The light commercial sector has had its fair share of decimation thanks to Covid-19, but the wheels of industry have to keep turning and the commercial vehicle market has responded as best it can.
There were of course, new models scheduled and these have been delayed in accordance with the global pandemic, but even though the delivery times were pushed out by a few months, the interest in those vehicles has not waned.
In fact, from an industry perspective, it is like someone put a giant pair of parentheses around the automotive sector in general – and that includes the commercial vehicle market – and sectioned out a six month block of time which we are all trying to make up for as we head into the last months of a particularly brutal year.
From the ute market, we have eagerly been waiting for the new Isuzu D-Max and the new Mazda BT-50 as well as some new product out of China from the Great Wall Motor Company. Ford meantime has also seen the Ranger additions and updates delayed, while Toyota’s HiLux has only just now been released.
As to the rest of the ute market players, they have been spared the worst of Covid-19 in terms of new products, though its fair to say that with parts and component availability, or lack of it, all vehicle suppliers have felt the pain.
For the van market however, the impact was less than a third of what it has been for the utes, with registrations until August being just a thousand units down for the same time last year.
This reasonably low number, all things considered, is attributable to the fact that goods still needed to be purchased while lockdowns were in effect and delivery vehicles were in higher demand.
Now that we have weathered the worst of the storm and we have accepted the merits of online shopping, changing our habits to a more delivery-driven lifestyle, the demand for reliable (newer) vans is likely to increase in keeping with the ready availability of supply.
The other consideration is the rate of change when it comes to vans. Typically, a van will remain in service without the requirement of rapid change as seen in passenger vehicles; enjoying a much longer time between upgrades.
As a result of this, van development is a slower process, so a six month ‘blip’ has little impact in the grand scheme of things, unless a company is introducing or upgrading a vehicle during this time.
Covid-19 has affected us all but some industries have seen this world-changing event as – well, positive is perhaps not the right word – but certainly some have come out better than some others and there have been knock-on effects contributing to the recession we currently find ourselves in.
The effect on tourism or instance, has been disastrous for those directly involved, but for the vehicle manufacturers supplying motorhomes, its been pretty grim too. The only silver lining on the cloud is that vans can be channelled elsewhere, to the transport and logistic sectors for example, but that’s a hard row to hoe as well.
Still, if there is one positive to come from Covid-19 it has brought about a change in the way we think, which ultimately means changes in the way we do things, which in turn promotes innovation, a good deal more of which is filtering from the passenger market to the development of light commercial vehicles.
With this in mind, we are predicting the light commercial sector to finish the annis
horribilus of 2020 with a solid result, and expect this to continue into the future as we adapt to our brave new world.
FORD RANGER
Still riding high as the country’s number one utility, Ford’s Ranger has delivered a universal vehicle with elements to appeal to all comers. With the introduction of the FX4 specified models in December of last year in both 4WD and 2WD applications, thus providing a mid-grade Ranger with a Bi-Turbo engine and 10 speed transmission for all drivetrain types. FX4 adds increased safety features to lift Ranger’s profile even higher. With XLT models on one side and the performance oriented Wildtrack and Raptor on the other, the FX4 looks set to keep Ranger at the top of the tree.
2WD 118kW @ 3200rpm – 157kW @ 3750rpm
4WD 147kW @ 3000rpm – 157kW @ 3750rpm
2WD 385Nm @ 1600rpm – 500Nm @ 1750rpm
4WD 470Nm @ 1750rpm – 500Nm @ 1750rpm
Payload 2WD – 1483kg – 1133kg ∝ 4WD – 1320kg – 758kg
Towing capacity 750kg – 3500kg
Price range 2WD - $41,990 - $55,390 ∝ 4WD - $50,490 - $84,990
GREAT WALL STEED
The ute you buy when you don’t want to spend north of $28,000, the Great Wall Steed looks to match the modern players with significantly improved styling. It is well specified, though to some the features may be a little unusual in comparison with what we are used to seeing. As utes go however, Great Walls do have an honest one tonne payload across the range. There is a new generation of Great Wall product due next year and that will answer the question of an automatic transmission, among others. In the meantime, the Great Wall utes remain as the most affordable and value-packed utes available in New Zealand.
Diesel: 110kW @ 4000rpm ∝ 310Nm @ 1800rpm
Petrol: 100kW @ 5250rpm ∝ 205Nm @ 2500rpm
Payload 1198kg (single cab diesel) ∝ 1010kg (dual cab petrol)
∝1022kg – 1020kg (dual cab diesel)
Towing capacity 750kg – 1700kg (sngl cab)
Price range 2WD $17,990 -$24,990 ∝ 4WD $19,990 - $27,990
ISUZU D-MAX
Yes, there is a new one coming – and its due mid October. The information we have on that particular model is not a secret, but nor has it been officially acknowledged. We do know the engine is still a three-litre turbo diesel and we are also aware off the high level of safety equipment the new model will have onboard, but it is all still highly speculative rather than factual data. In the meantime, the current model D-Max is presented as an extensive range offering with 2 and 4WD options, chassis, single, space and double cab variants and manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The D-Max has enjoyed a reputation for being a rough and tumble, but very reliable ute, which is perfectly capable of getting the job done.
