Some products tend to come out of nowhere, especially when dealing with the Chinese brands, which is why the sudden appearance of the Maxus T60 Max is no surprise.
The latest in a growing line of Maxus pick-up trucks is essentially the diesel version of the Maxus T90EV with a few important upgrades. But it's also a model that no one really expected.
Although having a diesel pick-up truck makes sense, for now, the Maxus T60 Max wasn't really on anyone's radar, but with sales of the electric two-wheel-drive T90EV stalling, and while demand builds up for a fully electric 4x4 pick-up like the Maxus eTerron 9, being able to offer a diesel option isn't a bad thing.
It's powered by a 213hp 2-litre diesel engine, which develops peak torque of 500Nm. It's fed through an 8-speed automatic transmission to a four-wheel-drive system, making it already far more recognisable as a proper off-roader than the battery-electric T90EV.
Although the rules are changing on the BIK for a pick-up truck, the T60 Max does still meet the UK's requirements for a payload of more than 1000kg. That ensures that it is a bona fide commercial vehicle in the eyes of the VED road fund licence man (doesn't quite have the same ring as the VAT man, does it).
It measures just under 5.4m in length and is a full-size pick-up just like its electric siblings.
The cargo load bed measures 1485mm × 1510mm, with a height of 530mm.
Unlike an electric vehicle it also has a full 3.5-tonne towing capacity, albeit with a GTM of 6350kg. As it's GVW is 3250kg, that means you can't have both a full payload and a 3.5-tonne trailer.
Specifications are generous, with a 360-degree view camera system standard along with front and rear parking sensors.
It gets a 12.3-inch infortainment screen as well as a 12.3-inch dash cluster, and wireless phone charging with wireless smartphone mirroring are both standard.
There's automatic air conditioning, a 6-way adjustable driver's seat in leather, automatic headlights and wipers, LED headlamps and heated multi-function leather steering wheel.
The main positive is that although it passes more than a resemblance to the T90EV it's had a complete overhaul inside to upgrade the appearance and more importantly the infortainment tech.
Maxus' biggest weakness continues to be the software, but the Maxus T60 Max uses a new system and is the latest generation IP which should cure much of the previous issues.
Better than you might expect. Maxus' previous attempts at pick-up trucks have not been great. In fact, their SUV wasn't very good either - which is probably why it never made it to the UK.
Older model pick-up trucks like the D90 were typically agricultural, with bouncy suspension delivering a jarring ride that wasn't pleasant.
The Maxus T60 Max on the other hand is far better. That's not to say it is brilliant, but there's a fairly composed ride, and the suspension doesn't break you back over every bump.
The handling is a little wayward. It feels a bit loose, particularly as you gain speed. It's not terrible though either. It's reminiscent of a previous generation Hilux, with a fairly gruff engine and a purposeful but agricultural feel about it.
Is it good? Well, no. Is it bad? Not really. It's just... different.
This isn't a £50,000 Ford Ranger, nor is it entirely dissapointing and rubbish like the T90EV electric pick-up.
It could certainly be improved with better dampers and shocks.
Probably the most appealing thing about the T60 Max is its price. Prices start from £34,994 and in this day and age that's not a lot of money for a four-wheel-drive anything, such is their popularity.
With the tax benefits changing for double cab pick-up trucks, owning something like the T60 Max might have lost its appeal, but for cash buyers or those not worried about BIK then the lower starting price will soften the taxation blow.
A Maxus pickup that is diesel may also soon be a rare thing, as they're increasingly looking to add more electric models to the range, but the apperance of the Maxus T60 as a quick solution to the double cab market's needs was well intentioned and not unwelcome.
