The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton has become the first dual cab ute to achieve a five star ANCAP safety score under fresh, more stringent testing criteria.

The sixth-generation Triton, which we rated as 8/10 in our launch review last month, scored highly in ANCAP’s physical crash tests and recorded strong results for both front passages and child dummies in the second row.

ANCAP gave the Triton an adult occupant protection rating of 86 per cent and noted that maximum scores were given for the passenger in the front offset test and the driver in the full width frontal and oblique side pole tests.

Child occupant protection was rated even higher at 89 per cent and full marks were given for both child dummies in the frontal and side impact tests.

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ANCAP did deliver a weak chest score for rear passengers however, and noted there was room for improvement in how the Triton protects the chest and upper legs of children sitting in the back.

Like most dual cabs, child seats can also only be anchored to the Triton’s outboard positions as the centre seat doesn’t have a top tether point.

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ANCAP’s testing report applauded Mitsubishi’s “considered approach” to the new model’s exterior design which helped it perform well in pedestrian impact tests. The Triton scored 74 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and its grille and front bumper performed well “in assessment of risk to a pedestrian’s leg or pelvis”.

The Mitsubishi Triton has eight airbags including: dual front, side chest, side head, centre and one for the driver’s knee.

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In terms of active safety, the Triton scored 70 percent for Safety Assist (12.75 points out of a possible 18) which is the threshold for a five star score. By comparison a Ford Ranger carries a score of 83 per cent in this criteria, however that was achieved under the old testing rules in 2022.

ANCAP noted that while the Triton’s Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system can detect and respond to other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclist and motorcyclists, it doesn’t have the capability of more advanced AEB systems to avoid a crash at a T-bone intersection or a head-on collision. “This limited its overall Safety Assist score,” said ANCAP.

The Triton’s five star result applies to all 2WD and AWD double-cab versions on sale in Australia and New Zealand.

The 2025 Mazda CX-80 three-row SUV has been teased ahead of its full debut next week.

Mazda has confirmed the all-wheel-drive CX-80 will be unveiled on Thursday, April 18 at 8:00pm AEST, ahead of its likely arrival in local showrooms before the end of 2024 to join the closely related CX-60, CX-70 and CX-90.

The CX-80 is a larger version of the CX-60 midsize SUV, much like the relation between the smaller CX-5 and the now-discontinued CX-8.

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The CX-80 is the replacement for the CX-8 and CX-9 large SUVs, which ended production in 2023. Both vehicles are now in run-out with limited stock available.

In Australia, the CX-80 will be offered with the choice of six seats with second-row captain’s chairs or seven seats with a conventional second-row bench seat, in line with the CX-8, CX-9 and CX-90.

In February, leaked patent images revealed the CX-80’s front end will be identical to the CX-60, while it’ll have longer rear doors, a larger D-pillar, and a different rear bumper.

This week’s teaser image confirms the CX-80 will be offered in the brand’s new ‘artisan red’ signature colour, which debuted in the CX-90 and the newest Mazda 6.

Mazda has confirmed the CX-80 will measure “almost five metres long” with a “wheelbase of over three metres”. It is aimed at Europe and Japan, where it’ll become the largest Mazda SUV ever offered in those markets.

The CX-80 should match the 3120mm wheelbase of the CX-70 and CX-90, compared to 2870mm for the CX-60.

Meanwhile, the CX-80 should be identical to the CX-60 in width at 1890mm, compared to 1840mm for the CX-8, 1969mm for the CX-9, and 1994mm for the CX-70 and CX-90.

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The CX-60 and CX-80 are ‘narrow-body’ vehicles aimed at Europe and Japan, while the two-row CX-70 and three-row CX-90 are ‘wide-body’ vehicles aimed at the United States and Canada.

Mazda Australia plans to offer all four SUVs in local showrooms and has admitted there will be ‘some overlap’.

“[Australia is] privileged enough because I suppose we as a team think we can have an opportunity with all four. And here we are [in the situation] that we will have all four in our portfolio,” said Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi at the reveal of the CX-70 in January.

