Although there is plethora of pickup
trucks on the market, the Mazda
BT-50 has proved to be one of the leaders in the heavy-duty Ute class
due to its capabilities.
Aside from the unique body and
stylish interior, it’s built with the latest technology.
According to Patrick Kajuma, the Brand Manager Mazda BT-50, the
car uses advanced common-rail direct injection to squeeze more power
from less fuel.
Fitted with a lag reducing
turbo-charger, the 2.2L
engine pumps out power of 110KW and 375Nm of torque.
On a Mazda BT-50, “A litre of fuel
will take you for 14Kms at an
average speed of 100-120km/hr. This means that the Mazda Bt-50
produces much power of 110kw/150hp@3700rpm and consumes less fuel.
Thus at a displacement of 2200cc the vehicle uses less fuel to produce
much power hence no vehicle can be compared to Mazda BT-50. Other
vehicle displacements will be 2500cc and above but with less power of
75-100kw,” Kajuma said.
Mazda BT-50 carries over a tried and tested five-cylinder engine that
beats most pick-up trucks when it comes to power and torque outputs.
It features low-range and high range 4WD, along with a rear
differential lock and hill descent control features.
The BT-50 features a 3.5-tonne towing
capacity and a 1084kg payload, including passengers.
“We offer comprehensive after sales support in many dimensions: The
spare parts are fully stocked at very competitive prices that give a
customer value for money; we offer competitive repair charges and
reasonable servicing charges; the mobile van is in place for all
emergencies and will be traversing the whole country to solve
customers’ mechanical issues and above all, we have partnered with
service centers in major towns of Uganda like Mbale, Gulu, Fort portal
and Mbarara to ensure services are clearly brought down nearer to the
people,” Kajuma said.
MAZDA BT-50: THE YEARS’ VEHICLE
Chassis
Reinforced with a rigid ladder frame chassis, the Mazda BT-50 takes
on
the toughest challenges with effortless grunt. Its front wishbone
suspension and rear leaf suspension cushion the ride for car like
handling on and off road.
Body
Distributed by Cooper Motor Corporation (CMC) Uganda Limited, Mazda
BT-50 comes with a high tensile steel and durable body that keeps the
overall weight down. The suspension and features like hill decent
control, the rear locking differential and low-reduction gearing
ensure it can conquer tricky terrain. Kajuma explains that the Mazda
is the only vehicle whose ground clearance is 237mm. “It’s well raised
and balanced (Gross vehicle weight-2050kgs) to go through the bumpy
and rugged roads of Uganda,” he adds.
Safety
The Mazda BT-50 High comes with an ABS and is fitted with six airbags
(dual front, front side, full length curtain), anti-lock brakes with
electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, electronic
stability and traction control with roll stability control and Trailer
Sway Control (TSC), front seatbelts with load limiters. The TSC
adjusts braking and torque to correct any side-to side swinging
movement of towed loads.
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) helps keep traction in all
directions, managing the engine power and braking force delivered to
individual wheels to avoid skidding or loss of grip. Every seat is
armed with three-position seatbelts with Dual Cab models featuring
Roll Stability Control (RSC) which monitors one’s driving data and
applies appropriate measures to prevent rollover.
Service
Unlike most cars whose service is done at 5,000kms, the Mazda won’t
need any service until it has covered up to 7,500kms. This means that
the owner will save a lot on service costs. “Mazda also allows you
plan your journey well since the fuel gauge will show you the mileage
that will be covered by the remaining fuel you have hence avoiding
embarrassments on the road.” Kajuma noted.
INTERIOR
The interior is decked out with quality trims and finishes. * Standard
Equipment: Cloth and leather seat trims, height adjustable driver’s
seat with lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, carpet flooring,
leather-clad steering wheel and gear selector, trip computer, auto
headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels * Infotainment: 7.8-inch touchscreen,
satellite navigation including off-road maps, CD player, AM/FM radio,
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity.
Models
The pick-up comes in three models each of defined specifications.
They include: 2.2L Mid; 2.2L High; 3.2L HIGH.
MAZDA BT-50 Dual cab utility XTR HIGH
The Mazda BT-50 High is loaded with many features including:
. Chrome door handles and mirrors.
-Satellite navigation
-Air conditioning (dual-zone climate control)
-Interior carpeting
-Front fog-lamps
-In-built tub; 1139mmx1549mm
-Bluetooth- hands-free phone and audio capability
-Lockable tailgate
-Six speed manual or six speed auto
-Loads up to 1139kgs including passengers
-Hill descent control and hill launch assist
-Dynamic stability control
-Trailer sway control, Emergency stop signal.
What’s the price of 2020 model?