Locally owned and independent
February 10, 2022
The Northern Rivers Times
MOTORING REVIEW 49
BT-50 Thunder . . . designed to attract attention. CHRIS RILEY Utes have taken the Australian market by storm, with three of the top 10 selling vehicles now dual-cab utilities. Unfortunately for Mazda the BT-50 is not one of them, although in an embarrassing twist the donor Isuzu D-Max is – and therein lies the problem. Enter stage left the bigger, bolder and blacker BT-50 Thunder, a special edition designed right here, with parts manufactured here and available to buy only here. Thunder is geared with one object in mind, to attract attention -- and hopefully dollars. Based on the $56,990 GT model, Thunder is available with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, priced from $65,990 plus on-roads – an auto adds $3000. That’s still 10 grand cheaper than Ford’s Ranger Raptor, but Raptor features a different powertrain, wider track suspension STYLING Think black. Mazda has released a ‘bolder” BT, but this is a much better, more convincing effort. Thunder opens its card with a prominent front-end treatment that includes a single hoop steel bull bar that integrates a new bumper and Lightforce dual-row LED light bar. There’s also black 18inch alloys, black wide steps, and black exhaust extension, along with a premium sports bar and electric roller tonneau -both in black too. All-up Mazda says the additional kit adds more than $13,000 in value, but for just $9000 more than GT (since then Mazda has slotted the SP between them). Thunder is available in Ice White, True Black Mica, Ingot Silver Metallic, Concrete Grey Mica, Gun Blue Mica, Rock Grey Mica and Red Volcano Mica – all at no extra cost. Standard kit includes leather, dual zone climate air, LED headlights
MAZDA BT-50 THUNDER
trailer. The cargo box is 1571mm long, 1530mm wide and 490mm deep, with 1120mm between the wheel arches and four tie-down points. A tray liner is standard and Thunder comes with a power-operated roller shutter (which decided to stop working at one stage). There are two IsoFix and two top tether child seat anchor points. Servicing intervals are 12 months or 15,000km year unlimited kilometre warranty.
and daytime runners, auto lights and wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, heated front seats, eight-way power adjust driver’s seat, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, and walk away automatic locking. INFOTAINMENT Infotainment comprises a 9.0-inch touchscreen and eight-speaker audio system with satnav, Bluetooth streaming, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay – plus single USB and 12V outlets. One of the speakers is mounted in the roof headlining, while a 6 x 9 woofer delivers powerful bass response. Two-way dome tweeters emit clear mid- to high-range sounds. Dash-mounted and rear door ‘balanced dome’ tweeters use a voice coil and domeshaped diaphragm to create impressive depth. Unlike other Mazdas, the infotainment screen is touch sensitive, with no central control knob -but no physical volume control. ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS Thunder is powered by a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that generates 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque -- the latter between 1600 and 2600 rpm. It replaces the previous unit that was good for 147kW and 470Nm, with torque available from
1750 revs. The new power plant features an aluminiumalloy head and cast-iron engine block, chaindriven double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, drive-bywire throttle control and a Variable Geometry System turbocharger. Two-wheel drive models all get a 6-speed auto, while the 4×4 version is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The driver can change gears manually using the shifter in the auto, but the familiar steering wheel-mounted change paddles are absent. SAFETY package includes eight airbags, reverse camera and Autonomous Emergency Braking. There’s also Attention Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist – Overtaking, Emergency Stop Signal, Automatic High Beam, Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane-keep Assist System (automatic models), Locking Rear Differential (4×4 models), Rear Cross Protection, Secondary Collision Reduction, Speed Assist System, Traction Control System and Turn Assist. DRIVING The drive experience is solid but generally slow and truck-like. Once it’s up and running, Thunder feels relaxed and easy
to drive, cruising effortlessly on the motorway while using little fuel in the process. Steering is light, fairly responsive and relatively accurate for a 4x4 ute, and does not require constant attention – but don’t expect this thing to handle like a sedan. Speed-sensitive, powerassisted rack and pinion steering is standard across the range, with 3.84 turns to lock. With a 76-litre tank, fuel consumption is rated at 8.0L/100km. We were getting 8.6L after more than 1200km of mixed driving (not as good as the 7.8L we got out of the XTR). The cabin is trimmed in brown leather and has dual zone climate air, with comfy heated seats for front seat occupants and air vents for back seat passengers. The wheel is reach and height adjustable, while the driver’s seat has eight-way power adjustment. Analogue instrument info screen where speed can be displayed recognition keeps the driver informed of the current speed limit. SO FAR SO GOOD. The infotainment screen is actually a touchscreen (Mazda screens aren’t usually) but is not particularly responsive. digital radio, listed as a feature. It’s there but you frequency bands. What’s more, even when you eventually do
to drop out frequently (did I mention our phones frequently failed to reconnect). Satellite navigation meanwhile has acquired a nanny who will not let you operate the unit unless the car is stationary. Thunder is a big vehicle at almost 5.3 metres in length and weighing 2213kg, but surprisingly easy to manoeuvre, according to the missus (who likes it). To assist in maneuvering it comes with front and rear park sensors plus a rear-view camera. Front suspension is independent via upper and lower wishbones with coil springs, gasand a stabiliser bar. Down the back you still get old-style leaf springs, but XS models get a softer setup in keeping with their less workoriented role. Switching to fourwheel drive is achieved via a rotary knob located in the lower part of the console, with high and low range available – as well as a locking rear differential in the auto. With 240mm of ground clearance and able to ford 800mm of water, it’s got what it takes for medium off-road duties – but as always, it’s the side steps. All grades and body under-body protection to guard against accidental damage off-road or in rural areas. Thunder can carry a payload of 897kg and pull a 3500kg braked
SUMMING UP Price is the thing. $70K is a big ask for a ute. Still, it’s 10 grand less than Ford’s Raptor which continues to breed like rabbits. Has it got what it takes to woo buyers? Mazda is pleased with the product but only time will tell. AT A GLANCE Mazda BT-50 Thunder (auto) $68,990 Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mazda dealer for driveaway prices. SPECIFICATIONS (Mazda BT-50 Thunder 3.0L Turbo 4-cylinder diesel 6sp automatic 4×4 Dual Cab Pickup) ENGINE: Capacity: 3.0 litres cylinders in line Maximum Power: 140 kW @ 3600 rpm Maximum Torque: 450 Nm @ 1600-2600 rpm Fuel Type: Diesel Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.0 L/100km CO2 Emissions: Euro 5 DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic, 4×4 DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES: Length: 5280 mm Wheelbase: 3125 mm Width: 1870 mm Height: 1785 mm Turning Circle: 12.5 metres Kerb Mass: 2213 kg Fuel Tank Capacity: 76 litres BRAKES: Front: Ventilated disc Rear: Drum STANDARD WARRANTY: Five years / unlimited kilometres
