Mazda Advice

One of the biggest cinematic franchises of the last two decades, the Fast and Furious movies loosely follow the wacky japes of a crew of former street racers as they have slowly transition into international anti-terrorist action heroes. Where once it was all about punk kids not liking the tuna and closing off roads for pizza boys to find another way home, these days it is all secret agency tac-op

One of our avid readers, Jasmine, is in the market for a space cab ute, but she’s been struggling to find one that has child seat anchor points in the rear seats.Most space cab (or extra cab, King Cab, Freestyle Cab or Super Cab) utes have two additional small seats behind the front seats, but the comfort and convenience varies depending on the variant. These utes offer you “sometimes” seats in the back, or alternatively, secure and weather-proof storage for expensive tools. It also means you get a longer tray - and these utes are available with either pick-up (styleside) tubs or in cab-chassis tray back design, depending on what you need. We’ll specify the options below.Surprisingly, there are many big-name omissions from this list.You won’t find a Toyota HiLux Extra Cab here, as it has no child seat anchor points in the Extra Cab models (available in Workmate, SR and SR5 trim). The facelifted model isn’t expected to have child-seat anchors in the Extra Cab models, either. Interesting tidbit: the HiLux is the only space cab model with pop-out rear windows on sale today.The Mitsubishi Triton Club Cab is available in a few trim grades (GLX and GLX+) and cab-chassis and pick-up body styles, but it doesn’t come with child seat anchor points in the rear row.The Nissan Navara King Cab models don’t come with child seat anchor points either, though there are five versions to choose from across RX, ST and ST-X trim levels.There might be 4x2 (SX) and 4x4 (SX and LS-U) Isuzu D-Max Space Cab models, but no variant in that current range has rear child seat anchors. Will that change with the new-generation model? We’ll have to wait and see. Here’s a list of the extra cab utes on sale in Australia in 2020 that have rear seats with child seat anchor points.The Ranger - which is our pick of the ute segment more broadly - has a space cab body with rearward opening back doors (often called suicide doors) with two seats in the back.The seats aren’t comfortable - it’s a pretty cramped space for adults, but that’s the case with all the utes in this story - and in the Ford Super Cab models there are two upper child seat anchor points, but because of the seat design there are no ISOFIX attachments.The 2020 Ford Ranger Super Cab is available in a number of different variants (all prices MSRP):No surprise to see the current Mazda BT-50 make the list alongside its twin-under-the-skin. This is specific to the model sold between 2012 and 2020.The Freestyle Cab model has identical rear-swinging back doors with two seats in the second row, as well as two top-tether child seat points (no ISOFIX).The 2020 Mazda BT-50 Freestyle Cab is available in a few different variants (all MSRP):

The Mazda CX-5 is one of Australia’s most popular medium SUVs, and for good reason. Even the base Maxx variant comes fairly well-equipped, and options for personalisation are plentiful with five equipment grades, three engine possibilities and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.Buyers can further customise their CX-5 with genuine Mazda Accessories, as well as a number of offerings from aftermarket suppliers.For those looking to trick their SUV, CarsGuide has rounded up some of the best Mazda CX-5 accessories that are currently on the market. Overview: Fitting a new set of wheels is one of the best ways to enhance your car’s presence, and can even improve performance. Opting for larger wheels can result in a greater contact patch on the road, and in turn, greater handling and grip levels. Pair with good tyres for the ultimate upgrade.Mazda does not offer wheel size upgrades, however, buyers can improve the look of their CX-5 with unique 17-inch alloys for Maxx, Maxx Sport and Touring variants, while Akera and GT owners have the option of 19-inch alloys in Gloss Black.Where to buy: Mazda Australia offers wheel options with the purchase of the vehicle, or they can be swapped out down the track. A number of wheel and tyre shops also offer a range of Mazda CX-5 aftermarket wheels.Cost: Wheels are generally priced per wheel, with genuine Mazda options priced from $404-$413 for the 17-inch options, and $526.88 for the Akera/GT-exclusive 19-inch alloys. Meanwhile, aftermarket products can range from anywhere