Spacious and cheap to run

The Mazda BT-50 PRO pickup has been introduced quite some time ago and the model line-up has just been expanded with special dressed-up as well as CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) choices.

While the BT-50 PRO “Eclipse” special edition is available in four diesel models of the Freestyle Cab (manual transmission only) and Double Cab (manual and automatic transmission) with prices ranging from 791,000 to Bt943,000, the CNG models are available for the Standard Cab, Freestyle Cab as well as Double Cab petrol models (all with manual transmission only) with price ranging from Bt550,000 to Bt716,000.

While Ford has been highly successful with its Ranger “Wild Trak” special version that looks awesome and is fully equipped, Mazda is also offering an upgraded version. But while the Ranger carry a tough and macho theme, the BT-50 tends to lean on the sporty side.

Among the additions featured in the Eclipse model include a sporty new front bumper with daytime running lights, redesigned rear bumper, side steps, special “Eclipse” tail gate design with smaller tail light cluster than the standard version, styling bar and bed liner, special graphic decals as well as serious-looking dark grey alloy wheels. The top model also gets leather seats.

The Eclipse models are powered by a DOHC 16-valve 2.2-litre diesel engine capable of producing 150 horsepower and 375Nm of torque, which is about the same as larger 2,5-litre engines offered by other brands. The engine is manufactured by Ford in an agreement with Mazda that helps lower development costs for both brands. For the next generation, the engine will come from Mazda.

Both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available. While the manual box features an upshift indicator (a small arrow that lights up suggesting an upward gear change), the automatic also comes with several high-tech features such as Active Adaptive Shift Control (AAS) and Sequential Shift Control (SSC) that is usually found in passenger cars like the Mazda3.

The front double wishbone and rear leaf spring suspension with double-acting shocks of the BT-50 PRO is highly regarded for offering a smooth and solid ride, resulting in a car-like feel. Meanwhile, the steering offers much better precision and feedback than you’d expect from a pickup truck, adding to the driving enjoyment.

The BT-50 is a huge pickup with a spacious cabin that has been designed to appeal to customers looking for car-like interior. The driver gets a “wraparound” driving environment with sporty black/metallic trim. The materials used looks good, and there is a good amount of storage spaces, including a driver’s glove box, 1-litre bottle holders on the doors, and additional storage under the rear seats in the Freestyle and Double Cab versions.

Automatic switching headlights and windshield wipers also make life easier for the driver, apart from raising the safety level. The Double Cab model gets 3-point safety belts both front and rear (for all three passengers), apart from airbags.

Meanwhile, for those looking to lower fuel costs, the CNG model offers dramatic savings with its factory-fitted natural gas system.

Compared to the diesel version, the corresponding CNG model cuts fuel costs by half (Bt1.50 per km compared to Bt3 per km for the diesel). It’s also 35 per cent cheaper to run per kilometre than LPG.

The CNG tanks on the BT-50 PRO are imported from Italy and are largest in class at 150 litres for the Freestyle Cab and 120 litres for the Double Cab, giving the trucks a range of over 200km on a single tank of CNG.

According to Mazda, CNG is a more attractive choice over LPG due to safety reasons as well as retail pricing (Bt10.50 per kg for CNG and Bt12.50 per kg for LPG). Meanwhile, combustion is also cleaner with lower carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions.

However, there is a slight tradeoff when using CNG as torque delivery seems to be affected. Acceleration is slightly slower in CNG mode compared to petrol mode.

The 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve petrol engine develops 166hp and just 225Nm of torque, which is considerably lower than the diesel that I still personally prefer to drive.

The lower torque means that with a heavy load in the pickup bed, it could struggle when driven uphill in the northern region, and is more suitable for flatter regions of the country.

But for those who still want to use CNG-powered trucks, purchasing a factory-fitted model seems to be the safer choice due to the warranty offered – if you equip an after market system, the warranty becomes void.

 

 

Mazda BT-50 2.5 S CNG Freestyle Cab specs

 

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve

Displacement: 2,488cc

Bore and stroke: 89x100mm

Compression ratio: 9.7:1

Max power: 166ps/5,500rpm

Max torque: 225Nm/4,500rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Ratios: 4.200/2.238/1,386/1.000/0.763

Suspension (f/r): double wishbone, stabilizer/leaf spring

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: 11.8 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/drum

 

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 5,277

Width: 1,850

Height: 1,706

Wheel base: 3,220

Track (f/r): 1,590/1,590

Weight: n/a

Wheels: 16-inch steel

Tires: 215/70R16

Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres

Price: Bt676,000

Distributor: Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co Ltd