Mazda BT-50 SP – Recently I drove the Mazda BT-50 4WD Ute with the SP option pack. This caters for buyers that want extra features but with manufacturer warranty.
The BT-50 SP pack comes with stylish Black and driftwood leather seat trim, 18-inch alloy wheels and roof rails. In addition, there is upgraded lifted suspension with twin tube shock absorbers.
Up front there is an integrated Lightforce light bar that has excellent brightness but needs better calibration with the automatic headlights.
The BT-50 SP comes with wireless smart phone connectivity, heated front seats, and a comfortable thick rimmed steering wheel.
Its compliant around town and was at home on dirt roads, forest trails and the beach.
The Mazda BT-50 SP is priced from around $68,500 plus the usual costs and is a reliable, robust 4WD Ute.
This is a Motoring Minute
I’m Rob Fraser
Readers can find the full review on the Mazda BT-50 SP HERE
TO LISTEN TO THE MAZDA BT-50 SP RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW
Mazda BT-50 SP Video review
More thoughts about the Mazda BT-50 SP
- I like the styling, its more SUV than big American Ute
- The SP enhancements add both style and practicality
- The raised suspension provides
- smoother ride on dirt roads
- more compliant ride
- better on road handling
- better ground clearance
- improved rebound calibration
- The black and driftwood interior adds subtle ambience
- Front seats are heated with additional lumbar support
- Wireless CarPlay is good, wireless charging would be better
- The Lightforce light bar provides excellent illumination, but the auto calibration for dipping etc. needs some work
- 18 inch alloy wheels are best for off road work
- Like its close cousin, the Isuzu D-MAX, THE bt-50 is an excellent tow vehicle
- 2500kg and 350kg tow ball rating are top of class
- But you need to keep an eye on the GCM and payload balance
- 3.0L turbo diesel engine has reasonable performance on road and excellent off road.
- The low delivery of torque allows for easier towing, especially heavy loads, with reasonable economy
- SP suspension pack enhances the towing capability of the BT-50
- The ride and handling on dirt roads is improved and compliant
- Over sand its a breeze, especially when it was chopped up at the entry to the beach
- The tub liner is a handy addition.
- I’m generally not the biggest fan of roller top tonneau, but manual ones are better
What is good? |
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What is not so good? |
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Instead of a Mazda BT-50 SP what else could I buy?
The recreational Dual Cab Ute segment is packed. And the top end is the most popular.
Buyers could look at the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, Nissan Navara Pro 4X Warrior, Toyota HiLux Rogue, or the HiLux GR Sport, Ford Ranger Wildtrak, or the all new Mitsubishi Triton
Mazda BT-50 SP final thoughts
I like the BT-50 SP with the enhancement packs. They add a level of ambience and practicality to an otherwise good Ute.
Its compliant around town and was at home on dirt roads, forest trails and the beach.
The price is getting up there, but also good value compared to the escalating prices from competitors.
Mazda BT-50 |
|
Model |
BT-50 SP |
| Model Price | $68,510 MLP* |
| Engine | 3.0L 4 Cyl Turbo Diesel Euro 5 |
| Drivetrain | 6 Sp Sports AT Dual range 4WD |
| Power | 140kW @ 3,600rpm |
| Torque | 450Nm @ 1,600-2,600rpm |
| Safety | 5 Star ANCAP (August 2022) |
| 0-100kmh / Top Speed | TBA |
| CO2 Emissions | 207 g/km |
| Economy ADR | 8.0L/100km / 76L capacity |
| Economy on test | 9.5L/100k |
| Max Range | 1101km |
| Range on test | 950km |
| Servicing | 12Mth / 15,000km 5 Yrs. Capped Price |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km |
| Roadside Assist | 5Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges). Pricing is from Redbook as at date of article or from the manufacturer’s website.
Overall Rating |
89/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 9 |
| AWD/Towing Capability* | 10 (4WD 5/5 Towing 5/5) |
| Technology/connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 9 |
*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.
Dimensions |
Mazda BT-50 SP |
| Overall Length | 5280mm |
| Wheelbase | 3125mm |
| Width | 1870mm |
| Height | 1790mm |
| Wheels | 18×7.5 Alloy |
| Tyres | 265/60 R18 |
| Max ground clearance | Up to 240mm |
| Wading Depth | 800mm |
| Approach | 27 degrees |
| Rampover | 23.8 degrees |
| Departure angle | 24.2 degrees |
| Turning Circle KTK | 12.5m |
| Tub Length | 1571mm |
| Tub width arches | 1120mm |
| Tub width | 1530mm |
| Tub Depth | 490mm |
| Kerb Weight | 2035kg |
| Payload (kg) | 1080kg |
| GVM (kg) | 3100kg |
| GCM | 6000kg |
| Towing Capacity (braked) | 3500kg |
| Tow Ball rating | 350kg |