Review: Mazda J97M BT-50 utility (2006-11)

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• Powerful and economical 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines
• Manual transmission works well
• Good interior storage

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• Suspension lacks compliance
• Vague steering
• Large turning circle for 4×4 models

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Review: Mazda J97M.I BT-50 utility (2006-08)

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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. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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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

• Specifications: Mazda J97M.I BT-50 (November 2006)

Review: Mazda J97M.II BT-50 utility (2008-09)

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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. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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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. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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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

• Wikipedia.org: Mazda J97M BT-50