Mazda BT-50 2015 Review

More evolution than revolution, Mazda’s subtle mid-life facelift of its BT-50 one-tonne ute sees a more serious ‘masculine’ face replace the old ‘smiley’ grille, along with interior upgrades including a reversing camera and new 7.8-inch touch-screen now standard on up-spec variants. Other minor updates on the mechanically unchanged ute help keep pricing competitive, despite minor increases across the range.

After four years that have seen a sales rate around half that of its twin-under-the-skin Ford Ranger, Mazda has moved away from the polarising ‘smiley’ grille and sweeping headlight design introduced on its BT-50 one-tonne ute in 2011.

As well as adopting the more pleasing ‘big mouth’ Kodo design language of its passenger car range, the less flamboyant headlight, tail-light and grille treatment delivers a more ‘macho’ look designed to appeal more to rugged tradie types.
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Combined with new chrome side steps and two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels on the mid-spec XTR 4x4 dual-cab BT-50 we drove at the local launch of the facelifted ute, the exterior changes deliver a more conservative look more in line with the ‘blokey’ US pick-up styling of some of its more popular ute rivals.

Inside, the biggest change in the XTR-spec BT-50 (and top-spec GT) is a more user-friendly, 7.8-inch touch-screen that dominates the new centre stack infotainment display.

Incorporating voice control and USB and Bluetooth connectivity, it’s a big step up from the old, non-touch-screen display, which sat in a small cavity and was difficult to read.

The new set-up is also cleaner with less confusing buttons, although the touch-screen interface is a tad busy and the matte screen difficult to read in direct sunlight.

Also slightly disappointing is the tiny display for the now-standard reversing camera – aftermarket-style in one half of the rear-view mirror, rather than on the main display. Acoustic parking sensors also remain an option on higher grades.

Unlike the Ranger, there are no steering wheel controls for the trip computer. And the now empty slot in the dash, which can easily hold a phone or iPod, would be a better spot for the AUX/USB sockets than in the glovebox.

The latest BT-50 also falls behind some rivals in technology and safety, with the mechanically identical Ranger now offering active driving aids including lane keep assist and emergency brake assist, along with more fuel-efficient electric steering, while the Nissan Navara boasts an SUV-like coil-spring rear end. ??

However, the five-star ANCAP-rated BT-50 still offers a long list of safety features including six airbags, dynamic stability control and trailer sway assist, as well as an impressive range of factory accessories including a segment-first Redarc electric brake controller.

With new standard items like auto headlights, it’s also arguably better value for money, despite an $810 price increase on the XTR 4x4 dual-cab which also comes with an auto up/down driver’s window, dual-zone climate-control, chromed rear step, side mirrors and door-handles, halogen fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, floor carpet, sport cloth trim, leather steering wheel and gear knob, 7.8-inch touch-screen display with sat-nav and six-speaker audio system and a reversing camera.

While mechanically unchanged the BT-50's performance, at least with the 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine and six-speed auto, remains close to best in class, with a gutsy yet refined turbo-diesel engine and relatively quiet and comfortable cabin more than a match for most of its competitors.

Driven back-to-back with the latest Ranger, it’s apparent the BT-50’s sportier suspension tune endows it with sharper cornering ability, including less body roll. The downside of more car-like control is a firmer, more fidgety ride on less than perfect tarmac.

Offering the same 147kW/470Nm as the Ranger, the Mazda’s 3.2-litre engine remains impressive in a range of conditions, delivering a meaty surge of pulling power from 1750-2500rpm for swift acceleration when required, while rarely having to hit the high revs or get raucous or rough.

The six-speed auto is a smooth, quick-thinking unit, with revs dropping below 2000rpm in top gear on the freeway for relaxed cruising.

Mazda says revisions to the six-speed manual transmission results in a cleaner shift from first to second gear, and a brief drive of an entry level, single cab XT cab chassis BT-50 highlighted a relatively short but stout shift action that's comparable with rivals.

On the open road the two-tonne (unladen) XTR 4x4 ute flows through the corners and eats up the kilometres like few other dual-cab utes, aided by nicely tuned rack-and-pinion hydraulic steering, responsive disc/drum brakes and a decent driving position (despite the lack of reach adjustment for the steering wheel).

There’s enough room to fit four, or five at a squeeze, large adults in the roomy, practical cabin.

Other than a new lockable tailgate, the rear tub on dual-cab variants persists with just six tie-down hooks and an impressive 1214-litre capacity.

In 4x4 guise, the BT-50 remains a formidable off-roader, with switchable, dual-range gearing, 237mm of ground clearance, an 800mm wading depth, hill descent control and an electronic locking rear differential. Towing is another strong point, with a 3500kg maximum backed up by a trailer sway control.

Driven mostly out of town and on the freeway, the trip computer displayed average fuel economy not far off the official 9.2L/100km ‘combined’ figure quoted for 4x4 models.

Also unchanged is the BT-50’s short two-year warranty with unlimited kilometres (or alternative three year/100,000 warranty) and capped-priced servicing with 12-month/10,000km intervals.

Unlike some of its rivals this mid-life makeover hasn’t raised the ‘bar’ higher, in what is an increasingly competitive 4x4 ute segment.

Instead, the changes are all about pulling more tradies and outdoorsy types into Mazda dealerships and enticing them with good value and a few more of the upmarket features they've come to expect.

2015 Mazda BT-50 pricing and specifications:
Price: $25,570-$53,790 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel; 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 110kW/375Nm (2.2); 147kW/470Nm (3.2)
Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.6-9.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 203-256g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

What we liked:
>> Grunty 3.2-litre engine
>> On-road manners
>> More luxury in higher grades

Not so much:
>> Firm ‘sporty’ ride
>> Tiny reversing camera screen
>> No steering wheel reach adjustment

Also consider:
>> Ford Ranger (from $27,390 to $60,090 plus ORCs)
>> Nissan Navara (from $26,490 to $54,490 plus ORCs)
>> Mitsubishi Triton  (from $24,490 to $47,490 plus ORCs)

GT model shown for illustrative purposes