BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 31st Aug 2018
WHEN it launched in Australia in late-2015, Ram Trucks Australia mostly attracted buyers looking to use its 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks for towing and purpose-built applications, with their size and price restricting the selling potential of the mammoth pair.
To increase the brand’s selling potential, Ram has now introduced the slightly smaller – but still imposing – 1500, aimed at tradies, people looking for a dual-purpose work/play vehicle, and even those in the market for a large family SUV.
The 1500 also greatly reduces the point of entry to the Ram range – which now starts at $79,950 driveaway for the entry-level 1500 Express Quad Cab – a huge discount over the $139,950 plus on-roads 2500 Laramie.
Ram estimates the new 1500 will bring in 85 per cent of the brand’s total sales volume, with the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 to be joined by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 at the start of 2019.
Does the 1500 have what it takes to capture the hearts of ute-loving Australian buyers?