With credentialed stable mates like the award-winning Mazda3, Mazda2, Mazda6 and the stylish CX-7 and CX-9, Mazda’s competent BT50 range of utes should not be overshadowed.
In market segments where’s Toyota’s HiLux range flexes its muscles, the BT50 – like Nissan’s Navara and Mitsubishi’s Triton - is a real competitor and definitely has much to offer ute buyers. In fact, we’d say its one of the best Japanese brand utes.
What You Get
Car Showroom has previously tested single-cab and freestyle-cab BT50 models and we liked them a lot. When Mazda suggested we spend a week in the latest four-door dual-cab variant, we quickly scampered to the company’s Mount Waverley office to collect ‘our’ car.
Like all utes, the BT50 range of variants is substantial (by our count there are 29 BT50 models!) and while entry to the lineup is priced in the low-$20K region, the 3.0-litre dual-cab range starts in the low $30Ks.
That gets you four doors and a handy rear seat with a fold-down centre arm rest, plus lots of kit like dual front airbags and ABS anti-lock brakes while still providing a 1530mmx1,456mm rear tray and a payload capacity of 1,162 kgs – 1,897 kgs (depending on the model).
And the interior creature comforts are damn fine too.
The Engine
Entry-level 2WD BT50s are powered by a 2.5-litre engine, but the rest – including the Dual-cab as tested - score Mazda’s 3.0-litre in-line four-cylinder 16-valve, DOHC intercooled turbo-diesel engine.
Maximum power is 115kW at 3,200 rpm and peak torque of 380Nm arrives at 1,800 rpm. On paper, Nissan Navara’s 126kW/403Nm powerplant overshadows the BT50, but on the road, the Mazda delivers handy performance and superb levels of refinement at all speeds.
Mazda says the BT50 pioneered Variable Geometry Turbochargers (VGT) in utes. This technology controls nozzles mounted on the outside of each turbo blade, adjusting the speed and volume of exhaust gas flow to reduce turbo lag and provide strong low-end torque and quick throttle response.
Fuel consumption also improves as a result of the more efficient burn and the BT50 dual-cab is rated as low as 9.2l/100kms.
Depending on the model, dual-cab BT50 drives rear wheels or all four wheels via a five-speed manual (as tested) or five-speed automatic transmission
All of this is good for a towing capacity of up to 3,000kgs and a payload up to 1897kgs.
The Interior
Inside is where the BT50 scored big points with the Car Showroom team. Amongst the Japanese brand utes, we reckon Mazda delivers the most car-like interior feel (including the up-market ambience of indirect cabin lighting at night).
The front seats are sculptured and supportive. Mazda says this results from the use of S-shaped springs and the latest technology urethane foam material.
In the dual-cab model the front seats slide through 240mm to provide excellent legroom and a good driving position. Our team also liked the high quality look/feel of the chequered weave fabric.
Like all dual cabs, the rear seat isn’t massive, but with two occupants, the fold-down center armrest is appreciated.
The dashboard is a conventional layout and the four-spoke steering wheel adjusts for rake. For single-cab models with a bench seat, a T-bar handbrake is required and unfortunately this carries over to the dual-cab and other bucket seat models – it’s a curiosity rather than an inconvenience and it does afford a more useful center console with abundant storage boxes.
Audio in our test vehicle was an MP3-compatible in-dash six-CD system with six speakers.
Exterior & Styling
The latest BT50 lineup presents the muscular, chunky looks apparent in contemporary ute design.
At the front, are a large execution of Mazda’s trademark trapezoidal shape grille (with body-colour vertical accents) and three horizontal chrome bars. The deep ‘V’-shape for the grille and large headlights with chrome-look surrounds enhance the muscular look.
New clear lens combination tail lights are bold and look sharp, while the switch to body-coloured B-pillars and an improved design for the side steps add to an integrated style.
Our test car was fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels.
On The Road
The car-like feel of the BT50s interior extends to the driving dynamics. Our five-speed manual test vehicle slipped through the gears with ease and precision, with none of the balkiness that sometimes accompanies the beefier gearboxes required in utes because of their heavy load-carrying and towing requirements.
All of our driving was conducted unladed and we must admit the refined ride was a pleasant surprise (many utes feel jittery without some load out back).
The 3.0-litre diesel was nicely responsive and over our mountain roads test loop the BT50 was a competent performer. We were particularly impressed by the stopping power from the ABS-equipped brakes and sure-footed turn-in - even in high-speed corners.
Back in the city, after a steady diet of compact cars, we required a day to recalibrate our thinking to the nuances of driving a commercial vehicle. Like all utes, the BT50 was a bit compromised tackling tight on-street parking spaces (the C-pillar and tray restrict visibility) and the 12.6-metre turning circle required some care negotiating our cramped, eight-story CBD car park.
Challenges
Automotive industry technology has moved on from the T-bar handbrake…we bet the next BT50 has a more contemporary tool.
Verdict
Without a doubt, one of the best Japanese brand utes on the market, the BT50 dual cab provides all of the features, safety and technology demanded by buyers in this segment and adds best-in-class driving dynamics.
The Competition
Hi-Lux, Navara, Tritron, Colorado, Ranger – there’s some strong candidates in this segment. Car Showroom is still to test Great Wall's V240 or SA220, but we like the looks of the value-priced Chinese newcomers.
Likes:
Nice engine; great interior; sharp driving dynamics
Dislikes:
Antique T-Bar handbrake an anomaly
