The ute is currently the most coveted vehicle in Australia. It has become even more popular than the SUV- the best selling type of car in Australia and this is all thanks to its practicality, superior comfort levels and unmatched versatility.
Ute finance company, CreditCapital.com.au says, “choosing the best ute for you is just like choosing the right tool for a task. You first have to consider the kind of work that is to be done and what kind of equipment is required to effectively accomplish this task.”
Whether you are looking for a work ute, recreational ute, or any other, it is always important to first establish how you are going to utilize your ute as this will help you to choose the best ute for you.
If you are looking to get yourself a new ute, then here are our expert tips on factors to consider when choosing your perfect ute. We have used different grades of Mazda BT-50 as examples.
1. What Kind of Body Style Do You Want?
Car Specialists Green Vehicle Guide says, “when shopping for a ute, you will find that they come with different body styles. These different body styles are designed to cater to different needs. Thus, it is important to first understand these different body styles and their unique characteristics before commencing your search. We'll use the Mazda BT-50 as an example.”
- Single Cab: This version comes with 3 seats and 2 doors. While it features a flatbed tray, it comes with a diverse variety of customisable options including a standard or premium Mazda alloy tray.
- Freestyle Cab: If you are looking for high-level flexibility, then this is the right body style for you. It features 4 seats, 2 doors, 2 rear luggage doors and a large rear tray or tub. A freestyle cab can be easily transformed from a work ute to a weekend ute.
- Dual Cab: This body style offers rugged capability without compromising on comfort. It comes with 5 seats and 4 doors and it offers the option of a tub or a tray. In addition, it is a very powerful vehicle with different levels of 4X4 capability meaning that it can get you wherever you want with ease.
2. Towing Capability
While for some people a ute with a high towing capacity is an additional bonus, for others it is a crucial feature. It all boils down to the intended purpose of the ute.
But the Mazda BT-50 makes it easier for you to choose. This is because both the Dual Cab and the Freestyle Cab comes with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg. On the other hand, the Single Cab has a braked towing capacity of 2500kg. This essentially means that with any of these three versions, you can take your trailer or boat with you.
3. Amount of Payload
Whatever goods or items you are looking to be transporting on a regular basis, you need to ensure that the ute you choose has adequate payload capacity. The Single Cab version of the Mazda BT-50** has a payload capacity not exceeding 1427kg while the Freestyle Cab's maximum payload capacity is capped at 1505kg.
The payload requirements change when it comes to transporting camping gear for family outings or typical site inspections. Then your best option here is the Mazda BT-50 Dual Cab which has a sufficient payload capacity of 1368kg and features a high level of comfort that we've come to expect from a 5-seater ute.
4. Level of Technology
The other important factor to consider is the kind of technology that you need. This is going to be determined by the intended purpose of the ute. Whether you want a family ute for weekend and recreational purposes or a work ute for you and your team, then the technology installed will affect your experience.
All grades of the Mazda BT-50 have been awarded a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. This means that it comes with safety features such as Emergency Brake Assist(EBA)f. The higher-level models come with additional technology such as Dual-Zone climate control, Sat Nav with off-road maps, and a bigger 8-inch touch screen.
All grades come with Smart technology including, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
5. Do You Need 4x4 Or 4X2 Capability?
All grades of the BT-50 are finely tuned and very capable. However, some are more specialized to explore off-road than others. Remember that even though you might have the most efficient hammer in the world, you can't use it to cut down a tree. Some higher-grade utes like GT Pickup and Boss Pickup come with only 4X4 capability. So, in order to benefit from the high-end features and finishes, you have to go for that option.