– By Rod Fuller –
There are so many 4×4 utes available these days when looking for a vehicle that can haul the load for work during the week and transport the family on the weekends.
The Mazda BT50 is third vehicle I tested recently, along with a Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara. Each of these trucks are similar, large 4×4 pick up ute, yet each of them was different with particular strengths that each argued their case as a better vehicle to attract your hard earned.
Whilst the Nissan was the RX entry level model and the Toyota and Mazda were mid-range models (SR and XTR), its features and appointments are similar to the others. And for a Fleet Manager the basic features such as cost, power, economy and on road presence of each truck will decide which vehicle gets the nod for their fleet. So from the driver’s seat, lets’ get to it…..
STYLE
C’mon be honest, there trucks, not one of them is going be crowned the winner up against a Lamborghini or Ferrari, but against each other they all have their own looks and road presence.
I’m on the fence. If you want a tough looking truck from the front the its the Toyota, and from the rear the Mazda. Although, the Nissan did have that wide tailgate lip for somewhere to stand my coffee on when having a chat outside which is appealing.
POWER
All three are turbo diesels and have oodles of power and torque on tap. The Mazda on paper has the most power with 147kw 470nm, but for sheer brute force the Toyota was the stand out (trying to lay liquorice straps wherever I let the clutch out).
But as they say, power isn’t everything and when you have to drive it every day, both the Mazda and the Nissan delivered their power more smoothly, which made them much more comfortable to drive.
SAFETY
Each of the trucks offers a vast array of safety features, driver aids and multiple airbags to help keep you safe out there.
But in my mind, especially in these large vehicles (all with limited rearward vision) a reversing camera is a must. Regardless of whether it is an entry level model or the ‘top of the line luxury leather express’. These trucks are hard to see out of when reversing and you can only see so much in the mirrors, little kids are unpredictable and we have all heard the tragic stories of reversing accidents with SUVs.
The Nissan didn’t have a camera at all, FAIL. The Mazda has one with the display in the rear view mirror, which was good if not a little small and was hard to see in bright daylight conditions. The Toyota has the largest display out of these three and is the best and easiest to use.
COMFORT, DRIVEABILITY AND THE LITTLE THINGS
Apart from cost, this one is probably the clincher for most of us. These trucks have all the niceties, Bluetooth, multiple power outlets, easy to use controls on the dash and steering wheels, power windows/mirrors, abundant storage compartments and a dozen different places to put your drink.
But its the Mazda that stood tall for me, simply, it is a better truck. It is tough enough to handle any task you choose, offers plenty of grunt and good fuel economy and is very comfortable to drive either on or off-road.
And is the only one in this line up to offer an adjustable driver’s lumbar support, which may seem like a little thing, but when you have to drive it everyday, it can make all the difference.
The Mazda BT50 comes with a three year or 100,000km warranty, roadside assistance packages are available and prices for the XTR dual cab start from $47,990.00 driveway. Zoom Zoom !!
