2008 Mazda BT-50 Reviews

Mazda shunned the notion that a ute had to look like a car to appeal to recreational users who were buying one-tonne utes like the BT-50 in increasing numbers for their weekend getaways.The company believed a ute should still look tough and purposeful, and held true to that belief when designing the replacement for the old B-Series.Beneath the tough exterior, however, Mazda worked hard to ensure the BT-50 had a measure of the 'Zoom-Zoom' that proved so successful in reviving the image of its passenger cars.MODEL WATCHThe BT-50 was an all-new model with barely anything carried over from the outgoing B Series.  The model range consisted of 4x2 and 4x4 models, with three body styles - single cab-chassis, Freestyle extended cab and dual-cab utility - and three levels of equipment, the base model DX, the DX+ and the range-topping SDX.It had a strong, purposeful look that gave it a solid, substantial image, the result of raising the belt line 30 mm and the sides of the cargo bed by 60 mm.  The cabin was generally a pleasant place to be, the only criticism was that it lacked elbowroom compared to most of its rivals, all of which had grown larger with the changeover to the new generations models, of which the BT-50 was one.Mazda offered two diesel engines depending on the model. The entry-  level two-wheel drive single cab-chassis had a 2.5-litre common rail double overhead camshaft four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produced 105 kW at 3500 revs and 330 Nm at 1800 revs.All other models were powered by a 3.0-litre common rail double overhead camshaft four-cylinder intercooled turbo diesel.  When on song the 3.0-litre developed 115 kW at 3200 revs and 380 Nm at 1800 revs, up by 33 kW and 109 Nm from the engine in the outgoing model.Most models had a new five-speed manual gearbox, but there was also the option of a five-speed auto in the range topping SDX Dual Cab.  The BT-50 was built in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive forms, the latter utilising a dual range transfer case and limited-slip rear diff.On manual models the transfer case shift was manual, and they had remote free-wheel hub lock mechanisms, while those with auto transmissions had an electric shift allowing "on the fly" shifting between two and four-wheel drive.  Underneath, the BT-50 sat on a beefed-up ladder frame chassis.Larger front and rear shocks, and longer rear leaf springs improved the ride without affecting the BT-50's capacity for work.  Mazda chose to stick with nut-and-ball steering instead of following the trend to rack-and-pinion; the result was a rather large 12-metre turning circle.Brakes were a mix of disc front and drum rear, but with improved pedal feel and braking efficiency. ABS antilock brakes and Electronic Brake Force Distribution were available on all but the entry 4x2 single cab-chassis model.The BT-50 would carry a payload of up 1430 kg, 59 kg more than the old B Series, and would tow up to 2500 kg (braked), up from the 1800 kg of the B Series.IN THE SHOP The BT-50 causes few concerns for owners, the only complaints that have come to Cars Guide relate to the fuel consumption and clutch life.Generally used to tow caravans or heavy trailers, and often using four-wheel drive, both are issues that all one-tonners can suffer from. The fuel consumption tends to be higher than new, first time owners expect.  Many first time owners also ask a lot of their one-tonners by expecting them to tow heavy loads.If planning to use a BT-50 as a tow vehicle hauling a caravan or the like consult a towing specialist for advice on set-up, particularly if the vehicle is equipped with auto transmission.  Also consider having the auto serviced before leaving on a long trip with a load on the back.Make the usual checks for regular servicing; oil changes are critical for a long engine life.  Look for evidence of a hard life, towing, off-road or on a worksite.IN A CRASHDual front airbags and seat belt pretensioners were standard across the range.  ANCAP gave the BT-50 three stars when it was tested.UNDER THE PUMPMazda claimed the 2.5-litre models would sip fuel at the rate of 8.3 L/100 km, they also claimed the 3.0-litre models would average 9.2-10.4 L/100 km.  When tested by Cars Guide the 3.0-litre manual dual-cab ute returned an impressive 8.8 L/100 km average in a mix of city and country driving.OWNERS SAYSome owners have complained about the fuel consumption of the BT-50, but Mike Bradshaw told Cars Guide that he got an average of 10.0 L/  100 km from his 2009 model on a four-month long trip through the WA and the Northern Territory. Mike said that it was loaded to 2.6-  tonne, using four-wheel drive, and with the air-conditioning on.Frank Murray has done 21,000 km in his 2008 3.0-litre BT-50 and they have been trouble free, but he is concerned about the clutch life of the BT-50 after hearing stories of others having clutch issues. One owner, he said, was on his third clutch in 50,000 km, and another had to replace one at 40,000 km.LOOK FORTough truck looksImproved refinementSkinny cabinDiesel economyTowing performanceTHE BOTTOM LINEPerforms well, is comfortable, quiet and economical, but a little narrow in the cab. 82/100