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“What that means is you might see some overlap, but really when you understand our business strategy – which always has been to give consumers as many opportunities and options and choice as possible and let the customer decide – it makes sense for us to get [all four].”

Mazda’s new SUVs are based on the brand’s ‘Large Platform’ architecture that features a rear-wheel-drive bias and ushers in a family of fresh inline six-cylinder engines.

The CX-80’s powertrain choices should mirror that of the CX-60: a 209kW/450Nm 3.3-litre mild-hybrid six-cylinder turbo-petrol, a 187kW/550Nm 3.3-litre mild-hybrid six-cylinder turbo-diesel, and a 241kW/500Nm plug-in hybrid that features a 100kW electric motor matched to a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

The seven-seat CX-80 will carry a more affordable price tag than the CX-90, which starts from $74,500 before on-road costs.

However, it will be pricier than popular entry-level versions of the CX-8 and CX-9 as the brand continues its ‘premium push’ here in Australia.

With the smaller CX-60 starting at around $60,000 and stretching to $85,000 for the flagship PHEV variant, it’s fair to assume pricing for the CX-80 will start from around $65,000 to $70,000 (all before on-road costs).

The 2025 Mazda CX-80 will be unveiled on April 18. It is expected to arrive in Australia later this year.

Iconic Holden fails to sell

It might have sold for $1 million only a few years ago, but today Peter Brock’s HDT Group A didn’t even reach half that amount when bidding closed at auction.

More than 77 bids were placed on the iconic car, which is one of 500 Blue Meanies and carries the extra distinction of once being owned by Holden icon Peter Brock, however when the clock ran out the highest bid sat only at $438,500.

That’s a long way down on the car’s previous auction result of $1,057,509 in May 2021.

Given today’s result, the car passed in and remains unsold.

Things weren’t looking good for a record result earlier today. With two hours left to run in the auction, the highest bid sat at $390,000 after 50 bids. A late flurry of bidding did lift interest to the $430K mark before finally settling on the final figure of $438,500.

Original story continues below

One of the most expensive Holdens ever sold is back on the market, with a rare Holden Commodore owned by racing icon Peter Brock heading to auction less than three years after it was fetched $1 million.

Rare vehicle specialist Collecting Cars is auctioning the historical Holden for a private seller and is expecting a similar result when onlinebidding ends at 16:30 Melbourne time on Thursday 11 April.

The special car is one of 500 Holden Dealer Team VK SS Group A Commodores produced in 1985 as a homologation special to race as local regulations switched from Group C to Group A regulations.

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In addition to Brock owning it, the car is number ‘05’ – Brock’s famous racing number – with a letter of authentication from John Harvey.

Harvey not only won Bathurst 1983 co-driving with Brock and Larry Perkins but was instrumental in Brock’s Holden Dealer Team Special Vehicles road car business – and later the Tom Walkinshaw-owned Holden Special Vehicles.

The VK is finished in Formula Blue – as all 502 produced were, earning the nickname ‘The Blue Meanie’ – and uses a 4987cc (304 cubic-inch) version of the Holden 5.0-litre V8, de-stroked from 5044cc to meet Group A rules.

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This example also uses an M21 four-speed manual gearbox – a five-speed manual was an option – and white versions of the standard polished 16-inch HDT ‘Aero’ alloy wheels with centre caps as was Brock’s personal preference.

The interior sees the all-important ‘05’ numbering on the glovebox-lid, as well as Scheel seats, Momo sports steering wheel and a Brock-branded cassette player.

The VK’s square instrument panel shows 79,724km on the odometer.

While the VK SS Group A was listed at around $22,000 before on-road costs from your local Holden dealer in 1985, this particular example sold at auction in May 2021 for a cool $1,057,509 plus auction fees.

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April 2024: More new Cupra showrooms announced

The Volkswagen-owned Cupra brand has announced a number of new locations, growing its Australian presence as it moves closer to adding key new models to its range.

Earlier this month, a third Queensland location opened at Cupra Brisbane, joining existing Indooroopilly and Gold Coast spaces. The Brisbane and Gold Coast locations include both sales and service centres.

