The best of both worlds ...or so Mazda says.

While not a profound statement, I understand their marketing concept when they say that they're pitching the updated Mazda BT-50 to the recreational user that needs a vehicle that can do double duty. Something that can shuttle him to and from business meetings and something that's not adverse to carting the bikes to the local trail. In fact, Mazda doesn't want to pitch the BT-50 to the fleet operators and commercial client, they want to see BT-50s in driveways because people chose to put one there, not because their boss said so.

As such, Mazda is playing on the dual lifestyle that the average South African enjoys, a comfortable balance of work and play, even if we wished we could do more of the latter. Their claim is that the BT-50 offers a drive like that of an SUV while still managing to be rugged in its appearance, capable off-road and ready for any task you wish to throw at it. Had you told me this three years ago, I would have believed you, hook, line and sinker; but times have changed.

When I drove the pre-facelift BT-50 I certainly was sold on that concept. The BT-50 did drive better that it's competition, was quieter than the competition and was better trimmed than the competition. The problem is, over the last few years, the competition has moved the goal posts – significantly. So far in fact, that a mere facelift isn't going to save the BT-50 this time round.

It's not to say that the BT-50 is worse now than it was before, but the basis for comparison is now so stark that it genuinely does feel dated. Unfortunately the ride now feels harsh and far too firm for its own good. The interior, while slightly updated, now appears to be hard and nowhere near as welcoming as I remember it to be. This is thanks to the progress that the competition has made, it's not so much Mazda's fault.

Mazda has switched to a full import for the new BT-50, importing the vehicles from the Auto Alliance factory in Thailand. While well specced, there are still a few left over, tell-tale signs that Ford had a hand in developing this bakkie all those years ago.

For those missing the significance, Ford used to own a majority stake in Mazda and as such, many parts, components and designs were thanks to the Ford relationship. In 2014, Mazda bought back that majority share and Ford no longer has controlling power (although it is said that they still have a 1% share in the brand). Mazda has been producing the cars on their own for the past couple of years and this is the best thing that could have happened to them. But as with any divorce, there's always going to be that one hairbrush, pair of socks or picture frame that only gets handed back a few years later. In the BT-50s case, it's the engine and drivetrain and a few items of switchgear.

This is the last Mazda that will carry any Ford DNA and the recent partnership deal struck with Isuzu will see the 2018 / 2019 generation Mazda BT-50 (if it retains that name), utilizing some of the Isuzu experience.

So what has changed?

On the outside, there's a new grille and headlight treatment that comes with new bumpers. The side steps have been altered and new 17-inch wheels rest underneath the familiar chassis. At the back, the garish chrome detailing on the taillights is gone and a more subtle red theme taken up. The taillights are still the same shape and still protrude into the tailgate, but the overall look is considerably less ostentatious.

Inside, while the fit seems to be the regular high Mazda standard, the feel seems to have deteriorated slightly, coming across too plastic. The BT-50 utilizes the old, and frankly dated Sync 1 system, complete with the 1980s-style switchboard button layout. It is Bluetooth equipped and there's the standard fare of USB and Aux inputs, along with steering wheel controls that any Fiesta owner will recognise on SLX models. SLE models feature the same, but with the addition of reverse camera, electric leather seats, parking sensors, auto headlights and rain sensing wipers.

What powers it?

Only two engine options are available, a 4-cylinder 2.2-litre turbodiesel and the familiar 5-cylinder 3.2-litre turbodiesel.

Power from the 2.2 comes in at a somewhat low 110kW and 375Nm (when one considers that the same engine in the Ford offers 118kW and 385Nm) with claimed figures of 7.6l/100km.

The 3.2 fares better with 147kW and a meaty 470Nm on tap and without a doubt, its the engine to go for here. Mazda claims the manual will return 9.3l/100km and the auto 9.7l/100km.

Both feel adequate with sufficient low end torque and the gearboxes do their jobs just fine on the road and off of it.

Thinning in their old age.

Choosing the right tool for the job can be a harrowing experience. Ford for instance, has 41 variations of the Ranger to choose from. Toyota has 23.

Mazda used to have 17 different incarnations for you to select from but have thinned down the selection to only 5 (for the moment, as the addition of single cabs and Freestyles slowly get introduced to end at 9 variations).

The double cab 2.2l is available in 4x2 only, six-speed manual or six-speed auto, with the auto only available in SLE trim. The double cab 3.2l is only available in 4x4 and in SLE trim, with the option of manual or automatic transmissions.

Verdict.

I still enjoy the BT-50 and love the interior styling, despite its few shortcomings. It no longer has that feel of an SUV when compared to the way that the competition has refined their rides, but it's still a very enjoyable drive. It's now one of the few double cab offerings that feels genuinely rough and tumble, as if it could conquer any pass, and for some enthusiasts, that's exactly what they want – none of this soft and mushy stuff.

The BT-50 only shows its age in the ride quality and drivetrain, but the rest of it is right on the money with the rest that the South African market has to offer. If you're an individual who cares about resale value, then consider the BT-50 first, but if you're torn between an SUV and a double cab, the Mazda won't be the one you fall in love with.

Models and Pricing.

Mazda BT-50 Double Cab 2.2l 6MT 4x2 HR SLX	R441 600
Mazda BT-50 Double Cab 2.2l 6MT    4x2 HR SLE	R477 700
Mazda BT-50 Double Cab 2.2l 6AT    4x2 HR SLE	R497 700
Mazda BT-50 Double Cab 3.2l 6MT    4x4 HR SLE	R541 700
Mazda BT-50 Double Cab 2.2l 6AT    4x4 HR SLE	R555 700

     
The Mazda BT-50 now also enjoys the standard Mazda passenger car warranty, service and roadside assistance plan of 3 years / Unlimited Kilometers.