This story starts off well, gets hot in the middle, and ends sadly. But not being a ‘disrupter’, I hope you’ll follow me all the way to see if and why Mazda BT-50 SP is a let down, or not.
Do not hold back anything; on paper, and if you follow any of the Isuzu hype around their present D-MaxBT-50 will stand still Toyota Hilux And Ford Ranger – but it is not – and it is not distributed in some regions.
But just in case you missed the memo, yes, the new Mazda BT-50 is nothing more than a rebranded and re-wrapped Isuzu D-Max, jammed (or should we say crammed? ) with every promise the flashy D-Max marketing team made, but maybe the engineering team didn’t think it through.
Now that may sound a bit harsh, and it probably is, but what we’re talking about is a set of electronic safety features that are set to impress and take the D-Max out. and BT-50 to new heights.
Like many car enthusiasts and eager journalists, most auto enthusiasts were initially impressed with the hype surrounding the new Isuzu D-Max, and for good reason; it has delivered a series of upgrades and enhancements that herald the illusion of ‘listening to their customers’ and go beyond providing top-notch electronic safety features.
The news that the new BT-50 will be based on the same platform as the D-Max also got us car lovers excited, maybe a bit surprised, just like the Ford Ranger (BT co-platform) -50 ago) has continued to grow stronger, however the improvements to the D-Max are substantial and enough to make many people feel positive about the new BT-50 and its future.
But before we give too much away, let’s go back to our review and take a look at the good, bad and average Mazda BT-50 as well as the exceptional value (or lack of value) that this version offers. SP version brings.
The current version of the BT-50 was launched in 2020, and the SP version came out as part of the most recent update.
From the outside, changes include gray and black accents along the bodywork that slightly improve its appearance, along with a wing atop the tub that aligns with the roofline. While there’s nothing really wrong with the look of the original car, the aesthetic enhancements increase its presence.
Inside, however, the changes are highly effective, with a two-tone leather interior that combines with the window sills and dashboard to form and surround the cockpit-like seating area, which is both warm and cozy. pressure, protection and a sense of confidence. It really hugs, nestles and protects you without feeling stuffy or cramped.
The dashboard is modern and stylish without being overdone, and the only two things that let me down might be that the tan doesn’t match the darker skin tone and the steering wheel’s finish feels light, unappealing. lead and want to be more beautiful. term, cheap.
But beyond those two categories, I rate the interior as one of the best in terms of design, layout, appearance, style and overall comfort – both physically and mentally. Yes, it makes you feel warm, fuzzy, safe and protected.
Large side mirrors provide a clear view, wind and road noises are noticeably quieter than in other 4x4s, the instrument cluster displays are clear and pleasant (although the touchscreen may be the case). wide app) and the display between the two watch faces is easy to read and informative.
It is divided into two halves; with the upper half continuously illuminated with information and graphics, and the lower half dedicated to warning, engine and other status lights.
In general, the handling on the road is good, the suspension is soft, suitable and pleasant, the layout and operation of the car is intuitive.
Driving on the street is comfortable and stress-free, and just as those are compared with some of the other vehicles we’ve tested, that’s the end of the road positives.
The steering wheel is a bit heavy at times, the bonnet vibrates like a flimsy tinplate, the accelerator pedal slurs and reacts very poorly until half-press, the transmission rattles a bit during some of the changes and At speed, the steering wheel becomes heavy. vague and scary – we’ll come back to this.
However, the car got us where we needed to go, overall it’s the intended use of most vehicles but not quite in the inspiring way any enthusiast would expect. .
topographic
This is where the BT-50 really shines for me and is generally better than many in its class.
It’s not to the point of outperforming its rivals in off-road conditions, but rather it’s easy to work with, does what’s required, and offers a sense of confidence, control, and appropriate comfort. reason to do so.
The 4×4 selector is easy to access, the operation of both 4-High and 4-Low is quick and easy, and the lights on the driver cluster clearly indicate which mode the vehicle is in.
The powertrain is smooth and precise, the suspension is supple and comfortable, the steering is firm and precise – this once again stands out and contrasts with what we’ve experienced while driving. on the road).
The gearshifts are well controlled and offer intuitive proportions, and overall the car feels secure and stable no matter what angle we put it at.
