The second generation of the Mazda BT-50 pickup truck entered the assembly line in 2011 and almost immediately started selling it in dozens of countries in Asia and Africa, as well as in Australia (where it is most popular, although it is inferior in terms of sales to its platform counterpart - American "Ford Ranger T6).
By the way, according to the Japanese, the lower demand for the Mazda BT-50 (all other things being equal) was dictated by a not very successful design - which the automakers from Hiroshima had refreshed by 2015 (then there was still a hope that in a restyled form this pickup would return to the Russian market ... but - alas, no).
The design of the second generation Mazda BT-50 is indeed softer than the Ranger T6.
A pickup is a "workhorse" and "a car for men", and therefore a "weak" design here always negatively affects sales (especially in markets where there are more "brutal" competitors). So the desire of the Japanese to freshen up the exterior by 2015 was quite logical and timely ... just how effective? The updated look of the pickup is again based on the style of "KODO" (perfectly suited to Mazda passenger models, but not in harmony with the image of a massive pickup). In general, as a result of the modernization of the Mazda BT-50 2015, little has changed: a modified radiator grille, slightly more "daring" optics, different bumpers and a new design set for wheel disks.
The rest of the pickup remains the same: it is available with three cab options (single, one-and-a-half and two-row), and the dimensions of the car are the same: length - 5124 ~ 5373 mm, width - 1850 mm, height - 1821 mm, wheelbase - 3220 mm.
The pickup is capable of fording up to 600 mm deep (in the rear-wheel drive version) or up to 800 mm (in the all-wheel drive version). The ground clearance (clearance), regardless of the version, is 230 mm.
The interior of the Mazda BT-50 pickup truck, depending on the version of the cab, has a three- or five-seater version - with a rather cozy interior, distinguished by high-quality finishing with durable and not easily soiled materials, as well as a good level of ergonomics.
The Double Cab variant is also not bad in terms of the amount of free space, and a sufficient level of freedom is felt both in the front and in the back row of seats.
Add to this the high level of equipment - and we get one of the best interiors among mid-size pickups in the world markets (which, by the way, allows the installation of a multimedia entertainment complex "Mazda Connect").
Specifications
The main engines of the Mazda BT-50 pickup are two and both are diesel (from the Duratorq line):
- The younger power unit received 4 in-line cylinders with a total displacement of 2.2 liters (2198 cm³), a 16-valve DOHC timing belt, a direct fuel injection system, as well as a turbocharging with intercooled charge air and a variable geometry turbine. The engine fully complies with the requirements of the Euro-5 environmental standard, and its maximum net power is declared by the manufacturer at 147 hp, developed at 3700 rpm. The peak torque of the younger diesel engine is at around 375 Nm and is available in the range from 1500 to 2500 rpm.
This motor can be paired with a 6-speed "mechanics", and with a 6-range automatic transmission.
Regardless of the type of gearbox "junior diesel" in the combined cycle consumes approximately 8.0 ~ 9.0 liters of fuel. The manufacturer does not cover the dynamic characteristics of the pickup. - The older diesel engine, in turn, received a 5-cylinder in-line configuration with a displacement of 3.2 liters (3198 cm³), a 20-valve DOHC timing belt, direct fuel injection and turbocharging with intercooled turbocharging, and a variable geometry turbine. Like the younger engine, the flagship fully fits into the Euro-5 framework, and its upper power limit reaches 198 hp. at 3000 rpm. The maximum torque is reached at 1750 rpm and is kept up to 2500 rpm at the level of 470 Nm.
There are also two gearboxes for the flagship - a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-band "automatic". With regard to fuel consumption, the flagship requires from 8.4 to 9.2 liters in the combined cycle (depending on the type of drive and the version of the pickup cab).
We add that in some markets Mazda BT-50 is also available with a gasoline engine of the Duratec line, which has 4 in-line cylinders with a displacement of 2.5 liters, a 16-valve DOHC timing belt, distributed injection, a return of 166 hp. at 5500 rpm, as well as 226 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. A gasoline engine is aggregated, as a rule, with a 5-speed "mechanics".
As part of the 2015 modernization, all Mazda BT-50 engines received: new settings for the automatic transmission algorithms, new turbochargers, as well as a revised exhaust gas recirculation system - while their output remained the same, but the fuel appetite will noticeably decrease.
The second-generation Mazda BT-50 pickup, as already noted, is built on the Ford Ranger T6 pickup platform - it received a front independent suspension based on double wishbones, as well as a rear dependent suspension with longitudinal leaf springs.
The wheels of the front axle of the pickup received ventilated brakes with 2-piston reinforced calipers and brake discs with a diameter of 302 mm. On the rear wheels, the Japanese install simple drum brakes.
The Mazda BT-50 pickup truck can be produced with both rear and all-wheel drive (supplemented with a low gear). At the same time, we note that the RLD differential lock function is available only in some markets and then as an option. In return, the Japanese offer: TCS traction control system and DSC stability control system - available already in the initial configuration.
Options and prices
The basic equipment of the mid-size Japanese Mazda BT-50 pickup truck in most markets includes: 16-inch steel wheels, halogen optics, power steering, fabric interior, full power accessories, electric side mirrors, front and side airbags, ABS, EBD systems, EBA, hill start assist system, air conditioning, cruise control, on-board computer, adjustable steering column, standard CD-audio system with 4 speakers and USB support, central locking, immobilizer and full-fledged spare wheel.
The list of options for the Mazda BT-50 includes tubular footpegs, metal bumper protectors, 17-inch alloy wheels, 2-zone climate control and rear parking sensors.
As for the cost of a Mazda BT-50 pickup, for example in Australia it can be purchased at a price of ~ 26,000 US dollars (the second generation of this pickup is not officially sold in Russia).
