Mazda’s latest version of their B-series pick-up, the BT-50, is mechanically similar to the Ford Ranger, that’s no maybe. It even looks like the Mazda and Ford guys swapped crib notes in design class, but there are differences, says Barnie Louw. It’s just that they are very subtle.

A presumably difficult time awaits the Mazda/Ford salespeople who, shall we say, didn’t pay that much attention at the dealer launch of the new Mazda BT-50 pick-up range.

A typical Saturday morning conversation with someone loitering on the sales floor might go something like this:

“Good morning, sir. May I be of assistance?”

“Why yes. These new Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger pick-ups, what exactly are the differences?”

“Well, sir, the Mazda is designed as a sport-activity or lifestyle vehicle, and the Ford as a workhorse.”

“Okay, but how do they differ engine-wise?”

“Not much, sir. Both come in 2.5 and 3.0 turbo-diesel versions but Mazda also offers a 2.6 petrol engine.”

“And the interior?”

“Pretty much the same, sir. But with the Mazda you do get leather upholstery as standard in the double cabs.”

“And what about the gearbox, undercarriage, dimensions, brakes, wheels, safety and warranties?”

“Not much difference there either, I’m afraid.”

“So why should I buy the Mazda instead of the Ford, or vice versa?”

“Uhm… that’s a good question, sir. Please wait while I go find the sales manager.”

SO, ARE THERE ANY DIFFERENCES?
If, on the other hand, the salesperson had a Red Bull just before the technical information session, he’d probably be able to highlight the following differences between the Mazda BT-50 and the Ford Ranger:

Stuck on you. The BT-50 single cab models are no longer equipped with four-wheel drive; some of the Ranger single cabs are;

The space race. The BT-50 does not have the “super cab” option available to the Ranger;

Brrr. The BT-50 has air-conditioning in all the models, the Ranger does not;
Smashing idea. The BT-50 has driver and passenger airbags in all its models as well as front side impact airbags in the double cab models. Only certain Ranger models offer the same;

Drop anchor. The BT-50 has 4W-ABS and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), the Ranger does not;

Choose one. The Ranger has a larger variety of engines to choose from (2.2i, 2.5D, 2.5TD, 3.0TD and the 4.0V6) compared to the BT-50 (2.5TD, 2.6i and 3.0TD);

Full auto. The Mazda 3.0 CRDi SLE 4x2 (DC) will be graced with an automatic gearbox later in the year. The Rangers have no automatic models;

Cough up. The BT-50’s double cab models are cheaper than the Ranger equivalents but the single cab models are more expensive (no, I don’t know why either);

Be glad you missed it. You can buy some of the new BT-50 models for less than the previous models: For instance, the new 2.5Tdi SLE 4x2 (DC) has a list price of  R14 000 less than the previous 2.5Tdi SLE 4x2 (DC) that used to sell for R268 590.

AT FIRST GLANCE
From the outside even Stevie Wonder would be able to spot the common genetic heritage of the BT-50 and the Ranger.

As with the Ranger, the most obvious change to the BT-50 is the new, larger grille on the front (although it’s a little softer in appearance than the Ranger’s). But when you view the BT-50 from the rear you’ll have to look twice to make sure it’s not your cousin in his new Ranger.

These subtle styling differences are explained thus: While Ford’s marketing people talk of an “aggressive, muscular” appearance of the Ranger, Mazda’s folk speak of a “sporty and athletic” look. Decide for yourself...

The interior of the Mazda, just like the Ranger, has been completely redesigned. The people at Mazda claim “the sedan-like atmosphere of the Mazda BT-50’s sporty, sophisticated interior will make you forget you’re in a pick-up”.

The BT-50 has greater luxury than the Ranger: Aside from air-conditioning in all the BT-50 models and leather upholstery in the double cabs, there is now also a MP3/CD/radio sound system in all the models (this system even boasts automatic volume control).

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UNDER THE HOOD
The new BT-50 uses the same (and somewhat aged) 2.6i petrol (92 kW and 206 Nm) and 2.5 turbo-diesel (80 kW and 257 Nm) engine as in the previous range, but it also has the impressive 3-litre common-rail direct-injection diesel with a variable geometry turbocharger (Ford calls it the TDCi engine while Mazda named it CRDi).

This engine starts almost immediately, idles like a petrol engine and has nearly no turbo lag whatsoever. On top of that, the 380 Nm at only 1 800 rpm developed by the 16-valve DOHC engine produces the most torque in its class.

All the models that use this new CRDi engine have a brand-new 5-speed manual gearbox (as mentioned above, a new automatic gearbox will be available later in the year), but models with the older engines (2.5TD, 2.6i) have the same 5-speed manual gearbox as used in the previous Mazda Drifter.

WANT SOME MORE?
Glide over bumps. To improve the ride, Mazda (just like Ford) decided on car-like double-wishbone front suspension, larger diameter shock absorbers front and rear, with the rear leaf springs lengthened to 1.32 m (the longest in its class).

Take that! Again, like Ford, there is a 5-year/90 000km service plan as standard on all the BT-50 models, as well as 3 years’ roadside assistance and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty.

For the veld. Yes, Mazda wants you to “forget you’re in a pick-up”, but don’t think for a moment that the BT-50 is not tough enough.

The cross-braced ladder-frame platform, decent ground clearance and ramp-over angles, a large under-body protector and mesh barrier guard to protect the intercooler mean that the BT-50 is capable of far more than the annual December run to Hibberdene and back.

Drive Out says: You could spend some time arguing over whether BT is short for Bloody Tough or if it’s simply the chemical symbol for Ford Ranger. Ultimately the choice between Ford and Mazda is like choosing between Coke and Pepsi – a question of taste.