The just launched new Mazda BT-50 ute has achieved the maximum five-star safety rating.
With utes often now used by families, it is credible to achieve this rating for all vehicles in the range in part because the long list of safety technology is standard on all models.
We drove several dual cab utes recently and found that the Mazda felt secure on the road but had poor seating room for the second row of passengers, for more than half of the models a reversing camera is an $820 option and even the top model lacked some practical features like a tub liner.
But they do have a good reputation for reliability.
A two-wheel drive dual cab is under $37,000
And the top of the range four-wheel drive is just under $54,000 to each figure add on-road costs.
Im David Brown
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