The Mazda BT-50 takes on from the Mazda B-series and is manufactured by the Japanese car maker Mazda Motor Corporation and assembled by many dealers across the globe. In other markets, the Mazda BT-50 has been marketed as the Ford Ranger. The BT-50 is derived from the Australian Ford Ranger and the first model of the BT-50 was sold in the year 2006.

The Mazda BT50 is offered in an option of 4 body styles that include the 2 door bakkie, 4-door bakkie and the 5-door variant, better known as the Ford Everest. The manual transmission is common on both the 2.5 L and 3.0 L models, with the 3.0 L model variant also embracing the 5 speed automatic gearbox transmission. The Mazda BT50 is available as either a single cab or double cab, with the single cab, 4x2 variant having the capacity to reach a top speed of 169km/hr, while the 4x4 single cab and double cab all reach a maximum speed of 158km/hr. The 2.5 L model variant records a top speed similar to the 4x2, 3.0L single cab, of 169km/hr.

Interior overview

The interior of the Mazda BT50 is graced by modern instrumentation that include the door handles, digital clock incorporated in radio, front hub control switch (RFW), large centre console with hinged armrest and interior room lamp.

Other interior features on the Mazda BT50 include the aircon, cup holder depressions in front side trim, power adjustable exterior mirrors, power windows, sliding rear window, radio single CD with MP3 and RDS on lower models whilst the radio , 6CD player with MP3 and RDS features are found on the higher grades. On service and warranty, the Mazda BT50 is offered with the 3 year Mazda Motion Roadside Assistance and a service interval of 10,00km.

Exterior overview

The exterior of the Mazda BT-50 is defined by the body color bumper and grille, front fog lamps - bumper integrated, halogen headlamps, body color door handles, Sportsbar which is silver painted.

The safety and security features on the double cab include the double wishbone independent suspension, while the rear suspension uses live axle. The braking system uses ventilated discs on the front and comes with an ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution. One of the greatest strengths of the double cab is the 207mm ground clearance.

Engine overview

Other key features include the 4x2 drive format, the warranty of 4 year/ 120,000km and also a service plan of 90,000km over five years. The Mazda BT50 double cab itself comes with seven engine variants that include the 2.5 TDi SLE, 2.6i SLE, 2.6i Safety Pack, 3.0 CRDi SLE, 3.0 CRDi SLE, 3.0 CRDi SLE and 3.0 CRDi SLE EDGE; all using a five speed manual transmission. The 2.6i SLE and the 2.6i Safety Pack use a petrol engine, while the rest use a diesel engine. Across the double cab, the maximum torque is 380 Nm at 1800 rpm, while power delivery is 115 kW at 3200 rpm.

The Mazda BT-50 range is better defined as consisting of four models, known as the Mazda BT-50 single cab, the Mazda BT Freestyle cab, the Mazda BT50 Double cab and the Double cab Edge. To date a 2.6 L engine has been added to the list of models of the Mazda BT50. Key feature to expect on the BT50 Free style model include the 3.0 L CRDi intercooled engine, together with a 4 cylinder, 16-valve turbo engine.

While not the fastest engine on the planet, the Mazda BT50 has proved to be a reliable urban vehicle that contends well off road. The BT50 has been adopted for its economic value and purposes by many business enterprises, both in terms of the price tag, repairs and maintenance and also fuel consumption. With the unique style consistent with Mazda models, the Mazda BT50 is the right choice when it comes to owning a value bakkie that delivers economic value and appeals very well on many fronts and platforms.