A new Victorian ‘pop-up’ location also opens this month at Tullamarine, and late April will bring the opening of the Cupra Macarthur service centre, to be joined by a pop-up sales location later in the year. A permanent Cupra Garage will open there in 2025.

“We’ve seen some of the biggest names in Australian automotive like Alto Group, Eagers Automotive and Zagame Automotive Group really get behind the CUPRA brand with multiple locations,” said CUPRA Australia Director, Ben Wilks.

“We’re looking forward to working with some of the best in the business to drive the CUPRA brand forward in Australia.”

July 26: Cupra announces Hobart showroom

Cupra, Volkswagen’s Spain-born performance marque, will open a new ‘Garage’ in Hobart in the coming weeks.

The new showroom, the brand’s 10th in Australia since launching 12 months ago, will be located on Warwick Street in Hobart. The site was previously operated as a used-car dealership by Jackson Motor Company (JMC), which will manage the new Cupra location.

JMC currently sells new and used cars out of six locations in Tasmania, specialising in models from Volkswagen, Audi, Kia, Isuzu Ute, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Ford and Subaru.

In announcing the new location, Cupra Australia described JMC as “by far the most significant automotive retail operation in the island state”.

Cupra Australia boss Ben Wilks said: “JMC’s commitment to CUPRA literally gets us on the map in that market, providing coverage that a brand with our ambitions needs.”

March 26: Adelaide Garage opens

Cupra has once again expanded its Australian presence with the opening of a new ‘Garage’ showroom in Adelaide.

Located at 11 Waymouth Street, the Barcelona brand’s new home in the South Australian capital is operated by Solitaire Automotive, a group which has represented European and prestige automotive brands since 1971.

Having operated to this point from temporary premises, CUPRA’s new SA home coincides with the release of the brand’s Born fully-electric hatchback.

“The commitment of Solitaire, a group of such longevity and distinction, and the impressive facility in a busy CBD area combining business interests and high quality dining, is a glowing endorsement of Australia’s newest and most dynamic brand,” said Cupra Australia Director Ben Wilks.The Adelaide site joins the three Garages owned by AP Eagers (Indooroopilly, Gold Coast, Perth), Zagame’s Melbourne pair (Chadstone and Richmond), Sydney’s Alto Prestige (CBD and Artarmon) and Canberra’s Lennock Motors.

Wilks said further Cupra Garage announcements will be made shortly.

Our original story continues below unchanged.

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December 2022: Cupra’s entry into Australia is strengthening with two large automotive retail groups expanding their dealership network into Brisbane and Melbourne.

AP Eagers currently operates ‘Cupra Garages’ in Perth and on the Gold Coast, and the giant has now opened its newest venue on the Automall in the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.

The space boasts 220 square metres, which allows for all four of Cupra’s models to be available for customers to experience – with the all-electric Born EV anticipated to arrive shortly. Servicing is also available at the shopping centre.

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Over on the southern side of the continent, Zagame Group will be adding to its existing Chadstone showroom by opening a 576-square-metre garage on Swan Road in Richmond.

This space allows for six vehicles in the showroom for potential customers to inspect. A service centre is located at nearby King Street in West Melbourne.

“These Garages are all about modernising customer interaction, about taking Cupra to where they live,” said Ben Wilks, Director of Cupra Australia,

“Cupra’s Indooroopilly Garage fits neatly into a hugely busy retail destination. Our Richmond Garage sits on one of Melbourne’s iconic old high streets with its array of popular shops and restaurants.”

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While confidence was expressed in the online purchasing process, Wilks did indicate that the showrooms added another layer that would help customers better understand their potential purchase.

“While you can conduct your Cupra purchase online – with the surety of drive-away pricing – we want to give you the opportunity to see, touch and feel our cars in great places run by knowledgeable and friendly Cupra Masters.”

The growing presence of Cupra punctuates the debut year for the brand, with the launches of the Formentor seeing 554 sales to date, with 209 sales for the Ateca, and 151 Cupra Leons finding their way to Australian homes according to the latest report from VFACTs.

