Announced last year, the two new side-by-side Kawasaki Mule Pro-DXT and Pro-DX have now started to filter into the market-place.

Designed primarily for work applications, their high-torque powerful 993 cm3 four-stroke diesel engines produce 23bhp of power and 52 Nm of torque, with a towing capacity of 907kg.

Their on-site fuel compatibility is also a selling point and they have a fuel capacity of 30 litres, with brighter headlights and auxiliary LED lamps.

The braking system has been improved by fitting hydraulic discs to the front and rear axles, while the latest double wishbone suspension enable the wheels to drive over obstacles with minimum effect on the chassis or traction.

A major change is to the cab, where Kawasaki’s Trans Cab system in the Pro-DXT gives the flexibility of added cargo space or people-moving potential. It can be changed from two-person mode to four-person mode in just one minute and by one person.

In two-person mode, the cargo bed capacity is 453kg and in four-person mode it is 158kg.

This greater focus on cargo carrying is also seen in its long, flat cargo bed – the largest in the Mule fleet – which can be loaded from three sides. It has a dry weight of under 816kg, which also enables access to most weight-restricted areas.

The Pro-DX has an RRP of £11,129, and the Pro-DXT is £12,329, both plus VAT.

For the 2017 model year, the Mule SX range will join their Kawasaki UTV stablemates, including with Pro-series inspired updates for the new season.

Offered in two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions, the SX machines can be transported in the back of many flat-bed vehicles and full-size pick-up trucks at just 1335mm wide and with an overall length of 2710mm.

Despite their small stature, these side-by-sides still have a 181kg cargo capacity in their tipping load beds and a 500kg towing capacity.

They also look more like the Pro series and feature a new LED headlamp design, dashboard design and steering wheel, which now has a handy tilt function to make it easier to get in and out.

There’s a new glove box, plus a standard fit DC socket, with under-seat storage and a 60-litre front storage area.

Power is from a proven air-cooled 410cc four-stroke OHV power plant, which is fed by cool air supplied via a snorkel intake routed through the overhead protection frame.

Two SX variants feature minimum ground impact and disturbance via load spreading tyres, while lockable rear differentials help when things get tricky. The latest front and rear suspension settings have better stability and off-road bump absorption.

The new machines will be available in the UK from September and a guide pricing for the Mule SX 2WD is £6049, while the 4×4 version is expected to be £6749 – both plus VAT.