I’ve got to confess I still like a bit of bush bashing! My son is happy to join me on any 4×4 expedition, and what better way to go exploring than in the Mazda BT-50 4×4. This is a seriously competent off-road vehicle that has to be one of the most practical utes on the market , thanks mainly to the BT-50’s roomy size. After driving the new BT-50, you’ll discover that things might not be so easy for the top selling Toyota Hilux equivalent.

Now available in seven models, the Mazda BT-50 4×4 has all the bases covered from the workhorse single cab and freestyle cabs, to the roomier dual cabs and then the fully equipped GT dual cab model. All BT-50 models have the classy KODOS Mazda design exterior that fashionably sets it apart from other utes on the road. You’re sitting high up above the road in the 4×4 BT-50, so the ride is exceedingly comfortable and safe as you look out over the top of most vehicles that you’ll end up following. However, with a massive 470 Nm, the Mazda BT-50 4×4 doesn’t have to spend time an awful lot of time pent up behind slow traffic for very long. With this level of grunt, passing cars is easy, and you have all the torque available to tow the yacht or 24 foot caravan to the beach. Average fuel consumption for the six-speed manual models ends up under 9 litres/100 km, while the six-speed automatic versions return 9.2 litres/100 km.

Speaking of safety, the Mazda BT-50 has comprehensive safety technology: ABS, child restraint anchor points, childproof rear door locks, DSC, EBD, an emergency stop signal, a high mount stop lamp, Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Load Adaptive Control, a locking rear differential (Freestyle Cab Utility XTR, Dual Cab Utility XTR, Dual Cab Utility GT), Roll Stability Control, side impact door beams, Traction Control and Trailer Sway Control are provided. You feel safe inside the BT-50. The ride is solid and dependable, while the grip of the Mazda BT-50 4×4 is superior in its class. Take the BT-50 4×4 off-road, and the traction is excellent for dealing to anything that the Australian Outback cares to throw at you.

Riding inside the roomy Mazda BT-50 cabin you’ll either enjoy a hard working air-conditioning system to deal with the severely hot Australian days or, if you select the XTR or GT models, then a super cooling Dual-Zone air-conditioning unit provides beautiful cool, fresh air for all occupants. Keeping up with business is easy, with the modern hands free compatible Bluetooth communications system. Cruise control is standard as are cup holders throughout the cabin. A very smart, modern cloth fabric is used on all Mazda BT-50 models, though to really live in the lap of luxury the Mazda BT-50 Dual Cab Utility GT boasts premium leather seats that make you feel like a true exec.

You may as well ditch the car because the Mazda BT-50 Dual Cab models offer so much practicality and comfort that they can perform any job your family does. The leaf sprung axle at the back enables the BT-50 to manfully tow up to 3500 kg, while mud flaps all round, cargo boxes and underbody impact protection show a little of what this low/high, diff-locking 4×4 is designed to do.

It is easy to see why so many farmers, builders and construction engineers would opt for a new Mazda BT-50, but then I can see why the comfort and performance of this very safe 4×4 will appeal to those in urban dwellings, too. A match winner from Mazda, the BT-50 is a must drive.

Current Mazda BT-50 4×4 models include the:

• Single Cab Chassis XT
• Freestyle Cab Chassis XT
• Freestyle Cab Utility XTR
• Dual Cab Chassis XT
• Dual Cab Utility XT
• Dual Cab Utility XTR
• Dual Cab Utility GT

For any more information on the Mazda BT-50 4×4 or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mazda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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