To start off, if you’re already in the pickup truck market or even considering making the switch, the Mazda BT50 deserves your attention.
The BT50 breaks away from the typical boxy design of most vans. Its sleek hood contours lead into a prominent front grille, complemented by daytime running lights that make the BT50 stand out. These hood contours are echoed across various body panels, creating a smooth and cohesive look. Chrome accent pieces on the exterior enhance any color, especially the striking concrete grey.
In addition to its good looks, the BT50 offers impressive performance options:
- 4x2 1.9L Turbo Diesel (available in both automatic and manual)
- 4x4 3.0L Turbo Diesel (automatic only)
These engines deliver the necessary power, even with a full load in the truck bed. For long engine life, the recommended lubricant is Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40.
The interior of the BT50 is notably spacious. Depending on the trim level, you can choose between fabric or leather seats, both of which are comfortable for long periods. The steering wheel feels good in hand and features shortcut buttons for your infotainment system. The gauge cluster includes analog dials and a digital screen. The center console houses a touchscreen infotainment system with bluetooth connectivity, android auto and apple carplay. Physical buttons for the dual-zone A/C controls add convenience and enhance cabin comfort. While storage pockets are adequately sized, more cubby holes would be beneficial. For example, there is a pocket above the glovebox that shares space with a CD/DVD player, which seems unnecessary in today's world.
The backseats of the BT50 are both comfortable and practical. They are more reclined than the usual 90 degree seating angle found in many pickups, providing more foot and knee space. The high ceiling offers ample headroom. Rear A/C vents keep passengers cool, while the door bins, an armrest with cup holders, and under seat storage make the backseats highly functional.
Now, the main reason for owning a pickup, is the truck bed. The BT50 features a bolted in plastic bed liner that protects the body effectively. The manual tailgate requires more effort to operate, but the tray size is suitable for most hauling needs, with sufficient tether points.
Bed size dimensions:
- Length: 1571mm
- Width: 1530mm
- Width (wheel arches): 1120mm
On the road, the BT50 delivers a smooth ride. The steering is soft and precise, making tight turns and low speed maneuvers easy. Sitting up high, visibility is excellent. The large side mirrors and windows enhance this, along with parking sensors and a reversing camera, ensuring the driver is always aware of the vehicle's corners. Overall handling and acceleration are impressive. The steering is precise, body roll is minimal, and the long wheelbase aids stability when cornering. Both the 1.9L and 3.0L Turbo Diesel engines respond well with limited lag. The suspension is flexible enough for bumpy roads and comfortable for daily driving. With ground clearance of 240mm and approach and departure angles of 30.4 and 24.2 degrees respectively, the BT50 can handle a variety of terrain. Soundproofing is effective, minimizing road and tyre noise, though there is some engine noise at high RPMs.
In conclusion, the Mazda BT50 is a well-performing pickup truck that stands out in both design and functionality. Whether you’re in the market for a new pickup or considering a switch, the BT50 is definitely worth a look.
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