The ability to drive an electric car from Melbourne to Sydney on a single charge could soon be a reality if details about BYD’s second-generation ‘Blade battery’ prove to be true.

News out of China is that BYD’s battery subsidiary, FinDreams, is poised to launch the second-generation of its innovative Blade battery which promises a big boost in energy density and the possibility of more than 1000km of range.

Revealed by BYD’s chairman Wang Chuanfu during a recent finance meeting, the new Blade battery pack is said to increase energy density by 25 per cent compared with the first-gen version, meaning BYD could use fewer cells to achieve the same range and deliver battery packs that are smaller and lighter.

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Conversely, more range could be achieved from a similarly size battery leading to speculation that the second-gen Blade battery will deliver a range of around 1000km on the Chinese testing cycle (CLTC).

If these numbers are accurate, it means the second-gen Blade battery have similar range to highly anticipated ‘solid state’ batteries currently in development. But while solid state technology is still years away, BYD’s new battery tech will enter production later this year.

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It’s worth noting, however, that China’s CLTC test cycle delivers more generous range claims than vehicles that use WLTP testing figures. The BYD Seal, for example, has a claimed CLTC range of 700km but that figure drops to 570km on the stricter WLTP cycle.

The original Blade battery, which currently powers every model in BYD’s Australian line-up, differs from traditional lithium-ion batteries in both its chemistry make-up and construction to deliver greater safety, higher energy density and longer lifespans.

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Instead of using conventional battery cells, the blade battery is made up of in thin metal sections, or blades, that are stacked together like the pages of a book. The design is more space efficient and also means the battery can be integrated into the vehicle structure.

First generation Blade batteries have an energy density of 150 Wh/kg, however the new version is said to increase this to 190 Wh/kg.

BYD currently sells three cars in Australia, with the Seal sedan boasting the biggest WLTP range at 570km from a 82.6kWh battery. The Atto 3 small SUV and Dolphin hatch have claimed WLTP ranges of 420km and 427km respectively.

For comparison, the Tesla Model Y, which is Australia’s best-selling EV, currently has 629km of WLTP range.

Aussie buyers will soon have the choice of more EVs with ever bigger driving ranges, including the 2025 Porsche Taycan which arrives in July and can travel 678km between charges.

The recently confirmed Zeekr 009 is capable of travelling even further, however. The Chinese-made people mover, which is a stalemate to Volvo and Polestar, offers a range of 822km on the CLTC cycle.

The Ford Mustang Mach E has been treated to a host of upgrades in the US where it will soon gain a new electric motor, more range and faster recharging times.

The update, which will arrive Down Under in 2025, also sees Ford rejig its American model range by dropping the flagship GT Performance variant, which will instead form part of a Performance Upgrade package.

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The off-road focused Mach E Rally, which sports a large rear wing, a raised ride height and aero wheels, has also officially joined the US range after it was unveiled late last year. US pricing for the Mach E Rally has been confirmed at US $61,890.

It’s sad news for Aussie buyers on that front, though, as it seems unlikely the Rally will be offered here.

“Updates for the Ford Mustang Mach E are expected to arrive in Australia in 2025,” said a Ford spokesperson. “We have no news to share about any plans to introduce the Ford Mach E Rally to Australia.”

Further upgrades for the MY24 Mach E include subtle improvements to the menu structure and ergonomics of the large 15.5-inch centre touchscreen as well as additional equipment for certain trim levels. Read on for all the details.

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New e-motor, faster charging

The biggest upgrade for the 2024 Mustang Mach E is a new rear electric motor which Ford says was “developed in-house by Ford engineers”. Available across the range, the new e-motor is lighter than the unit it replaces and delivers “improved torque”, according to Ford.

The new motor also brings an uptick in range, with the cheapest rear-drive Select model now capable of 250 miles (402km) of range on the EPA cycle. The mid-spec Premium trim level, which uses the larger extended-range battery, also gains a boost in range to 320 miles (515km).

