BYD SHARK 6 FROM $57,900

The Shark 6 was the first plugin hybrid ute in Australia. Selling from $57,900, the dual-cab four-wheel drive provides a sharply-priced electrified rival to the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux that dominate with diesel.

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There are powered, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone ventilation, head-up display, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, smart key entry and a connected app that allows you to use a smartphone as the key.

There's also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.6-inch central touchscreen.

A suite of safety gear includes auto braking, driver monitoring, blind spot warning and speed sign recognition, helping the Shark achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Faux leather covers the seats and there are some orange highlights to liven the cabin.

The Shark 6 comes as a four-door with five seats and it's among the biggest of the mainstream utes. A broad cabin means plenty of elbow room and getting three (comfortably) across the rear is achievable. Those in the back also get decent knee space and a flat floor helps with foot space.

It's beneath the bonnet where things get interesting.

The Shark 6 has two electric motors powered by a 29.58kWh battery. It can drive about 80km on electricity alone (the official claim is 100km).

There's also a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that predominantly acts as a generator to extend the range.