Fuel hike no guzzler deterrent

AUSTRALIAN car-buyers are flocking to gas guzzlers despite the recent spike in fuel prices.

The latest new-car sales figures for April show the most popular vehicles are among the least fuel efficient.

One-tonne utes styled on American pick-up trucks dominated sales in April.

The Toyota HiLux, Australia’s best-selling vehicle for the past six years, was the top seller, followed by the Ford Ranger. Isuzu’s D-Max ute and the Mitsubishi Triton also made the top six, while the hulking Toyota LandCruiser finished in the top 10.

Meanwhile, the V8-powered Nissan Patrol, one of the thirstiest vehicles on the road, is enjoying unprecedented sales – up 87 per cent this year, after a record result in 2021. That’s despite an overall drop in new-vehicle sales this year due to supply issues.

Super-sized American pick-up trucks are also selling well. Sales of the RAM 1500, powered by a massive 5.7-litre V8, were up by 64 per cent in April.

The success of the RAM and Chevrolet Silverado has prompted Ford to bring in its huge F150 truck next year, which is powered by a 3.5-litre turbocharged petrol V6.