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If those range estimates look lower than the ones quoted in Australia it’s because they’re based on the US-focused EPA cycle. Aussie ranges typically use euro WLTP figures, which are around 22 per cent higher.

The key takeaway? Ford says the updated Mach E Select and Premium can now travel 20 miles (32km) further than before.

The flagship GT trim also boasts more range, although it only gains a 10 mile (16km) boost.

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Faster charging

Improved DC charging times are also part of the 2024 upgrade, with Ford claiming wait times have been slashed by up to 20 per cent. Models with the bigger extended range battery can now achieve a 10-80 percent charge in 36.2 minutes, which is almost a nine minute improvement. Cars with the standard battery will complete a 10-80 percent charge in just over 32 minutes, a saving of close to six minutes.

As previously announced, Mach E owners can now make use of the extensive Tesla Supercharger network to recharge their cars. Ford has also added new features via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to help drivers find more efficient routes and locate public chargers.

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New models and visual upgrades

Unlike Australia, Ford has previously offered a flagship Mach E GT Performance in the US. That performance hero, however, has been dropped for 2024 and will instead be offered as part of an upgrade pack for the Mach E GT.

The Performance Upgrade pack brings a sizeable 135Nm boost to the GT’s total output and also helps to keep the car running at maximum power for longer than to “innovative powertrain thermal modelling and control algorithms”.

With the Performance Upgrade fitted, Ford claims the 2024 Mach E can hit 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds, which is quicker than both the Telsa Model Y Performance and Porsche Macan 4 Electric, and cover the quarter mile in 11.8sec at 183km/h.

Interestingly, owners can choose to option the Performance Upgrade at the time of purchase or to have it added at a later date.

Ford has also improved the standard spec of the GT model in the US which will now include performance front seats, Mangeride adaptive dampers and Brembo branded front brake callipers.

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Another key inclusion for 2024 is the Mach E Rally, which is now officially on sale in America for US $61,890 (AUD $93,422). The Rally features the Performance Upgrade pack as standard and includes a ride height raised by 25mm, rally-inspired alloys and tyres and a host of exterior styling tweaks.

Speaking of, a Bronze Appearance Package, which adds 20-inch Sinister Bronze painted aluminium wheels and other bronze exterior detailing, is also available in the States.

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Cabin upgrade

The large 15.5-inch centre touchscreen has also been improved for 2024, with Ford tweaking the menu structure and adding new button icons to make the system easier to navigate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto continue to be offered as standard across the range.

When will the updated Mustang Mach E come to Australia?

The updated Ford Mustang Mach E will arrive in Australia next year. It’s not yet clear if the Mach E Rally will make its way Down Under, however.

“Updates for the Ford Mustang Mach E are expected to arrive in Australia in 2025,” said a Ford spokesperson. “We have no news to share about any plans to introduce the Ford Mach E Rally to Australia.”

The T60 Max Luxe is a dual cab ute from the British founded, Chinese owned automaker LDV, known for their utility vehicles.

The dual cab is a versatile utility vehicle designed to cater to both professional and recreational needs. With its attractive pricing, the T60 stands as a strong contender against leading brands in the category.

Available in three variants and with manual and automatic transmissions across most of the range, the T60 is sure to have something for everyone.

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Pricing and features

The highest-specced Luxe is available for $45,779 drive-away for the six-speed manual, and $47,779 for the eight-speed automatic transmission.

All T60 Max models are equipped with the same 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, delivering 160kW of power and 500Nm of torque and boast a 3000kg braked towing capacity.

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The Max Luxe receives an impressive amount of specs on top of the standard features such as a 10.25″ infotainment screen, reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, LED DRLs, rain sensing wipers and Apple Carplay.

Stepping up to the Luxe adds keyless entry and start, 19″ black alloy wheels, black roof tails and side steps, a rear differential lock and leather seats.

The dual cab is available in five colours.

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Safety

The entire T60 range holds a five star ANCAP safety rating from 2017.

It is equipped with six airbags, anti-lock braking system, emergency brake assist, rear parking sensors and reversing camera.

Additional features such as lane departure warning and a 360-degree camera are available from the Luxe variant and above.

