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Mazda goes Big Time with bakkie

Mazda reckons it’s got pretty close to car-like comfort with its latest BT-50 bakkies – something probably to be appreciated by the “lifestyle” market who’ll be buying them.

They were launched on the northern KZN this week and Wheels 24 is there right now doing things in the dunes but meanwhile here’s a glimpse of what the trucks are offering – and the prices.

'YOUNG AT HEART'

Mazda is resting its BT-50 marketing appeal on:

• More space, comfort and versatility.
• Powerful engines.
• Comprehensive active and passive safety features.

Doreen Mashinini, Mazda’s marketing manager, believes: “The BT-50 offers stylish looks, a dynamic driving experience, tremendous functionality and advanced safety features.

“It’s designed to appeal to the young at heart with an active and adventurous lifestyle. The revolutionary design combined with greater cabin space, longer wheelbase and more engine power ensures all the comfort of a car with the versatility of a bakkie.”

IMAGE GALLERY


There are three body types: double-cab, single-cab and something called “Freestyle cab”, each longer, wider and higher than the earlier BT-50 with real-world space not only for the front but also the rear passengers.

All Freestyle models except the 2.2 MZ-CD SLX High Ride 4x2 5 manual diesel (now there’s an excessive mouthful of a name!) and double-cabs have an MP3 compatible radio/CD with an auxiliary socket. A multifunction display with a black and grey display for SLE models, two-line display for SLX models except the 2.2 MZ-CD SLX High Ride 4x2 5 manual diesel (there we go again!) is at the top of the centre stack to confirm audio operations.

The engine line-up consists of 2.2 and 3.2 diesels and a 2.5-litre petrol with, variously, a five-speed manual or six-speed manual and auto transmissions. All-wheel drive units have 4x4 “shift on the fly”.

WISHBONES AND LEAVES

The four-cylinder, quad-valve MZ-CD 2.2 common-rail direct-injection engine is the mainstay of the range and comes in two power versions:  88kW/285Nm and 110kW/375Nm. The MZ-CD 3.2 can make 147kW/470Nm.

The 2.5 four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine is capable of 122kW/225Nm.

Front suspension on all models uses a double-wishbone layout with coil springs, the rear a rigid axle with leaf springs.

Mashinini adds: “Whether it's intended for recreational or business, the package offers more space and versatility.  The new styling will attract attention and the impressive levels of comfort and specification make the Mazda BT-50 a savvy choice.”

Service intervals are 15 000k, there’s a four-year or 120 000km warranty, a  five-year or 90 000km service plan and three years of roadside assistance.

PRICES

Single Cab
Mazda BT-50 2.5 MZI SL LR 5MT 4x2 S/Cab Petrol - R190 330
Mazda BT-50 2.5 MZI SL LR 5MT 4x4 S/Cab Petrol - R228 070
Mazda BT-50 2.2 MZ-CD SL LR 5MT 4x2 S/Cab Diesel - R200 330
Mazda BT-50 2.2 MZ-CD (High Power) SLX 6MT 4x2 S/Cab Diesel - R266 020
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLX 6MT 4x2 S/Cab Diesel - R306 920
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLX 6MT 4x4 S/Cab - R354 200

Freestyle Cab
Mazda BT-50 2.2 MZ-CD SLX 5MT 4x2 F/Cab Diesel - R231 950
Mazda BT-50 2.2 (High Power) MZ-CD SLX 6MT 4x2 F/Cab Diesel - R286 420
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6MT 4x2 F/Cab Diesel - R351 650
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6AT 4x2 F/Cab Diesel - R362 970
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6MT 4x4 F/Cab Diesel - R398 970

Double Cab
Mazda BT-50 2.2 (High Power) MZ-CD SLX 6MT 4x2 D/Cab Diesel - R340 480
Mazda BT-50 2.2 (High Power) MZ-CD SLE 6MT 4x2 D/Cab Diesel - R372 760
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6MT 4x2 D/Cab Diesel - R403 560
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6AT 4x2 D/Cab Diesel - R414 890
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6MT 4x4 D/Cab Diesel - R450 890
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6AT 4x4 D/Cab Diesel - R462 210

Options
Service Plan 2.5 Petrol (compulsory – five yr/90 000km) - R10 383
Service Plan 2.2 Diesel (compulsory – five yr/90 000km) - R10 212
Service Plan 3.2 Diesel (compulsory – five yr/90 000km) - R10 780
Aircon - R7 250
Aircon and slip - Rear axle R10 870
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