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Hot on the heels of the updated Ford Ranger comes
Page 34
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Mazda's Euro-4 BT-50 — but will it prove as impressive? Colin Barnett reports.
The latest mount to join the merry-goround of pickup launches is the Mazda BT-50. Its resemblance to the Ford Ranger is unsurprising — they're built on the same Thai production line and share running gear, chassis and body substructure, including doors, roof and loadbox.
But to consider the BT-50 a knock-off of the Ranger would be wrong, as the bulk of its development is by Mazda. We have already roadtested the Ranger (CM 24 August) and ended up highly impressed, especially by its greatly improved refinement.
Key to this is the new Mazda-designed MZR-CD 2.5 common-rail engine. Features contributing to its success include double overhead camshafts operating 16 valves. variable-geometry turbocharger and contrarotating balance shafts.The common-railsystem works at 1,600bar, with emissions cleaned by liGR with its oxidising catalyst.
Many new or revised Euro-4 engines of similar displacement have peaky torque curves, hence the proliferation of six-speed gearboxes. While the Mazda's 330Nm peak torque is not the highest in the sector, its curve is the flattest. At least 300Nm is available from 1,200 to 3,400rpm: the resulting flexibility means the BT-50 gets away comfortably with five ratios.
Although we couldn't establish whether the Ford and the Mazda have identical suspension settings. the BT-50's ride and handling meet very high standards. Its European launch was in the hills and on the coastal roads to the south of Athens. not an area blessed with straight or smooth roads, but we encountered nothing on or off-road that took the BT-50 by surprise. The engine's relaxed flexibility (it's geared for 30mph11,000rpm) easily matches the manufacturer's claims. The UK market will he taking three basic versions: 4x2 and 4x4 single cabs, and a 4x4 double cab — but not the compromise Freestyle extended cab with rear-hinged doors.Two higher trim levels. TS and TS2, are available on the double cab, as is a Lifestyle accessory pack. Even the basic model comes with power steering, two air bags, cloth triman adjustable steering column and a radio/CD/MP3 player as standard. •
Mazda BT-50
WHAT'S NEW?
• Styling and interior • Euro-4 engine HIGH RISK?
• Limited range • Umbrella handbrake WORTH A PUNT?
• Impressive driveline • Greatly improved refinement THE VERDICT
Mazda is never going lobe a high-volume player in the UK pickup sector, but the BT-50 otters a competent alternative to the big boys.