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Key Rivals

The LDV T60 Max Luxe encounters stiff competition in a segment that’s already highly recognised, featuring popular choices like the:

• Toyota Hilux
• Ford Ranger
• Mitsubishi Triton
• Isuzu D-max
• GWM Ute

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The LDV T60 Max Luxe, with its powerful engine, five star ANCAP and competitive pricing, makes a compelling case for inclusion in the shortlist of anyone looking for a reliable and versatile pickup truck.

While individual preferences and requirements will play a role, this model is undoubtedly worth considering at its price point.

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The T60 Max is a dual cab ute from the British-founded, Chinese owned automaker LDV, known for their utility vehicles.

The twin-cab is a flexible utility vehicle tailored for both business and leisure purposes. Given its competitive pricing, the T60 presents a notable challenge to dominant figures in the market.

Available in three variants and with manual and automatic transmissions across most of the range, the T60 is sure to have something for everyone.

Pricing and features

The range-topping Megatub – based on the Luxe – is currently available for $49,463 offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission only.

If you’re after more storage, that’s where the Megatub comes in. The rear tray has been extended to a length of 1800mm making it capable of carrying a 6ft ladder in the back, or even an upright standing bike.

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Standard length of other T60 models is 1525mm (-275mm).

All T60 Max models are equipped with the same 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, delivering 160kW of power and 500Nm of torque and boast a 3000kg braked towing capacity.

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The Megatub hosts all the standard T60 features such as a 10.25″ infotainment screen, reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, LED DRLs, rain sensing wipers and Apple Carplay.

Stepping up to the Luxe and Megatub adds keyless entry and start, 19″ black alloy wheels, gloss black roof rails and side steps, a rear differential lock and leather seats.

The dual cab is available in five colours including a striking orange shade.

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Safety

The LDV T60 scored a five star ANCAP safety rating in 2017.

All models are equipped with six airbags, anti-lock braking system, emergency brake assist, rear parking sensors and reversing camera.

The Megatub and Luxe variants receive additional features such as lane departure warning and a 360-degree camera.

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Key Rivals

The LDV T60 Max Luxe encounters stiff competition in a segment that’s already highly recognised, featuring popular choices like the:

• Toyota Hilux
• Ford Ranger
• Mitsubishi Triton
• Isuzu D-max
• GWM Ute

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The LDV T60 Max Megatub, with its powerful engine, additional tub length, five star ANCAP and competitive pricing, makes a compelling case for inclusion in the shortlist of anyone looking for a reliable and versatile pickup truck.

Ultimately it’s up to the buyer to decide what they value, but at this price point you should definitely consider taking a look at the T60 Max.

The T60 Max Pro is the most affordable dual cab ute from the British founded, Chinese owned automaker LDV, with a global reputation for their utility and commercial vehicles.

The dual cab is a versatile utility vehicle engineered to meet the requirements of both work and leisure. With its competitive price positioning, the T60 provides a compelling offering against established key players in the segment.

Available in three variants and with manual and automatic transmissions across most of the range, the T60 is sure to have something for everyone.

Pricing and features

The entry-level Max Pro is available as both a six-speed manual or eight-speed auto transmission, priced at $41,042 drive-away for manual variants, while ABN holders can nab a discount on 2023 nameplates, dropping the price to a very competitive $36,990 drive away while stocks last. Automatic versions tack on an additional $2000 cost.

All T60 models are equipped with the same 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, delivering 160kW of power and a punchy 500Nm of torque.

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The Max Pro receives an impressive amount of specs for an entry-level model including a 10.25″ infotainment screen, reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, LED DRLs, cloth seats, cruise control, rain sensing wipers and Apple Carplay.

The Pro does however miss out on 2 smart entry keys, instead receiving only one and an additional standard key as the secondary.

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Safety

All LDV T60s hold a five star ANCAP safety rating from testing conducted in 2017.

The Max Pro is equipped with six airbags, anti-lock braking system, emergency brake assist, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Additional features such as lane departure warning and a 360-degree camera are reserved for more premium grades.

