Mazda BT-50 (06-09) - Review

The Double Cab has a maximum gross payload of 1175kg and a load deck 1530mm long with a maximum width of 1456mm. The Single Cab has a maximum payload of 1250kg with four-wheel drive or 1170kg with two wheel drive. The rear deck is 2280mm long. Two-wheel drive models can tow 1600kg with brakes, while four-wheel drive models can tow 3000kg braked.

The two-wheel drive Single Cab has twin airbags and an immobiliser, Double Cab models add side airbags, a Thatcham Category one alarm system and Anti-lock Brakes which prevent the BT-50 from skidding under hard braking.

It doesn’t hold its value as well as the more well known pick-ups from Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu and Mitsubishi, but the low new-price, which is around £500 less than the similar Ford Ranger, helps to counter this. As well as being cheaper than the ford, it holds it's value slightly better too Service intervals at 20,000 mile points should minimise down-time.

The BT-50 should prove to be a reliable workhorse or a rugged lifestyle choice. The Mazda dealer network is not particularly orientated towards the needs of the commercial vehicle operator in the way that some are.