2015 Mazda BT-50 XT Dual-Cab 4×2 Automatic Review – Better Looking, And With More Stuff
The skinny: We approve of the bolder, less-polarising styling of the updated Mazda BT-50; the handsome new alloy wheels also help.
While available in 4x4 and 4x2 configurations, the BT-50 4x2 dual-cab offers practicality, seating for five, and reasonable on-road comfort and performance for buyers who don’t need four-wheel-drive, but do want a hard-working ute.
The performance and economy from the 3.2 litre turbo-diesel – an engine also shared with the Ford Ranger - is exceptional.
What we don’t like is the intrusive diesel rasp at lower revs, the lack of steering wheel reach-adjustment, and the missing reverse camera - it’s available, but an option on this model.
Vehicle Style: Rear-wheel-drive dual-cab ute
Price: $38,545 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 147kW/470Nm 3.2 5cyl turbo diesel | 6sp sports automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 8.9 l/100km | tested: 8.8 l/100km
OVERVIEW
When Mazda launched its new-look BT-50 range in 2011, its dramatic styling polarised people into “love it” or “hate it” camps.
But it wasn’t short of friends; Mazda dealers have sold 48,000 of the outgoing model in the four years since its launch.