Overview

ON PAPER, Mazda’s BT-50 SP Pro competes against the popular Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Toyota HiLux GR Sport, VW Amarok V6 Style and Panamericana and Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain.

But the Mazda is a different, more-restrained take on a top-of-the-range ute compared to some of its flashier alternatives.

Based on the SP model, the Pro (Enhancement Pack) scores additional kit and decals along with excellent ARB Nitrocharger suspension, specific 18-inch alloys, a Lightforce LED lightbar and blacked-out body hardware.

Plenty is thrown at buyers across luxury, safety, technology and driver assist features as would be expected in a dual-cab 4WD ute that sells for around $76,500 – a price point that places the Mazda above most of its competition and particularly the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain on which it’s based. The latter can be had for as little as $67,990 drive away.

The Mazda is sufficiently different to warrant a look as it is pretty at the front and not at all chunky and truck-like as is much of the competition.

It brings goodies like dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and button start, a 9.0-inch info screen, LED headlights and DRLs, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, two-tone leather upholstery and front and rear parking sensors.

Also included is a manually operated roll-top hard tonneau cover over the drop-in tub liner, but no power outlet or tray light, and only two rear mounted tie down lugs.

The model runs a 9.0-inch infotainment display for the media system that is well equipped with digital radio, AM/FM reception, Apple CarPlay (both wireless and wired) and Android Auto (wired only).

There’s native sat nav though the operating system feels somewhat dated. That said, the model does have remote access via a smartphone companion app for vehicle location, starting and so forth.

ADAS is supported by two cameras and includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), traffic sign recognition, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assistance.

Additional to that is blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver monitoring and adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera (but no 360-degree camera), and parking sensors front and rear.

Driving Impressions

This is GoAuto’s second look at Mazda’s BT-50 SP Pro and it’s fairly obvious some subtle changes have been made, particularly to the ADAS which, based on our latest experience, has been recalibrated to be less intrusive.

It’s a big improvement as the safety suite on a BT-50 driven last year was completely over the top wresting control from drivers at the slightest provocation.

Like nearly everything, the sticker has edged up since late last year to near the top of the segment, but the SP Pro is distinctive and well equipped enough to soothe the pain of premium pricing.

The model is styled in the opposite direction to most of the competitors with an SUV-like front seemingly lifted from something like the CX-80 or CX-90, and the interior is understated, even with two-tone black-on-tan leather upholstery.

The compliant suspension upgrade is a godsend over the standard jiggly offering on lesser models that would rattle your fillings loose when unladen.

The other inclusions on this enhancement pack are worthy particularly the Lightforce light bar that significantly boosts safety at night while the roll-top tonneau improves security, although pinching load useability from the sides and top.

Black 18-inch alloys are attractive enough but are the same size as the SP variant carrying the same H/T tyres so what’s the point apart from matching the model’s prevalent black or dark grey body hardware.

Motive power comes from a 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder from Isuzu that has its origins quite some time ago.

It shows as the engine is neither smooth nor silent and is truckish in operation driving the rear or both axles (selectively) through a six-speed automatic transmission with high and low range gearing.

Rated at 140kW and 450Nm, the BT-50’s engine output is below other offerings in the segment with the benchmark at 150kW and 500Nm.

Mazda claims 8.0 litres per 100km combined fuel efficiency on this model but we could only attain 12.5L/100km as a best case scenario (yes, 12.5) – the number achieved predominantly with steady freeway driving and in Normal drive mode.

A Toyota HiLux 2.8-litre four-wheel drive dual-cab tested recently averaged about 8.2 litres/100km without really trying… which shows the Mazda as a thirsty rival.

The guzzling Mazda was a big shock as we were trying hard to maximise economy. But using 50 per cent more than the claimed rate is somewhat worrying reflected at the bowser where it cost us quite a few bucks to run for a week.

Having said that, the donk does provide decent performance off the line and across the rev range, aided by selectable drive modes.

Ride quality is supple and controlled and really, should be adopted as standard fare across all BT-50 variants. The same could be said for the light bar, tub liner and tow hitch (3500kg braked towing capacity).

Passenger comfort rates highly for a one-tonne ute felt through the seat of the pants, how it behaves in mixed driving environments and in the comfortable interior with adequate room for four adults in all the critical measurements.

The audio system is good, the multiple HVAC outlets appreciated. The new infotainment system offers comprehensive functions that are easily accessible.

A minor annoyance was the lack of guidelines on the parking sensors and really, truly, we’d drop the black alloys and fit a bull bar instead.

We wanted to like the BT-50 SP Pro but couldn’t reconcile the startling fuel consumption on the test vehicle… it was a dead-set deal breaker.

Add to that the higher purchase price and we really must question the model’s value for money, especially when compared with the donor Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain.