The BYD Shark 6 represents a new era for the ute market where petrol and electricity team up to tempt buyers away from the turbo-diesel workhorses they’ve loved for decades. The boldly styled four-door pick-up truck packs plenty in – starting with value – and uses its plug-in hybrid electric drivetrain to good effect, creating a ute that is among the best on the market in terms of performance and efficiency.

Independent suspension front and rear continues the new-to-ute thinking and during our limited drive asserted itself as a well-sorted ute. While its 2500kg tow capacity falls short of the Ford Rangers and Toyota Hiluxes that dominate the ute world, the otherwise compelling offering has the potential to shake up one of the most hotly-contested new-car segments.