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Key Rivals

The LDV T60 Max Pro faces heavy competition in an already well spoken for segment, including crowd favourites such as the:

• Toyota Hilux
• Ford Ranger
• Mitsubishi Triton
• Isuzu D-max
• GWM Ute

Each of these rivals offers a unique set of features and capabilities, making the market diverse for potential buyers.

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The LDV T60 Max Pro, boasting a robust engine, a five-star ANCAP rating, and attractive pricing, strongly positions itself as a top contender for those in search of a dependable and adaptable pickup truck.

Though personal needs and tastes will influence the decision, this model undeniably offers significant value for its cost.

In recent years, average speed cameras have become a familiar sight on roads and highways across Australia.

These sophisticated traffic enforcement tools are designed not just to monitor speed at a single point but to calculate a vehicle’s average speed over a defined distance.

This technology represents a significant leap forward in efforts to enhance road safety, reduce accidents and encourage more responsible driving behaviours. A Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) study found that Victoria’s fixed and mobile point-to-point systems effectively enhance road safety.

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How do average speed cameras operate?

Average speed cameras, also known as point-to-point camera systems work by using several cameras placed at different spots along a road to monitor how fast cars are traveling over a certain distance.

When a car passes by the first camera, the system records the time and snaps a photo of the car’s license plate. As the car continues and passes more cameras, the system keeps track of the time and captures more photos.

Using technology to read the license plates from these photos, the system can track the car’s journey.

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The goal is to calculate the car’s average speed between the cameras.

If the car travels the distance faster than what’s allowed– indicating it was speeding– the system flags this for further review and verification.

Essentially, these cameras work together to ensure cars maintain a legal speed over longer stretches of road by checking the time it takes to travel between points.

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Which states and territories have these cameras?

Every Australian state and territory, apart from Tasmania and the Northern Territory, employs fixed point-to-point speed cameras. Tasmania’s Department of State Growth however, is looking to trial the systems in the near future [↗].

New South Wales stands out as the only region that utilises average-speed cameras exclusively for monitoring heavy vehicles, defined as those “with a Gross Vehicle Mass greater than 4.5 tonnes”. The state has over 30 speed camera sites, all which focus on heavy vehicle monitoring.

In Victoria, there are numerous stretches of road equipped with cameras across the Hume Highway and Peninsula Link.

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South Australia has 36 cameras across several roads [↗], including the Port Wakefield Highway and Dukes Highway, among others.

Following a successful six-month trial [↗], Western Australia has deployed six mobile point to point cameras across the state.

The Australian Capital Territory maintains a single average speed camera setup on Hindmarsh Drive, with a sign 100 metres before each camera.

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Will you get a fine from an average speed camera?

The short answer is yes, but it depends on your vehicle and state. When images from the point-to-point camera system are marked for review, they are examined by state police authorities.

If the examination determines that the images indeed capture a violation, an infringement will then be issued.

Much like standard speeding cameras, this could mean a fine, demerit points or even licence suspension.

However in states like NSW, only heavy vehicles are assessed by average speed cameras meaning you won’t be.

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Can average speed cameras catch you on your phone?

While the primary function of average speed cameras is to measure the speed of a vehicle over a distance, some are also capable of detecting drivers using their mobile phones.

However, with advancements in camera technology and the integration of more sophisticated monitoring systems, some regions are experimenting with cameras that can detect illegal phone use among drivers.

These systems are distinct from average speed cameras but represent an evolving approach to road safety, targeting not just speeding but other dangerous behaviours behind the wheel.

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Could an average speed camera check my vehicle registration?

Some average speed cameras are equipped with ANPR (automatic number-plate recognition) technology, which enable them not only to measure a vehicle’s speed over a given distance but also to check the registration status of a vehicle.

By capturing the license plate, these cameras can cross-reference the number with vehicle registration databases, identifying vehicles that are unregistered.

This dual functionality enhances the utility of average speed cameras beyond speed enforcement, contributing to broader efforts to ensure that all vehicles on the road are properly registered and compliant with legal requirements.