- Powerful and economical 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines
- Manual transmission works well
- Good interior storage
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Vague steering
- Large turning circle for 4×4 models
Review: Mazda J97M.I BT-50 utility (2006-08)
Overview
Released in November 2006, the Mazda J97M Series I (J97M.I) BT-50 utility was available in Freestyle and dual cab body types, the former having rear-hinged doors that meant a B-pillar was not required. The BT-50 was powered by either 2.5- or 3.0-litre common-rail, turbo-diesel engines with variable geometry turbochargers. Initially, a five-speed manual transmission was standard across the range, with an automatic transmission restricted to the SDX variant.
The four-wheel drive models had remote free wheel hub lock mechanisms and a manual 4WD transfer case shift lever that enabled the driver to select from 2WD (2H), 4WD High (4H), 4WD Low (4L) and neutral (N) drive modes. Furthermore, all four-wheel drive models were fitted with a limited slip differential, an underbody protector and mesh barrier guard to protect the intercooler.
The J97M BT-50 had an overlapped, cross-braced ladder-frame chassis, with double wishbone front suspension and leaf-spring rear suspension. Compared to its Bravo predecessor, the BT-50 had larger shock absorbers, longer leaf springs, increased carrying capacity, an improved steering system and braking response.
| Cab | Variant | Drive | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestyle (extended) cab | DX+ | RWD, 4WD |
3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | 115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| SDX | 4WD | |||||
| Dual cab | DX | RWD | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | 115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| 4WD | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | ||||
| SDX | 4WD | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mazda J97M.I BT-50 utility included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. An airbag-compatible bull-bar was also offered on four-wheel drive models. The SDX variants were further equipped with ABS and electronic brake force distribution.
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing , a 2008 Mazda BT50 4WD dual cab utility received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 22.46. In the offset crash test, the integrity of the passenger compartment was compromised; protection from serious leg injury was poor for the driver, while chest and upper leg protection was marginal for the driver. A default score was awarded in the side impact test.
Features
Standard features for the BT-50 DX included a two speaker radio with CD player and MP3-compatibility, remote central locking, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet, tinted windows and an immobiliser.
The BT-50 DX+ was further equipped with a four speaker sound system, power mirrors and power windows.
Beyond this, the range-topping BT-50 SDX was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels, six speaker sound system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and front fog lights.
Specifications
Review: Mazda J97M.II BT-50 utility (2008-09)
Overview
Released in September 2008, the J97M Series II (J97M.II) BT-50 introduced an expanded range as the five-speed automatic transmission was more widely available. Visually, the J97M.II BT-50 could be identified by its five-point grille, new headlights (with a more prominent chrome bezel), tail-lights and door mirrors with integrated indicators. Inside, there were new cloth trims, audio and ventilation controls and red backlighting instead of green for the instrument cluster.
| Cab | Variant | Drive | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestyle (extended) cab | DX+ | RWD, 4WD |
3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | 115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| SDX | 4WD | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
|||
| Dual cab | DX | RWD, 4WD |
3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| SDX | 4WD | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
Features
Compared to its J97M.I predecessor, standard features for the M1-II BT-50 were extended to include air conditioning and an auxiliary sound system input.
Related links
- Press Kit: Mazda J97M.II BT-50 (September 2008)
- Specifications: Mazda J97M.II BT-50 (September 2008)
Review: Mazda J97M.III BT-50 utility (2009-11)
Overview
Released in September 2009, the J97M Series III (J97M.III) BT-50 utility was equipped with a new ‘Boss’ pack as standard, consisting of an aluminium tray, ladder rack, tool box and water tank. For four-wheel drive models, the Boss pack also included a bull-bar.
| Cab | Variant | Drive | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestyle (extended) cab | DX+ | RWD, 4WD |
3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | 115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| SDX | RWD, 4WD |
3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | 115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm | |
| Dual cab | DX | RWD, 4WD |
3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| SDX | 4WD | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
115 kW at 3200 rpm | 380 Nm at 1800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its J97M.II predecessor, standard equipment for the J97M.III BT-50 utility was extended to include ABS and electronic brake force distribution. Furthermore, the SDX variants were fitted with side airbags.
Features
Standard features for the BT-50 DX variants were extended to include power windows and mirrors. Furthermore, all Freestyle and dual cab models were fitted with alloy wheels, while SDX variants received a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob.
Related links
