Vans

Volkswagen has unveiled plans to build a next-generation Amarok ute to debut in 2027, but it seems this new version will never see Australian shores.This is because Volkswagen will be using the same Amarok name on an entirely separate product, specifically designed for the South American market.But if a current Ford Ranger-based Amarok is still on your wishlist, fear not, because production of the ute delivered in Australia will continue, with the brand saying: “The existing partnerships for the production of the Amarok in South Africa will remain in place. “In this way, Volkswagen will continue to ensure a reliable supply of vehicles to international markets – while simultaneously pursuing a locally based product strategy tailored to the needs of the Latin American market.”Judging by the wording used, it seems the new South American Amarok won’t be a platform-share vehicle with the Ranger, and will instead be its own bespoke product.As to what this could look like, it is too early to tell, although it would be unsurprising to see the previous-generation Amarok ladder frame live on with a new-generation overhaul. As the brand says, “more than 770,000” units of the previous-generation ute were built in the same Argentinian plant which is earmarked to build the new version in 2027.According to the company, VW is investing 580 million US dollars (nearly A$1 billion) in the new-generation ute, which includes research and development as well as upgrading the Pacheco plant in Argentina.Previous-generation Volkswagens living on in markets where safety and emissions technologies are not as advanced is not a new concept, particularly in South America, where VW has strong domestic production presence.For example, a second facelift of the previous-generation Amarok which never saw Australia is already sold in Brazil and Argentina, which shares styling elements with the Ford Ranger-based and South African-built version sold here.Additionally, it is not the only South-American developed ute Volkswagen sells overseas. It also offers the Polo-based Saveiro, a small monocoque pick-up designed specifically for South American tastes.Because of Volkswagen’s strong manufacturing presence, South American markets have also seen some models live well beyond their global expiry. For example, the second generation Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi which originally launched in 1967 was built and sold in Brazil from 1976 to as late as 2013 receiving various facelifts and more modern engines along the way.While this special Amarok version may never see Australian shores, it’s not to say the nameplate has never had special attention paid to it domestically. The previous-generation version received two locally-overhauled special editions put together by Walkinshaw in partnership with VW Australia which significantly upped its suspension and handling characteristics, whilst also offering a unique styling package and maintaining its hauling and payload specs.The success of this partnership has seen Volkswagen look to renew its partnership with Walkinshaw Group for a spruced-up version of the Australian-delivered second-generation Amarok, which it has previously said should debut in 2025.The new Ranger-based Amarok, however, hasn’t been off to the best start in Australia, having moved just 1459 units to the end of the first quarter of 2025. This represents a market share of just 2.9 per cent when it comes to 4x4 dual cabs, a 35.8 per cent drop year-on-year.

One of the oldest vans on the market is showing no sign of retiring anytime soon with the LDV G10+ appearing to have been given a substantial facelift, which includes new safety tech, a large media screen, new styling and features.The new version wears a $1500 price rise, which still undercuts rivals such as the Toyota HiAce and Ford Transit by a sizable margin.Importantly, it's clear the new G10+ has been fitted with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which was a large oversight in its spec previously. This change would ensure the G10+ would meet the new 2026 minimum safety standards requiring AEB come as standard on all new vehicles.Lane keeping assistance and forward collision warning will also join rear parking sensors, a reversing camera driver and passenger airbags, plus electronics stability control as part of the van's new safety suite.Other new G10+ features CarsGuide spotted include a 12.3-inch media screen, replacing the previous 7.0-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also standard, so is digital radio, air conditioning and power windows. It was also noted that the brands website now only lists diesel variants, which could indicate the petrol engine has been dropped, at least initially. The latest price data shows the new G10+ has also increased in price. The entry six-speed manual 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is now $38,937, drive-away, which is a $1579 increase on the previous model. Meanwhile, the G10+ with the eight-speed automatic is now $39,463 (also up by $1579). For context, Toyota’s HiAce (the most popular vehicle in the segment) starts at a list price of $48,886, while the Ford Transit begins at $56,590.Images also reveal a slight redesign to the front of the vehicle with a new look honeycomb grille and restyled front bumper, as well as a tweaked dash layout. Measuring 5167mm end-to-end, 1980mm wide, 1938mm tall and with a one-tonne payload capacity the G10+ is considered a medium-sized van. It has been on sale in Australia for a decade this year, yet it still remains one of the most-bought medium sized vans on the market with 2843 sales in 2024.It appears LDV still sees a place for the G10+ to live alongside the new and more expensive Deliver 7, which was once touted to replace its aging sibling. The Deliver7 arrived towards the end of 2024 with a price of $44,726 driveaway, although it was headlined primarily by its electric eDeliver 7 spin-off, which wears a competitive price-tag of $67,358 (drive-away).

A recent overhaul of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter range brings extra safety technologies and new comfort and convenience features to the Heavy Commercial vehicle segment, but do these upgrades justify the high purchase/servicing costs of this popular German workhorse?

