When choosing a farm ute, performance, reliability, cost, and fuel economy are all factors farmers and agribusinesses need to consider.

What often gets overlooked, though, is after-sales maintenance and the ability to get your ute serviced locally.

When things are busy on-farm taking a ute an hour away for a service, as well as the time lost waiting for the service to be done, is a major inconvenience.

For North Canterbury Vets director Craig Patterson, choosing a fleet vehicle that could be serviced locally was a huge draw-card.

After looking at different ute options, North Canterbury Vets chose to go with the Mazda BT-50, a decision Patterson says has been a good one.

"We looked at the BT-50 from a mechanical and technical perspective, the features it provides, and the local distributor and servicing, and it was the logical decision," Patterson said.

Choosing the Mazda BT-50 meant North Canterbury Vets could rely on local dealer Arthur Burkes in Amberley for servicing.

The vet clinic has had a relationship with the company since 2007, initially with a fleet of Holden Colorado utes. For Patterson, convenience and supporting a local business have paid off.

"It's about having a good relationship and supporting local. Our staff know their staff, and we get really good after-sales service."

The four-wheel drive BT-50 is available in four options – the GSX, GTX, the Limited and the higher-spec Takami.

The three-litre, six speed turbo diesel gives a fuel economy of around 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres, making it efficient compared to other utes on the market.

Towing isn't an issue either, with the BT-50 pulling up to 3.5 tonnes, making it an excellent choice for both the farm or towing the boat on the weekend.

All models come with Android and Apple car play and via a touch screen, with the Limited and Takami models providing extra options like remote start and heated seats.

While the BT-50 may provide all the comfort and the interior style of a luxury SUV, this ute isn't just a pretty face. Patterson says the BT-50 still handles the more rugged terrain of a farm with ease.

"We use the vehicles on-farm in very muddy conditions, especially in winter around cattle yards, and more specifically around dairy.

"We often have to go into paddocks to calve cows, and the vehicles are well suited to that,” Patterson said.

It's a sentiment echoed by Progressive Livestock agent Rob Blincoe, who purchased a new Mazda BT-50 earlier this year.

"I've got nothing bad to say about, and it's been going great, and it's great working with the local guys at Arthur Burke.

"I use it for a work vehicle, but when I can get out, I like to go deer stalking and run it up hills and through parks. It just does everything I want it to do," Blincoe said.

The capped service plan also appealed to Blincoe, as well as the five-year warranty and roadside assistance.

Arthur Burke general manager Craig Schroder says the Mazda BT-50 has been well received by local farmers looking to upgrade.

"A lot of farmers and people that use them as a workhorse would never buy a ute unless it was a good, solid package. And it's great that Mazda has stuck with that,” Schroder said.

by Claire Inkson