Mazda BT-50 2008 Review

If you don't like getting your hands dirty and think utes rank alongside drays as acceptable transport, turn the page now.  For the men still with me, this is a story about an enthusiastic workhorse that won't win the Miss Ute 2008 award yet is both durable and efficient.

There's nothing precious about the Mazda BT-50. You could get away with the dual-purpose utility version at weekend social engagements but with the flatbed tested here is strictly business.

Up front is a Mazda 3-litre turbo-diesel and at the back is a wood-floored steel tray above cart springs with a five-speed manual box and 4WD system in between.  The engine is one of the better workhorse turbo-diesels around. The power is linear, the torque comes in strong right down near the bottom of the tacho's dial and the fuel economy is reasonable.

To be fair, pretty much all ute turbo-diesels are similar. Mazda get an elephant stamp because the four-cylinder unit is relatively quiet.  It'll get about 11.5 litres/100km in the suburbs and a bit of off-roading which is line-ball with its rivals.

There's nothing really sophisticated about the BT-50 package and that's one of its strengths.  The suspension is a simple torsion bar and double wishbones up front with leaf springs and a live axle at the back.

It's a compromise system - the front is better on road and the back is better off the road - but works well. Surprisingly, the ride is relatively supple and few occupants will complain about harshness.  That is, unless, you are one of the potentially two passengers in the back.

The Freestyle is an extended cab model. There's plenty of room behind the front seats for hand luggage, toolkits, eskies and other gear that requires security.  On one occasion, the four foam pads - two bolted to the floor, the other two beneath the rear window - supported my daughter for a short trip.  I believe it wasn't her most comfortable trip and I've gauged that because she hasn't spoken to me since.

That simple acknowledgment by Mazda that humans can fit into the rear is extended into the rest of the cabin where austerity rules and its colour is pale grey.  Not that the dashboard and its controls are difficult to master. There's nothing here to test any driver's mental skill but there will be some who'll find working the wheel quite strenuous.

As a 4WD, the steering system is the strong yet vague recirculating ball type.  Lock to lock feels about a zillion turns of the wheel. This is exhausting if you're in close confines but, on the bright side, more economical than an expensive gym membership.

In the dirt it's as unstoppable as most. The manual change for the two-speed transfer case is a bit archaic compared to some rivals with electric change, but at least it has less chance of breaking.  It can be awkward in tight spots because of the countless steering wheel turns and the poor turning circle.

The front suspension's limited wheel travel can make it claw in the air for traction and the only saving grace here is the flexibility of the rear axle and its limited-slip differential.  I was surprised the ground clearance is a rather low 207mm because it didn't ground when crossing some pretty rough tracks.

The payload of more than one-tonne enables the BT-50 to be versatile for numerous projects.  Particularly, it endears itself more for those wanting custom canopies - such as electricians, plumbers and other high-income professions - for security and high-weight cargo ability.

The Mazda tray fitted to the test vehicle was a well-thought out design that cleverly added a lockable toolbox and potable water tank plus handwash liquid beneath the tray. Try and get that with your poncy Maloo! 

This is a good unit that obviously suits tradies who need a go-anywhere workhorse. Buy the ute version for broader leisure pursuits and please, keep the rear seats for cargo.

MAZDA BT-50 SX FREESTYLE 4WD

Price: $37,020
Engine: 3-litre, 4-cyl, turbocharger, intercooler
Power: 115kW @ 3200rpm
Torque: 380Nm @ 1800rpm Fuel:
Diesel Economy (official): 9.2 litres/100km
Economy (tested): 11.2 litres/100km
Greenhouse: 243g/km (Corolla: 175g/km)
Transmission: 5-speed manual; 2-speed transfer; part-time 4WD