2011 Mazda BT-50 Review
Price
from: RM83,170
to: RM88,170
Installment
from: RM793/mth
to: RM841/mth
2011 Mazda BT-50 at a glance
As the Ford Ranger's mechanical twin, the 2011 Mazda BT-50 is stylish, good to drive, comfortable, tough, and yet offers the practicality of a truck. And of course there is the class-leading 2.5-litre turbodiesel under its bonnet.
2011 Mazda BT-50 quick specs
| Body Style | Truck |
| Class | Large Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Mazda BT-50 ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Mazda makes pretty cars. And they have worked their magic on the Ford Ranger, the Mazda BT-50's mechanical twin, transforming the Ranger's tough-truck looks to a sporty, stylish look in the BT-50, one that is in line with Mazda's “Zoom-Zoom” philosophy. The 2011 Mazda BT-50 is also larger and bolder-looking compared to the Mazda Fighter it replaces.
Handling
On the roads, the steering lacks feel on-centre but it weighs up nicely once more lock is applied, giving the driver a decent feel. The Mazda BT-50's suspension feels firmer compared to the Ford Ranger's. Corners can be taken on confidently, as the 2011 Mazda BT-50 feels tied down with understeer appearing later than expected.
Comfort
The 2011 Mazda BT-50's suspension includes double wishbones at the front and a leaf spring setup at the rear. The leaf springs are said to be the longest in the class, thus increasing ride comfort. The Mazda BT-50 retains the same blocky dash architecture as the Ford Ranger, but there is a new single-DIN head unit with tiny buttons and a display that is hard to read under sunlight. Seats are supportive, while cabin ergonomics are good.
Quality + Reliability
The 2011 Mazda BT-50's cabin uses tough materials that should last just short of a lifetime, and the fit-and-finish are of a high standard expected from Mazda. According to JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, Mazda has consistently taken the top few spots in terms of reliability. And we expect the 2011 Mazda BT-50 to maintain that positive reputation.
Performance
The 2011 Mazda BT-50 shares the same engine, a 2.5-litre turbodiesel with direct injection and Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT), as the Ford Ranger. VGT eliminates any turbo lag and produces a more linear power delivery. With 141 bhp at 3500 rpm and 330 Nm at a low 1800 rpm, this engine is the most powerful in its class, and quite easily the most refined and free-revving as well. There is either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, which is smooth-shifting but slow-reacting in various situations.
Roominess
Front driver and passenger enjoy no lack of room. The 2011 Mazda BT-50's class-leading cargo bed volume means small rear doors that affect access, but once inside, there is adequate legroom for comfort. The cabin also has plenty of useful storage areas.
Running Costs
The 2011 Mazda BT-50 offers similar running costs including fuel economy and servicing bills compared to other trucks in Malaysia. Depreciation, which is highly dependent on brand, could be steeper than for the Toyota Hilux, but should be no higher than for the rest.
Value for Money
Like many modern-day trucks, the 2011 Mazda BT-50 is stylish, good to drive, comfortable, tough under use, and yet offers the practicality of a truck. Compared to bouncy, harsh-riding trucks of old, the 2011 Mazda BT-50 is contemporary and sedan-like, with a 2.5-litre which sets it apart from the host of other trucks. Then it becomes a choice of appearance between the Mazda BT-50 and its mechanical twin, the Ford Ranger.
Equipment
The 2011 Mazda BT-50 gets as standard 16-inch alloy wheels, power windows, central locking, aftermarket stereo, alarm system, dual front airbags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Environment
All new Mazda engines, including this 2.5-litre, now have better fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions figures, allowing Mazda to close the gap with rivalling car brands in environmental awareness.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Sporty, stylish looks
Powerful, refined engine
Good cabin ergonomics
Slow-reacting automatic gearbox
Small rear doors
Aftermarket stereo
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