Utes are a big part of the new car market in New Zealand, and made up a massive 23 per cent share of all sales in 2020. There has recently been an influx of new ute models being launched in New Zealand, and they all boast enticing new designs.
Consumers now have even more choice in 2021, particularly if they want to join in the alluring Double Cab ute posse.
Mazda BT-50
At the end of 2020, Mazda NZ revealed the next generation BT-50 ute. This sophisticated new ute has been completely transformed, marking the break up with its shared platform agreement from Ford. Today little remains from the previous generation, except for perhaps the Mazda badge.
The new BT-50 had two years of planning and is now constructed using the all-new D-Max platform. Mazda have produced a technology-packed vehicle, a more efficient 3.0-litre diesel engine package and some new features never before seen on a Mazda like remote engine start. And while the latter may not be something that would be used often, it’s a good way to bring the ute’s interior to a comfortable temperature on a cold winter’s morning.
The new BT-50 takes safety seriously. With over 20 advanced technologies keeping eyes out for you, it’s achieved a 5-Star ANCAP safety rating (2020 Tested), giving it the highest level of safety you will find in a ute.
As with lots of Mazda’s new models, the KODO design was adopted to transform this vehicle into what could only be described as one of the slickest looking utes on our road. The BT-50 model range starts with the 2WD GSX priced from $47,490 (+ORC), all the way up to the top-end 4WD LTD model, which is priced from $60,990 (+ORC).
Read our review of the Mazda BT-50 here.
GWM Cannon
Great Wall Motors employed Morio Ikeda, an experienced global engineer and Program Manager, to lead the project of the new GWM ute, along with an in-house R&D team of highly skilled designers and engineers.
The latest ute offering from GWM – the Cannon - is far more attractive and well equipped than the previous models with its refined, European designed cabin. Depending on the model you choose, driver and passengers can also feel the benefit of heated power-adjustable seats, and there’s also a futuristic 360-degree camera, a crisp seven-inch instrument cluster and even voice recognition.
Safety-wise, the latest model gets a bump in advanced safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, which all combine to make the GWM Cannon a very attractive prospect. The ANCAP safety rating was not available at time of testing.
The entry model is the Cannon Premium 4X2 Manua, with pricing starting from $29,990 (+ORC). After this is the mid-spec Cannon Luxury L 4X2 Auto from $35,990 (+ORC), then the cream of the crop is the Cannon Luxury 4X4 Auto from $39,990 (+ORC). These models offer a lot of bang for your buck and are a giant leap compared to the previous offerings from GWM.
Read our review of the GWM Cannon here.
Isuzu D-Max
The new D-Max received a much-needed design refresh, which helped the D-Max achieve a five star ANCAP safety score when it was tested last year. This excellent score was also achieved due to the enticing suite of safety technology on offer in the new D-Max. The downside to the added safety is a price increase of around $8,000 over the second gen model.
The D-Max is available in four model grades (each with multiple styles to select). The LX base-spec Work house is perfect for a rugged, easy-care work vehicle and starts from $49,990 (+ORC). The top-spec X-Terrain, which comes in just one style - double cab 4WD - is the pick of the bunch and starts from $75,490 (+ORC).
Compared to the BT-50 and Cannon, potential buyers of the D-Max have an overwhelming 105 different variants and combinations on offer, designed to help tailor the perfect ute.
Read our review of the Isuzu D-Max here.
The future of utes
Although they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, utes are still extremely popular amongst Kiwis, particularly in the commercial vehicle sector and it will be interesting to see what other new models 2021 brings.
With Tesla planning to start production of the exciting new Cybertruck later this year, we can’t wait to see what other manufacturers follow suit and start electrifying their ute options.