Over here I have in the last 6-12 months driven a number of different Dual cab utes.
I'll start with the Nissan Navara D40 ( not sure what its called over there). Not to bad to drive . That's the 2.5 l diesel. Good towing capacity (3000kg ) except that its torque is made high in the rev range. Taken off my list due to the number of reported gearbox faults both manual & auto. And the fact that it is now an older design. Haven't tried the V6 diesel.
Next Holden Colorado 2.8 l diesel ( possibly a Chev or not available in the UK ) This I liked . Good mix of features.
Isuzu D-Max 3 l diesel. Very similar to the Colorado with a different motor & gearbox. Was the same until a split between Isuzu & Holden. Holden is the pick of these two due to more power & greater towing capacity 3500kg Vs 3000kg.
Not a Mitsubishi fan not do I like the look of the new Mazda BT50. So not driven.
Toyota over here you pay a premium just for the name
That leaves us with the new Ford Ranger & VW Amarok. Drove both of these in manual / diesel form back to back. Same road same conditions. Like the both very hard to choose. Comes down to what your needs are.
Ford 3500 kg towing .Excellent power
VW 3000 kg towing Far more refined on the road. Very car like to drive. Not lacking in power just not as much as the Ford. But like anything can be chipped to go like a scolded cat.
So there you have it . My observations. Which one would I buy if I had to part with my cold hard cash. If not for the fact that I have a 3300 kg caravan it would be the Amarok. But because its limited to only legally tow 3000 kg Then I will have to settle for the Ford Ranger.
My other option was a S/H 100 series Landcruiser converted to a Dual cab ute
Gary
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