Renault's Kangoo has for many years been a popular choice for small van buyers in Australia. The 2024 release of the third-generation model was keenly anticipated, but does the latest petrol-powered model set a new benchmark?

Renault has recently joined its French rival Peugeot in offering a full-electric small van in Australia. However, given its high purchase price, does it bring enough value in other ways to be a genuine alternative to VW's enduringly popular Caddy Cargo range?

VW's uber-cool ID. Buzz electric people mover gets all the headlines while its commercial alter-ego, the ID. Buzz Cargo has subtly entered the local market. Does this hard-working van offer the day-to-day performance, practicality and efficiency business operators demand? Dave Morley's on a mission to find out.

Ford has rolled out massive discounts across its vehicle range, including on Australia’s best-selling vehicle.  Variants of everything from the low-volume E-Transit to market-leading Ford Ranger ute are on special, with the family-favourite Everest SUV also on offer. 

Volkswagen Australia has announced its new-generation Multivan people mover will arrive early in 2025 ready to compete with Kia’s segment-leading Carnival.Volkswagen said the new Multivan will land in Australia during Q2 next year.It will initially be available in one form: the TDI 350 Life, which can be had with a short wheelbase (SWB) for a list price $75,990 or long wheelbase (LWB) for $78,990.The difference in dimensions sees an increase of the SWB’s overall length from 4973mm to 5173mm in the LWB. Volkswagen said a Style grade will join it in 2025, along with another powertrain.The Multivan is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel unit making 110kW and 360Nm. The Life is typically the entry grade into Volkswagen's ranges and Style often sits above that in the line-up and offers more premium touches and features.All new Multivans will be seven seaters, but unlike the competitors seating is extremely versatile with multiple combinations and layouts possible for passengers and cargo.Standard features on the TDI 350 Life include 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, power tailgate, 10.0-inch media screen, a digital instrument cluster and leather-clad steering wheel. All new-generation models typically represent a significant change to the models they supersede, in the case of the Mutlivan this is especially true. The new vehicle has now been built on what is a car and SUV platform that also underpins Volkswagen’s Golf and Tiguan.“The Multivan has always been about offering amazing practicality and comfort, and the all-new generation further extends that approach on the same platform as a Golf or Tiguan,” said Volkswagen Commercial vehicles director Ryan Davies. “This vehicle is engineering led, loyal and new customers are buying into a level of refinement, packaging intelligence and seating versatility never before seen among people movers."Volkswagen will be hoping to steal some of the sales and limelight away from the Kia Carnival with Multivan, but won’t be able to beat it on price. Currently the Carnival starts at $50,150 for the entry grade petrol variant and extends up to $76,210 for the top-of-the-range hybrid version.It might not be able to go as low in price, but Volkswagen will compete with versatility and choice not just in the Multivan itself but in the more van-like models to come in the form of the Transporter cargo carrier and fully electric ID. Buzz retro Kombi coming soon.“Within 12 months we will also offer this seven seat Multivan alongside a five and seven-seat fully electric ID. Buzz and commercial ID. Buzz Cargo, plus the all new Transporter and Caravelle,” said Mr Davies. “No other brand will offer such powertrain choice, nor will they have such a new range to offer.” 

Ford has announced it will add a plug-in hybrid variant to its Transit Custom lineup as it officially scraps plans to introduce the Puma Gen-E.Poised to arrive in Australia in Q3 2025, Ford Australia said the introduction of an additional plug-in hybrid variant is a part of its broader plans to further electrify its commercial lineup.“Ford Australia remains fully committed to offering low- or zero-emissions vehicles to Australians, particularly in the commercial sector,” said Marketing Director of Ford Australia, Ambrose Henderson.“While much focus has been put on electrifying vehicles favoured by private buyers, it’s also vital that Australia’s businesses are not left behind in the electric transition.”Set to line up alongside the electric E-Transit Custom, E-Transit and future plug-in hybrid Ranger PHEV, the E-Transit PHEV will carry a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, paired to a 11.6kWh battery pack.Exact range figures are yet to be confirmed, however, Ford said it is targeting a WLTP-rated pure electric range of 40km, which it believes will be sufficient enough for most urban journeys.“The addition of the PHEV to our local Transit Custom line-up means customers are able to conduct their shorter, inner urban, style trips on electric only power, with the freedom to make longer rural trips quickly and easily when required,” said Myles Hartley, General Manager of Electric Vehicles at Ford Australia.As with the current 2.0-litre diesel variant, the Transit Custom PHEV will be offered in both the short-wheelbase Sport and long-wheelbase Trend variants, though it won't be offered as a dual-cab.It will also be built on the same platform as the second-generation Transit Custom, which Ford released locally earlier this year. It delivered a suite of interior and exterior design and technology upgrades, as well as independent link suspension, which Ford said improved ergonomics and ride performance.Full pricing and specifications of the Transit Custom PHEV are expected closer to its launch date next year.

Ram and LDV, two brand’s under the umbrella of Australian vehicle distributor Ateco Group, have each been hit with recall notices, affecting the Ram 1500 and LDV Deliver 9 models.