The Mazda BT-50: Did You Know?
The Mazda BT-50 ute range is versatile and capable and, after three model generations across many years, its credentials are strong in Australia’s tough conditions. It’s no wonder the BT-50 is so popular with local ute buyers.
Its ability to exceed workday needs and weekend adventures is well established, but there are some fascinating facts about this award-winning worker that aren’t so widely known.
Here is a sample of them. We hope you find them fascinating.
Long-standing know-how: Mazda has been creating utes (or pick-ups) for a long time. The company’s first was a three-wheeled truck called the Mazda-Go, built in 1931. It had a load capacity of 200 kg and 66 examples were built. Mazda introduced a small four-wheel truck, the Type-CA (with a one-tonne load capacity) in 1950. The first B-series light pick-up truck, the B1500, was introduced in August 1961.
The BT name: The Mazda BT-50 model name commenced with the first generation model series in 2006. ‘BT-50’ replaced Mazda’s previous ‘B-series’ model name. The current Mazda BT-50 model range (in 2024) is the third generation model series to use the BT-50 name.
Local styling: The exterior design of the current BT-50 is a showcase of Mazda’s ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’ design language. The vehicle’s styling was completed in Japan and Mazda Australia was involved in the vehicle’s development from day one. This included spending time with the Chief Designer to share what Australian customers would like. During a visit to Japan some months later, the vehicle’s first styling concepts were shown confidentially to Mazda Australia executives, confirming their requests had been implemented.
Local development: Within the BT-50’s extensive accessories catalogue are 14 tailored accessory packs, each designed and developed to meet the specific needs of BT-50 owners. For example, the BT-50 SP Pro Pack maximises the off-road driving capabilities of the BT-50 SP 4WD and the Boss Touring Pack is ideal for BT-50 owners who drive long distances with a caravan. Developing each of these accessory packs involved rigorous local product development and close collaboration with trusted Australian accessory brands such as ARB and Mullins.
Diamonds and oceans: As one of many intelligent engineering tactics designed to maximise fuel efficiency, the diesel fuel in the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine is pressurised to 250 MPa before it is injected into the engine. This very high pressure level is about one-eighth of the pressure required to form natural diamonds, and is equal to the pressure found at an ocean depth of approximately 2.5 kilometres.
Securing fuel economy: The automatic transmission in the BT-50 can cleverly mimic a manual gearbox when needed. The torque converter, which transmits drive from the engine to the gearbox, locks when the transmission is in third, fourth, fifth or sixth gear. This means there are no drive losses when cruising, much like the operation of a manual gearbox’s clutch. This means less fuel consumption, especially on the open road.
Magnetic (at)traction: When driving in the most challenging terrain, the locking rear differential in the BT-50 ensures the rear wheels turn at the same speed, ensuring maximum drive torque is put to the ground during low-speed off-road driving. Operated by the driver at the touch of a button, the rear differential lock is cleverly operated by magnets inside the differential (or axle) housing. These magnets lock one side gear to the gear carrier, which means the other planetary gears can’t rotate – and this has the effect of making the two axles (left and right) turn together at the same speed.
Breathing under water: The BT-50 boasts an impressive maximum 800 mm wading depth. It’s not only the engine’s intake placement that helps prevent water ingress when travelling through water crossings; the differential breather pipes have been plumbed up through the body and vent well past the 800 mm height point.
Quiet comfort: The cabin of the BT-50 is well known for its styling, functionality and occupant comfort. Sound management plays a big role in the latter. The BT-50 uses some cleverly engineered insulation to achieve its impressive levels of silent comfort, including: foam injection in the door pillars to minimise noise intrusion from the side sills; encircling all connecting parts with seals that use a two-layer construction method; using gap-free door waist seals to block sound and dust; and smaller dashboard firewall holes. Even the weather strips on the window glass have their lip structures fitted inside the door lips, and jamming seals fill gaps in the B-pillar’s front and ear door openings. The carefully designed outlet valve near the rear cabin bulkhead also reduces noise.
Simplifying the numbers: Terms and acronyms such as Kerb Mass, Tare Mass, GVM, and GCM all mean different things, and for different reasons. They can sometimes appear confusing but they’re important, especially when you’re planning to carry or tow with your BT-50. Understanding everything you need to know is made simpler with Mazda Australia Online Payload Calculator.
Want to discover more about the Mazda BT-50 range? Simply contact Gympie Mazda today.