Hyundai Australia’s new chief executive officer, Don Romano, is determined to get a ute locked in for Australia in the next two-to-three years, with some kind of decision to be locked in by the end of 2025.
Speaking at the 2025 Hyundai Inster launch this week, Romano indicated two possible pathways while ruling out the US-made Santa Cruz, which is based heavily on the Tucson mid-size SUV. This indicates the brand is after a more serious, ladder-on-frame option than a unibody ute.
Two possible pathways were laid out. With NVES, a hybrid or PHEV would be the more desirable option. Having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GM, the US giant could even become a major partner.
The other idea involves a reworking of the Tasman – apparently the less desirable option due to its diesel power and the product being ostensibly ‘not a fit’ for Hyundai.
It’s likely the new ute would follow the BYD Shark, GWM Canon Alpha PHEV and Ford Ranger PHEV in combining a petrol engine with a large battery pack. We’ve used AI to produce these renderings to inspire imagination regarding what it could look like.
Meanwhile, when asked by Driving Enthusiast about whether there was an appetite for an N-Line or N-flavoured Inster, director of marketing & product, Andrew Tuitahi, poured cold water on the idea with an emphatic “no”. This means the Insteroid concept is as close as we’ll ever get.