If you don't like getting your hands dirty and think utes rank alongside drays as acceptable transport, turn the page now.  For the men still with me, this is a story about an enthusiastic workhorse that won't win the Miss Ute 2008 award yet is both durable and efficient.There's nothing precious about the Mazda BT-50. You could get away with the dual-purpose utility version at weekend social engagements but with the flatbed tested here is strictly business.Up front is a Mazda 3-litre turbo-diesel and at the back is a wood-floored steel tray above cart springs with a five-speed manual box and 4WD system in between.  The engine is one of the better workhorse turbo-diesels around. The power is linear, the torque comes in strong right down near the bottom of the tacho's dial and the fuel economy is reasonable.To be fair, pretty much all ute turbo-diesels are similar. Mazda get an elephant stamp because the four-cylinder unit is relatively quiet.  It'll get about 11.5 litres/100km in the suburbs and a bit of off-roading which is line-ball with its rivals.There's nothing really sophisticated about the BT-50 package and that's one of its strengths.  The suspension is a simple torsion bar and double wishbones up front with leaf springs and a live axle at the back.It's a compromise system - the front is better on road and the back is better off the road - but works well. Surprisingly, the ride is relatively supple and few occupants will complain about harshness.  That is, unless, you are one of the potentially two passengers in the back.The Freestyle is an extended cab model. There's plenty of room behind the front seats for hand luggage, toolkits, eskies and other gear that requires security.  On one occasion, the four foam pads - two bolted to the floor, the other two beneath the rear window - supported my daughter for a short trip.  I believe it wasn't her most comfortable trip and I've gauged that because she hasn't spoken to me since.That simple acknowledgment by Mazda that humans can fit into the rear is extended into the rest of the cabin where austerity rules and its colour is pale grey.  Not that the dashboard and its controls are difficult to master. There's nothing here to test any driver's mental skill but there will be some who'll find working the wheel quite strenuous.As a 4WD, the steering system is the strong yet vague recirculating ball type.  Lock to lock feels about a zillion turns of the wheel. This is exhausting if you're in close confines but, on the bright side, more economical than an expensive gym membership.In the dirt it's as unstoppable as most. The manual change for the two-speed transfer case is a bit archaic compared to some rivals with electric change, but at least it has less chance of breaking.  It can be awkward in tight spots because of the countless steering wheel turns and the poor turning circle.The front suspension's limited wheel travel can make it claw in the air for traction and the only saving grace here is the flexibility of the rear axle and its limited-slip differential.  I was surprised the ground clearance is a rather low 207mm because it didn't ground when crossing some pretty rough tracks.The payload of more than one-tonne enables the BT-50 to be versatile for numerous projects.  Particularly, it endears itself more for those wanting custom canopies - such as electricians, plumbers and other high-income professions - for security and high-weight cargo ability.The Mazda tray fitted to the test vehicle was a well-thought out design that cleverly added a lockable toolbox and potable water tank plus handwash liquid beneath the tray. Try and get that with your poncy Maloo! This is a good unit that obviously suits tradies who need a go-anywhere workhorse. Buy the ute version for broader leisure pursuits and please, keep the rear seats for cargo.MAZDA BT-50 SX FREESTYLE 4WDPrice: $37,020Engine: 3-litre, 4-cyl, turbocharger, intercoolerPower: 115kW @ 3200rpmTorque: 380Nm @ 1800rpm Fuel:Diesel Economy (official): 9.2 litres/100kmEconomy (tested): 11.2 litres/100kmGreenhouse: 243g/km (Corolla: 175g/km)Transmission: 5-speed manual; 2-speed transfer; part-time 4WD