50 Mazda BT-2022 Review: XS 1.9 plus SP

Although it's been less than 18 months since Mazda unveiled its all-new BT-50 ute line, the brand has just taken a step forward to bring a couple of new models to the lineup at both ends of the price ladder.

The changes not only reflect the ultra-competitive nature of the Australian passenger car market right now, but also acknowledge marketing pressure from less expensive players, mostly Chinese brands, as well as Mazda's bias towards the fleet market.

Looking at sales figures for 2021, one can assume that Mazda could sell more vehicles in the most popular market segment in the country.

Yes, the BT-50 comfortably made it into the top 20 makes and models of 2021 (best for the year), but its total sales for the year was 15,662, only slightly ahead of Nisan Navara at 15,113.

Mazda has also been overshadowed by the Triton line with 19,232 sales and the Isuzu D-Max with which it shares most of its components with 25,575 sales.

Of course, all of these models gave way to the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, which switched places in first and second positions in the sales rankings for the year with 50,229 and 52,801 sales, respectively.

Mazda's response this time around was to expand the segments its BT-50 plays in while also adding a new entry-level model; one that is aimed at the corporate fleet.

For the top end of the BT-50 lineup, Mazda dusted off the SP badge normally reserved for its high-performance sedans and hatchback models and applied it to a passenger car for the first time to achieve a sporty-looking tractor unit. taste.

And at the other end of the market, the company added a model at a reduced price to the range; a model that aims to offer as many vehicles as some operators need at a slightly lower price.

As a clear message to established budget brands, the BT-50 XS may not make much of an impression, and Mazda admits that the XS will be most popular with business buyers, not users.

Other changes to the BT-50 include updating the front and rear bumpers in terms of color and adding a cab-chassis layout for the XTR double cab model for the first time.

In the meantime, let's take a closer look at the new base XS model, which is available with a 4X2 cab chassis, a 4X2 double cab pickup (stylized side), and a 4X4 double cab pickup.

In fact, the only non-XS spec body options are the Freestyle (extended) cab and 4X4 cab chassis option available on other BT-50 trims.

Mazda BT-50 2022: XS (4X2) Standard sump
Safety Rating
engine's type	1.9 L turbo
fuel type	Diesel
Fuel efficiency	7l / 100km
Landing	2 Places
Price from	$36,553

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 5/10

As the new entry-level model for the BT-50 lineup, it's a little surprising that Mazda hasn't taken an ax to the feature list to achieve its goals. 

You get basic cloth seating material, vinyl flooring (which some owners will love), a dual-speaker audio system, and 17-inch steel wheels for the all-wheel-drive option and alloy wheels (but still 17-inch). ) for all-wheel drive versions of the XS, but it's hardly a stripper model. However, you get a regular ignition key, not a start button.

The biggest cost-cutting measure, of course, is the XS model ditching the crude 3.0-liter turbodiesel in favor of a 1.9-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder. All of this means that the XS is in every way an XT model with a smaller engine.

But even in this context, it's hard to call the XS a bargain. In all-wheel drive versions, the XS saves you $3000 over the equivalent XT (and remember, the engine is the only difference).

The XS 4×4 has 17-inch alloy wheels. (pictured XS 4X4 variant)

Up the ante on all-wheel drive and the XS saves you just over $2000 over the equivalent XT. So the XS 4X2 with cab and chassis is $33,650 and the XS 4X2 with double cab is $42,590.

Aside from the dollars involved, the XT's big draw is that it offers a wide range of options in terms of body styles and tray layouts, especially at the 4X4 showroom end where the only XS 4X4 available is a double cab pickup. .

The XS uses a regular ignition key rather than a start button. (pictured XS version)

Although, to be honest, this is the most popular layout. Yours for $51,210; still far more than some Japanese and South Korean players.

The buying proposition, of course, is that you're getting Mazda quality at a price far more in line with budget brands, some of which exist in relative obscurity in this market, and many of which don't enjoy a good reputation. .

Additions to the SP include a special 18-inch alloy wheel with a black metallic finish. (pictured variant SP) (image: Thomas Wielecki)

The reality is that Mazda is still more expensive than many of its peers, and they haven't downsized their engines to outshine it. Dollar for dollar, there are plenty of best value for money options.

Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak told us the days of fleet shoppers buying purely on price are long gone.

“You also need to consider the costs of service, product support and resale,” he told us.

At the same time, the SP-version of the BT-50 is designed to occupy the polar opposite minds of buyers.

Based on the existing GT specification with leather trim, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, remote engine start (in automatic versions) and front parking sensors, the SP adds an interior and exterior to offer the sportiest BT-50 experience.

