Mazda’s boldly styled BT-50 pick-up range has reached the South African market. Although the vehicle is targeted at the leisure market, the range includes a full line-up of double-cabs, single-cabs and Freestyle (extended cab) models, as well as four engine options, 4×4 and 4×2 drivetrains and manual and automatic transmissions. In total, there are 17 models.
Doreen Mashinini, marketing manager of Mazda South Africa, explains the new model’s positioning: “The BT-50 competes in the light commercial-vehicle segment of the market, which accounts for just over 20 per cent share of the industry. This is a highly competitive segment in which customers purchase not only for commercial but also for leisure use. Year-on-year, this segment has grown, with double-cab sales accounting for 40 per cent; this has been the trend for the last three years. We believe that the new BT-50 is best positioned to take advantage of the buyers in this segment who are looking for an active lifestyle vehicle.”
A bold new look
In a bid to differentiate its product from the myriad bakkie offerings in the market, Mazda decided to take a fresh approach towards styling. BT-50 doesn’t have the hallmark boxiness of its rivals, nor does it have a squared-off jaw.
The front-end is the most striking aspect of the BT-50’s overall appearance. With swept-back, leaf-shaped headlamps and a prominent five-point grille, it looks like no other bakkie that has come before. The visage is more reminiscent of an SUV rather than a light delivery vehicle.
More space inside and out
Three body types are available: the five-seater double cab, two-seater single cab and 2+2 Freestyle Cab; the latter has clamshell doors for access to the rear cabin. Each variant is larger inside and out than the outgoing model, creating more room for passengers and load-carrying capacity.
In keeping with the lifestyle theme of the BT-50, the facia treatment is car-like in execution. There are deep-set dials in the instrument cluster, a chunky steering wheel and soft-touch materials on contact surfaces. Depending on the model, occupants can be entertained by the MP3-compatible radio/CD player. The unit also has an aux-in port for portable music devices.
Ensuring comfort within the cabin is an air-conditioning system that is standard on most BT-50s. Dual-zone climate control can be found on higher spec models. Dial-type controls allow the driver and front passenger to individually select a desired temperature for each side of the cabin.
Drivetrain options
BT-50s are powered by a selection of new powerplants (shared with Ranger). The line-up consists of four-cylinder turbodiesel and petrol options. Two turbodiesel engines are available, measuring 2,2- and 3,2-litres; the latter is the only five-pot in the line-up and delivers 147 kW/470 N.m. The only petrol model in the line-up, a 2,5-litre unit, delivers 122 kW and 225 N.m of torque.
Creating further choice, the 2,2-litre unit is available in low- and high-power variants, with outputs of 88 kW/285 N.m and 110 kW/375 N.m, respectively. The primary difference between these engines is the fitment of a variable nozzle turbocharger on the high-power version, compared with a fixed-geometry unit on the low-power unit. Intercoolers are utilised across all the turbocharged models.
All turbodiesel-engined derivatives feature high-pressure (1 800 bar) common-rail injection via multi-stage piezo injectors. An exhaust gas-recirculation system has a high-efficiency cooler to further lower combustion temperature and suppress NOx emissions.
There is a range of transmissions on offer; either five- or six-speed manuals available across the four-cylinder engines. The 3,2-litre can also be specified with a six-speed automatic transmission. The self-shifter is an electronically controlled high-tech unit that features Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) and Sequential Shift Control (SSC). AAS optimises gearshift control in accordance with the driver’s style (learned over time) and driving conditions, while SSC offers normal and performance modes plus a manual mode that allows driver-controlled gear selection.
As with any lifestyle-oriented vehicle, the new BT-50 is available in 4×2 and 4×4 guises, giving owners the option to venture off the beaten path when the occasion arises. All 4×4 models feature shift-on-the-fly switching between 2WD and 4WD.
Under the skin
BT-50s are built on a tried-and-tested ladder-frame chassis. This body-on-frame arrangement necessitates a double-wishbone front suspension and solid rear axle suspended by leaf springs.
A speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system is mounted rigidly to provide more precision and direct feel to the driver.
Safety first
Advanced safety systems in the new BT-50 are similar to those found in passenger cars. Among these are ABS with EBA (standard across the range), traction control and dynamic stability control. A rigid passenger-safety cell is built from high-tensile steel with areas that are designed to crumple in the event of an accident. Passive safety includes front, side and curtain airbags. A deformable pedal box and shock-absorbing steering column protect the driver in the event of a frontal impact.
Further safety systems include:
Brake Override System (BOS) automatically overrides the accelerator if brake and accelerator pedals are pressed simultaneously.
Load Adaptive Control (LAC) senses the weight and position of cargo and controls the operation of 4W-ABS, TCS and DSC to maximize braking, traction and stability, and also reduces the risk of roll-overs.
Trailer Sway Assist (TSA) senses when a trailer begins to sway and varies the vehicle’s left- and right-wheel speeds in response.
Roll Stability Control (RSC) monitors vehicle behaviour and brakes individual wheels as necessary to prevent rollover.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) keeps brakes applied for up to two seconds after the brake pedal is released on upward inclines.
Hill Descent Control (4WD only) applies the brakes to keep the vehicle moving at a predetermined speed.
Warranty and maintenance
All models in the Mazda BT-50 range have 15 000km service intervals and are backed by a comprehensive four-year/120 000 km warranty. The MazdaMotion five-year/90 000 km service plan and a three-year unlimited roadside-assistance plan also come standard.
PRICES:
SINGLE CAB
Mazda BT-50 2,5 SL LR 5-spd manual 4×2 petrol: R190 330
Mazda BT-50 2,5 SL LR 5-spd manual 4×4 petrol: R228 070
Mazda BT-50 2,2 SL LR 5-spd manual 4×2 diesel: R200 330
Mazda BT-50 2,2 (High) SLX 6-spd 4×2 diesel: R266 020
Mazda BT-50 3,2 SLX 6-spd 4×2 diesel: R306 920
Mazda BT-50 3,2 SLX 6-spd 4×4 diesel: R354 200
FREESTYLE CAB
Mazda BT-50 2,2 SLX 5-spd manual 4×2 diesel: R231 950
Mazda BT-50 2,2 (High) SLX 6-spd 4×2 diesel: R286 420
Mazda BT-50 3,2 SLE 6-spd 4×2 diesel: R351 650
Mazda BT-50 3,2 SLE 6-spd AT 4×2 diesel: R362 970
Mazda BT-50 3,2 SLE 6-spd 4×4 diesel: R398 970
DOUBLE CAB
Mazda BT-50 2,2 (High) SLX 6-spd man 4×2 diesel: R340 480
Mazda BT-50 2,2 (High) SLE 6-spd man 4×2 diesel: R372 760
Mazda BT-50 3,2 SLE 6-spd man 4×2 diesel: R403 560
Mazda BT-50 3,2 SLE 6-spd auto 4×2 diesel: R414 890
Mazda BT-50 3,2 SLE 6-spd man 4×4 diesel: R450 890
Mazda BT-50 3,2 SLE 6-spd auto 4×4 diesel: R462 210
For full specifications, click on the documents tab above the top right-hand corner of the images.