Mazda ute measures up to Aussie demands

Two years ago, with utes loading up record local sales to become presently the top selling vehicles on the market, Mazda Australia pushed for a mid-life makeover for its BT-50 light commercial vehicle.

The planets must have been aligned as the big bosses in Hiroshima said: ‘Go for it’. So, a small group of Mazda Australia executives travelled to the company’s studio in California to talk with designers and engineers about the project.

They then worked with Mazda in Japan and Queensland engineering company EGR to update the BT-50 styling and specification, exclusively for the Australian market. The result is a radical new front-end design, stronger look all round and an impressive list of standard equipment across the range, plus new accessories.

The new-look BT-50, with 23 variants in 4x2 and 4x4, comes in three body styles – Single Cab, Freestyle Cab and Dual Cab – in three model grades, XT, XTR and GT. There is a choice of two engines, a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel and a 3.2-litre 5-cylinder turbo-diesel, mated with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Both are tried and tested Mazda motors putting out 110 kW of power and 375 Nm of torque, and 147 kW and 470 Nm respectively. Towing capacity is 2.5 tonnes and 3.5 tonnes with a braked trailer.

So what’s new? The front bumper has literally carved a new life, being shaped from a single piece of polystyrene, the outer edges squared off to give the ute a lower visual stance on the road.

A wide stance is emphasised by the grille’s horizontal lines focusing on a prominent Mazda badge. On XTR and GT grades clever use of chrome grille fins, paired with a dark grey lower bumper insert, gives both a premium look without detracting from the robust workhorse nature. XT has satin black grille fins and black bumper insert.

Contrasting with this are strong, straight lines leading to new fog light surrounds and a big trapezoid lower air intake with skid plate, accented with mesh texture and a 3-D insert.

Front-end changes are complemented by equipment upgrades across the range, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a first for Mazda, power windows and mirrors and air-conditioning.

The flagship GT steps up in class with more convenience and design differences as standard. For example, added are a chrome Sports Bar with integrated high-mounted LED stop light, a heavy-duty tub liner to protect the tub and tailgate from scuffs and dents, tailgate central locking to secure gear in the tray and a single 12-volt power socket and light to illuminate the tub.

The biggest changes, however, are left to the base model XT with the addition of a rear-view camera and a 7-inch Alpine infotainment system, so busy drivers can tap in to the outside world.

Safety is paramount with features including ABS anti-skid braking with emergency assistance, electronic vehicle stability control, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control (on 4x4) and trailer sway control. Dual cabs have front driver and passenger airbags, side front and curtain (front and rear) airbags.

Pedestrian protection in an accident is provided by a honeycomb structure in the bonnet dispersing forces in any contact with the head, while urethane foam behind the front face of the front bumper is designed to minimise knee injuries.

Heeding customer demand for a utility that is tough, strong and versatile, and looks the part the BT-50 was designed especially for the Australian market, developed here and is exclusive to this country, things that were put to the test on the media launch in the Gawler Ranges of South Australia.

A selection of XTR and GT 4x4 models, all with empty tubs, were put on bitumen, pot-holed dirt (wet and dry), gravel and in soft sand over an extensive drive.

Uneven bitumen surfaces had the vehicles riding not quite up to passenger SUV standard but with positive steering feedback from the road. Gravel travel had the advantage of high 4x4 mode, while the vehicles fairly powered through soft sand with disdain for the wheel-sapping energy.

Cabin comfort for driver and passengers is up with the best in class, rear leg room especially generous. The range-topping GT seating is clad in perforated leather, while the XTR gets sport cloth and XT standard material.

If you would like to find out more about the Mazda BT-50, contact Spencer Motors on 9721 2477 or visit the dealership at 106 Blair Street, Bunbury.