining a logbook over a representative 12-week period, especially if private and business use are mixed.

EOFY checklist: What to do before June 30, 2025

• Identify business-related 4×4 accessories or upgrades under $20,000
• Confirm that items will be delivered, installed, and in use before 30 June
• Ensure purchases are clearly for business use—track with a logbook if needed
• Keep all invoices, receipts, and payment confirmations
• Review finance or lease contracts for eligibility
• Speak with your accountant or tax advisor to confirm your claim strategy

With the election outcome uncertain and changes already legislated for July, business owners who move now can lock in substantial tax savings and future-proof their operations.