2008 Mazda BT-50 range
September 17, 2008 by George Skentzos
In a bid to boost its presence in the light commercial segment, Mazda has revitalised its new BT-50 range to be more versatile than ever.
The BT-50 now boasts a more comprehensive model range, mechanical and styling upgrades, and improvements to interior comfort and ergonomics – totalling 29 models across five drivetrains and three bodystyles.
Mazda has bolstered the range of the new BT-50 with two new 4×2 and five new 4×4 models available as a Single Cab, Freestyle Cab or Dual Cab.
The new range features a 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre turbodiesel manual drivetrains which boast fuel economy of 8.3 and 9.2 litres/100km respectively and are Euro IV compliant for minimal tailpipe emissions.
Entry-level models use the MZR-CD 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve turbocharged diesel engine which produces peak power of 105kW and 330Nm from 1,800rpm.
The higher-grades use a 3.0-litre common rail DOHC 16-valve diesel engine which develops 115kW and 380Nm at 1,800rpm.
In manual guise, the BT-50 is capable of towing up to 3,000kg regardless of its engine type while the five-speed automatic is limited to a braked towing capacity of just 2,500kg.
The BT-50 Single Cab tray has a payload of up to 1,449kg in 4×2 configuration or up to 1,441kg in 4×4 configurations, making this model a true workhorse.
The interior is intended to be anything but, featuring a two-tone colour scheme, silver-finish accents, single or six-disc MP3 compatible CD player with iPod connectivity and remote keyless entry.
ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners are standard on all but the “farmer-focused” entry level Single Cab chassis 4×2 models.
Mazda expects to sell around 10,000 of its revitalised BT-50’s each year, with the range starting from $23,295 with a three-year or 100,000km or two-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
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Styling wise the new BT-50 looks great and on paper it looks a good buy, but my question is has the BT-50 rid itself of the weak gearbox and cylinder head problems that plagued the Bravo?
They are all-new engines in BT-50, not sure about gearboxes
Not sure about engine or gearbox but have bought a second hand BT 3L 4×4 single cab, 08 model with 6000km (now 8000) and can’t get any better then 10.3l/100km. Reading other blogs other owners are having the same problem, some as bad as 14.5l/100km.
Boutht 2008 BT50 3000 new shudders when pull away in 1st gear,also sometimes find it hard to get in reverse futher a marvelous vehicle
Bought BT 50 new in Sept 08 [updated model]Added air bags and Old Man Emu H/D suspension. Loaded a slide on of 850kg fully loaded. Need to now add extra leaf all round. Am about to head to Kimberley but driving on KI, I just watch fuel gauge drop really quickly [reckon I'd be lucky to get 450 ks per tank], so was wondering whether to chip it, larger tank or just carry extra fuel. Costs big $ for long range tank and figure it more sense to fill up & pay the extra for fuel. Any ideas
Had to replace clutch at 1500 kms. Duttons at Murray Bridge said they have replace 3 clutches already, and had no problems with Mazda with new clutch and flywheel
Have a late 2007 BT50, just done 5th gear (wont stay in gear) The car has done 134000 Klm all highway stuff.
Dealer is talking new box and no warrenty due to the Klm,s
has anybody esle heard of thsi or got any ideas of the issues so we vcan look at getting it fixed for under a Million Dollars…
Many thanks Phil.
have a late 07 bt50 has 98000klm on all hwy klms disc,s have been skimmed no problems so far cheers Ross.
I have a 2008 series BT-50 diesel with 26000k’s on the clock just trying to get some readings on fuel economy, cause at the moment im getting 450km’s from a tank and have had to many excuses from the dealership to fit on this page.Any advice or help would be great!!!!Thanks