Mazda BT-50 (2006 – 2010) Review

Mazda BT-50 (2006 – 2010) At A Glance

3/5

+Reliable and well built, four-wheel drive version is strong for towing, good value second hand.

-Not especially refined, harder to find than a similar Ford Ranger, poor ride quality of two-wheel drive models.

The Mazda BT-50 is a direct replacement for the previous B2500 model and makes value for money a key selling point coming as a standard two-door cab. There is also a four-door crew cab model that has proved popular, with the usual front pair of doors and two rear doors for easier access to the small back bench.

Rear seat space is not generous, while the Crew Cab is also not the most spacious for back seat passengers. But in the front, the BT-50 is more accommodating for legs, knees, shoulders and heads, but it’s far from the most opulent vehicle in this class for kit and caboodle.

That said, there’s no shortage of power, thanks to a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 143PS and 330Nm of shove. This engine was joined by a 3.0-litre turbodiesel unit in 2007 that delivers 156PS and 380Nm, though there is a consequent increase in emissions to 271g/km from the 2.5’s 244g/km. It's far better for tough work though, especially if you have a trailer to pull.

All Double Cab versions of the BT-50 have four-wheel drive as standard, while the Single Cab model can be had with rear- or four-wheel drive. As with many pick-ups, the rear-drive models need to be driven with care in the wet.

The Mazda BT-50 is near identical to the Ford Ranger of the same age, but unlike the Ranger, the replacement was never launched in the UK. However, as a second hand buy, the reliable 2006 generation BT-50 makes a good purchase.