SP adds interior and exterior trim to offer the sportiest BT-50 experience. (pictured variant SP) (image: Thomas Wielecki)

Additions include a custom 18-inch alloy wheel with a black metallic finish, SP-specific two-tone leather trim with suede inserts, a black airframe sport trim, black wheel arch extensions, side steps, a darkened front door and tailgate. handles, a blacked-out grille and a roller boot lid above the tub liner.

Available only in double cab 4X4 pickup truck form, the SP costs $66,090 (MLP) with an automatic transmission fitted. Only the BT-50 Thunder is more expensive, while the SP is cheaper than the Nissan Navara Pro 4X Warrior and HiLux Rogue by about $4000.

We'll be following this 2022 BT-50 launch with specific SP reviews on AdventureGuide and XS on TradieGuide, so keep an eye out for those more extensive tests.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10

A really nice touch is how Mazda has thought about how such vehicles would be used and customized for their role in the real world. In this case, it is interesting to install stereo cameras that signal autonomous emergency braking.

By mounting the cameras high on top of the windshield, AEB will still work perfectly even if the owner - like many of them - decides to install a roll bar on the car.

All Australian 4X2 BT-50s are fitted with the signature High-Rider suspension. (pictured XS 4X2 variant)

Mazda has also found that if the driver doesn't necessarily need all-wheel drive, the extra ground clearance is often appreciated.

That's why all Australian 4X2 BT-50s are fitted with the signature High-Rider suspension, which adds a few more inches of ground clearance.

Our favorite feature, meanwhile, recognizes that iced coffee with milk is one of the four major traditional food groups. So, finally, there's the ute with one round cup holder and one square one for the inevitable milk carton.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

The BT-50 equipment is typical for this type of equipment, so the pros and cons are also similar. Even though it has five seats, the rear seat of the double cab version is quite upright and won't be suitable for large people traveling long distances.

But a nice touch is the recess at the bottom of the B-pillar for extra toe room. The back base of the bench is also split into 60/40 sections and there is storage underneath.

The inside is very similar to a car. (pictured XS version)

In the front seat, it's relatively car-like and very Mazda-like to look at and touch. The base model has a six-way adjustable seat, while more expensive versions have a power eight-way adjustable driver's seat.

The center console is equipped with a USB charger, and double cab models also have a rear seat charger. A large bottle holder is built into each door, and the BT-50 also has two glove boxes.

Rear sofa BT-50 with a double cabin is quite vertical. (pictured XS version)

The twin-cab layout works against cargo space in the rear, which is hardly typical for this car, but means that cargo space is simply too short for the cargo that many people have in mind when they think of it.

You also have to spend extra money to get a tank liner in the BT-50, but each model has four attachment points, except for the SP, which only has two.

The tank liner is an extra for the BT-50. (pictured XS version)

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 6/10

This is really big news here; a new smaller engine in the XS model. While downsizing is all the rage, the conservative types that line up for double cabs don't always agree that smaller is better when it comes to what's under the hood. It's no secret that Mazda's three-litre engine in other models is a big draw.

However, it's undeniable that smaller turbo diesel engines can work in the real world, so what does this one look like? Compared to the 3.0-liter BT-50, the engine volume has been reduced by more than one liter, and the engine displacement is only 1.9 liters (1898 cmXNUMX).

In general terms, the smaller engine delivers 30kW to its bigger sibling (110kW instead of 140kW), but the real difference lies in torque or pulling power, where the 1.9L engine is behind the 100L engine's 3.0Nm (350Nm instead of 450Nm).

The new 1.9-litre turbodiesel delivers 110 kW/350 Nm. (pictured XS version)

Mazda compensated for this somewhat by equipping the 1.9-litre car with a shorter (lower) final drive ratio in 4.1:1 differentials compared to the three-litre's 3.727:1.

The six ratios in the six-speed automatic (unlike the 3.0-liter BT-50, the 1.9-liter does not offer a manual transmission) remain the same in either version, with both fifth and sixth gears being ratios for greater fuel economy.

So what does this mean for hauling and towing, two things modern vehicles often have to do? In terms of payload, the XS can carry as much as any other BT-50 variant (up to 1380kg, depending on cabin layout), but it has reduced hauling capacity.

Since the 3.0-liter BT-50's mechanical package hasn't changed, it's no surprise that not much has changed. (pictured SP variant) (image: Tomas Veleki)

While the 3.0-litre BT-50 is rated to tow a trailer with brakes up to 3500kg, the 1.9-litre versions drop that to 3000kg. That figure, however, is still better than many full-size XNUMXWD wagons from just a few years ago, and the ute will have more than enough towing capacity for many buyers.

The transmission for the rest of the 50-litre BT-3.0 range remains unchanged.

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

Both BT-50 engines are Euro 5 compliant, while the smaller unit has a paper advantage in fuel economy on the combined cycle of exactly one liter per 100 km (6.7 versus 7.7 liters per 100 km).

