Review: Mazda Mk.2 BT-50 cab chassis (2011-20)

Review: Mazda UP BT-50 cab chassis (2011-15)

Overview

Released in October 2011, the Mazda UP BT-50 was initially available as a Freestyle Cab or Dual Cab, with Single Cabs following in 2012. The Freestyle and Dual Cab models were powered by a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The Mazda BT-50 was available with rear- or four-wheel drive; the latter included high and low ranges which – like the electronic rear differential lock – could be engaged ‘on the fly’ via a button on the centre console. The BT-50’s front suspension consisted of double wishbones and coil springs, with a live rear axle and leaf springs at the rear.

Compared to the Mazda J97M BT-50 cab chassis , the UP BT-50 cab chassis was significantly bigger yet its frame was 2.1 times more torsionally rigid, enabling higher towing capacities (3350 kg braked towing capacity for the 3.2-litre turbo-diesel engine). The UP BT-50 was also more refined and had rack and pinion power steering with hydraulic power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mazda UP BT-50 included dual front airbags, full-length curtain airbags (for models with rear seats), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, trailer sway control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the Freestyle and Dual Cab models were also fitted with front side airbags, but not Single Cab models with three front bench seats.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Ford Ranger dual cab utility – with which the BT-50 was co-developed – received a five star safety rating, when fitted with dual front airbags and full-length curtain airbags, including a 96 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 86 per cent child occupant protection rating.

Under ANCAP’s methodology, this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.72 out of 37. Single Cab models with bench seats, however, received a five star rating with score of 34.72 out of 37 due to the omission of a front passenger seatbelt reminder.

Features: Mazda BT-50 cab chassis

Standard features for the Mazda UP BT-50 XT included 16-inch steel wheels, a four speaker sound system with CD player, MP3/WMA-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB) and Bluetooth audio streaming, air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, vinyl floor covering, 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer and an immobiliser; Dual cab models, however, were fitted a six speaker sound system.

Brochure

• Brochure: Mazda UR BT-50 (May 2014)

Related links

• Press Kit: Mazda UR BT-50 (October 2011)
• Specifications: Mazda UR BT-50 (October 2011)
• Mazda News: Mazda BT-50 raises the bar with increased towing capacity (February 2013)
• Mazda News: Mazda broadens BT-50 range (October 2013)
• Mazda News: The Mazda BT-50 Tough Mudder Pack (April 2014)

Review: Mazda UR BT-50 cab chassis (2015-18)

Overview

Released in September 2015, the Mazda UR BT-50 cab chassis could be identified by its straighter front grille, redesigned front and rear lights, new alloy wheels designs.

Features: BT-50 cab chassis

Compared to its UP predecessor, standard features for the Mazda UR BT-50 XT were extended to include a tailgate lock. For BT-50 XT variants with bucket seats, the driver’s seat gained height and lumbar adjustment; for XT variants with bench seats, a lockable glove compartment was added. Furthermore, BT-50 XT dual cabs were fitted with 16-inch dark-finish alloy wheels.

Brochure

• Brochure: Mazda UR BT-50 (August 2017)

Review: Mazda UR BT-50 cab chassis (2018-20)

Overview

The ‘new look’ Mazda UR BT-50 was introduced in Australia in April 2018. As standard, the ‘new look’ Mazda UR BT-50 was equipped with a reversing camera (previously omitted from the BT-50 XT) and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration. Furthermore, service intervals were extended from 10,000 kilometres/12 months (whichever came first) to 15,000 kilometres/12 months.

Visually, the updated Mazda UR BT-50 could be identified by its new front bumper which had ‘squared off’ outer edges, horizontal grille bars, new fog light surrounds and trapezoidal lower air intake that was accented with mesh texture and a three-dimensional insert.

Features: BT-50 cab chassis

As noted above, standard features for the post-April 2018 Mazda UR BT-50 were extended to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mazda BT-50 XT also gained an Alpine Infotainment System with a seven-inch touchscreen, and a reverse camera. As such, a reverse camera was fitted as standard across the BT-50 range.

Brochure and specifications

• Brochure: Mazda Mk.2 BT-50 (June 2019)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mazda Mk.2 BT-50