130kW @ 3600rpm
430Nm @ 2000rpm
Payload 2WD 1025kg ∝ 4WD 1125kg
Towing capacity 750kg – 3500kg
Price range 2WD ∝ 4WD
JEEP GLADIATOR
When is a ute not a ute? When it’s a Jeep. The Gladiator arrived mid-year and while it’s something of a departure from the Jeeps we know, this ‘’open air pickup” is a popular US concept. The Gladiator does an outstanding job of being something new but retaining its heritage. It has the Wrangler-esque ability to unbolt the roof for that “open air” feeling – as well as being a spectacular point of difference. Motive power is a 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar petrol engine mated to an eight-speed auto with an Active, on-demand 4x4 drivetrain. There are two models, the Overland and the top end Rubicon. Gladiators may seem pricey, but put them alongside top-flight traditional utes, and you’ll find you might actually save some green. Besides, what price do you put on cool?
209kW @ 6400rpm
347Nm @ 4100rpm
Payload 527kg – 620kg
Towing capacity 750kg – 2721kg
Price range $89,990 – $92,990
LDV T60
Better known for its unconventionally named van range, LDV took a while to introduce its T60 utility vehicle range. The T60 has two model grades, standard and luxury in the double cab variants. The T60 is also available as a well-equipped, five-star ANCAP cab chassis with a six-speed manual and 4WD drivetrain. As to the double cab models, these have the option of six-speed auto or manual transmissions and – regardless of grade – are well equipped with safety equipment we are used to seeing on more expensive utes. As a significant point of difference, only the luxury model has the electronic differential lock and keyless entry and start. Luxury models also gain the sports bar, automatic air conditioning, multifunction steering wheel, lane departure warning, auto retracting and heated mirrors as standard features.
110kW @ 3400rpm ∝ 360Nm @ 1600rpm
Payload 1025kg – 815kg
Towing capacity 750kg – 3000kg
Price range 4WD $34,488 – $41,388
MAHINDRA PIK UP
Not the most powerful, not the most highly equipped and certainly not the prettiest ute in the country, the Mahindra Pik Up does offer immense practicality, unexpected and impressive off-road ability, serious affordability and pluck. The Pik Up runs a 2.2 litre turbo diesel across the S6 models and the S10 model – which is the most sophisticated and the most recent Pik Up. As with most new brands, Mahindra vehicles use recognised brands in their construction with the most significant being the Eaton mechanical rear differential locking system. The Borg Warner 4WD system is another example. The Pik Up’s mHawk engine is however, a Mahindra development.
103 kW 320Nm @ 1600rpm
Payload 1430kg (single cab chassis) ∝ 1210kg (double cab chassis)
1095kg (single cab with tub) ∝ 1035kg (double cab with tub)
Towing capacity 2500kg (single cab)
Price range
S6 models $28,990 – $31,989
S10 model $35,990
MAZDA BT-50
There’s no denying the Mazda BT-50 for 2020 is one of the most anticipated utility vehicle launches of the year, given the brand’s newfound partnership with Isuzu and the level of refinement Mazda has already imbued its flagship commercial vehicle with. The new model is still a month or so away, but we’re comfortable the wait will be worth it. In the meantime, the existing model is something of an underdog, having languished in the shade while Mazda’s passenger line has seen new technology, uprated designs and award-winning models. This being said, the eight-year-old Mazda BT-50 is an extraordinarily capable utility both as a load lugger and as an off roading recreational vehicle. With that in mind, we can’t wait to see the new one!
147kW @ 3000rpm ∝ 470Nm @ 1750rpm
Payload 1179kg – 1238kg
Towing capacity 750kg – 3500kg
Price range 2WD $41,895 – $54,395 ∝ 4WD $45,295 – $59,795
MITSUBISHI TRITON
A ground-breaker in more ways than one. When Mitsubishi launched the current generation of Triton, it was quite a radical shift and it propelled Mitsubishi from the top five listings to the top three, by virtue of its new design, new specification levels, impressive range and super lean pricing. The Dynamic Shield face which is finding its way to everything in the Mitsubishi line-up and thus contributing to a cohesive range appearance conceals engine tweaks to the 2.4-litre engine which has served Mitsubishi so well, but it also hides away the improvements to the front end suspension, improving the handling and drive characteristics overall. Safety tech is in line with contemporary utes and Mitsubishi product also carries an impressive warranty package.
135kW @ 3500rpm ∝ 437Nm @ 2500rpm
Payload 2WD 905kg – 1440kg ϑ 4WD 905kg – 1190kg
Towing capacity 750kg – 2500kg
Price range 2WD $32,990 – $51,990 ∝ 4WD $37,250 – $51,990
NISSAN NAVARA
2020 has not been kind to the long-serving Navara, which has seen accessory/cosmetic upgrades but little else. The exception is the Navara N-Trek Warrior which heroes the Navara nameplate. At one time, Nissan led the “torque race’’ but with this model, has focused attention onto other aspects of ute ownership, this time highlighting suspension, ride and handling. The N-Trek Warrior has seen extensive underpinning work with a redesigned front-end treatment and a range of visual styling cues. As to the rest of the Navara range, this is still extensive and uses either single or twin turbocharged diesel engines, across the 2WD and 4WD models.
