Andrew Chesterton

BYD's first ute has finally been spotted free of camouflage, with the plug-in hybrid rival to models like the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max snapped in a car park as its pre-launch testing continues.

0 seconds of 8 minutes, 40 seconds Volume 90% Hard-packed sand, slight to medium hills with minor obstacles in all weather.

Like it or not, the end-of-days for diesel is upon us, and there will be few manufacturers brave enough to launch an all-new diesel powertrain in the years ahead.

The incoming Nissan Patrol could spawn a Mitsubishi Pajero twin, allowing the two brands to double-down on the off-road SUV space as they take on the might of Toyota, according to new reports.

BYD's first ute will almost certainly be named the Shark in Australia, with the brand locking in the global name for its Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger rival. The name has now appeared on English-language posters ahead of the ute's official unveiling at the Beijing Auto Show on April 25, which follows the brand securing the Shark name in Australia via a trademark application.

The LS-T is the flagship the 2024 MU-X range, offered exclusively with the biggest 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and a choice of two-wheel drive ($63,400) or four-wheel drive ($67,990 drive-away).

The Isuzu D-Max has undergone a major model year update, with one to the country's most popular utes getting design, safety, technology and capability updates as it prepares for another battle with the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

The LS-U is the middle child in the MU-X family, sitting between the entry-level LS-M and the top-spec LS-T.

Reports of Isuzu's departure from Australia appear to have been wide of the mark, with the brand not just vowing to stay in market on NVES is introduced, but forecasting a long future for its diesel engines here, too.