Four new game-changing utes flip the script
The days of big diesel dual-cab utes could soon be over, as carmakers around the globe pour resources into a new type of workhorse.
Ford has had huge success with its small Maverick ute in the US, and now others want a slice of the pie.
Some of the world's biggest ute makers are pouring resources into developing new bite-sized utes that are reminiscent of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon utes of the past.
Forget V8 grunt though, these new work-ponies will use hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric power for work and play.
They also ditch the 4WDing and load-lugging focused ladder frame underpinnings used by current big dual-cabs for a more road-biased SUV-like platform.
These are the four best examples in the works right now.
BYD Mako
The Chinese behemoth is preparing to reveal its second ute later this year, but we already know plenty about the Mako - or Shark 5 as it will be known in some markets.
In Brazil the Mako will use a plug-in hybrid set-up to produce 175kW and deliver about 100km of EV-only driving range. It will also be available in two- or all-wheel drive.
Patent filings in Europe point to even more power, with a potent 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid combo making 200kW.
It will still be a dual-cab, with spy photos showing four-doors. The tray is smaller and styling is more reminiscent of other BYD SUVs such as the Sealion 5 than the tough looks of the Shark 6.
Toyota Corolla Cross ute
Toyota has been caught testing its Corolla Cross-based ute in South America, codenamed Project 150D.
Spy shots show a little dual-cab, in the same vein as the BYD Mako, driving in heavy camouflage.
It is believed to be based on Toyota's TNGA-C platform, which also forms the base for the Toyota Corolla, Prius and C-HR.
Using that platform means the ute could have petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
It will likely use a similar set-up as the Prius, which means a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors to make 166kW and all-wheel drive.
It is expected to launch in South America next year.
Toyota North America executives have also expressed an interest in a small ute based on the RAV4.
Ford Ranchero
Ford is following on from the success of its Maverick ute with an all-electric alternative.
It hasn't been named yet, but it's odds-on to be called Ranchero after the company has trademarked the name in markets such as Australia for use on a pick-up truck. Ranchero also a throwback to an old car-based ute from the US discontinued in the late 1970s.
It is being developed by Ford's new 'skunkworks' team in California, which has been tasked with creating a low cost EV platform.
Ford has publicly said it wants it to be priced about US$30,000 ($43,000) when it goes on sale next year.
At its heart will be a Lithium-ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery, which will help keep costs down but will put a lower ceiling on its EV driving range. Don't expect much more than 400km.
Not much else is known, but it should be available in two- and all-wheel drive layouts.
Slate Truck
Slate Auto is a new electric car company backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and its first vehicle will be the modular Slate Truck.
The Slate Truck is a little single-cab ute that can be converted into an SUV.
It is a bare bones proposition with a starting price of US$24,950 ($36,200), which is several thousand more than originally promised.
The Slate Truck uses a 63kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery that delivers a driving range of up to 330km. It can absorb up to 120kW via a DC fast charger or 11kW when connected to a compatible AC charger.
Power comes from a single rear electric motor that produces 135kW and 264Nm.
For now it is a US-only proposition, but so was Amazon and look at it now.
