Extending the reach

The Mazda BT-50 range has been extended — quite literally — with the addition of three Freestyle Cab models featuring "an extended cab and versatile access". And then there's a new entry-level arrival: a 2.6-litre low spec unit available in Single and Double Cab guise.

But back to the Freestyle: its distinguishing feature is to make the cabin access as easy as possible. The cab accommodates a driver and passenger in the front while the back seat area is designed exclusively for cargo use. Two removable utility boxes located in this area can be used as cooler boxes or to store travel equipment and other odds and ends.

The Freestyle Door System sees the front doors and rear access panels on both sides open from the centre to create an opening of 1500mm in width. The rear access panels open to almost 90°, which makes accessing the rear area easier, whether to enter or exit the cabin, or to load or unload cargo.

To prevent unwanted access to the stuff in the back, the handles for the rear access panels are designed so that they can only be operated when the front doors are open.

As a one-ton pickup truck intended for a wide variety of applications, attention was given to load characteristics. The Freestyle Cab employs a single action tailgate. The sides and tailgate each feature a double-wall construction — the inner wall absorbs knocks from cargo, while protecting the appearance of the outer wall.

The cargo box is 265mm deep and the inner wall structure makes it possible to organise the cargo space within the box to match the intended use. A shelf bracket halfway up the load box allows you to insert crosspieces to form a double floor or to secure cargo in differing areas. Grooves in the floor also allow you to insert stand boards in place and divide up the cargo box space.

The BT-50 Freestyle Cab is available with one of two engines. The 2.5TDi produces 80kW at 3500rpm and reaches 257Nm at 2000rpm. It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The 3.0-litre CRDi [common-rail direct injection] turbo diesel engine produces 115kW at 3200rpm and has a torque peak of 380Nm at 1800rpm.

Meanwhile, at the bottom end of the BT-50 line-up, a selection of 2.6-litre single and double cab models have arrived. The 2.6-litre petrol engine produces 92kW at 4600 rpm with a maximum torque of 206Nm at 3500rpm.

Both 4x2 and 4x4 models will be available with the choice between a low spec model and safety pack models. The safety pack allows for the addition of dual front airbags and ABS brakes.

All manual 4X4 models throughout the BT-50 range come with the manual 4WD transfer case shift lever, which allows quick selection from 2WD (2H) to 4WD High (4H), 4WD Low (4L) and neutral (N) drive modes. Remote free wheel hub lock mechanisms are also standard.

4WD models employ a Diff-lock at the rear wheels, which automatically adjusts drive power to maintain traction, even when one wheel wants to spin loosely in the mud or on rough surfaces with large potholes. They are also fitted with a large underbody protector and mesh barrier guard to protect the intercooler.

Like the double cabs, the BT-50 Freestyle Cab comes standard with 4W-ABS and EBD systems. In addition to dual front airbags, with the Freestyle Cab range comes standard with side airbags for head and chest protection.

The Mazda BT-50 Freestyle Cab and 2.6-litre petrol offers 10 000km service intervals and a four-year/120 000km warranty. The MazdaMotion five-year/90 000km Service Plan as well as three year Roadside Assistance comes as standard across all models.

Mazda BT-50 pricing Single Cab
Mazda BT-50 2500TDi SLX 4x2: R215 300
Mazda BT-50 2.6i 4x2: R165 990
Mazda BT-50 2.6i 4x4: R199 990
Mazda BT-50 2.6i 4x4 (Safety): R209 990
Mazda BT-50 Drifter 3000CRDi SLX 4x2: R235 200

Freestyle Cab
Mazda BT-50 2500TDi SLX 4x2: R229 990
Mazda BT-50 2500TDi SLX 4x4: R269 990
Mazda BT-50 3000CRDi SLX 4x2: R252 990

Double Cab
Mazda BT-50 2500TDi SLE 4x2: R271 990
Mazda BT-50 2.6i 4x4 (Safety): R242 990
Mazda BT-50 2.6i SLE 4x2: R258 990
Mazda BT-50 3000CRDi SLE 4x2: R293 100
Mazda BT-50 3000CRDi SLE 4x2 Auto: R303 800
Mazda BT-50 3000CRDi SLE 4x4: R332 500

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