Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
BT-50: Best looking ute on the market?
Ford is out and Isuzu is in for Mazda, with the latest incarnation of its BT-50 ute abandoning its previous Ford Ranger underpinnings for an all-new set of mechanical and structural bits developed with Isuzu, which also happens to use them under its recently-launched D-Max. We head out on a rainy Auckland day to check out the new ute from Hiroshima way.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Mazda has, as mentioned, partnered up with Isuzu for its ute offering this time around, the BT50 now based around the D-Max. Mazda officials told us that its ute is completely new, compared to the old BT-50, aside from the badge on the steering wheel.
That means power comes from a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline four making a respectable 140kW/ 450Nm, sent through a six-speed automatic. No manual option here. Nor are there any single cabs or cab/chassis options in the initial lineup. Mazda mentioned it would consider adding more body styles if there is enough demand, however.
According to Mazda’s figures, double-cab utes make up 94 per cent of the ute market. Within that, 86 per cent are automatics (and climbing) and within that ,59 per cent are 4x4 models. Mazda does offer a 2x4 selection for less money but the aggressive pricing means there is some overlap with higher-end 2x4 models and lowerspecced 4x4s.
Mazda’s offering pulls a fivestar Ancap rating, like the D-Max, but gets a slightly lower overall percentage score thanks to its sharper styling. The BT-50 earned 67 per cent (36.62 out of 54) in the vulnerable road user assessment, compared to 69 per cent (37.63 out of 54) for the Isuzu D-Max due to its different nose.
The crisp nose also scored slightly lower than the Isuzu
D-Max in terms of pedestrian head protection (16.98 out of 24 compared to 17.78 out of 24 for the Isuzu) and upper leg impacts (4.80 out of 6 versus 5.01 out of 6 for the Isuzu). Not much less, then, but still less. In all other areas of assessment, Mazda and Isuzu are identical.
Personally, I reckon the tiny drop in safety is worth it because man, this is one good looking ute. Mazda’s Kodo design language looks right at home on a truck and while the local pricing and specifications may push out those wanting an honest, humble workhorse in favour of the ‘‘lifestyle’’ sort of buyer, it’s hard to argue with the quality on offer.
Mention pricing, the 2WD BT50 range starting at $47,490 for the double cab GSX, rising to $51,490 for the GTX and topping out with the $53,990 Limited model.
The 4WD range is similarly structured with the GSX opening the line up at $54,490, while the GTX lands at $58,490 and the Limited at $60,990.
I should also say that the ZoomZoom company has made an effort to keep the BT-50 relevant for those wanting to use it as a
MAZDA BT-50
Price range: $47,490 to $53,990 Powertrains: 3.0-litre turbo diesel inline inline-four with 140kW/ 450Nm, 8.0L/100km, six-speed automatic, 2WD/4WD
Body style: Double cab only (at first)
On sale: Now working truck. The D-Max underpinnings means the BT-50 will be happy on a farm and it’s tough enough to handle an active building site, bumps and scrapes included.
Mazda also offers its Mazdacare programme on the BT50, which includes five-year/ 150,000km fixed-price servicing set at $250 per service, a five-year/ 150,000km warranty and five years of Mazda roadside assistance.
WHAT’S THE PICK OF THE RANGE?
Tough question. It really depends on what you want out of a ute. I’d probably say, given Mazda is targeting the lifestyle buyer over those wanting a rubber-matted, plastic-covered workhorse, the Limited is the one to get. It adds just enough creature comforts to put it above the rest. But the whole range is worth considering, really.