The first images of BYD’s incoming dual-cab ute have appeared in China, with local media digging up new patent images that capture the HiLux and Ranger-fighting ute in all its digital glory.
These are actually more revealing than some patent imagery, with pretty much the full dual-cab ute on display here, allowing CarNewsChina to even guesstimate the vehicle’s length at a HiLux-matching 5.3m, suggesting it will definitely be entering the “mid-size” ute race, rather than go up against something the size of a Ford F-150 or Ram 1500.
We can also see the big, bold “BYD” lettering along the grille, reminiscent of the Ford Ranger Raptor, and what looks to be plenty of underbody protection underneath the front end.
The ute is expected to begin testing in Australia as soon as this month, with the local importer – Luke Todd – promising that we’ll be “mind-boggled” by its capabilities.
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In fact, Mr Todd says it will have Australian fingerprints all over its development, with the brand employing a five-strong team of local engineers to ensure the ute is fit for purpose in our market.
“We had five of Australia’s top engineers that have worked on some of the best-selling vehicles in that category and they were mind-boggled as to the capabilities of this vehicle, what it could do, the ease of which it could do it … then flip straight into driving on the highway like it’s a luxury sedan,” he said.
“We also want to make sure we do a lot of testing in Australia. It’s commencing later this year and it’ll be very intensive. We’ll put it through its paces in all conditions.”
The new, and as-yet unnamed, ute is expected to feature BYD’s DM-i (dual mode) hybrid technology, which will pair a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with dual electric motors, with the brand targeting an EV driving range of 100kms, and an overall driving range (petrol and electric combined) of closer to 1000kms.
All will be revealed soon enough, with the new ute expected to go on sale in early 2024.
