Mazda has launched its new LCV range. Dubbed the BT50, the one-tonne ute introduces two all-new diesel engines, revised styling inside and out and a deeper cargo bed with the bonus of competitive pricing.
That said, as the 'new' vehicle is in fact a heavily-revised version of the outgoing B-Series/Bravo, it has not jumped a size class as have the latest Toyota Hilux, Nissan D40 Navara and Mitsubishi ML Triton. Indeed, the BT50 release marks the further splintering of this one-tonne ute market into two distinct sizes.
As stocks of the previous smaller outgoing Mitsubishi MK Triton and Nissan D22 Navara are cleared at the end of 2006, the new Mazda BT50 and its Ford Ranger stablemate are set to become the newest and most competitive offerings in the smaller size.
Mazda has stolen a jump on its Ford equivalent by launching the complete BT50 range in November. A limited Ford Ranger range will go on sale at the close of December 2006 to be followed by a full launch early in 2007.
Mazda has split the BT50 range into more distinct 4x2 and 4x4 levels with two different mechanical packages.
The two-wheel drive models gain a new MZR-CD 2.5-litre common-rail turbodiesel that generates 105kW/3500rpm and 330Nm/1800rpm. The four-wheel drive models feature the new 3.0-litre common-rail turbodiesel for a further power boost to 115kW/3200rpm with torque upped to 380Nm/1800rpm.
Both are major jumps over the 82kW/3500 and 271Nm/2000 of the previous single specification 2.5-litre turbodiesel.
The BT50 will not be offered with a petrol engine and marks the end of the short-lived 4-litre V6 offered in the final versions of the outgoing Bravo.
The big power increases are accompanied by equally significant drops in fuel consumption. The combined figure for the 4x2 single cab is slashed from 9.7lt/100km to 8.3 -- a figure so frugal that Mazda claims it can virtually match the running costs of LPG conversions of previous petrol engines. The 10.1lt/100km figure for the previous 4x4 models drops to 9.2.
When the previous Bravo Dual Cab had one of the longest cargo beds in its class, the BT50 continues with the same 1530mm length but boosts depth from 405 to 465mm. The new styling has a raised side window line to match this increased cargo bed depth without reducing the generous headroom of the previous model.
The new engines along with major suspension, transmission and brake upgrades have boosted payload and towing capacity. Payload has jumped from 1371 to 1430kg and braked towing capacity goes up from 1800 to 2500kg.
There will be a new close-ratio five-speed automatic transmission option for the 4x4 Dual Cab SDX models available from early 2007.
The new dash repositions the sound system and heater/ventilation controls to create class leading storage space throughout the cabin. The under dash handbrake of previous models continues but frees up an unusually deep bi-level centre console storage bin. The previous manual lever selection for 4WD and high/low range continues for manual models but a new electronic selector for the dual range 4WD function is fitted with the automatic transmission.
The three bodystyles continue with the choice of single cab as a cab-chassis only, Freestyle cab with its unusual half-sized rear door access and Dual cab. All come at DX level but only the Freestyle and Dual Cab 4x4 models are available at premium SDX level.
Mazda has launched the new BT50 with several promotional models. A Single Cab 4x2 2.5 priced at $20,990 features standard air-conditioning, alloy tray, alloy wheels, CD player, remote locking, engine immobiliser and dual airbags.
A 3.0-litre 4x4 version of the same vehicle with overfenders, automatic locking free-wheel hubs, alloy tray and air-conditioning is priced at $28,990. A special 3.0-litre Dual Cab 4x4 ute package with canopy and air-conditioning is priced at $35,990.
Mazda is currently enjoying its best year ever for one-tonne commercials and expects the BT50 to boost sales up to 700 units per month with 4x4 models lifting from 45 per cent to 50 per cent of total sales.
The top of the range BT50 Dual Cab SDX 4x4 3.0-litre utility is priced at $43,550 as a manual and $45,550 as an automatic, both substantially below the Toyota Hilux, in a slightly smaller size that many may find more practical.