Utes get bigger, tougher and classier

Volkswagen's double-cab Amarok was named best pick-up by an international judging panel. Photo / Supplied

The utility market is in for a shakeup with the arrival in New Zealand next year of the new Mazda BT-50, Ford Ranger and Volkswagen's first workhorse, the double-cab Amarok.

The three newcomers will take on segment leaders the Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara. The Mazda and Ford share platforms and were launched at the Sydney motor show on Thursday, not long after the VW Amarok picked up its first gong, the International Pick-up award 2011.

The award is a first for the category and was judged by panelists from 23 countries that rule each year on the International Van of the Year awards.

The Amarok was praised by the jury for its "effortless off-road abilities," while its capacity on-road was judged to be the best against all other competitors. The jury was also impressed by the Amarok's interior, in particular, the layout and generous space for both front and rear passengers in the double-cab cabin.

The jury said: "The Amarok distinguishes itself by fantastic driving qualities, both on- and off-road. It sets new standards in the pick-up category in respect to load capacity, payload, interior room, comfort, ergonomics and fuel consumption."

VW claims the Amarok boasts the largest load dimensions in class with a load area of 2.52sq m. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1057kg and maximum braked towing limit of 2.8 tonnes.

The VW is powered by a 2-litre turbodiesel engine and comes with all sorts of electronic safety aids. No word on price yet.

Mazda says the new one-tonne BT-50 combines refined styling with dynamic driving performance and will appeal to a wider range of customers, particularly those with active lifestyles. "We expect the BT-50 to set a new standard in its segment when it launches here in late 2011," said Andrew Clearwater, Mazda NZ managing director.

"The vehicle blurs the lines between lifestyle and utility vehicle."