upwards of around $200.Overview: If you need a little more luggage space, a set of roof racks are a great way to carry extra gear, with most options able to carry up to around 75 kilograms.Mazda sells a roof rack kit, however, there are less expensive options from a number of aftermarket companies. For particular uses, roof racks can be combined with things like bike racks, kayak holders and more universal systems for things like skis and snowboards.Where to buy: There are many aftermarket roof racks available from companies like Prorack and Whispbar, and Mazda Australia offers a number of products.Cost: Aftermarket roof racks are generally priced from upwards of $400, while the genuine Mazda Roof Rack Kit is available from $600.58. Mazda Australia also sells a Universal Carrier ($341.84), Bike Rack ($326.08) and Kayak Holder ($476.79).Overview: The Mazda CX-5 boasts 442-litres of storage, or up to 1342 litres with with the rear seats down. You can make the most of this rear cargo space with a number of accessories.Mazda Australia sells a cargo net, organiser box and cargo tray specifically for the CX-5, while a Cargo Illumination option lights up the boot space with LED lights for added convenience. Another bang-for-buck accessory is the boot lip protector, which protects from bodywork dings and scratches as you load and unload the CX-5’s boot.Where to buy: Get in touch with your local Mazda dealer to install the aforementioned CX-5 extras. Cost: The Mazda Boot Lip Protector is priced from $83.95, while other rear cargo accessories include the Cargo Net ($110.59), Organiser Box ($168.79), Cargo Tray ($197.90) and Cargo Illumination ($224.13).Overview: A towbar is a fairly simple modification that allows you to do a lot more with your SUV, like pulling a caravan or boat, or even just attaching a trailer for a tip run.Mazda’s Tow Bar Kit is designed to integrate with the CX-5’s chassis, and can happily carry loads of up to 1800 kilograms with 150kg download capacity.The kit includes a new quick release mechanism, allowing owners to hide the bar from sight when not in use.This pack includes the towbar, trailer wiring harness, a chrome tow ball and tow ball cover.There are also many aftermarket tow bar packages for the Mazda CX-5, from companies such as BTA Towing Equipment and Trailboss Towbars.Where to buy: Aftermarket Mazda CX-5 towbars can be purchased directly from their manufacturers, or from automotive stores like Supercheap Auto. As with all genuine Mazda Accessories, they can be purchased through Mazda Australia or your local Mazda dealer.Cost: A good aftermarket Mazda CX-5 towbar can be purchased from around $535, while the all-inclusive genuine Mazda Tow Bar Kit is priced from $1379.39.Overview: To give your CX-5 an edgier look, Mazda’s Kuroi Sports Pack is an easy way to go.The pack includes side under spoilers, front-and-rear under spoilers, as well as black door mirror caps.Where to buy: Get in touch with your local Mazda dealer to install the Mazda CX-5 Kuroi Sports Pack.Cost: The Mazda CX-5 Kuroi Sports Pack has a recommended retail value of $2487.Overview: There are a number of low-price extras that can be added to keep your car in good condition, for longer. Some of these include plastic bonnet and headlight protectors, front-and-rear mud flaps, as well as weathershields, which allow you to leave your windows open slightly even when it’s raining.If you don’t have access to undercover parking, a good car cover is also a great way of keeping your Mazda CX-5 in top nick.Where to buy: Accessories can be purchased through Mazda Australia, while there are a plethora of companies which sell car covers for the Mazda CX-5. A quick Google search should lead you in the right direction.Cost: Mazda’s plastic bonnet protector is priced from $195.42, while other exterior protection accessories include headlight protectors ($170.59), mud flaps ($227-$229), slimline weathershields ($231.53). A high-quality car cover can be purchased from around $200.Overview: Equipping a nudge bar is a great way to protect the most vulnerable parts of your Mazda CX-5 in the event of a minor collision like an animal strike.For those looking to explore in their CX-5, a nudge bar also has the added benefit of allowing you to fit multiple lighting options.Where to buy: Mazda CX-5 nudge bars can be purchased from a handful of Australian distributors, like Opposite Lock and Tuff Bullbars Australia. Cost: Standard 76mm alloy Mazda CX-5 nudge bars are priced from around $820, and are often sold with a warranty. 

The full run-down of Apple CarPlay and Android auto when it comes to Mazda's cars.

