New Mazda BT 50

[Isuzumu]

Test drove a new BT 50 yesterday and think the look is ok, very well put together, nice front seats  and a bloody good drive even empty. Their XTR auto is $51790 drive away, the best I can find in the Ford Ranger XLT is $57890. I was pretty impressed with the test drive, an auto, but think I need another before making a decision.
Now I have not driven a Hilux for many years, but in the Brisbane Courier Mail they have a bit of a test on the Toyota, Ford and Mazda and they say the Lux just beats the Ford with the Mazda in third. So if some one who owns a new Lux can go drive the Ranger or BT 50 and give an honest answer please and of course I will test drive a Lux. I am sorry but just can not see it.

[koshari]

a lot of toyota owners possibly nay give a bias opinion, btw i drive a triton and i think they are the best 


seriously though it looks like they have addressed the one big issue i had with the older range or ranegr/BT50, they felt like the narrowest cabs in the field.

i havnt seen either in the flesh but it will be interesting to see how similar the ranger and the BT are , do they still share development?

the fronts look very different and i think the ranger is a lot better styled.

[Isuzumu]

My problem is I have not driven to many new 4WD utes for a long stretches, test drove an Amorak and a couple of D-Maxs. The BT 50 is differently up with the VW and better with the six speed auto, it's a long way ahead of a 1974 FJ-45 tray back I owned  . They are a lot bigger than their predecessors, that's for sure.

[rodsswag]

Hi Isuzumu, hows it goin? I have just traded my cruiser in on a Hilux and it is great 
All tho it is an older one they have stood the test of time 
See you out there with a port soon 
Rod.....

[dooguss]

Sorry for the high jack  ISuzumu but rodswag what the ..... Can't believe you got rid of the cruiser what's going on there will you not have a new trailer for the cape next year now

[rodsswag]

If everything works out a whole new set up tow rig and trailer 

Rod....

[Isuzumu]

Hi Isuzumu, hows it goin? I have just traded my cruiser in on a Hilux and it is great 
All tho it is an older one they have stood the test of time 
See you out there with a port soon 
Rod.....

Sounds good Rod and the port to hahahahahah

[JRF1973]

Hi Bruce

My father, father in law and brother have all got BT50's.  Only complaint they have all had is that they are too fast in reverse gear, which is a problem when they are backing vans (in the oldies case) and a big boat in my brother's case.  Both my father in law and father have been through a couple of clutches as you are forced to "ride" the clutch to try to slow it down. They actually have to put it in low range to stop burning out the clutch. (Have I said the word "clutch" enough times....)

Clutches were replaced under warranty and since they started using low range, they are happy. 

Regards

Justin

[Matto]

My father, father in law and brother have all got BT50's.  Only complaint they have all had is that they are too fast in reverse gear, which is a problem when they are backing vans (in the oldies case) and a big boat in my brother's case.  Both my father in law and father have been through a couple of clutches as you are forced to "ride" the clutch to try to slow it down. They actually have to put it in low range to stop burning out the clutch.

Same reason why the old man's shop has changed from manual hiluxes to auto's. The manuals were getting the clutches burnt out when reversing the big trailers through paddocks and up inclines. Switched to the same car but an auto, and no problems any more.

(Have I said the word "clutch" enough times....)

Depends - does it sounds "funny" when you say it? 

Good luck!
Matto
(Who has some experience with the older model BT, and pre-facelifted Hilux, but none of the new ones)

[4wd26]

I have been searching on the net for info- I read that article and it was a bit of a fluff piece.

Toyota have upped the game- dropped the price by $2.5k and added around 5k of fruit (17" rims, sat nav, climate control air and side airbags) so NOW offer good value for money

BUT I wonder how the resale will go for the pre update models- you know the "toyota suckers" that paid the extra $2.5k without the fruit- I see a instant depreciation on those that will effect the traditional good resale.

Now does anyone know what the mazda or Ford low range ratio is?
I have searched the manufactures websites and cannot get that info. 

[strudeltoowoomba]

I was reading on another site some of the differences between the two, it looks like they are only going to be mechanical twins not fit out as well:


PX Ranger 4x4 XLT Double Cab Pick-Up 3.2L

$53,390
Ford Ranger inclusions not on Mazda
- Bedliner and 12V Socket
- Sports Bar
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- 3,350kg Towbar and wiring
- Privacy Glass
- Auto Headlamps
- Electrochromatic Rear Mirror
- Motion Sensing / Volumetric Alarm
- Cooled Console
- Reverse Sensors
- Chrome Grille
- Chrome Side Steps vs. Aluminium
- Extensive Chrome exterior trim
- Tailgate lock
- Full Underbody Protection
- Heated & Power fold exterior mirrors
- Battery Management System


Mazda BT-50 4x4 XTR Dual Cab Pick-Up 3.2L
$48,810
Mazda BT-50 options not on Ranger
- Satellite Navigation

Body style / Cab Style limitations:
- BT-50 does not offer a Single Cab Pick-Up model, All-New Ranger does offer one model
- The BT-50 4x4 GT Dual Cab Pick-Up 'model' appears to be simply a $1,900 (MLP) optional pack over the 4x4 XTR Dual Cab Pick-Up as the content additions are restricted to:
- Leather seats
- Rain sensing wipers (standard on All-New Ranger XLT models)
- Electrochromatic rear view mirror (standard on All-New Ranger XLT models)
- Automatic Headlights on/off function (standard across the range on All-New Ranger)
- Of the 12 BT-50 models released, only 7 models are direct engine, cab style and body style matches with All-New Ford Ranger models


It may explain why the Ranger costs more.


Cheers

Steve

[spargo]

Does it still have the under-dash pull t-handle handbrake?

If yes, Mazda needs a slap in the head.

[drrnadms]

I just cant believe that these Utes are now more than 50 thousand, its ridiculous amount of money for a Ute, however love the look of the new ford over the BT 50.

[koshari]

I just cant believe that these Utes are now more than 50 thousand, its ridiculous amount of money for a Ute, however love the look of the new ford over the BT 50.

only the premier badges are in that bracket (gsx-r sr5 etc...), the base model tradeys, rigs have to compeete with the great walls and such.

[HEM19X]

Mrs Hem say Noooo!!!

[Isuzumu]

Does it still have the under-dash pull t-handle handbrake?

If yes, Mazda needs a slap in the head.

No its between the seat

[Isuzumu]

I just cant believe that these Utes are now more than 50 thousand, its ridiculous amount of money for a Ute, however love the look of the new ford over the BT 50.

The Ford, Mazda and VW are a long way ahead in the cab then old ones

[SKEMPIE]

I'm still dubious about there claimed 3350kg towing capacity ? both the ranger and bt50 have this, i wonder how long till this is challenged / changed. Me thinks accident waiting to happen.

[cdustbehindme]

I think a lot of towing capacity ratings are a joke, I see a lot of horse floats behind conventional 2wd utes....  like the float wouldnt move the ute if something went slightly wrong, at least a dual cab has a little more weight......

[Bird]

whats a towbar weight limit?


the wheels still turned.

[markymark]

I just cant believe that these Utes are now more than 50 thousand, its ridiculous amount of money for a Ute, however love the look of the new ford over the BT 50.

The Ford certainly looks better. It's funny how in nearly every ad I've seen for the BT50 in the last few days they're showing it with a bullbar, part of an options pack - in the background you can see one without the bullbar. Isn't that an admission from Mazda it looks ugly? Normally they advertise the packs after new releases.

Mark.