The Mazda brand is no stranger to the local market and in the 80s, was one of the more popular cars on the road especially with the 323. The inception and introduced of Proton changed the total complexion of the local automotive industry. This affected all brands and necessisated the change in market strategy.

The ‘Zoom-Zoom’ communication platform meaning ‘emotion in motion’ was introduced in 2004, is another move by Mazda to reinforce the brand’s appeal. Bermaz Motor, the new Distributor for Mazda in Malaysia acquired the franchise in April 2008 and has successfully sold such models as the new Mazda6, Mazda5 facelift, Mazda MX-5, Mazda CX-9, the newly launched Mazda RX-8 and the BT-50 There are currently twelve 3S centres and 19 dealers with 32 outlets located all over the country. 

In line with the preferences of the masses, pick-up trucks are a common sight currently due to their utility value in addition to its ability of being multi functional. The BT – 50 has been introduced to replace the aging Fighter and is assembled CKD in Malaysia. It is a practical vehicle that will suit contractors, service personnel who travel often and entrepreneurs in just about any industry. Big corporations in the infrastructure, utility, telco industry, plantation industry and construction companies use pick-up trucks in a large scale primarily because there are versatile. The local driving style of our motorist in the urban centres has in many ways lead to change motorist preferences in choosing their set of wheels and the reason is simple – everyone will stay away upon setting sight on a pick-up truck.

The BT-50’s appearance portrays sturdiness in very sense of the word besides not being over bearing in any way. The front grille is distinctive and coupled with the integrated front bumper combines to reflect a contemporary pick-up truck. Bold fenders housing the sporty alloy rims accentuate the neat exterior. The large headlamps with the well designed tail lamps are well proportioned to complete the overall good looks.

An aspect of it which is really a stand-out is the interior as it becomes obvious that this is not the run of the mill pick-up truck. The dash is clean and is made of user friendly material which makes maintenance very easy. A sizeable compartment is also in place in the middle of the dash to store essentials like your mobile and even toll receipts. The 4-spoke power assisted steering wheel is height adjustable and decently proportioned. The instrument cluster consists of the 3 essential meters which are given a silver colour highlight on the rims to make visibility easy.

The power comes from the 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve common-rail turbo engine that is capable of the maximum output of 141bhp at 3500 rpm while the maximum torque is 330Nm at 1800 rpm. A special feature of the engine is the VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) which eliminates turbo lag and optimizes performance for better fuel economy. Our test experience was more than pleasant and can be described as enjoyable. The engine is mated to the 5-speed manual transmission that comes with a comfortable gear ratio. There is as usual, a separate gear knob to select the 4L,2H or 4H options. In this area, we found the BT-50 apt and very able to deliver when required. An important observation is that while stationary, the gear knob hardly vibrates and this sets it apart as in most other pick-ups where it tends to vibrate like a rattle snake.

There are many add-ons in place to make care of the occupants’ creature comforts in this double cab that can comfortably seat 5 passengers including the driver. The bucket fabric seats felt good and also have the reclining feature. For the rear occupants, there is even an armrest which will make long distance journeys more pleasant. The interior is roomy and here, full credit must be given to the designers in their effort to make the interior more sedan-like. The centre facia houses the audio system with a Pioneer AM/FM radio and MP3 CD player supported by 4 speakers. Just below this, is a useful compartment to store more things. The aircon system control knobs located on the centre facia are well placed for easy operation. Power window switches for all the 4 doors are on the driver’s door and the side mirrors adjustment knob. Other features like the cupholders for the front and rear occupants are also available while the instrument panel lighting control is located on the dash within easy reach of the driver.

The front axle uses the Independent Double Wishbone type while the rear uses the Semi Floating type. In the suspension area, the front is Independent Double Wishbone with torsion bar and large shock absorber. In the rear, rigid leaf spring with large shock absorber is in place. The brake system is hydraulic with vacuum servo assistance with load sensing proportional valve. Ventilated disc brakes are used for the front and rear has drums but the hand brake’s location is next to the steering wheel. The ladder chassis felt firm but not to a level that will discomfort the occupants.

For safety, the structure has effective crash protection with energy absorbing front crumple zone. The doors also have side impact beams and there are airbags for the front occupants. The seatbelts have pretensioners and load limiters added to the central locking with alarm plus immobilizer. ABS with EBD is in place to complete the safety aspect.

Bermaz has fully cleared the BT-50 Commonrail stock and now offers the Non-Commonrail version for cost-conscious entrepreneurs and fleet operators alike.  Engine is the tried and tested 2,500 cc Turbo-diesel used by the Mazda Fighter. All features remain the same for the Non-commonrail version except for ABS and airbags. Only manual is available. Prices for the Non-commonrail start from RM 79,234.01 (on-the-road with insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia for Basic Specs (solid paint), and RM 80,934.01 (on-the-road with insurance) in Peninsula Malaysia for Full Spec in Metallic paint.

Prices in East Malaysia start from RM80,377.20 (On-the-road with insurance for company registration) for the basic specs in solid colour for Sabah, and RM80,469.80 (On-the-road with insurance for company registration) for the basic specs in solid colour for Sarawak.Available colours are Radiant Silver, Panther Black and Cool White. BT-50 Full Spec in Metallic paint is RM 82,177.20 and RM 82,269.80 for Sabah and Sarawak respectively.

For all enquiries call Chua Vin Teck at 019-3398091.

All prices valid as per 24 October 2008.