Best Utes for Families
New-age dual cabs for work and play have become family cars with benefits, and that's a big reason why the Toyota HiLux has been an Australian favorite, even outperforming the compact Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla, within months of its inception. year.
The HiLux has been the gold standard in cars almost since its inception, despite traditionally following the homegrown workhorses of the Commodore and Falcon, in part because of its relative cost, but also because of the 4x4's traction, and mostly because it's Toyota and it's good enough for a lot of people.
But in 2013, it was the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT50 that topped Carsguide's picks list because they are best-in-class for dual-use, combining payload practicality with safe and comfortable family travel. The Ranger is our undisputed number one because it's an Australian original, although Mazda customers also benefit from the work of the folks at Broadmeadows.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the Amarok, the first model of VW, although it is expensive, and the model range is not as extensive as that of the Japanese. most recently, the cost advantage that comes from Australian engineers has been translated into low-cost production in Thailand.
Until China fully launches even cheaper utes, which are more than just price fighters - and we're not ready to tick Great Wall or Foton anytime soon - Thai takeaway looks attractive to Australian workers.
But it's not all good news for the Ranger-BT dual action, with significant wait times for top models and prices that aren't as high as some of their competitors. We've also had serious complaints from several Ranger owners.
So, if you don't want to spend the big bucks on a Ranger or join the HiLux crowd, the smart move is to join Mitsubishi and Nissan as they go under with their Triton and Navara. They're not bad, but they get very old, which is important in a class where the model cycle is closer to 10 years than five or six for the best-selling passenger cars.
Both Japanese brands are consistent contenders on the discount front, which means Navara and Triton will get a red pencil when they run out. And they already look good. Forced to choose, we'd pick the Triton as a bargain, despite the quirky look of the tail section workspace. Not helping with the Navara is the fixed price service, which is the most expensive in the business.
The Triton features a passenger car-like cab, especially at the rear of the dual cab - although some drivers will find the driver's seat cramped due to the high floor - and a super-select system that means all-wheel drive works on closed roads. It's not as fun to ride as the Navara, but it outperforms the Nissan in terms of cargo capacity and towing capacity. And the deciding factor is Mitsubishi's five-year warranty, combined with limited-price service that works.
Toyota Hilux
Toyota Hilux - see other verdicts
Price: from $26,990 (partner)
ENGINES: 2.7 l, 4 cylinders, petrol, 116 kW/560 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Thirst: 11.0 l / 100 km, 262 g / km CO2
Mazda BT-50
Mazda BT-50 - see other verdicts
Price: From $36,170 (XT Hi-Rider)
ENGINES: 3.2 liter 5-cylinder diesel, 190 kW/560 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Thirst: 8.4 l / 100 km, 222 g / km CO2
Volkswagen Amarok
VW Amarok - see other verdicts
Price: from $28,990 (TDI340 2)
ENGINES: 2.0 liter 4-cylinder diesel, 103 kW/340 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Thirst: 7.3 l / 100 km, 192 g / km CO2
Nissan Navara
Nissan Navara - see other verdicts
Price: from $31,990 (admission)
ENGINES: 2.5 liter 4-cylinder diesel,
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Thirst: 9.1 l / 100 km, 245 g / km CO2
OTHER TO CONSIDER
Ford Ranger - see other verdicts
Price: from $30,240 (4-door XL)
ENGINES: 2.5 l, 4 cylinders, petrol, 122 kW/225 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Thirst: 10.4 l / 100 km, 250 g / km CO2
Mitsubishi Triton
Mitsubishi Triton - see other verdicts
Price: From $31,990 (GLX)
ENGINES: 2.5 liter 4-cylinder diesel, 131 kW/400 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Thirst: 8.1 l / 100 km, 215 g / km CO2
Great Wall V200
Great Wall V200 - see other verdicts
Price: from $24,990 (4-door UT K2)
ENGINES: 2.0 liter 4-cylinder diesel, 105 kW/310 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Thirst: 8.3 l / 100 km, 220 g / km CO2
