While the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux sit comfortably at the top of Australia’s new car sales charts, there has been a huge change in the small car segment over the past year.
The BYD Shark 6 has proven to be a disruptive force, even outperforming long-standing models like the Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok – not bad for the Chinese brand’s first ute.
Other newcomers to the scene include MG’s first submarine, the U9, as well as its LDV Terron 9 twin. They join the growing number of affordable Chinese options here, which also includes the JAC T9 and the reborn Foton Tunland.
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But it’s not just Chinese brands making moves in the subway segment: Kia launched the Tasman – its first subway – last year, and Korean brand KGM launched a new electric subway called the Musso EV.
With all this diversity, those of us in the Daily Sparkz The editors decided to share with you our tips from this busy segment.
However, we’ve set a list price cap of $60,000, so you won’t find anything American or favorites like the Ranger Raptor here.
Which utes did we choose instead?
Daily Sparkz: MG U9
Best car-like small car I’ve driven recently. Looks are subjective, but it drives exceptionally well and is an ideal candidate for a small city car.
MORE: Explore the MG U9 showroom
Marton Pettendy: Ford Ranger
It’s not cheap, but for good reason the Ford Ranger has been Australia’s best-selling new vehicle for the last three years.
It’s still the benchmark when it comes to most of the features that make a great submarine, it’s the only submarine designed and engineered in Australia, and it’s still the safest bet in a rapidly growing field of throne claimants – as long as you maintain your Bi-Turbo regularly with quality oil.
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MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom
James Wong: Preferably none
I don’t need a submarine or 4×4 and generally find them overkill, so I’d go with something else.
However, if you have a need and want my help choosing, my favorite is usually the Ford Ranger.
Josh Nevett: BYD Shark 6
It’s not a workhorse, but the BYD Shark 6 remains an affordable “lifestyle” device for money-conscious buyers.
Current listings have this plug-in hybrid dual-cab car priced at around $59,000 – just under budget and on par with low-spec versions from well-known brands. But despite this positioning, the Shark 6 doesn’t feel like a stripped-down base model.
Instead, this marine predator offers unmatched comfort, technology, safety, efficiency and performance in one very tasty package.
Buy a rugged turbodiesel crew cab if you need to tow or go off-roading. But if not, you should put the Shark 6 at the top of your list.
MORE: Explore the BYD Shark 6 showroom
William Stopford: Mg U9 or Gum Cannon Alpha Phev
I’m not a big guy. Am I transporting a lot of stuff? Not really. Am I driving off-road? Except for work, no. Do I ever need to tow? No, what would I carry? My imaginary boat?
So my use case for a pickup truck would be something that has a large enough tub for the rare times I’m hauling something dirty or oversized, but that would be comfortable to drive in all situations – even the 98 percent of the time when the tub is empty.
If you’re like me, a Hyundai Santa Cruz, Honda Ridgeline, or Ford Maverick would be very attractive. Unfortunately they are not sold here, but the MG U9 is.
No, it’s not based on a car-like unibody platform like this one, but this body-on-frame ute offers a comfortable ride without the jitters and shuddering that most rivals have, thanks in large part to the integrated multi-link independent rear suspension.
It drives like an SUV while the interior is fantastically spacious. I recently drove one and didn’t want to return it, and I don’t remember ever saying anything like that about a subcompact car like a Ford Ranger Raptor or one of the full-size American pickups.
I also recently had a GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and was also surprised by the ride comfort – it’s smoother than a Shark 6 – and the amount of luxury features. Yes, that tub-mounted spare tire is silly, as is the illuminated display of the vehicle on the passenger side of the dashboard, but the GWM’s interior is seriously luxurious.
Even if you’re not like me and are a real ute guy or gal, both utes have plenty of off-road equipment and the required 3500kg braked towing capacity.
A HiLux or Ranger may be a familiar quantity, but these two Chinese U-models are interesting alternatives and offer something truly different in a very me-too segment.
