The BYD Shark 6, a plug-in hybrid ute has won News Corp Australia’s Car of the Year award.
It’s made history by becoming the first ute and the first vehicle from a Chinese brand to do so.
Offering affordability, power, and innovation, the Shark 6 represents a standout option for Australian motorists seeking value and cutting-edge technology.
Judges Praise the BYD Shark 6
David McCowen, News Corp Australia’s Motoring Content Director, praised the Shark’s groundbreaking performance and features.
“This ute delivers double the power of established rivals while packing more features for less money,” said McCowen. “Smoother, smarter, and quieter than diesel-powered utes, the BYD Shark 6 is more than a fresh option for consumers. It’s a wake-up call for the industry.”
Motoring Journalist Danielle Collis echoed the sentiment, calling the Shark “a true standout.”
“The Shark was always going to be a serious contender for the News Corp Car of the Year because it ticks a lot of boxes, but most importantly because of its aggressive pricing,” said Collis. “Consumers are often quick to assume that a lower-priced or Chinese vehicle means compromising on quality, but that’s not the case with the Shark.”
Fellow judge Toby Hagon highlighted the Shark’s disruption of the ute market.
“The ute market has been a little bit stagnant for years, possibly decades. This Shark 6 has come out and shown just how differently you can attack it… It is really taking the fight to those diesel-powered utes,” said Hagon.
Iain Curry added that the Shark “brings things on to the next level.”
“The value you get, the performance, the space, the technology—it really is a game changer, and other utes are going to have to step up to compete with BYD,” Curry said.
A Game-Changing Ute
Priced from $57,900 plus on-road costs (approximately $61,000 drive-away), the Shark offers exceptional value.
Its plug-in hybrid system pairs dual electric motors with a turbocharged petrol engine to deliver an impressive 321kW of power.
A 29.58kWh battery enables around 70km of electric-only driving range, while integrated power points in the tray can operate appliances at worksites or campsites.
Competition and Recognition
The Shark outshone finalists including the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Ford Mustang, Toyota Prado, Toyota Camry, Kia EV5, MG Cyberster, and BYD Sealion 6.
The Mustang emerged as the people’s champion, securing over 25% of 20,000 reader poll votes. Toyota’s Prado and Camry rounded out the top three in the reader poll.
Since its inception in 1997, News Corp’s Car of the Year award has celebrated iconic vehicles like the Holden Commodore, Ford Territory, Hyundai i30 N, Volkswagen Golf, and Tesla Model Y. The BYD Shark 6 now joins this prestigious list, cementing its status as a transformative force in the Australian automotive market.