EVERYBODY loves a ute. Positive that’s a broad generalisation, however that is Australia. We love a sweeping assertion nearly as a lot as we love a automobile with a tray. And some of the anticipated is the 2021 Mazda BT-50 GT.
Now earlier than we get began, this new BT-50 is a product of Mazda’s partnership with Isuzu, and the BT-50 is actually an Isuzu D-MAX, with a raft of design adjustments. Don’t be delay although, because the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX is a depraved little bit of package.
It additionally must be identified that this BT-50 shouldn’t be the identical because the final, which got here from a partnership with Ford, or the previous D-MAX, which spawned sooner or later from a relationship with Holden. Complicated proper.
As a aspect word, the upcoming Ranger, for these retaining observe, is about to be twinned with the brand new Volkswagen Amarok. All that apart, the BT-50 has a protracted and storied historical past, that dates all the way in which again to 1961 (because the B Sequence).
Whereas nonetheless fulfilling its authentic function as a cargo hauler, Mazda’s ute has advanced over time to change into a utility automobile designed to make time spent on the street and behind the wheel extra satisfying. And the styling is sweet, each inside and outside.
The entrance finish options the most recent Kodo design, which lifts the BT-50 and makes it a little bit of a looker. Sleeker traces and an actual as soon as over with the design brush have given the favored pickup the end it wanted.
Inside, the BT-50 has stepped up a number of notches too, particularly within the GT, with leather-based and excessive finish supplies. It’s shifted the inside from tradie truck to gross sales rep, or at a stretch a correct, nearly luxurious, household ute.
The seats are snug, supportive and heated. Yep, heated entrance seats. What’s lacking is cooling for these seats. Maybe within the subsequent technology. The rear seats are supple, leather-based, and really snug (by ute requirements).
There’s even loads of room for 3 adults, or two automotive seats for the little ones. Storage isn’t briefly provide both, with cup holders within the centre console, bottle holders within the doorways, and the same old areas to place your bits and items in.
Mazda additionally has you coated with know-how, together with an enormous infotainment display, loaded with wi-fi Apple CarPlay, USB-based Android Auto, and a number of different features, with one small flaw.
Due to its measurement, place and the display floor, it does are inclined to catch glare all through the day, which is usually a bit annoying when attempting to navigate. Security know-how is on supply in abundance as nicely, within the new BT-50 GT.
You get trailer sway help, rear cross visitors alert, lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise management, hill descent management, reverse digicam and sensors, auto emergency braking, brake help, plus a lot extra. It truly is jam packed.
The BT-50 has a 5-Star ANCAP security score, however the actual down fall is the intrusiveness of the programs. We get that automobiles and utes ought to be secure, however we don’t need them beeping, dinging and throwing on the emergency braking system each time we drive it.
Sadly, the BT-50 GT’s security know-how is so extremely strung it makes it annoying to drive. And it’s additionally sophisticated to show off every of those programs. To make that worse, it appears to reset these settings each time you flip it off.
Beneath the bonnet and throughout the BT-50 vary, consumers will get a 3.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine making 140kW and 450Nm, with a six-speed automated as customary. An elective six-speed handbook can also be obtainable.
This is similar engine discovered within the D-MAX, so you understand it’s confirmed and examined. It’s a powerful dependable energy plant, with a strong repute. Gas economic system is a claimed 8.0-litres/100km, however actual world testing confirmed 10.1-litres/100km.
The BT-50 positive aspects velocity effortlessly, with torque obtainable down low, the place you want it, for towing and cargo hauling. The engine and transmission work seamlessly collectively and also you don’t must push it arduous for it to do what you want it too.
It’s all fairly refined, albeit with a touch of rattle (however that’s a trademark of the Isuzu energy prepare. Total the 2021 Mazda BT-50 GT is a nicely rounded, strong ute, able to pounce at any job, street or dust observe you may throw at it.
And whereas the leather-based and heated seats is probably not up your alley, they’re good. It’s priced from $59,990 (plus on-roads), placing it up towards the Toyota HiLux SR5, the Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain and the Ford Ranger. It represents good worth compared.
There are seven exterior color decisions obtainable, together with two new launch colors, Gun Blue Mica and Concrete Mica. The opposite colors are Purple Volcano Mica, True Black Mica, Rock Gray Mica, Ingot Silver Metallic and Ice White.
Our take a look at automobile was equipped by Mazda Australia. To search out out extra in regards to the 2021 Mazda BT-50 GT, contact your native Mazda vendor.