The BT-50 hasn’t significantly changed since 2011, plus it’s a platform-share with the Ford Ranger. Although it’s not been an exceptionally popular ute, there’s a lot of choices when it comes to Mazda BT-50 aftermarket accessories. Mazda has always wanted the BT-50 ute to be an owner’s ‘third space’ – somewhere that’s not quite home, not quite work, but comfortable and useful all the same. As a result, there’s a huge range of optional accessories targeted at the tradie, caravanner and camper who spend a lot of time in the ute and use it for all sorts of reasons. Towing packs and tradie fit-outs are popular on the Mazda BT-50, for that very reason. So, for a comprehensive guide to the best Mazda BT-50 accessories, read on. Overview: There is so much variety in bull bar design for today’s modern dual-cab utes. You no longer have to choose between an alloy or steel three-hoop bar, and the OEM options are not as ugly as they have been in the past. The Mazda BT-50 genuine accessory bull-bar range includes steel and alloy bull bars, plus a polished alloy nudge bar, all of which can be accessorised individually or as part of specific Dual Cab and Freestyle Cap ute packs. From the aftermarket, the Ironman 4x4 Commercial Deluxe and Protector bull bars, which cost only a few dollars different, are good examples of modern, versatile frontal protection, including fog lights and tabs for extra accessories and a winch. Cost: A genuine Mazda steel bullbar adds $2835 to the price of a new BT-50. A winch-compatible Commercial Deluxe bull bar from Ironman retails for about $1800, plus fitting. Where to Buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, Ironman 4x4Overview: If you don’t need the full-frontal protection of a bull bar, but still want the capacity to fit extra lighting or an aerial, a nudge bar is an ideal touring accessory. Mazda offers a black or polished alloy version as an individual option, or as part of a Sports Touring Pack on some Dual and Freestyle cab utes, fitted with two Lightforce round driving lights. You can add a bonnet protector for extra stone-chip protection, too.On the aftermarket, a 76mm diameter alloy tube nudge bar from East Coast Bullbars is one of the simplest and best options. Cost: A genuine nudge bar for the BT-50 costs $1054, fitted. From ECB, expect to pay around $900. Where to buy: Mazda BT-50 Genuine Accessories, ECBOverview: Given the platform-share with the Ford Ranger, what’s applicable for one is generally suitable for the other. A 40-50mm suspension lift for the Mazda BT-50 is very common, and can often incorporate a GVM increase of up to 300kg, which is great if you’re carrying a load or towing a large caravan. If you want to go higher, a 50-75mm suspension lift is possible, although that involves fitting a front diff dropper and fitting new control arms, so is a lot more expensive. Cost: For a simple suspension lift, budget around $1300 for parts, plus fitting. Include a GVM increase and expect to pay $2500 to $5000. For a 50-75mm lift, kits start at around $3300. Where to buy: ARB, VMNOverview: The BT-50 Hi-Rider and 4x4 range are specified with two different tyre-and-rim packages. The lower-spec models feature 255/70 R16 tyres on alloy rims, while GTR and up get 265/65 R17 tyres on alloy rims, which are slightly larger in diameter. If you are looking for aftermarket rims for your BT-50, look for those with a 6x139.7 PCD and 55mm offset. A slightly smaller offset, say 45mm, will widen the vehicle’s stance slightly. Cost: A new set of steel rims will cost around $250 a wheel. For alloys, budget at least $350 a rim.Where to buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, King Wheels.Overview: When utes were just a vehicle to transport your pigs to market, and attend Sunday church service, no one needed a cover the load area. But now they’re used for everything from school drop-offs to mine-site deliveries, keeping the stuff in the back dry, clean and secure is far more important. Canopies range in simplicity from a simple steel frame, and canvas cover to an extensive, custom made fit-out with a place for everything. Cost: Add a genuine Mazda canopy to your BT-50 from $4082. An ARB Classic Canopy retails for $2701. For a custom made, highly specific off-road touring canopy, budget around $20,000, including the tray. Where to buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, ARB, NorweldOverview: If your needs aren’t so complex that you need to choose between sliding or lifting windows, but just want to keep the tray secure or weatherproof, a tonneau cover is the way to go. Add a tub liner if you want to prevent your gear scratching up the tray. Cost: Genuine Mazda tonneau covers begin at $850. A