2WD 120kW @ 3750rpm (sgl turbo) ∝ 140kW @ 3750rpm (twn turbo)
4WD 403Nm @ 1500rpm (sgl turbo)
4WD 450Nm @ 1500rpm (twn turbo)
Payload 2WD 1015kg – 1020kg) ∝ 4WD 724kg – 1015kg
Towing capacity 750kg – 3500kg
Price range 2WD $31,990 – $53,990 ∝ 4WD $31,990 – $76,900
RAM
Technically a ute, though RAM would prefer we call it a truck, the Big Boy out of the US has been making some noise through arguably one of the toughest times in automotive history. RAM trucks first came to the limelight as imports from 2016, but really came into their own in 2019. Since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength, with seven models currently available. An official and approved left to right hand conversion is carried out in Australia to meet NZ requirements. Core to the brand is the 5.7-litre V8 HEMI engine (a 6.7-litre Cummins turbo diesel is also available outside the 1500 range) and the 4,500kg towing ability. RAM cuts an impressive appearance and along with a strong safety specification, also has 2WD/4WD transfer across the range.
291kW @ 5600rpm
556Nm @ 3950rpm
Payload 800kg – 845kg
Towing capacity 750kg – 4500kg
Price range $94,990 – $174,990
SSANGYONG RHINO
Being affordable and being capable are obviously positive attributes, but if you are one of the country’s best kept automotive secrets as Korean brand SsangYong appears to have become, that will have an effect on registrations and sales. The Rhino – launched to replace the Actyon ute in early 2019 – held considerable promise, with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, specification, drivetrains and deck sizes, and nothing has changed since the initial launch. The product ‘tree’ is easy to comprehend, with the SsangYong Rhino proving to be a good bridge between entry level and top end manufacturers in terms of ability and price.
2WD Petrol 166kW @ 5500rpm ∝ 2WD 350Nm @ 1500rpm
4WD Diesel 133kW @ 4000rpm ∝ 4WD 420Nm @ 1400rpm
Payload
Petrol 752kg – 850kg
Diesel 688kg – 800kg
Towing capacity Petrol 750kg – 2800kg ∝ Diesel 750kg – 3500kg
Price range 2WD $29,888 ∝ 4WD $40,239 – $50,013
TOYOTA HILUX
Toyota’s Hilux has seen many recent upgrades, however none so significant as the upgrades seen in September 2020. Aesthetically, there is a bolder, tougher-looking face on wide body SR, SR5 and SR5 Cruiser variants, while mechanically, the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine’s cylinders, pistons, turbo and cooling system have been redesigned to improve power by 15 percent and fuel efficiency by up to eleven percent. Technical cabin upgrades include an eight-inch display and the audio system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Most critical are the safety upgrades. The standard Toyota Safety Sense package includes a Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist and Road Sign Assist.
HiLux’s 18 models come in WorkMate, SR, SR5 and top of the range SR5 Cruiser specifications.
150kW 500Nm @ 1600rpm
Payload Model dependent
Towing capacity 750kg – 3500kg
Price range 2WD $28,990 – $47,990 ) ∝ 4WD $44,990 – $58,990
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER
While the Hilux is the most technologically advanced ute Toyota has ever built, there’s still something to be said for tradition, which is why the legendary Land Cruiser 70 is still on the books. The tradies choice when it comes to towing, it seems cement pumps are standard equipment for the LandCruiser. What is standard however, is the turbocharged V8 diesel, a five-star ANCAP safety rating, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition.
There is the impression that you’ll go anywhere you need to with a Land Cruiser – just don’t expect to get there fast.
Land Cruiser offers the choice of single or double cab to further its practicality while the ‘bit of rough’ character which has served the 70 series so well up until now and will assuredly into the future, underscores the Land Cruiser’s unbreakability.
151kW @ 3400rpm
430Nm @ 1200rpm
Payload 1180kg
Towing capacity 750kg – 3500kg
Price range 4WD $68,990 – $79,990
VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK
If you are looking for the torquiest ute in the market, you’ll likely find it under the skin of the Volkswagen Amarok, which runs a V6 powerhouse almost exclusively throughout the range. There is an entry level model running the original four-cylinder, twin turbo but it’s the V6 which really holds the appeal of a premium ute. Common to all Amaroks is the eight-speed automatic, the impressive 4MOTION 4WD system and the ladder frame chassis and then just add a V6 engine which gives the potential or Overboost, taking 190kW to 200kW for limited periods of time. Volkswagen has also invested considerable resource into customisation, and thus there are a number of ‘spec variants including the Darkside released in August 2020.
132kW @ 3000rpm
190kW @ 2500rpm V6
420Nm @ 1750rpm
580Nm @1400rpm V6
Payload 770kg/973kg ∝ 760kg/904kg V6
Towing capacity 750kg – 3200kg ∝ 750kg – 3500kg V6
Price range $63,000 – $90,000
