Meet the anti-truck Mazda BT-50

I still remember my very first test drive. Back when I was working OJT at the pioneering Automotion magazine, my managing editor Vernon Sarne (now EiC of Top Gear Philippines) personally handed to me the keys to a Mazda B2500. I was thrilled at the prospect of any test drive at the time, but over the course of the test period, I began to respect the truck’s strengths and limitations. Yes, it was a rugged workhorse. No, it was not easy to drive, nor particularly comfortable. That was 1997.

I imagine if Vernon had handed to me a 2014 Mazda BT-50 back then, I would have been over the moon. Trucks in general have greatly evolved through the years, and the Mazda is at the tip of the spear alongside its sibling-under-the-skin, the Ford Ranger. Its appetite for work has not diminished one iota, and in fact can handle more tasks than its predecessors. More importantly, its workhorse roots have gotten more than a little polish with a healthy assortment of features normally reserved for SUVs.

Consider that its engine, a 3.2-liter, 5-cylinder generates 200 HP and 470 Newton-meters of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. It does this through one of the most refined, 5-speed automatics extant. The B-series I test drove years ago had only a little over half that power, if I remember correctly, and harnessed it through a balky stick shift. It’s a wonderful motor to rev, too, which is not always the case with diesels. It’s very easy to get up to speed in the Mazda, unladen or not, and one must be careful to stay within the posted speed limit as it feels like holding back a thoroughbred. As for the typical clatter of a diesel engine, Mazda have done a fine job of smothering it from the cabin so there’s only a faint rumble, and very little vibration.

On the highway, I had to keep bringing it down from the 140-150kph range as the BT-50 hides the sensation of speed very well. Credit must go to the tuning of the suspension – double wishbones in front and leaf springs at the back – which has found a happy balance between compliance and load-bearing. High frequency judder over pavement ripples is very muted, and the dampers do a fine job of mimicking an SUV’s except for the telltale axle hop on rough roads. Over the course of my test drive, I used it to get to Subic from Manila and back for a triathlon, and found that its utilitarian features are neatly offset by its creature comforts.

The cargo bed measures 1,549mm by 1,560mm, which is more than large enough for most hauling needs. Tie-downs are conveniently placed along the bed walls to secure cargo, and the rear seats themselves can be folded flat to accommodate belongings that you don’t want to place outside. The roster of modcons will satisfy anyone who has gotten used to an SUV: dual zone climate control, leather upholstery, 6-speaker stereo with Bluetooth voice control connectivity, and even rain sensing wipers. The cockpit itself is handsomely rendered in Mazda’s signature style of black and grey hues, soft curves, and amber lighting. Anyone familiar with Mazda passenger cars will feel right at home in their truck, which has arguably the most refined interior in its class today.

In the driver’s seat for up to 4 hours during my drive, I appreciated the shape of the seats with their long thigh support and unobtrusive lumbar support. I’d personally opt for fabric upholstery in our temperate climate, although Mazda uses expensive, perforated leather to make the seats breathe more easily. Seating in the back is not especially memorable, mainly because the seatback is placed straight up against the rear wall of the cab. There’s ample head- and legroom for short stints, though.

Like all other pickup trucks in the market, the BT-50’s 4WD is a part-time system, although engaging it has never been so easy. With the previous generation, you had to come to a full stop in order to engage the front hubs. Now all you need to do is turn a knob beside the shifter to engage 4WD-High (you still need to come to a full stop to engage Low, of course). Aside from ABS, the Mazda also includes Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Assist, Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Start Assist, which means you have to get in really way over your head to get all crossed up in this Mazda.

It used to be that buying a pickup truck entailed sacrifices in comfort in exchange for the enhanced utility and image of ruggedness. With the Mazda BT-50, it is rapidly closing the gap between SUV and pickup truck. It has nearly all the comforts of an SUV, but adds the value of a large bed and high ground clearance. As pickup trucks go, driving the Mazda is an enjoyable experience that doesn’t get old too soon.