hard version that’ll fit around the sports bar tops out at $3200.Where to buy: Mazda Genuine AccessoriesOverview: When you’re continually carrying things longer than the Mazda BT-50 tray – be that ladders, timber or stand-up paddleboards, a ladder rack is an ideal solution. A ladder rack could be as simple as a single hoop at the rear of the tray combined with some roof racks over the cab, or a more specified solution that’s made for your situation. Cost: Mazda includes a ladder rack as part of its genuine options for the BT-50, and that’ll add $890 to the cost of a new ute. Alternatively, the OzRoo Universal Tub Rack is a modular solution that’ll put your Ikea-building skills to the test, but can carry 400kg of load and fits most trays – they’re $700.Where to buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, OzRooOverview: Whether you need to charge tools in the tray at a worksite or keep a fridge and camp lights running while out in the bush, an auxiliary battery system is essential. Mazda offers a factory-fitted option with a tray mount battery cradle, although it’s battery capacity is limited by the cradle size, so consider something from the aftermarket. The best bet is a DC-DC charger, like the Redarc BC-DC25 or Projecta IDC-25, tray-mounted 120ah (or larger) battery, with provision for solar input. That way you can run an inverter, fridge or any other high-draw accessory without risking the starting battery. Cost: The Redarc BC-DC25 starts at $609.10. The Projecta IDC25 retails for around $300. Overview: If you need the organisational nous of a purpose-built canopy, but don’t quite have the budget, a good set of drawers is the next-best option. The home handyman should be able to knock up a set himself in a weekend if he’s good at long cuts with a circular saw. Otherwise, many great drawers, made in Australia, can be bought off-the-shelf or customised to suit your needs. Two notable companies are Drifta in Gloucester, NSW, or OffRoad Systems in Sydney. Cost: A dual drawer system for a dual-cab tub tray from Drifta begins at $1845, but can be customised to your heart’s content. From ORS, a 1030mm long twin drawer system (Mazda BT-50 dual cab tray size) starts at $1800, plus $150 for fitting. Neither fit with a tub-liner, so don’t order one with your new ute if you intend on adding drawers.Where to buy: OffRoad Systems and DriftaOverview: Snorkels are a great accessory if you’re planning some extended outback touring or do a lot of 4WDing that involves crossing creeks and rivers. Lifting the air intake to roof height, it prevents water from being sucked into the engine and generally reduces the amount of dust that needs to be filtered out on dirt roads. Cost: A factory-fitted snorkel will set you back $810. Where to buy: Mazda Genuine AccessoriesOverview: The BT-50 can tow 3500kg, and with its power and torque figures, has become a very popular tow-tug for caravans around the country. Mazda offers a specific Boss Touring Pack on new vehicles, which includes all the goodies a caravanner needs, including tow bar, electric brakes, nudge bar and driving lights and a canopy. If you just need the tow bar kit, that includes the bar, ball and wiring, but you’ll need to add an electric brake controller. Mazda’s OEM solution is a rebranded version of the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite, which is the best kit on the market. For more off-road specific towing needs, look into the Hayman Reese X-Bar, which improves rear departure angle and includes rated recovery points, and is a less expensive option for those who might be considering a Mazda BT-50 rear bar.Cost: The Sports Touring Pack adds $8,773 to the cost of a new ute. A tow bar kit will add $1,150, while a brake controller costs $701. The Hayman Reese X-Bar retails for around $1400, plus fitting. Where to buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, Hayman ReeseOverview: Towing mirrors are essential if your rear vision is hindered by the trailer you are towing. The most comprehensive solution is replacement, telescoping mirrors by the likes of Clearview, which integrate with the OEM electric controls for the mirror orientation. If your budget and needs don’t stretch to a full-time solution, clip-on door-mirrors are great, but avoid the ones that clip only to your mirror unless you like the mirrors being slammed into your window every time a truck goes past. Cost: The Clearview Mirrors for a current BT-50 will cost $745. Coast Door Mount Mirrors cost $140.Where to buy: Clearview, Outback EquipmentOverview: Need an easier step up into the high-riding BT-50 cabin, or a platform to stand on when tying things down to the roof-racks? A good set of side-steps are in