Colonial Motors unveils New Mazda BT 50 double cab

Wednesday, 27 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

During the past three years, Japanese auto-maker Mazda has enjoyed tremendous growth in the auto market, thanks to its vehicles that respond directly to the lifestyle of buyers. Think of Mazda and it is hard not to conjure up sportiness and strong design cues. Cars like the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 ooze with the carmaker’s “Zoom-Zoom” characteristics, and the BT-50 PRO pickup truck is no exception.

The BT-50 PRO isn’t a pickup for the masses, but serves an exclusive part of the market where customers drive their own trucks for an active lifestyle, and want more refinement than regular pickups, along with a more passenger car-like environment. These aren’t people who use the trucks carrying veggies to the market for a living, but are more upmarket folks who want a multi-purpose truck for their active lifestyles. And the message is strong; look at the truck and you can easily start to digest the ‘Sophisticated Beast’ design theme. Apart from the stylishness, another noticeable improvement is the quality of the materials and assembly. As mentioned before, the BT-50 caters to buyers who want passenger car quality and Mazda has made sure they get it. The console, switches, seats and even the headrest give no clue that this is a pickup truck. The rear seats, which are usually the weak point of double cab trucks due to the limited space and straight backrest, have been improved significantly. There’s enough legroom and headroom (actually these are best in class) for a six-footer and there’s some angle to the backrest. The rear headrests are also excellent - the design and feel reminds you of those offered in luxury cars. Actually this space increase is no big surprise, considering that the BT-50 has grown into a behemoth monster measuring more than 5.4 metres long and 1.85 metres wide. There’s a large number of storage areas in the cabin, including a driver’s glovebox and bottle holder (front door panels). The entertainment system has AUX and USB inputs along with a 3.5-inch multi-function display on the centre console. Car information is shown on the multi-information display in the fascia. Power comes from a 2.2-litre diesel engine capable of a maximum output of 110kW/3,700rpm (150hp) and 375Nm, which is available from 1,500-2,500rpm. Torque delivery is quick but not intense, offering smooth acceleration when mated to the adaptive 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift control. The suspension of the BT-50 is another component that sets it apart from others. Compared to its competitors, the Mazda truck offers a much smoother and comfortable ride, ironing out vibrations from cracks and bumps on the road with a dash of luxury car feeling. Stopping power comes from disc brakes (with dual-piston callipers) in front and drums at the rear. Apart from ABS, there is also EBD as well as other safety features such as DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and HDC (Hill Descent Control). All this sounds like a list of features from a luxury passenger car. Under Colonial Motors , all Mazda vehicles including the award winning SKYACTIV Technology incorporated vehicles: The Mazda 6, the Mazda CX5, The Mazda 3 -2014 model, come standard with Mazda Total Care 3-year/100,000 kilometre warranty, 3-year/100,000 kilometre free roadside assistance, 3-year/100,000 kilometre free diagnostics. Colonial Motors Ceylon Ltd. is the new importer and distributor of Mazda automotive products in Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives. Colonial Motors also imports and distributes Mazda 2 subcompact, Mazda 3 compact, Mazda 6 executive sedan, CX5 compact SUV, BT50 pickup in Sri Lanka. Visit the show room at 297, Union Place, Colombo 02.