Tradie tackle transporter; domestic trash tip tripper; camping holiday gear hauler;
Birdsville Track trouper on the way to the races, the Mazda BT-50 Dual Cab ute is fit for
purpose for all of the above. Introduced to Australia two decades ago, it’s had plenty of
practice.
A true Mazda staple, rooted in the Isuzu D-Max, the versatile Dual Cab has taken a
power lift with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine in place of the 1.9-litre diesel
unit – that’s 120kW as opposed to 110kW. An eight-speed automatic transmission
completes the package.
The 3-ltre diesel retains its spot at the top of the shopping list with 140kW and 450Nm.
In XS trim level, a front-wheel drive starts the ball rolling at $47,210, plus on-road costs.
The 4×4 version hits $56,320, while the standard tray 4×4 clocks out at $56,642.
Like all Mazdas, the BT-50 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty,
backed up by five years of roadside assist.
STYLING
The Mazda BT-50 turns out to be something of a character, ploughing its own track as
one of the better-looking workhorses around while avoiding the muscle-bound bodies of
the American truck mob.
However, following the trend of many rivals, dominating the radiator grille is a massive
Mazda badge, surrounded by new head and fog lamps. Changes continue through to
the rear, where a new tailgate, tail-lights, and sailplane reside. Three new wheel designs
are available across two different wheel sizes.
INTERIOR
Climbing into the cabin is a step or two back in time, with ignition key engine start/stop
and conventional T-bar shift, and parking brake. Analogue instruments add to a
forgotten ambience. Even with the smaller screen, they’re still as clear to work with, as
are the physical switches.
Thoughtful features include USB charging ports (two in the front, one in the rear seat)
and there are centrally placed air-vents for the rear seat and under-seat storage, two
gloveboxes and a 60/40 split fold rear bench.
A tub liner and tie-down points front and at the rear brings us back to the present day,
while the tailgate is damped for loading safety and convenience.
INFOTAINMENT
An upgraded infotainment system on the higher BT-50 grades is a 9-inch unit compared
to the 8-inch here unit in base XS and XT. Regardless of display, wireless Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto are also new.
The instrument cluster incorporates a 7-inch display flanked by analogue gauges,
Digital displays, like the speedometer, are represented as traditional dials. Climate
controls span the width of the interface for ease of operation.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The new 2.2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine produces 120kW and 400Nm, up from
110kW and 350Nm in the retired 1.9-litre unit. Mated with an eight-speed automatic
transmission and all-wheel drive fuel consumption of 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the
urban/highway cycle is claimed by the maker. The tester topped nine litres per 100
kilometres.
SAFETY
All models incorporate an expansive list of safety features, including autonomous
emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring
and trailer sway control, the last making its 3500kg braked towing capacity ideal for
trade or recreational use.
DRIVING
The 2.2-litre engine provided adequate, if noisy, accompaniment around town but soon
became out of breath at overtaking speeds. The stop/start engine system was slow to
start up and connect with the tranny. Pity, up and running there was little to complain
about with the new powertrain.
Bounding along the motorway, the concrete surface made for a ragged ride. I blame the
tyres. Varying loads of household rubbish and garden waste had the ute rear settling
nicely.
SUMMARY
All things to all (ute) men, and women, pretty much sums up the MY26 Mazda BT-50
XS Dual Cab pick-up. Even at a premium price there’s plenty of new kit there for the
money.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 6
Safety – 7
Thirst – 6
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 5
Value – 6
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Mazda BT-50 XS Dual Cab 2.2L turbodiesel 4×2 $47,210
Mazda BT-50 XS Dual Cab 2.2L turbodiesel 4×4 $56,320
Mazda BT-50 XS Dual Cab 2.2L turbodiesel Standard Tray 4×4 $56,642
Note: this price does not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Mazda dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Mazda BT-50 Dual Cab XS 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbodiesel, 8sp auto, 4×4,
SUV)
ENGINE
Capacity: 2164cc
Configuration: four cylinders inline
Maximum power 120kW
Maximum torque: 400Nm
Fuel type: Diesel
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 7.1 L/100km
DRIVELINE: eight-speed automatic, 4×4
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 5280mm
Width: 1870mm
Height: 1800mm
Wheelbase: 3125mm:
Turning circle: 12.5m
Kerb weight: 1852kg
Fuel tank: 76L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Drum
STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres
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