order. If you need underbody protection for off-road driving though, look into something that’ll act as a rock slider and can support the weight of the vehicle if it makes contact with large rocks. Consider a bash plate for further underbody protection, if you also think sliders will be useful. Cost: OEM side steps for the BT-50 begin at $711, but aren’t available on the single cab models. For something with a bit more off-road credibility look into the ARB Protection Steps for the Dual and Freestyle cabs at $1491 fitted. Where to buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, ARBOverview: All BT-50 models are fitted with halogen headlight globes, so an LED headlight conversion can help gain a bit of brightness and clarity in the dark. LED replacement globes from companies like Stedi are a popular, and inexpensive option. For even more light at night, Mazda offers an LED driving-light option fitted to the bull bar or nudge bar. From the aftermarket, the Narva Ultima 215s are high-performance lights that are too bright in the suburbs, but perfect in the bush. For a more suburban friendly light, the Narva Ultima 175 is just about perfect. If traditional driving lights aren’t the look you’re after, there’s a vast range of light bars available too. Cost: The Stedi globes will set you back a modest $150. The Narva Ultima 215 LED lights retail for around $500 each light, while a set of Ultima 175 LED lamps will cost about $500. Where to buy: Mazda Genuine Accessories, Narva, Stedi

To modern Australian families, the SUV is what a Commodore or a Falcon used to be - the sensible, obvious and most common choice of family vehicle.

1. Honda S2000By the time the second cam kicks in above 6000rpm, the raucous cacophony emanating from the stylish two-seat roadster on its way to the 9000rpm redline is blood-curdlingly euphoric. People always talk about car engine sounds as 'banshee wail' this and 'banshee wail' that. Short of a pre-hybrid era F1 car, to four-cylinder fans the S2000 is the mother of all banshees – and she’s a little angry the kids haven't cleaned their rooms and forgotten to flush the toilet again.Landing in Australia in 1999, it was a relatively affordable front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster that finally gave Mazda MX-5 owners something to think about. The S2000's naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine whacked out a colossal 176kW. Its six-speed manual transmission was one of life's simple pleasures to use, short in the throw and felt sublimely authoritative in slotting the titanium shifter through each gate. Fast-cornering grip levels were mostly under control, though the spirited rear-driver has power-oversteer written into its F1-derived DNA.Why drive it: It has the sophistication to tootle around town impressing the latte-sipping social elite while happy to unleash fiendish fury on a track when you make the call - if you dare. Driving the S2000 at 8/10ths is probably enough to blow your mind - anything more will require an honest appraisal of your own driving skill underwritten with a healthy dose of chutzpah.2. Renault Sport ClioYou’ll be heel-toeing instinctively thanks to 'quirkily perfect' footwell pedal placement. It's a true hot hatch, with the diminutive three-box body propelled by a 124kW 2.0-litre revvy engine driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. It's just an amazingly fun car to drive. So willing and flexible is its drivetrain that it eggs you on even further to push the lightweight Clio's superb handling and on-road dynamics. It’s perfect for hillclimbs or weekend car-club track work.Why drive it: It will be some of the best fun you could ever have with your clothes on, in a purely platonic car-driving kind of way. Are you still here? Just go get one already.  Au revoir…3. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI Tommi Makinen EditionIt was WRX verses Evo day in, day out for rally fans over a decade ago with only five of the ultimate Rex – the Subaru WRX STI 22B - ever released in Australia (and thus Buckley's chance of ever getting a steer of one these days). So you’ve got a much better chance of finding one of the 100 official Ralliart-imported examples of its contemporary adversary: the Mitsubishi Lancer 'Evolution' VI Tommi Makinen edition, which started arriving here in 2001. You may also know it by its colloquial name of ‘Evo 6.5’, and its 100-strong official figure has increased significantly thanks to grey import channels. Stomp the go-loud pedal and you get a blissfully rude shove in the back through the Recaro race seats as the turbocharged and intercooled, twin-cam, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine hurtles the all-wheel-drive Evo into hyperspace almost instantly - or so it feels. That's what 373Nm from as low as 2750rpm and a claimed 0-100km/h of 4.6 seconds feels like, sling-shotting itself corner to corner as it snakes its way through rally stages.Why drive it: Even if you can’t drive like a rally driver you sure as heck would look the part with helmet on going through a fast-food drive-through. The rapid acceleration and sensation of speed even around town is not to be missed.  