Mazda BT-50

Overview:

The Japanese automaker Mazda has been famous for catering the perfect blend of affordability with thrilling performance to its consumers which are two eminently desirable traits that does not come with another brand. Toyo Cork Kogyo company was basically started in 1920 and used the name “Mazda” which refers to Zoroastrian god of good and light for its first three wheeled truck. From 1979 to 2010, Mazda shared the partnership with Ford Motor Company which acquired 7% stake in 1996 and 33.3 % in 1996. In 2006, Mazda started manufacturing its compact/mid-size pickup truck BT-50 which came up as the larger version of predecessor B-series pickup. The First generation BT-50 was also sold with the name of Ford Ranger and Ford Everest. The Mazda BT-50 shared the same engine with Ford Ranger. The current generation BT-50 is available in two wheel drive and four wheel drive option across its five model variants : UC7N, UC7M, UG2P, UG2N, UC5R. BT-50 offers the choice of 2.2 liter MZ-CD 2.2 and 2.5 liter MZ-DE 2.5 Turbo engine. The 2.2 liters makes use of Common Rail Direct Injection to squeeze out more muscle from less fuel and generates the power output of 147 hp with the max. torque of 375 Nm at 1500-2500 rpm while 2.5 liter engine makes use of mechanical fuel supply system and produces the power out put of 108 hp with the peak torque of 268 Nm at 2000 rpm. All engines are mated with the six-speed or five-speed manual transmission except its UC7N model which makes use of 6 speed automatic transmission. The desired strength and stability is innate in it with sleek and athletic looks. With the powerful engine technology the designing and styling does not comes out less comparatively. Although the design looks a little outdated but still its front fascia with halogen headlamps and side profile with chrome door handles and power door mirrors looks attractive. The interior comfort is at the desired level while the ample of safety mechanisms makes the all round security inside this true Off-Roader.

Mileage and Fuel economy

The newly developed common rail diesel engine and improved steering performance renders outstanding driving agility with better fuel economy and low consumption. The BT-50 is world's first pickup to adopt a VGT design which secures both sides of nozzle for improved durability. The clearance control pins maintain the right amount of side clearance which are required by nozzle to move, maintaining high level of flow efficiency. The 2.2 liter engine give ample amount of power while running 13.15 km to a litre of fuel.

Power:

Available in its two wheel and four wheel drive segments, BT-50 comes with the option of 2.2 liter and 2.5 liter diesel engine which are mated with five or six speed manual transmission. The new generation turbo diesel engine uses advance common rail direct injection to give more power from less fuel while variable geometry turbocharger maintains the better performance. Boosted by VGT technology the 2.2 liter engine makes the power output of 147 hp with max. torque of 375 Nm at 1500-2500 rpm while 2.5 liter generates 108 hp of power with maximum torque of 268 Nm at 2000 rpm.

Acceleration & Pickup:

The tough six speed manual transmission puts the full control while six speed automatic transmission does all the work with letting you make slick shifts. The diesel engine gets the top speed of 152 kmph while gets the acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph within 12.3 secs.

Exterior:

BT-50 has all the strength and features that are desirable for a leading pick-up. The ladder frame chassis is capable of taking the toughest jobs. The heavy appearing Mazda makes its front fascia with the attractively styled grille and halogen headlamps with front fog lamps. The low bonnet and sloping bumper makes a scant space for air intakes where BT-50 logo is located conveniently. The crease line over the bonnet makes the feel of undulating watery waves. The side profile is characterized with the decent styling door handles with black frame panel for door windows and dual colour chrome touch exterior mirrors and chrome touch door handles. The extruded aluminum step rails at the side gives the impressive appearance with showing ease of egress and ingress. The tail-lamps and chrome rear step bumper suits with its tough personality with black mud flaps. The top floor sports the shark fin antenna while stop lamps play the role of safety system. Further front intermittent wiper makes the the clear vision on road and auto dimming rear view mirror with automatic headlamps are also available. The deeply reassuring high tensile steel gives the exceptional strength to BT-50 while reinforced ladder frame chassis makes it highly capable for tough roads. The taller, wider and longer appearance offers the unparalleled level of loading capacity.

