2007 Mazda BT-50 Range
The BT-50 is the latest in a string of hard working utilities that have seen Mazda sell over 3 milion vehicles worldwide. The BT-50 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel (4x4 models, 2.5-litre turbo-diesel for 4x2 models) and is available in three body types - Single Cab, Freestyle Cab and Dual Cab. The 13-model range consists of 2.5-litre 4x2 diesel, three 3.0-litre 4x2 diesel, three 3.0-litre 4x4 diesels and eight 3.0-litre 4x4 diesels - including three 4x4 dual cab utes. The new 3.0-litre common rail, DOHC 16-valve diesel engine develops 115kW at 3200rpm (up 33kW) and 380Nm at 1800rpm (up 109Nm) on the superseded 2.5-litre diesel engine. The Single Cab body can comfortably seat two or three occupants, and provides a long 2400mm accessory alloy tray providing one of the largest load capacities in its class. At 1410kg the BT-50 Single Cab can haul an additional 30kg over the superseded B Series model. In two-wheel drive, the Single Cab Chassis is powered by a new MZR-CD 2.5-litre, common-rail, DOHC 16-valve diesel engine that is more refined and fuel efficient than the previous engine, while producing an additional 23 kilowatts of power (now 105kW at 3500rpm) and 59Nm more torque (now 330Nm at 1800rpm).
The 4x2 Single Cab Chassis consumes 8.3L/100km compared with 9.7L/100km (a 14.4 per cent improvement) for the equivalent B Series model according to ADR 81/01 fuel tests. Mated to a new five-speed manual gearbox it can accelerate from 0-100kmh in just 10.4 seconds. Towing capacity has also improved with the braked capacity increasing significantly from 1800kg to 2250kg. All other models in the range - 4x4 Single Cabs, Freestyle and Dual Cabs in both 4x2 and 4x4 specification - are powered by a new 3.0-litre common rail, DOHC 16-valve diesel engine. The use of a variable geometry turbo-charger and a large intercooler ensure spirited acceleration, while a Variable Swirl Control Valve (VSCV) combined with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system and a high-efficiency EGR cooler ensures both engines meet Euro Stage IV compliance. Maximum payload has improved over B Series from 1371kg to 1430kg and braked towing capacity has jumped from 1800kg to 2500kg. Fuel consumption for all 4x4s has improved with five-speed manual models consuming on average 9.2L/100km, down from 10.1L/100km for the B Series. Range-topping Dual Cab SDX 4x4 models are also offered with a five-speed automatic transmission.
The Dual Cab body provides roomy comfort for five occupants, with two in the front and three in the back, making it just right for family use or for moving small work teams between locations. Featuring the large door opening and easy access of Mazda's unique Freestyle Door System, the Freestyle Cab body accommodates two in the front and two in the back, with the back offering plenty of room for carrying precious belongings. The front doors and rear access panels open from the centre in a design that uses no centre pillar to create an unobstructed opening of 1,500mm. With sedan-like atmosphere, helped by impressively low NVH levels, the Mazda BT-50's sophisticated interior is enough to make occupants forget they are in a workhorse. With its subdued two-tone colour scheme employing grey as the keynote colour and with silver-finish accents highlighting details, the interior creates a modern, clean ambience that speaks of high quality. The new instrument panel design features individual highlights common to those used in Mazda passenger cars. Three large meters are each framed by a stylish silver ring that instils a look of greater luxury.
A modular audio unit fits cleanly within the centre stack, and is covered by a silver faced panel that ties well with the clean look of the cockpit. Both the single disc and six disc systems are MP3 compatible. A keyless entry system is standard on all models. Safety has also been seriously considered by Mazda in developing the new BT-50. ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution are available on all but the entry Single Cab chassis 4x2 model. Dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters are standard on all but the farmer focussed Single Cab 4x4 model. In this case the airbags are an option. An airbag compatible bullbar will be offered on all 4x4 models. Front seatbelt height adjusters are standard on all Dual Cab models. Two types of 4WD system are available -manual shift or electric shift - with each offering easy operation between 4x2 and 4x4 modes and go-anywhere performance. Automatic Dual Cab SDX models come with the electric shift 4WD system, which offers smooth "on-the-fly" shifting out of 2WD mode into either 4WD High or 4WD Low drive modes.
4x4 models employ a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) at the rear wheels, which automatically adjusts drive power to maintain traction, even when one wheel wants to spin loosely in the mud or on rough surfaces with large potholes. They are also fitted with a large underbody protector and mesh barrier guard to protect the intercooler. While carrying over the double wishbone front design and rear leaf springs proven tough and reliable on previous Mazda utilities, the system is refined to offer a smoother, more comfortable ride. The Mazda BT-50 inherits the unique overlapped, cross-braced design of Mazda's traditional rugged ladder frame, providing the tough durability to perform well fully laden off the road and under harsh conditions. Despite the larger size of the new body, the BT-50 achieves a low drag coefficient that improves fuel economy and acceleration when passing at highway speeds. No petrol variants are offered in the BT-50 range.
Pricing:
4x2 - 2.5L
Single Cab Chassis w/bench seat 5MT DX = $23,255
Single Cab Chassis w/bucket seat 5MT DX = $23,480
4x2 - 3.0L
Freestyle Cab Chassis 5MT DX+ = $30,850
Freestyle Cab Utility 5MT DX+ = $32,220
Dual Cab Utility 5MT DX = $33,020
4x4 - 3.0L
Single Cab Chassis w/bench seat 5MT DX = $31,975
Single Cab Chassis w/bucket seat 5MT DX = $32,200
Freestyle Cab Chassis 5MT DX+ = $36,980
Freestyle Cab Utility 5MT DX+ = $38,350
Freestyle Cab Utility 5MT SDX = $42,750
Dual Cab Utility 5MT DX = $39,150
Dual Cab Utility 5MT SDX = $43,550
Dual Cab Utility 5AT SDX = $45,550