Buy one in red with the distinctive Makinen decal pack. The trainspotters will love it.4. Lotus Elise Mk2The swooping lines and curves of the lightweight 'waif-like' two-seat mid-engined roadster give it the looks to match its almost-supercar performance – thanks to its featherweight bonded aluminium chassis.The Series II Elise in 111S guise was the most powerful version of the last Rover K-Series engines, which were replaced by more reliable Toyota 1.8-litre VVTL-i units in 2004.The naturally aspirated Rover engine made 119kW and sent power to the rear wheels via a close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox.  With its kerb mass of just 860kg, it had a power-to-weight ratio to 'drive' for. This helped it sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds and, combined with the agility of a cheetah, the Elise 111S is a true track car for the road.Why drive it: Everything about it is designed to connect the driver with the road. From the sports suspension to the hand-finished fibreglass body to the non-power-assisted brakes, it's a stripped-out and divinely raw driving experience. Plus it's got a removable roof, so that’s instant social media acceptability - regardless of your dress sense and questionable musical taste. 5. Mazda MX-5 ClubmanThe original MX-5 of 1989 didn't just win over hearts and minds with its pop-up-headlight happy face and cheeky looks. It was all about its exhilarating driving dynamics and handling. The front-engined MX-5 has 50/50 weight distribution and its nimble chassis is easily 'chuckable' on racetracks, happy to be coaxed into power-oversteer.Winding country roads and twisty bits are its forte, where the original 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine puts out a mere 86kW and is transferred to the rear wheels via a slick five-speed manual gearbox. It loves to rev all the way to the limiter and it's a pleasure to use the stick shift as each short throw snicks crisply into gear. Many say the track-focussed MX-5 Clubman of 1994 was the highlight of the first generation, with the later 98kW, 1.8-litre engine teamed with an exotic Torsen limited-slip differential and Bilstein suspension all around. No power steering though, so it will save you some gym time.Why drive it: Its neutral balance and superbly set-up handling simply needs to be experienced by driving aficionados and curious punters alike. Testimony to what a winning formula the MX-5 is, the fourth-generation was released only recently with all indications it too will be a collectable driver’s car for many years to come.When the Mk2 Golf replaced the gorgeous Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed Mk1 of 1976, the bigger and heavier second-generation had a heck of a reputation to live up to. The 16v GTI was the halo car and its superb 113kW/tonne power-to weight ratio would only be matched three generations later by the Mk5 GTI, which arrived here in 2005. Unfortunately, Australia only got the 8v Mk2 GTI, so getting behind the wheel of a privately imported 16v is a rarity, making the modern Mk5 interpretation a more realistic proposition. One of the best handling hot hatches produced at the time, the front-drive 2.0-litre turbo Mk5 Golf GTI made the most of its 147kW, laying down the challenge to WRXs and Type-R Hondas. The best news these days is they can now be had for about the same coin as a basic city runabout.Why drive it: With the Mk3 and Mk4 GTIs losing the hot-hatch plot, the Mk5 was the long-awaited correction to the bloodline and one not to be missed.YOUR CALLThat’s just our top six budget driver’s cars, but other notable mentions include the E36 BMW M3, B5-Series Audi RS4, R32 Nissan Skyline ‘Godzilla’ GT-R, Honda Integra DC2 Type R and the BMW-era Mini John Cooper Works.

Is 2017 the year of the new car for your garage? It's pretty easy to work out what's available now, but here are the most exciting models that are yet to arrive in showrooms.

There’s long been a bit of a stench around diesel, but with the Volkswagen scandal and big cities in Europe now considering banning them, it seems to be a fuel source that’s more on the nose than ever

We spend weeks comparing new car performance and prices... then fall for a shiny one.