Overview

WE EMBARKED on our road test of the new Mazda BT-50 2.2D dual-cab XS four-wheel drive (from $54,720 + ORC) with pretty low expectations. In all honesty, we thought it may be underdone especially as the new RZ4F-series engine is a revamped turbocharged 1.9-litre four-cylinder diesel from Isuzu that wasn’t too successful last time around.

That was disproven as soon as we started driving the weighty, ladder-frame chassis one-tonner – a vehicle kitted with a trade-ready litany of accessories that included black alloy wheels, a fire extinguisher, heavy duty bull bar, tow bar, side steps, and a canopy with large slide out drawers.

Presumably because of its appearance, the BT-50 2.2D afforded a level of respect on the road we have only experienced in few other vehicles... especially over the Christmas holiday period.

But back to what’s under the bonnet…

Mazda (and Isuzu Ute) need this engine to minimise NVES fines that are being imposed on vehicles that don’t pass the 2026 carbon emission limit for LCVs at 180g/km.

While planting more trees and not burning the Amazon seems an easier path to address climate change, the arrival of utes like this will help manufacturers comply and hopefully limit inflationary NVES-driven pressures on prices predicted in many circles.

The 2.2-litre engine is only available in entry-level XS grades of the 4x2 single-cab-chassis and 4x2 dual-cab pick-up together with the 4x4 dual cab chassis and (driven) 4x4 dual cab pick-up.

All others run a carryover 3.0-litre diesel donk.

Unlike the latter’s older six-speed auto, the 2.2D scores an eight-speed auto that nearly makes up for the power and torque deficit compared with the 3.0D.

Speaking of which, the 2.2D is good for 120kW/400Nm output, roughly midway between the superseded 1.9D (110kW/350Nm) and the 3.0D that cranks out 140kW/450Nm.

A side benefit of the 2.2D engine is a modest improvement in fuel consumption to a claimed 6.9L/100km in the lightest single cab/chassis 4x2 variant.

Standard spec’ in the XS variants is generous and includes 17-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB+ radio, AEB, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.

Driving Impressions

Despite its looks, the same vehicle (in “civvies”) is unobtrusive, well suspended, economical, goes well, is sensibly equipped, and is a damned good off-roader; as demonstrated on a jaunt along the rugged Ben Bullen Trail in the Gardens of Stone National Park near the Blue Mountains of NSW.

On the downside, it’s plagued by incessant ADAS features interjecting unexpectedly, characterised by panic braking when simply passing parked cars rounding a curve.

Other ADAS “fails” arose as it jumped at shadows reversing or incorrectly wrested control from the driver, even off road which is a concern.

The test vehicle proved to be practical compromised a touch by the low-level canopy that restricted load carrying capacity as larger items simply don’t fit. The lack of central locking was also problematic, but the canopy offers a high level of security for smaller stuff and in the drawers.

Thankfully, the BT-50 2.2D XS is equipped with rubber floor mats that simply hose out or shake clean when soiled and the comfy cloth upholstery appears robust and doesn’t burn on hot days.

On our 2000km test we found the BT-50 2.2D XS delivers a relaxed cruise at high speed on the freeway thanks in part to low engine revs facilitated by the eight-speed auto. Rocking along at 110km/h registers barely 1500rpm on the tacho which no doubt aids fuel economy that was saw drop into the low 6.0s at times.

The well sprung and damped suspension smooths atrocious B and C sealed country roads with minimal deflection and, despite H/T tyres, copes ridiculously well in tough off-roading such as the rocky offset steps encountered 4WDing or on low traction surfaces and sand.

In practical terms, it is equally adept around town across parking, commuting, shopping, and general runabout duties. And we did a tow, hauling around 2000kg over about 100km which the test vehicle easily accomplished with minimal bother.

A lot of interest centred on the new 2.2-litre engine which may seem a touch short on capacity but if that was so, it has been thoroughly addressed by the model’s smooth shifting eight-speed auto which seems predictive in operation – most of the time.

Ratio changes are achieved imperceptibly as it efficiently flicks between up and down the range enhanced by down shifts to help deceleration without the need for braking.

Off the line performance is somewhat tardy as the turbo spools up but once underway the engine remains responsive with readily accessible power and torque.

Moving inside the BT-50 2.2D XS we find it is something of a minimalist model in design and features which was fine by us as there weren’t multiple menus to scroll through on a massive screen to access what you want, no silly multi-coloured ambient lighting choices, easily accessed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that we always use for Waze, OK audio, efficient aircon’ and comfortable seats for five.

The tones are grey on grey but again, practicality rules on this particular “work-a-day” BT-50 and it’s refreshing to drive a relatively simple to operate vehicle instead of an electronic computer game masquerading as a ute.

Mazda was smart to offer this alternative to the 3.0D BT-50 as it is only by degrees less desirable. In fact, if we were in the market for something like this for work and play, the BT-50 2.2D XS 4x4 dual cab would be on the short list.

Measured against the 3.0D there’s bugger all difference in general driving between the two in how they go or behave with the larger donk edging the smaller in some areas though the eight speed is a marked improvement over the larger capacity alternative.

The 2.2D is more economical, tows acceptably well, looks good, and is tough as teak. It’s the sensible choice for proper ute buyers.