Mazda BT-50 Pick-Up Range Car Review

Facts At A Glance PICK-UP: Mazda BT-50 range
Engine: 2.5-litre diesel 141bhp/330Nm / 3.0-litre diesel 154bhp/380Nm TOWING CAPACITY: [Braked] 3,000kg MAX PAYLOAD: 1,212kg
Safety: Driver and passenger airbags, seatbelt pretensioners.

Our Rating: No Rating Available

The Mazda BT-50 is for those who want an off roader workhorse capable of picking up more than a 1000kg without complaint. It is also aimed at the environmentally conscious who do not want a 4x4 guzzler, and yet want to take the family out for a picnic during the weekend. Throw in the facts that they are priced lower than most SUVs and have a commercial vehicle taxation status, and you have a very good proposition indeed!The BT-50 pickup comes in two variants - for the professional workman, a singlecab, longer load length (2,280mm) one, while for the family man, a double cab five seater with plush interiors and a shorter load length (1,530mm). The latter version also features four-wheel drive. Bothe versions, however, have a ?sophisticated beast? look, featuring swept nose and headlights, fluid tail lights and an elegant hood. The interior work is professional and good quality, with a conveniently positioned instrument cluster and a pull-out handbrake mounted beside the steering column.

The BT-50 is powered by a MZR-CD 2.5-litre common-rail diesel engine capable of delivering 141bhp at 3,500rpm and 330Nm at 1,899rpm. - enough to ensure good acceleration and road performance even when heavily loaded. If you are still not satisfied, the Intrepid version comes fitted with a 3 litre 154bhp engine delivering 380Nm. The pick-up has a towing capacity of 3,000Kg when braked, which easily puts in the category of a Ford Ranger. It also has six speed automatic and manual transmission as standard feature, which is bound to satisfy the more workmanlike customers. The double cab features all the family options such as tinted glass, adjustable power steering, adjustable seats, the mandatory CD-changer and noise and vibration suppression in the cabin. It gives 27.7miles to the gallon, and emits a hefty 271gm/Km of CO2 - not exactly eco-friendly. For double cab byuers, there are further options like TS, TS2 and Intrepid. The TS2 version comes outfitted with front fog lights, 16? alloy wheels, chrome mirror housings and a sidestep bar; the Intrepid version further adds plush trim to the cabin and a more powerful engine, as noted before.

For the cross-country enthusiasts, the BT-50 comes with a regulation ladder frame chassis, leaf spring suspensions and a solid rear axle. It has high ground clearance, which, together with its sturdy, no-nonsense build, enables it to negotiate most obstacles and climb even steep inclines. Handling on slippery roads and empty bay can be a bit uncertain, though, what with the low traction, but there is adequate passenger safety in the form of electronic braking, front airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners. For the cargo area, Mazda suggest a lot of practical options, such as slot-in dividers, a variety of rear covers, both cloth and metal, and even a hard top for precious cargo.

The Mazda BT-50 does a good job of positioning itself as a workman's pick-up that can also double as an occasional family carrier when needed. In future markets of automobile industries, the sale of this car is expected to rise gradually and make a good name for itself.