Mazda is cashing in on its sports car history to sell a ute no sportier than standard models

AT A GLANCE

Denoting “special performance”, SP is a prized pair of letters for Mazda. It’s previously been used on faster versions of some of Mazda’s sportiest models, from the RX-7 to the MX-5. Now SP is getting dirty, appearing as a new model variant on the BT-50 ute for the first time. There’s nothing special about the performance of the BT-50 SP, which comes only as a dual-cab four-wheel drive. It drives the same as any other dual cab BT-50 – which in turn drives the same as the equivalent Isuzu DMax with which the mechanical components are shared - and doesn’t even have gearshift paddles.

Instead, the sporty sales pitch is left to colours and finishes, with black finishes coating the wheels, grille, door handles and mirrors.

The lack of silver and chrome adds a more menacing demeanour to a workhorse that doubles as an adventure machine. And the black sail plane and roller tonneau add functionality and a snazzier look around the rump.

Throw in wheel arch flares and an added section to the lower front bumper and it completes the visual package for a ute that sells from $63,090 drive-away with a manual gearbox or another $3000 with an auto.

Going head-to-head with the likes of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Toyota Hilux Rogue, the new hero slots between the GT and range-topping Thunder in the widened BT-50 lineup that includes a minor update that brings a button on the steering wheel to turn off the

MAZDA BT-50 SP AUTO PRICE From $66,990 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICING 5 yrs/unlimited km, $2484 for 5 yrs/75,000km

SAFETY 8 airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning with mild steering and lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring; speed sign recognition, rear cross traffic alert, driver attention monitor

ENGINE 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 140kW and 450Nm

THIRST 8.0L/100km

SPARE Full size

PAYLOAD/TOW CAPACITY 892kg/3500kg

occasionally overly-enthusiastic lane keep assist system.

The SP broadly matches the extensive equipment list of the BT-50 GT priced just below it – including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, heated front seats and smart key entry – but picks up a tub liner, roller tonneau and wheel arch flares as part of the visual step-up.

And while it doesn’t get the bullbar and driving lights of the Thunder, the added aggressions means Mazda is expecting big things of the SP, with forecasts it could make up almost one in 11 BT sales.

On the road, the BT-50 has the same muscular demeanour that’s helped the Isuzubased model to local sales records.

A gruff but effective 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel pulls strongly in the middle revs and matches neatly to the six-speed auto most splash out on. It’s hearty and honest and makes for easy progress.

Taut suspension can have the body bounding over bumpy roads, but it fends off big hits nicely, inherent strength clearly a core of the BT-50. Steering lacks the tactility of other Mazdas, but it’s easy and light.

Decent clearance and a part-time fourwheel drive system with a locking rear diff make for excellent off-road credentials.

For tradies with more of an eye on the budget, Mazda has expanded the BT-50 lineup at the lower end of the range with a new workfocused XS model.

Available as a single cab chassis or dual-cab pickup rear-drive or an all-wheel drive dual-cab pickup, the XS gets a downsized 1.9-litre engine.

With 110kW and 350Nm it lacks the outright enthusiasm of the 3.0 (140kW/450Nm) but partially masks it with shorter gearing for