Mazda BT-50 test drive since 2006-

All photos of Mazda BT-50 since 2006

Similar but different

The pickup market in Russia is poorly developed. In fact, it is represented by only four models Mitsubishi L200, Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara and Ford Ranger. But sales volumes are increasing here and now, as in any other segment. We compared the two most popular Mazda BT-50 and Mitsubishi L200 pickups.

This is the second generation of Mazda pickups and the third Mitsubishi sold in our market. Demand for the model of previous generations was completely low. And this is not surprising. First of all, because the old L200 and B2500 were purely utilitarian cars. Simply put, almost trucks with noisy low -power diesels, shaking pendants and mediocre comfort in the cabin. Today's models are a huge step forward. Utility, of course, has not gone anywhere. These are still frame hard workers with the rear bridge on springs with outstanding off-road qualities that can transport more than tons of cargo, tow a three-ton trailer. Importable assistants for farmers or builders. But at the same time, new models have become much more intelligent. So much so that they are quite capable of baking a piece of cake from SUVs and crossovers, especially considering the incredible price of pickups, about $ 30,000.

The assembly quality improved greatly both outside and inside. Five -seater Double Cab salons welcome the riders with unprecedented until now comfort and finish at the level of passenger models. Inside it became noticeable quieter, and vibrations from the engine, transmission and pendants are smaller. The new generation of Common Rail is more powerful and more painful. In Mazda, power growth was 34 hp, the moment increased by 64 nm, and in Mitsubishi, the increase, respectively, is 21 hp. and 74 Nm. At the same time, they are not soaking so much, they accelerate pickups faster and spend less diesel fuel.

The rear suspension of both cars has not changed constructively. The insoluble bridge on the springs remained, but was modernized to increase the carrying capacity and at the same time reduce vibrations and improve handling. There are changes in the front. Mitsubishi has a spring suspension on double transverse levers, and Mazda has a torsion with double A-shaped levers. The purpose of all these metamorphoses is understandable as much as possible to bring the nature of the behavior of pickups on the road to the level of medium -sized SUVs.

I must say, the engineers succeeded. But more on that later. In the meantime, we will evaluate the transformed appearance L200 and BT-50. The quality of fitting body panels reached the level of passenger models, and the design, compared with the past generation, reached a new level. Mazda in this pair looks conservative. The appearance of the BT-50 is a modernized reading of the classics of B-Series. Direct lines, characteristic proportions, refreshed by a new large grille of the radiator, new headlights and extensors of wheel arches. The appearance of Mitsubishi is revolutionary for pickupa. His elaborate intricate design with bizarrely bending lines and face in the corporate style of Mount Fuji is uncharacteristic for such cars.

I will say more, in my opinion, L200 was the most extravagant in the model range of the company before the new Lancer release. And then decide for yourself who is more likely, a calm, not attracting excess attention of the design of the BT-50, or the shouted-regulated L200 style. The interior is a logical continuation of the outer shell. Mazda is more traditional here. Without delights, but very high quality for pickupa. The panel of devices with three dials and the central console resemble cars of the company. The finishing materials, of course, are simpler, but the docking of the panels and the organization of the driver's workplace are on top. Ergonomics is in order, with the exception of two things: an unregulated steering column and a seats with a short pillow. However, it is convenient to sit comfortably without problems. True, if the front riders tall above 180 cm, then the rear will be crowded. The inner world of the L200 is more entertained. Here is the original blue lighting of the devices, and convenient microclimate rings, and a multifunctional display in the center, and leather steering and gearboxes and handouts.

The interior seems to be more homely. In addition, there is a pleasant function that allows you to lower the rear window. And the rear passengers are a little more spacious. But the front seats did not like at all. Unlike BT-50, they do not even have a hint of side support. A tall driver sits all the time actually at the fifth point, the hips do not lie on the pillow. Unknown. A significant minus of both machines is the absence of a closed luggage space. In the open body (at the BT-50 it is covered with vinyl, and in L200 a bare metal) you will not leave things. And you won’t put it back if someone is sitting there. But still, the transportation of passengers is not the main mission of pickups, you can quit clothes on the seat. Nevertheless, we once again note that the layout and general surroundings of the internal space is close to civilian crossovers, which cannot but rejoice.

It is time to evaluate the pickups on the go, as well as check what these cars are capable of off -road. We went to the Tver region, to the city of Konakovo. In my opinion, this is the most beautiful place in a radius of 150 km from the capital. The Volga River, which originates less than 200 km from there, near Seliger, has already reaches more than 1 km in Konakovo in Konakovo. No wonder many call this place in the Moscow Sea because of the dam of the Konakovskaya GRES. Three hundred kilometers back and fifthly, they quite allow us to evaluate the running qualities of the car on the asphalt, and the lanes, forest roads and sandy coasts are an excellent off-rock polygon. On the asphalt from half -loads, we did not expect honed controllability and crazy dynamics. Nevertheless, the subjects pleasantly surprised.

Especially Mazda. A collected, adequately controlled car. The tandem of a turbodiesel and a five -speed handle provides a very decent acceleration for a two -ton huge one: only 12.5 seconds to a hundred. In the stream, you do not feel a quiet start. Speed \u200b\u200b140150 km/h can be kept without problems. A long (4 revolution) steering wheel, which announces in the city, on the highway avoids involuntary deviations from the course. But in the bend, the car is quite clearly followed by driving along the trajectory, although there is not enough information on the steering wheel. BT-50, even on uneven coatings, is relatively stable. Of course, the bridge and springs make themselves felt, rearranging the car in a bend or expanding the dynamic corridor on broken straight, but this is without loading. The suspension is tough, but energy -intensive and with large moves. Together with high -profile tires, it allows you to fly through such pits that you are amusing!

