RV FEATURE
tax breaks could soon be tightened, with the
Australian Tax Office seeking input into new
guidelines on FBT exemptions that might require
private use to be taxed.
VERSATILITY
With demand for crew cabs now at an all-time peak,
manufacturers are now including more and more
‘fruit’ in their range-topping models, designed to
make them a realistic alternative to SUVs.
Standard features that you’ll find in the latest
models include car-like crash test ratings, sat nav
and advanced communication and audio systems,
leather upholstery and trailer sway control, etc.
TOW RATING
Because they have a separate steel chassis rather
than monocoque construction and, with a few
exceptions, a relatively basic leaf-spring and
telescopic shocker rear suspension designed to
absorb up to a tonne of payload in their tubs, most
utes offer higher tow ratings than their more softly-
sprung SUV counterparts.
For example, the Isuzu D-Max ute and the latest P
Series Ford Ranger are both rated to tow 3500kg,
while the five and seven-seater MU-X and Ford
Everest wagons, with their softer multi-link coil
spring rear end, are both limited to 3000kg.
The downside is that with their stiffer suspension,
utes deliver a harsher, choppier ride when unladen.
And despite parking sensors and reversing cameras,
their high tubs and longer wheelbases generally
makes them harder to reverse in tight places.
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