As a basic 4×4 car, the BT-50 has my ardent support, and that really comes down to the softer suspension, low-range gearshift box and locking rear differential.
Plus, as we’ll see later, that performance can easily be improved with a small investment in the right 4×4 accessories.
With standard suspension (the best it can be), the BT-50, like most 4×4 IFSs, quickly runs out of wheel travel, which greatly limits its off-road capabilities.
But its rear selectable locking differential is an economical plus, and along with the aforementioned dual-ratio shifter, these are the main reasons the BT-50 performs so well on the off-road. image.
What’s under the bonnet?
Provided by a straight 3.0 liter four-cylinder diesel enginedrive from BT-50 is anything But inspiration.
It’s slow and underpowered, at least for me. The six-speed automatic is, at times, a little agricultural, well-equipped, and sometimes preferred over the eight- and 10-speed transmissions of some competitors that frequently shift gears and seek the optimal gear.
With 140kW power and 450Nm in terms of torque, the BT-50 has enough info on paper but doesn’t deliver under the pedal, which proves either that the gear ratio feels adequate; one, the ECU is heavily deviated; or two, the throttle is over-calibrated.
You might ask why either of these happens, and the answer is simple; In search of optimal fuel economy, better emissions and reduced risk of damage to the transmission, manufacturers have instituted internal electronics, tuning and controls. ECU and throttle to limit performance for the best possible emissions and economy.
The BT-50 SP suffers greatly from this but as you will read below, the answer is inexpensive and easy.
mod ability
Like most competitors in its segment, and considering this new BT-50 (apart from the recent SP) has been around for several years, there’s no shortage of quality equipment and accessories to radically improve. take this slow ute and turn it into a much better performance ride on road and terrain.
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BT-50 thunder
Most notably, the throttle controller should be the first item on any BT-50 owner’s shopping list. A device like the EVC or EVCX from Ultimate 9 will give the driver a variety of settings to improve drivability.
These throttle controls are not a gimmick and are essentially remapping the signal sent from the accelerator pedal to the ECU for better acceleration response and minimal response lag. For a few hundred dollars, they are some of the most remarkable and effective accessories you can buy.
From there the sky is the limit; with ECU chip assist, total ECU remapping, engine tuning, aftermarket exhaust and intercooler – and soon there will be modular diesel engine upgrades based on replacement injectors High performance in the market.
The standard suspension is surprisingly good, but a quality shock absorber like the Old Man Emu will bring significant improvements to the car’s ride quality, handling and off-road performance. shape and topography.
Other accessories that will provide enhancements across the board depending on your preferences and needs include tires, support bars, roof racks, roof covers and more.
CarExpert tests Mazda BT-50 SP
What really nailed the BT-50’s coffin for me was the drive back from the bushes.
I have witnessed first-hand how invasive, over-reactive and dangerous some electronic safety features can be.
Actively shift the vehicle back into its lane, apply the brake when it senses a threat ahead, siren loudly, limit your speed when attempting to overtake, and flash lights to highlight dangers can happen at the same time drawing your attention away from traffic, roads, and your surroundings.
OK, you can turn them off to some extent, but the ability to do so is hidden deep in the menu system and not easily found. The problem remains that these safety features are not well calibrated, oversensitive and overreacted.
But I still have a weak point for the Mazda BT-50; it’s a good ute with a lot to offer despite its shortcomings. It sits in a mediocre position with features and styling that some will hate and others will love, at a price point that raises the same emotion.
Be frank; it is a good base medium and if it meets some of your requirements then it is worth looking into. But if you are expecting any’Zoom Zoom‘ excited, forget it.
However, for me, poorly calibrated but heavily advertised electronic safety features can be dangerous on the road, which is the opposite of what they are trying to achieve.
If you’re after a ranch ute that’s not suspenseful but moderately capable, the BT-50 could very well be the right fit. In other words, if you’re the type of driver who dozes off while driving, the safety features will keep you awake and in your lane.
Conversely, if you’re a geek, attuned to the longevity of your vehicle, and you’re skilled, these safety features will give you a heart attack, go crazy, or possibly cost you your life.
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THAN: Everything Mazda BT-50