MORE: Explore the MG U9 showroom
MORE: Explore the GWM Cannon Alpha showroom
Ben Zachariah: Mitsubishi Triton
The most popular small appliances may have become significantly more expensive in recent years, but that has created a new segment for affordable small appliances – and there are some really great options for buyers under $60,000.
The Foton Tunland really impressed me when it launched, but I tend to lean more toward conservative options than new (or in Foton’s case, returning) brands.
I’m also a big fan of the diesel KGM Musso as it offers tremendous value for money and great quality – but as it nears the end of its model life cycle, the resale value scares me a little.
The Volkswagen Amarok Core and Mazda BT-50
Ultimately, I would probably put my hard-earned money on a Mitsubishi Triton Club Cab GLX+ 4×4. I’ve been a fan of extra cabins for a long time, and there aren’t many of them available these days – especially not in combination with a tub.
The Triton is a solid package all around and I always appreciate the quality and layout of the interior when I’m behind the wheel.
As it’s the only variant in this body style, it means you won’t sink into your seat when a top-of-the-line model appears next to you at the lights.
Mitsubishi also offers an excellent warranty and service at top prices, and since it costs about $52,000 on-road, I still have some spare change to put off-road tires on Steelies and a bull bar to hide the front end.
MORE: Explore the Mitsubishi Triton showroom
Damion Smy: Toyota HiLux
The Ford Ranger is tempting, but with my own $60,000 it would be a Toyota HiLux Workmate 4×4 Double Cab ($58,455 drive-away) in Fridge White for extremely boring reasons: brand trust, parts availability and resale value.
The drivetrain is proven, and I don’t care if the platform is from 2005 – what else can we do with a ladder chassis?
MORE: Explore the Toyota HiLux showroom
Sean Lander: Cannon Alpha Phev Valley
I want to say the Ranger, but you can’t get good equipment for under $60,000. Also, I convinced my mom to buy a Cannon Alpha PHEV when she decided to downsize her Ram 1500, so I’ll really have to go with my recommendation if I want to get a birthday present from her this year.
Still, the Cannon is a great machine. The Alpha is even better. And the PHEV actually proves that plug-in hybrid vehicles can work, and work well.
It’s so well equipped you’d think you were in a $100,000 SUV, and it drives so well you’ll forget it’s a subcompact. It also tows a relatively light 3,500kg compared to many current dual cab options on the market and is quiet, smooth and harmless around town.
It’s also larger than most of its competitors and offers far more interior space and comfort than anything south of a Ram or Chevy.
It’s really hard for me to fault the Cannon Alpha. The only thing that could be improved is the main screen interface and some of the intrusive safety aids – but I have a sneaking suspicion that GWM is working on improving both, as they are now spending a lot of money converting their cars to Australian conditions.
If you’re thinking about getting the Cannon Alpha PHEV, spend a few extra bucks and get the top-of-the-line Ultra. Locking differentials front and rear, a real gearbox, decent low range, massaging seats and a nice big battery to keep fuel consumption down (trust me, it’s a lot better than a Shark).
GWM loves to make deals, so you can most likely find one for under $60,000 – just remember to take the spare tire out of the tub. It’s really a nuisance.
MORE: Explore the GWM Cannon Alpha showroom
Max Davies: Mitsubishi Triton
Small cars like the Ranger and Isuzu D-Max are brilliant, but I like the Triton.
It has flaws: It’s more expensive than its predecessor, not very pretty, and has an annoying driver monitor. I understand it.
But spending a week with a GLX-R showed me that you don’t need huge power or crazy off-road capability if you want an all-rounder ute. On the road, the Triton copes well with enough diesel noise, and it can tow, haul or go off-road with ease.
The Triton is more reserved than the Ranger, and I like that its interior still has an old-school feel. If you’re looking for a ute and have a real need for one, you really don’t need anything flashier.
Mitsubishi currently offers the Triton GLX-R crew cab for $52,420, which leaves plenty of money for a bump bar, side steps, basic underbody protection and a stronger rear bumper with a tow bar. Perfect – I’ll take it in red please.
MORE: Explore the Mitsubishi Triton showroom
