We were really sad the day Bruce our faithful black Chev SS Ute was called back following a magnificent year's service. Was short lived though — that feeling of loss. Our new Chev SS Ute has arrived.

Introducing the Sequel — our bold metallic orange latest spec auto-box Chevy SS Ute that's already more than adequately filling his forebear's boots. And not only is it better looking, cooler and neater than before, but there's also a fleet of improvements throughout.

For starters, the Sequel boasts the chunky, aggressive and contemporary styling from the front doors forward nicked off the latest Lumina SS sedan, while the metalwork from there back is freshly well styled, too. A lovely ascending beltline gives the Sequel a sportscar look — which is pretty fitting because he is, after all, a sportscar of the highest order, but only with the benefit of a truck's loadbay…

Walk around back and see fresh wrap-around taillights and a neat spoiler with high-level brake light, while a neat new panel shrouds a fresh set of quad tailpipes. Those huge 18" five-double-spoke alloys look fantastic, too.

Open the tonneau cover and there's a trick black plastic cover enveloping the loadbay that certainly looks the part and prevents the bay from being all damaged like its predecessor was because it never had such a thing…

The biggest improvement though, is inside — far more adjustable seats are forward folding to access a huge amount of extra rear cab space that's bristling with tool and other stowage too.

Just don't know why they used ugly red digital readouts for the oil and battery gauges though — that fails an otherwise brilliant job in a cockpit centred about a neat full-colour display. Rather use some simple analogue gauges up there, Chevy…

But overall materials and cabin quality have improved tenfold — it's approaching German sedan levels; honest.

We've opted for an automatic version this time — big Yank V8s deserve an auto 'box if you want the best out of them. Have to confess that I far prefer the lazy manner of auto motoring with so much grunt on hand. Much easier than changing gear all the time — especially in traffic.

That auto 'box also fits in with the auto lighting and various other niceties that are all new to the latest Ute. And oh yes, it now even has traction control. Happily it switches right off at the touch of a button…

We're already getting to get to know the Sequel well and we're loving every second of its many improvements and head-turning looks, so by the time we meet, it should be fully run in and ready for some no-holds-barred motoring — see you then…