Motoring The shape of utes to come In the market for a new ute? It can be a difficult buying decision with so many makes and models to choose from. Kondinin Group engineer Josh Giumelli looks at what new models are planned for 2015 and beyond. T he ute market in Australia is a competitive one, thanks to several players all offering very reasonable vehicles. While the Toyota Hilux has led the sector for 30 years, the current model Ford Ranger and Mazda BT50 have raised the bar in terms of driveability and value for money. While there are no immediate plans to renew these two stablemates, it is understood a face-lifted Ranger is in the works for 2015. Similarly, there are no new model Isuzu D-Max, Volkswagon Amarok or Holden Colorados planned for the near future. In recent years there have been several new entrants in the budget sector of the market from India and China, but it is fair to say they are yet to establish a foothold in the agriculture sector. Price-conscious farmers looking to save a few dollars on the purchase price of a ute will often turn to the new-secondhand market rather than a brand new budget ute for similar money. TOYOTA HILUX There is scant information on the next generation of Toyota’s immensely popular Hilux, but most agree the all-new model will hit our shores late 2015 or early 2016. Rumour has it we would had seen an all-new Hilux much earlier, but the plans were shelved with the release of the Volkswagon Amarok and Ford Ranger/Mazda BT50 a few years ago. Toyota engineers were sent back to the drawing board to come up with something more competitive. Regardless of whether this is myth or fact, it is amazing the Hilux has remained Australia’s best selling ute while still being based on a 10-year-old platform. However sales have slipped thanks to the stiff competition from its close rivals which offer impressive standard features, more power and improved driveability. But to whet the appetite of Hilux enthusiasts the new model, albeit in camouflage colours, has been spotted undergoing testing in various parts of the world, including Australia. The new model appears to share styling influences from the Toyota Kluger, with a more aggressive appearance. But as to engine options, it is all just speculation at this point, but a larger power unit matched to an improved transmission must surely be on the cards. Mitsubishi Triton Due in the first half of next year, the new Triton replaces the fourth generation Triton which has been on sale in Australia since 2006, and it could raise a few eyebrows, according to those in the know. Following the general trend of other manufacturers, the new Triton will try to strike a balance between comfort and practicality, being more car-like in its driving and handling, while trying to maintain its practicality as a workhorse. The Triton sells well as a dual cab ute, no doubt helped by its competitive price, but it 32 Farming Ahead October 2014 No. 273 is expected any new models will see a price increase in order to help offset increased costs of offering a five-star ANCAP rating across the entire range. Under the bonnet, expect the same engine, a 2.5 litre turbo diesel, with a few tweaks. A diesel-electric hybrid is possibly in the works, with Mitsubishi unveiling its GRHEV concept vehicle at the 2013 Geneva motor show. If the diesel hybrid is released, it will come later after the launch of the new model, and probably won’t share the GRHEV’s radical styling. One of the few images available of the new Triton on the factory floor in Thailand. While it reveals very little of the look of the new Triton, expect to see slightly edgier styling than other major ute manufacturers. www.farmingahead.com.au