Light Commercial Vehicles
Best Commercial vehicles according to our experts
The realm of high‑end, high‑performance utes is an increasingly competitive slice of the new vehicle market. The latest Ford Ranger Raptor to enter the arena has a V6 engine, an upgraded suspension set‑up and drive modes aimed at further bolstering its growing reputation as a built‑for‑purpose adventure machine.But does the Raptor have serious potential as a touring 4WD?
The new‑generation Mitsubishi Triton range marks the biggest change for the model in a long time: a new bi‑turbo engine (150kW/470Nm), new chassis and suspension, overhauled design (with a longer wheelbase), and increased towing capacity, among a raft of changes.The new mid‑grade GLX‑R sports a few extras beyond what the lower‑spec vehicles get ‑ most importantly, Super Select 4WD‑II.
Mid‑sized (2.5 to 3.5‑tonne) commercial van buyers have a variety of makes and models to choose from, even though most buy the venerable HiAce. Latest VFACTS figures confirm Toyota's long‑standing dominance, as the HiAce commands just under 40 per cent market share with the remainder spread across ten competitors from Europe, China and Korea.
The Toyota HiAce dominates new one‑tonne van sales in Australia by a staggering margin. So, is there more to this workhorse than just unshakeable customer loyalty to the trusted Toyota badge?
While the highly‑specified 4WD dual cab ute models get all the focus its the no‑fuss entry‑level models that get the work done. And Nissan's Navara SL is a classic example. Not the highest profile option in the market and getting a bit long in the tooth but it still has a lot to offer tradies needing a tough truck.
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