Continuing our look at the tough ute and pickup truck market, this week we’ve got Mazda’s contender in the field. The BT-50. Perhaps not the best looker but does it perform?
Make: Mazda
Model: BT-50
Variant: Dual Cab Chassis XT Hi Rider
Engine / Transmission: 3.2-litre in-line 5 cylinder 20 valve DOHC intercooled turbo diesel, 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: 4×4
Vital Stats: 147Kw @ 3000rpm 470Nm @ 1,750 – 2,500rpm
RRP Price: $37,890
Standard Features: 80 litre fuel tank capacity, 6-speed manual, 16 inch steel wheels Halogen headlamps, Power windows and mirrors (black), Air-conditioning, Bluetooth® (hands-free compatible), Bluetooth® audio (MP3 player compatible), USB input (iPod® compatible), Cruise control, Vinyl floor covering, Trip computer, Audio system with AM/FM tuner, single-disc CD player and 6 speakers, Locking Rear Differential (4×4 only), Towing capacity (braked) 3,500kg
Safety highlights: Airbags: front (driver and passenger), side (front) and curtain (front and rear), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Child restraint anchor points, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Hill Descent Control (HDC) – 4×4 only and Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
Wow Factor: Impressive off-road capabilities, large tray. Updated now equal class leading 3,500kg towing capacity.
Most Impressive: Cabin quality only just a fraction below VW Amarok. Corners relatively flat for one of the larger dual cabs on the market.
Not so impressive: 6-speed manual is hardly a breeze to use and difficult to live with amongst stop start traffic. Sheer size and the lack of a reversing camera make shopping centre car parks / drive thru fast food outlets intimidating. The word ugly is used by many to describe its ‘left of field’ looks.
Early verdict: Being a reskinned Ford Ranger this is definitely not a bad dual cab. It’s rough and tough and can take a serious bashing. Outright power advantage over several rivals.
Chris was EFTM’s Motoring Editor for many years, driving everything from your entry level hatch to the latest Luxury cars through to the Rolls Royce.
He has been in the media for 20 years, produced three Olympic games broadcasts, attending Beijing 2008 & London 2012.
Strangely he owns a Toyota Camry Hybrid, he defiantly rejects the knockers.
Chris is married to Gillian and resides in Sydney’s North West. They have Sam the English Springer Spaniel and Felix the Burmese cat to keep them company, and recently welcomed baby Henry to the family.
He has now left EFTM, and writes freelance and runs his own Facebook Page “Bowen’s Garage”
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