Mazda BT-50 test drive since 2006-

Fast tank

Mazda BT-50. Price: from 626 000 rub. On sale: since October 2008
Fans of Mazda pickups have been trying to decipher the abbreviation BT for a long time. The most common option is a quick tank. The tests of an updated machine took place in Croatia, where combat mines of the echo of the previous war are still found
Test pilot
Stanislav Pavlov, 36 years old, deputy chief editor of the magazine, driving experience for 20 years, personal car - Mazda6
I remember that two years ago, pickups were considered the exotic of Russian roads. But time goes on, and freight SUVs finally registered in our country. The confirmation is at least the fact that in Russia, the Mazda BT-50 pickups were dispersed by a large circulation than in any country in Europe. So, such cars are in demand by the domestic market.
The laws of competition, even in the era of financial cataclysms, remain unchanged. Two years after the start of sales, a quick tank was restored. First of all, this applies to appearance. The car retained a spectacular front bumper, but something has changed. Thanks to the new design, pickups look more powerful and fit. This is the merit of cladding in the form of the letter H, the upper legs of which grow from the characteristic lines of the hood, and the lower from the base of the bumper. This visually unites the details of the front, forming a courageous and proportional face of a car with family features of Mazda. Family features should be understood as a pentagonal radiator lattice, which is more sharply outlined on the new model. In addition, designers have developed new headlight blocks with silver frames that visually expand the front projection. The trapeziidal form of lower gaps, according to the designers, hints that you have not just a workhorse in front of you. Japanese developers are sure: their brainchild is capable of enjoying, as when traveling on a passenger car or SUV.
Initially, the BT-50 was conceived as the first zoom-zoom pitch, not different in terms of comfort from passenger brothers. It was this approach that ensured a good implementation in Russia, because these trucks rarely carry potatoes or firewood. A full -wheel drive machine is often found in large cities, including in Moscow. In addition, a variety of water motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, snowmobiles and other equipment that must be transported on something are gaining more popular. Mazda BT-50 in such cases is an indispensable assistant. If something does not fit into the body, you can use the trailer. A pickup is able to drag a cart weighing 3 tons behind it. True, the trailer must have its own brakes a prerequisite. In their absence, only 750 kg can be towed.
Recall that now the car is produced in three variants of Regular Cab (2 seats, a long cargo body), Freestyle Cab (4 seats open in the center of the door) and Double Cab (2 front seats, a 3 -seater posterior margin of sofa type). Only the most comfortable and expensive double cabin is officially brought to our country. Of the distinctive features, it is worth noting the bumers of the pickupa, which practically do not go beyond the body, as on most trucks.
Inside, Double Cab is very reminiscent of an ordinary SUV. Moreover, we can talk about an expensive SUV, which is confirmed by rich leather upholstery. The dashboard, which now received the red zoom-zoom backlight, consists of three dials with silver edging. This decision should be recognized as controversial, because, according to some owners of the BT-50, the green color was more suitable for the character of the car.
A drawer is arranged above the glove box, which withstands 10 kg. It can be used for a road picnic. The floor console is combined into a block with a compartment for storing small objects, a removable ashtray and four cup holders. Music enthusiasts are intended for an audio system with a sound level control device depending on speed.
Particular attention is paid to the seats, that is, the component, which varies dramatically in trucks and cars. In the manufacture of the front seats, which became noticeably larger, high -elastic polyurethane foam was used. It is designed to provide additional support while driving on uneven roads. Unlike the first-generation BT-50, the seats received additional side support. This is a hint of some kind of sports.
During movement, we are dealing with the rear -wheel drive and with a full -wheel drive car at the same time. Start with a 2WD option. We click on the gas. Immediately notice a good acceleration dynamics. True, in order to ensure proper acceleration, you need to quickly switch from the first to the second gear. On the third, you can calmly accelerate to 80 km/h. Then a 2.5 -litar diesel begins to growl indecently, demanding that immediately switch the transmission. With an optimal transition from one speed to another acceleration, up to a hundred takes 17 s. With a full -wheel drive connected, this indicator will be 0.9 more worse.
As for comfort during movement, there is a small longitudinal swing. It is especially noticeable on the roads, where the asphalt from time to time has become wave -like. Meanwhile, the BT-50 suspension has become slightly softer. This is achieved by changing the characteristics of the spr.
Comfortable pickup
Continuing the topic of TT-50 similarity with a sedan or SUV, you should pay attention to several points. In particular, external rear -view mirrors are equipped with an electric drive. The gas tank hatch can be opened remotely using the button in the cabin. All glasses are lowered using electric windows, and a removable ashtray can be installed in any cup holder. These seemingly familiar things in pickups are perceived as luxury. If you look at the Mazda BT-50 through the mirror in front of the coming car, then you won’t guess that the pickup is going from behind. It is this fact that the demand spurred. You pay less, and get an almost real SUV.
Driving
When driving on uneven roads, longitudinal buildup is observed.
Salon
The level of equipment corresponds to the average SUV.
Comfort
The lack of comfort is manifested when overcoming obstacles. You can’t get anywhere springs.
Security
The brake system includes ventilated discs with bunk calipers. The rear brake drums are equipped with a proportional valve of the brake forces regulator.
Price
BT-50 is cheaper than the closest competitors.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Good carrying capacity, good dynamics, attractive appearance.
- the presence of longitudinal swing when moving on uneven coatings.
Specifications
Mark and model - Mazda BT -50
Dimensions - 5075x1805x1755 mm
Engine - turbodiesel, 2499 cm3, 143 hp/3500 min -1
Transmission - mechanical, 5 -speed
Dynamics - 158 km/h; 12.5 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Mitsubishi L200, Ford Ranger

Our opinion
In terms of sales, BT-50 Russia leads among all European countries. Such popularity is explained by the versatility of a car that can perform hard work or functions of a city machine. An additional plus all -wheel drive and rich configuration. For comfort, the BT-50 corresponds to the usual SUV.

Author: Stanislav Pavlov
 
 
 
 
 

A source: Magazine 5 wheel [December 2008]