Car buyers' guide part 4
- Published: 7/02/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Brunch
A quick look at all the current extended and double cab 'one tonne' pick-up truck made and sold here, plus their SUV derivatives.
CHEVROLET COLORADO
Price range: 537,000-905,000 baht.
Easy specs: 116hp 2.5 litre, 146 or 163hp 3.0-litre turbo-diesel. CNG-diesel dual fuel version available. Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. 4x2 or 4x4.
Pros: Double cab has good ride. Long repayment plans. Optional diff-lock available.
Cons: Relatively small cabin. Flat seats. Engine clatter. Resale value. No open cab version.
FORD RANGER
Price range: 556,000-892,000 baht.
Easy specs: 143hp 2.5 litre or 156hp 3.0 litre turbo-diesel. Five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. 4x2 or 4x4.
Pros: Smooth efficient engine and manual gearbox. Good front seats. Open cab body is practical.
Cons: Relatively small cabin. Cramped rear seats. Dated chassis. Ride. Resale value.
ISUZU D-MAX
Price range: 514,000-901,000 baht.
Easy specs: 116hp 2.5 litre, 146hp or 163hp 3.0 litre turbo-diesel. Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. 4x2 or 4x4.
Pros: Double cab has good ride. Good resale value.
Cons: Relatively small cabin. Flat seats. Engine clatter. No open cab version.
MAZDA BT-50
Price range: 524,000-838,000 baht.
Easy specs: 143hp 2.5 litre or 156hp 3.0 litre turbo-diesel. Five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. 4x2 or 4x4.
Pros: Smooth efficient engine and manual gearbox. Good front seats. Open cab body is practical.
Cons: Relatively small cabin. Cramped rear seats. Dated chassis.
MITSUBISHI TRITON
Price range: 546,000-929,000 baht.
Easy specs: 140hp 2.5 litre or 165hp 3.2 litre turbo-diesel. 128hp 2.4 litre petrol engine also available. Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. 4x2 or 4x4.
Pros: Looks. Equipment spec. Handling and ride. Cabin quite spacious.
Cons: Dated and coarse engine. Flat seats. Perceived interior fit. Price.
NISSAN NAVARA
Price range: 550,000-884,500 baht.
Easy specs: 144hp or 174hp 2.5 litre turbo-diesel. Six-speed manual or five-speed auto. 4x2 or 4x4.
Pros: Strong engine. Drivability. Cabin space. Large truck bed. Open cab is practical.
Cons: Perceived interior quality. Turbo lag. Vague manual gearshift. Turning circle. Equipment spec.
TATA XENON
Price range: 499,000-629,000 baht.
Easy specs: 140hp 2.2 litre turbo-diesel or 115hp 2.1 litre dedicated CNG turbo. Five-speed manual and rear-wheel-drive only. 4x2 only.
Pros: Price. CNG version potentially good value.
Cons: Drivability. Ride. Ergonomics. Small truck bed. No open cab body. Resale value.
TOYOTA HILUX VIGO
Price range: 569,000-953,000 baht.
Easy specs: 120hp or 140hp 2.5 litre or 163hp 3.0 litre turbo-diesel. 160hp 2.7 litre petrol engine also available. Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. 4x2 or 4x4.
Pros: Drivability. On-road handling and ride. Car-like cabin. Resale value. Practical open cab.
Cons: Price. No automatic turbo-diesel for open cab. Flawed ergonomics in the open cab.
FORD EVEREST
Price range: 969,000-1,240,000 baht.
Easy specs: Seven-seater. 143hp 2.5 litre or 156hp 3.0 litre turbo-diesel. Five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. 4x2 or 4x4.
Pros: Smooth efficient engine and manual gearbox. Safety equipment.
Cons: Second row legroom. Dated chassis. No third row air-con. Resale value.
ISUZU MU-7
Price range: 951,000-1,256,000 baht.
Easy specs: Seven-seater with 146 or 163hp 3.0 litre turbo-diesel engines. Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. 4x2 or 4x4.
Pros: Ride. Equipment spec. Fold-over third row seats.
Cons: Flat seats. Engine clatter. Design. No third row air-con.
MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT
Price range: 962,000-1,267,000 baht.
Easy specs: Seven-seater with 140hp 2.5 litre or 165hp 3.2 litre turbo-diesel. Five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. 4x2 or 4x4.
Pros: Handling and ride. Lockable centre diff. Price. Versatile and comfortable cabin.
Cons: Engine clatter. No second row air-con.
TOYOTA FORTUNER
Price range: 1,014,000-1,439,000 baht.
Easy specs: Seven-seater 140hp 2.5 litre or 163hp 3.0 litre turbo-diesel. 160hp 2.7 litre petrol engine available. Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. 4x2 or 4x4.
Pros: Drivability. Ride. Car-like cabin. Equipment spec. Three row air-con. Resale value.
Cons: Price, Flip-up third row seats.
About the author
- Writer: Wiwat Chang
- Position: Motoring Reporter