Mitsubishi is more comfortable, softer. Even an empty car rides calmer than Mazda. In terms of energy intensity and size of the moves, it is not inferior. But there is a reverse side, controllability was affected. On the go, the L200 is not as sensitive as the BT-50. The feeling of unity with the car is not so high, the reactions are more slaughtered. Yes, and the suspension hits on the potholes stronger. In addition, the test car was with a 4-speed automatic, which significantly worsened the dynamics and removed even more from the control process. But again, thanks to this, the L200 wins in comfort and convenience in everyday operation. And the back is a little more spacious. By the way, passengers unanimously stated that it was more convenient for them in Mitsubishi. So there is a choice of either nimble, but too sharp and hard BT-50, or not so fast, but less annoying the recounting of road potholes L200.

In general, both pickups, taking into account the features of their design and mass, left pleasant impressions on the highway. You can go on a long journey without thinking about them. Well, finally, we got to the Volga and crossed to the other side by ferry. The weather in previous days (continuous rains went) instilled hope for real off -road tests. And we were not mistaken. The forest road along the river bank in the lowlands turned into a real fragmented mess. Well, just in case, there is a cable, a shovel and rubber boots in the back. Forward!

What these cars showed outside the roads inspires respect. Turning on the lowering row and blocking the rear axle (all this is in the arsenal of both), it will be difficult for you to find a place where these pickups will not be able to drive. Of course, this does not mean that you need to headlong at them into a swamp or overcome the ford in human growth. In addition, their geometric cross -country ability is limited by a long base and an impressive rear overhang, and Mitsubishi also has powerful steps. They are still far from the UAZ or short -busy Wrangler. But still planting BT-50 and L200 is difficult. A couple of times, cars were selected from the most difficult situations when the muzzle on the bumper was sucked into a dark mud slide. At the same time, it cannot be said that the Mitsubishi assault rifle was an obstacle. Although in the buildup, the pen is still preferable.

The cable, fortunately, did not come in handy. And along the shore with a rather deep sand, the SUVs moved altogether. It seemed to storm the insurmountable ascents, continued to move forward even in the state diagonally, thumped into huge puddles! It is only necessary to remember that when the rear bridge is turned on, the car almost does not turn, it goes with a plow.

We had fun on the Volga. And both pickups were in this excellent assistants in this. Not let down. Pleased. On the way home, I sorted out all the events of the past day in my mind, tried to prioritize and decide which of the cars is better? The task was not easy. L200 and BT-50 are very similar in their concept and purpose, but each of them has a number of distinctive features and details. They are still different. Someone more will like the non-standard design of Mitsubishi, some of the Mazda classic. Someone will appreciate the relative (for pickupa) appeasement and comfort L200, someone the acuteness and assertiveness of the BT-50. Some do not like to switch the programs manually, and they will be satisfied with the machine, but someone, on the contrary, likes to click the pen himself. The taste and color, as they say ... And we will only add that these were worthy rivals.

Mitsubishi L200 prices and configurations

Mitsubishi L200 is offered with a turbodist of 2.5 l (136 hp) in the trim levels: Invite, Invite+, Intense and Instyle. Invite and Invite+ are equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel drive transmission Easy-Elect 4WD with a rigidly connected front bridge. Intense (with the Super Select 4wd from Pajero) can be with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and instyle only with automatic transmission. Both transmission options are equipped with an electronic rear differential lock. Invite prices will start at $ 24,990, and on INSTYLE with $ 33,490. Invite has: 2 airbags, a fabric salon, steel 16-inch discs, heated front seats, audio training, a central castle. Invite+ is supplemented by the washerers of the headlights, the front fog-tulms and the air conditioner, and Intense ABS and EBD systems, casting R16 discs, electroregulation and heating mirrors, front-ups in the body color, extensors of arches, climate control, mr3 stereo with 6 dynamics, descending hinds. glass, leather steering wheel and gearboxes and handouts, etc. In the Instyle leather front seats with electric drive, 17-inch discs and M-ASTC stabilization system.

Mazda BT-50 prices and configurations

All options for executing the Mazda BT-50 are offered with a diesel turbocharged 4-cylinder engine 2.5 liters (143 hp) and a 5-speed mechanical gearbox with a decreasing nearby, rigid interdose blocking and differential of increased friction in the rear bridge. Available Direct (EBR), Touring (EBS and L01) and Active (L02). Prices from $ 23,490 to $ 30,300. In the simplest (Direct), the car is equipped with steel disks R15, audio training, frontal airbags and rudder adjustment in height. Touring has the color of bumpers, door handles, mirrors (with electroregulation and heating) and radiator grilles in the body color, electric windows, central locking, heating the front seats, ABS, side pillows, arches and MR3 CD-Magnetic with 4 speakers. In Touring (L01), cast 16-inch wheels and a high-capacity battery are added. In the most expensive configuration of Active, a two-color body color ($ 690) is possible, and the radiator grille, the handle of the door and the mirrors are chrome, a stereo system with 6 speakers and a CD changer. Test car performed by Touring (L02). Its cost is $ 27,690.

Dmitry Krotov