Exterior Measurements:

The newer BT-50 makes bigger appearance compared to earlier models, which makes the extra loading space inside. The well proportioned body structure renders better stability for uneven surfaces. The overall dimension lies at 5169-5373 x 1807-1850 x 1733-1821 mm with wheelbase of 3220 mm whereas the ground clearance varies between 201-237 mm depending on the variant you go for.

Interior:

The all new Mazda BT-50 offers the kind of comfort that is rare in this class. The cabin is created with the sense of sophistication and surrounds you with the latest technical features. The Vinyl floor covering and carpet floors makes the finishing look while the leather interior shows the attractive look inside. The multifunctional steering wheel allows to control the various controls. The increased dimensions boasts of the large loading capacity and ample of space inside for driver and front passenger. The ample legroom makes the ease of driving and ergonomically located steering wheel makes the better steering capabilities. The 4 way adjustable driver seat and 2 way adjustable passenger seat with reclining mechanism makes it convenient to the long tours. Further the driver side sunvisor with ticket holders, side out tray and floor console with bin transform it into more better featured vehicle which is typically not found in its class.

Interior Comfort:

The interior styling of BT-50 makes you feel like Mid size sedan with its advance technologies. The front dashboard is equipped with the automatic dual zone air conditioning system which regulates the cabin's temperature. The fabric seats are quite comfortable and also featured with MID display at the front of steering wheel. The plenty of head room and elbow room is provided to make a comfort ride. Although BT-50 does not posses the hyper attractive advance infotainment system, but still the combination of standard technology makes use easy. The dual cab model can give space for 5 adults. The handy storage space all around includes a split level storage box min center console whereas the glove box is able to accommodate a 16 inch laptop. easily.

Interior Measurements:

BT-50 allows to load more cargo and makes the biggest space for luggage. The free style cab gives the 1549 mm long cargo space area with having width of 1560 mm which stands at an incline of 513 mm.

Engine and Performance:

The much capable and powerful Mazda BT-50 engine gives the strength and ability to prove in the toughest condition. The superb on-road and confident off-road performance is boosted with the impressive technologies available in two or four wheel drive models. Across five model variants, the choice of 2.2 or 2.5 liter diesel engine makes for optimum performance. The 2.2 liter engine generates the power of 147 hp with peak torque of 375 Nm at 1500-2500 rpm. The 2.5 liter turbo engine generates the power of 108 hp with the peak torque of 268 Nm at 1500-2500 rpm.With making the perfect use of advance common rail direct injection to give more power in less fuel consumption where with 2.2 liter engine, BT-50 makes the fuel economy of 13.15 kmpl.

Stereo and Accessories:

The sporty interior opens up to stretched comfort level. The front dashboard houses 5 inch colour LCD screen for satellite navigation system. The bluetooth connectivity system lets you connect your smart phone and receive calls. The 2 DIN stereo system offers full entertainment to enjoy ride.

Wheels:

The range of 15-17 inch tyres comes across all its model variant. The robust appearance suits with the aluminum alloy wheels and steel wheels. The 17 inch wheel comes with 265/65R17 tyre size while 16 inch wheels cones with 255/70R16 tyre size. The 15 inch steel wheels gets the 235/75R15 tyre size.

Braking and Handling:

Along with powerful driving capabilities and stability over uneven roads. The powerful brake are desirable to maintain the good control over vehicle. The front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes makes the full control. Further four wheel ABS with EBD technologies makes the efficient braking with dissipating the power to all wheel and preventing wheel lock condition.

Safety and Security:

The optimum safety is ensured with the various safety measures deployed in BT-50. Along with the advanced EBD and ABS technology the 3 point seat belt technology makes driver safe a from sudden collision. The door impact bars makes the protection from side collision. The dynamic stability control mechanism gives stability while rear parking sensor system tries to prevent from minor crashes in tight parking situation. Further the optimum security is offered with the front and driver side airbags and curtain airbags.

Pros

True off-road capability
Attractive styling
Low fuel consumption

Cons

Rear seats for dual cab lacks the comfort
Bit outdated design comparatively
Lacks a powerful Engine unit