Going against the norm of rugged-looking decked-out pickup trucks is the sleek Mazda BT-50. With a CX-9-like face and zero decals, doesn’t look out of place in an urban setting, yet still has the full capabilities of a pickup truck. But what is it like to live with? Well, here’s our review of D-Max’s handsome cousin.
There are two engine options for the Mazda BT-50, namely the 1.9-litre turbodiesel and the 3.0-litre turbodiesel. As for variants, the double-cab Mazda BT-50 is offered in the 1.9 Mid MT variant, the 1.9 Mid AT variant, the 1.9 High AT variant, and the 3.0 High Plus AT variant. There is also a single-cab version with a manual transmission that is priced at RM 92,000.
With the 3.0-litre turbodiesel powering the High Plus variant, the Mazda BT-50 makes 188hp @ 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm @ 1,600-2,600 rpm. The turbo diesel engine is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox and power is sent to all wheels (when selected) via a 4WD system. The 3.0-litre engine isn’t highly strung as its smaller-displacement competitors in favour of better durability. The belly of the BT-50 can store up to 76 litres of diesel goodness.
As for exterior colours, the Mazda BT-50 is offered in Rock Grey Mica, Concrete Gray, Ingot Silver, Gun Blue Mica, Ice White, Red Volcano Mica, and True Black Mica. The 3.0 High Plus gets Bi-LED headlights, LED DRLs, sidesteps, a bedliner, and roof rails with a 100 kg limit. Only the 3.0 High Plus gets 18-inch wheels, while the rest of the variants get 17-inch wheels and 16-inch wheels.
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The sleek look of the Mazda BT-50 continues from the exterior to the interior. With brown leather upholstery and soft-touch materials, the cabin provides an exclusive ambience that is not usual in a pickup truck. Smack in the centre of the dashboard is a 9-inch infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 3.0 High Plus comes with 8 speakers, 2 USB ports, and a reverse camera.
In the safety department, the 3.0 High Plus comes with a decent package of advanced safety technologies. Among them are Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Auto Emergency Braking (AEB), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Included in the price of the Mazda BT-50 is a 5-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty. Should you consider it over the usual Hilux or D-Max? Watch our review to let GC tell you what he thinks.
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