Mazda BT-50

The cabin layout of the Mazda BT-50 looks very plain but is high on functionality, practicality and a sense of toughness. The interior of the BT-50 is offered with dual-tone black and brown leather upholstery, complemented by silver and gloss black accents on the dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels.

The Mazda BT-50’s driver’s cockpit looks utilitarian, with a simple-looking multi-functional steering wheel and an all-analogue instrument console behind it. However, the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the centre console and the horizontal silver garnish across the dashboard do lift the cabin's ambience.

The BT-50 has more silver accents around the vertically-laid AC vents. The lower centre console gets the buttons of dual-zone automatic climate control, with the BT-50 having features like an electronic differential lock knob, 8-way powered driver’s seat, 8-speaker audio system, and push start-stop button.

This third-generation version of the Mazda BT-50 looks more modern than its previous-generation versions, with a more muscular road presence. However, over time, the design of the BT-50 has begun to feel a bit dated.

At the front, the Mazda BT-50 welcomes one with its large grille, which has sleek-looking headlamps positioned beside it. This grille has chrome extensions on the sides towards the lower edges of the headlamps while also having horizontally laid chrome slats from top to bottom. The front bumper has a simple appearance with a vertical arrangement for the fog lamps sitting within C-shaped housings.

The Mazda BT-50 looks plain from the side. The pickup has a heightened stance, high ground clearance, a tall bonnet line, and 18-inch machined alloy wheels. The BT-50 also comes with chrome-finished door handles, side steps, and roof rails. The rear profile continues the theme of simplicity, with vertically arranged tail lamps on either side and triangular extensions on the sides.

The special edition models: The Mazda BT-50 ‘Black Edition’ gets a gloss black finish for the front grille and alloy wheels. The Mazda BT-50 ‘Pangolin Edition’ has more exclusive touches, like 18-inch Rota alloy wheels, fender flares, body-coloured side steps, a fashion bar, a revolver bed cover, and Pangolin Edition badges.  

The Mazda BT-50 has the fuel capacity of 80L and runs on a diesel mill. In addition, it consumes 9.4L per 100 kms (2.2 4x2 MT engine) and 8.9L per 100 kms (3.2 4x4 AT engine). The combined CO2 emissions is determined to be 227.0 g/km in the 2.2 4x2 MT engine and 258.0g/km in the 3.2 4x4 AT engine. This hunk has been implanted with a high end technical configuration which makes it both fuel economic and performance oriented.

With rugged Macpherson struts at the front and leaf springs at the rear in its suspension combination, the Mazda BT-50 feels rock solid and sturdy over rougher terrains. The optional four-wheel drive system with an electronic differential lock further enhances its sturdiness, though the ride quality over smoother roads feels a bit bouncy at times.

All the variants of the Mazda BT-50 are offered with a 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which claims a maximum power output of 190 PS while the peak torque output is rated at 450 Nm. This engine is offered with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic in the rear-wheel drive version and with the 6-speed automatic as standard in the four-wheel drive version. 

The standard set of safety features in all Mazda BT-50 variants comprises six airbags, ABS with EBD, hill launch assist, hill descent control, electronic stability control, traction control, reverse parking sensors, and a reverse camera. The four-wheel drive version also gets additional ADAS features like lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam control, and forward collision warning. 

While the Mazda BT-50 might not be modern in its feel inside-out, it impresses with the ruggedness and reliability of its suspension setup and powertrain. It also is high on practicality, with generous space for five people and storage spaces in the cabin.