Mazda BT50: Perfect workhorse

and single cab.
As soon as Amtec’s principal dealer, Elliot Shonhiwa handed me the keys to one of these workhorses, I started having my doubts on whether I could be able to handle it.
However the moment I got behind the wheel, all my uncertainties vanished as a great driving experience started unfolding as I left the Amtec premises.
For all its robust outlook the handling and interior offers a pleasant driving experience for all, whether you are running errands in the city or negotiating the rugged terrain in the countryside.
However, if you are a lady like myself, all clad in Prada heels, it is not a good idea to wear those when doing long distance in this vehicle.
This was the word of caution that I got from Mr Shonhiwa as I was about to take off, but this girl loves her high heels and I can never do without them.
As I drove around town, I could not help but compare this workhorse to the different delivery vans that I was seeing.
In my view companies should go for the BT50 because unlike other workhorses, it comes with standard features which other sedans don’t have.
You have your powerful stereo and aircon, which is not even charged as extra.
The single cab 4×2 2.2i which is petrol or the 2.5 4×2 diesel will be perfect for a business that does so many deliveries because not only is it good on fuel, it is roomy as well.
The BT50 is chunky, just like its Americanised cousin the Ford Ranger but because it is assembled locally, it has its pros.
The styling is contemporary, with its more angular headlights making it stand out. For those of you who follow the vehicle evolution, you will confirm.
The Mazda BT50 comes with a 3 year/60 000km warranty and a 13 free Service Plan (That’s 65 000km since its at every 5 000km).
Customers will also benefit from the Mazda service plan, which is a service benefit that comes concurrently with participating vehicle models like this particular one, from point of assembly.
The plan covers the four components of service that is the parts, labour, lubrication and consumables.
The end user is therefore guaranteed that qualified technicians at the Authorised Mazda dealership will fit their vehicles with genuine Mazda parts during the duration of the plan at no extra cost to them.
The 2.5L engine which I drove delivers about 330Nm of torque at a low 1,800 rpm, yet provides better fuel economy than its competitors with the same engine capacity.
The turbo-diesel power train is mated to a five-speed manual transmission gearbox, designed for easy shifting for a more car-like response and handling. It’s tougher and more muscular.
The modern and sporty three-cluster instrument panel is complemented by the bright chrome centre stack housing the integrated high fidelity CD player, AM/FM radio with MP3 capability.
The seats are ergonomically designed with front-seat cushions, side bolsters and bigger headrests to offer better support and comfort for long-distance travelling.
Acceleration is instant, smooth and predictable, while body roll is at a minimum and adhesion to the ground is high even under dynamic driving, thus giving the driver excellent road holding control and confidence.
The brake system is designed for superior braking control under real-world loaded work truck conditions.
Braking is smooth, stable and controlled. With Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), the system automatically adjusts to the load carried to give confidence to the driver even under maximum payload or towing capacity.
The 4-Wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS) prevents wheels from locking during sudden braking on slippery conditions.
As a tough workhorse, the BT50 is well equipped to tackle any challenging terrain. It has extremely tractionable engines and high levels of on-demand torque, the BT50 is an authentic off-roader you can depend on to take you anywhere and to get you back safely.
So there you have it, you need a support vehicle for your trucking business, the farm, or delivery business, and this is the perfect vehicle.
For just under US$38 000 with financing options, which you can discuss with the sales team at Amtec, this could be that vehicle you have been waiting to buy.
So till next week enjoy.
l Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows and rallies, & written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected]