MAZDA BT-50
3,0 TD 4x4 Individual AT
Long underpinned by Ford Ranger mechanicals, the new BT-50 breaks with tradition by adopting much of its foundations from the upcoming Isuzu D-max, a model that will soon be rolling off the Port Elizabeth assembly line.
It’s a move that could prove a mixed blessing for what’s perhaps been something of an undeserved sideliner locally. One of the major positives has to be the shedding of the previous model’s gawky styling – the result of trying to smooth sleek Mazda design over a bulky Ford frame – in favour of an altogether more appealing Kodo-inspired nose and functional anks akin to those of the D-max.
The wheelbase of the new Isuzu platform upon which the BT-50 is based is around 100 mm shorter than the outgoing model and this translates into a fairly compact rear passenger cell. thankfully, Mazda has injected some of the brand’s sportiness – evident in the moulded steering wheel, clean instrument binnacle and stitched roll panels on the facia – into the D-max’s bolt-upright architecture.
As with previous D-MAX/KB models, the underpinnings major in durability and rigidity, and this is re ected in more than a hint of D-max-esque bounciness to the Mazda’s ride over pockmarked road surfaces. It also, however, positions the centre point of the Mazda’s engine just behind the front axle in a “semi-midship” arrangement that conspires with direct steering to make the new bakkie feel nimble on the road.
Power is provided by an Isuzu-sourced 4JJC-TCX inline-four turbodiesel mated with a six-speed Aisin torque-converter ‘box. While it’s no doubt a well-established unit, it feels typically durable and doesn’t lack punch.
This range-topping Individual model is well equipped but at R794 400 it’s the second most expensive bakkie after VW’S Amarok, setting it squarely against the most accomplished rivals in this Shootout.
“PERHAPS I EXPECTED MORE REFINEMENT FOR THE PRICE BUT I STILL LOVE IT – ESPECIALLY ITS PERFORMANCE ON-ROAD – AND WOULD LIKE TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH IT.”