Given that both units offer the same level of technology (double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and common-rail injection), the difference comes down to a lower differential and the inherent advantage of a smaller engine.

Of course, sometimes the theory doesn't match reality, in which case we really didn't have the opportunity to cover a huge distance on the XS.

However, we recorded an average of 7.2 liters per 100 km mainly on country roads, which, combined with a 76-liter tank, provided a range of more than 1000 km.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

Ute safety has come a long way in recent times, and Mazda is proof of that. Even in its most basic single-cab version of the XS 4x2, Mazda gets autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, hillside control, lane departure warning and avoidance, rear cross traffic alert, rearview camera, active cruise. -management, recognition of road signs and monitoring of blind spots.

On the passive side, there are airbags for each passenger, including full-length curtains for the rear passengers in the double cab variant.

The BT-50 also has what's called secondary collision reduction, which is a system that detects that a collision has occurred and automatically applies the brakes to help prevent a secondary collision.

Ute security has come a long way in recent times. (pictured XS version)

The only safety features that are missing from the XS compared to the more expensive versions are front and rear parking sensors on the 4×2 single cab chassis and front parking sensors on the double cab versions of the XS model.

However, the standard rearview camera makes up for most of that. You also miss out on keyless remote access on the XS.

The entire BT-50 range received a maximum of five stars in ANCAP testing.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 6/10

The BT-50 in any of its forms is covered by Mazda Australia's five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Mazda offers a fixed price service mode for all BT-50s and you can check the prices on the company's website. Service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first.

What is it like to drive? 5/10

Since the 3.0-liter BT-50's mechanical package hasn't changed, it's no surprise that not much has changed.

The engine remains a competent rather than an inspiring performer. It might feel a little rough and noisy when you're working hard, but thanks to all that torque, it's not that long of a time.

On the road, the light steering gives you confidence, and while the ride isn't as smooth as some of the competition, at least the front and rear suspension feel pretty well in sync.

But the ride remains jerky, while the amount of body roll never prompts you to explore anywhere near the limits. The latter can hardly be called a criticism, but the fact remains that some of Mazda's peers offer a more challenging ride.

It might feel a little rough and noisy when you're working hard, but thanks to all that torque, it's not that long of a time. (pictured SP variant) (image: Tomas Veleki)

Off-road, the Mazda soon shows that it has enough intelligence to be a compelling companion in the bush. Our ride on dry but very rocky, loose and fairly steep surfaces was smooth for the Mazda, with only larger bumps at odd angles requiring the use of a rear diff lock.

The 18-inch Bridgestone Dueller A/T tires are probably a step up from the shoes worn by many double cab vehicles.

While its low-ratio gearbox will probably save the XS's off-road bacon (we haven't had a chance to find out), nothing can hide the fact that those 30 kW, 1.1 liters of engine, and most importantly, 100 Nm of torque is AWOL. . 

This is largely the reason for Morley's harsh driving ratings are higher, and if you buy a 1.9-liter BT-50 with a 2.0-liter Ranger depending on engine size, there's a big power difference. You just have to ride the BT-50 XS harder than most modern bikes for more time and you still won't cover the same capabilities as the 3.0-litre version.

Our ride on dry but very rocky, loose and rather steep surfaces was easy for the Mazda. (pictured SP variant) (image: Tomas Veleki)

The engine still makes a lot of noise and clatter, and while a smaller displacement engine will sometimes be smoother than its bigger sibling, this isn't the case here.

Once you're up and running, things get better as the engine relaxes and the gearbox revs up to a commendable 1600 rpm at 100 km/h.

In isolation (which is how most people perceive the thing), the XS exhibits the unimpressive determination that characterizes modern turbodiesels, paired with a degree of intelligence from a six-speed automatic transmission.

But then again, the shortest ride in the 3.0-liter BT-50 will tell you something is missing from the XS.

We'll be following this 2022 BT-50 launch with specific SP reviews on AdventureGuide and XS on TradieGuide, so keep an eye out for those more extensive tests.

Verdict

Decontent is a swear word in the car game, and while switching to a smaller engine to lower the price by a few bucks didn't ruin the BT-50, it did reduce its traction and performance. What's more, though, it's still more expensive than some of its competitors, including its close mechanical relative the Isuzu D-Max, which can be had with a 3.0-liter engine and full 3.5-tonne towing capacity for a couple of hundred dollars. for a tank of diesel fuel.

Some buyers will simply expect more than the $2000 or $3000 saved by an engine downgrade.

As for the SP, well, the idea of ​​a double cab sports car isn't to everyone's taste, but it's probably the closest you can get. However, any sportiness is the result of a visual approach, and driving the SP is immediately recognizable as a member of the BT-50 family.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, providing room and board.