Mazda BT-50 single cab Ute – a workhorse not a family car

Mazda BT-50 – Ute sales continue their strong sales growth with the strongest image for dual cabs that can suit work, play and family. But there are still some purely workhorse models.

MAZ14565_BT-50_SingleCabChassis_XT4x4_IceWhite_Side_3500_RGB

The Mazda BT-50 single cab only comes as a cab chassis on which there is a large aluminium tray.

The relatively lower side and back panels on the tray makes access so much easier than the popular high sided pickups.

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There is only one engine, a three-litre turbo diesel with 140kW and 450 Nm which is more than just adequate.

The infotainment screen was only 7 inches but it does have adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist and a reversing camera but without showing markings of the vehicle limits.

It can tow 3.5 tonnes.

The ride, especially without a load, is jarring.

The price excluding on road costs is $39,000 with the standard tray.

What is good?

  • Good access to rear tray
  • Useful features: cruise control, lane keep assist and reversing camera
  • Can tow 3.5 tonnes

 What is not so good?

  • Basic cabin lay out
  • Considerable road noise
  • Jarring over bumps

 Also Look At

  • Toyota Hilux workmate
  • Ford Ranger
  • Nissan Navara

Model   

Mazda BT 50 single cab 2-door Ute

Model Price $39,020 with standard tray MLP*
Engine 3 Litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel
Drivetrain 6 speed manual 2 Wheel drive
Power 140 kW at 3,600 rpm
Torque 450 Nm at 2,600 rpm
Safety 5 star (tested in 2020) ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 207 g/km
Economy ADR 9.8 L/100km
0-100kmh  / Top Speed N/A
Servicing 12 Months / 15,000 km
Warranty 5 yr/ Unlimited km with  5 Yr. roadside assist

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

 

Overall Rating    

67/100

Behind the Wheel 6
Comfort 5
Equipment 7
Performance 7
Ride and Handling 6
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 8
Street Appeal/Design 5
Technology/Connectivity 7
Value for Money 8

 

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About David Brown 604 Articles
David’s boyhood passion for motor cars did not immediately lead to a professional role in the motor industry. A qualified Civil Engineer he specialised in traffic engineering and transport planning. What followed were various positions including being seconded to a government think-tank for the planning of transport firstly in Sydney and then for the whole of NSW. After working with the NRMA and as a consultant he moved to being an independent writer and commentator on the broader areas of transport and the more specific areas of the cars we drive. His half hour motoring program “Overdrive” has been described as an “informed, humorous and irreverent look at motoring and transport from Australia and overseas”. It is heard on 22 stations across Australia. He does weekly interviews with several ABC radio stations and is also heard on commercial radio in Sydney. David has written for metropolitan and regional newspapers and has presented regular segments on metropolitan and regional television stations. David is also a contributor for AnyAuto