For those of you who know me, know that I have always been more into culture than agriculture. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with those who feed the nation, just my generalisation is that anything outside the city limits might as well be on another planet, in a galaxy far, far, far away.
Country Music, Langarm, Safari Suits, Potjie Kos, Pap (other than for breakfast), Brandy & Coke and Bakkies belong behind the Boerewors Curtain. My taste is more Rock, Sushi, Jack Daniels and 2-seater sports cars with names that sound like NASA projects such as F-type, 911 MX etc.
Being an adventurous “Soutie”, I have ventured beyond the Boerewors curtain, where I have met up with Nine Inch Nail fans and found folk who know the lyrics to Korn songs and drink Tequila. I know it pays to have an open mind and not assume.
So when we were given a Bakkie from a Mazda, whose payoff line is “The Impossible made Possible” I went off looking for examples of The Impossible Made Possible, so that I could wax lyrical off topic and not have to show how little I know about the Bakkie Brigade.
Let me introduce you to Robbie Maddison an Australian motorbike stunt rider, nicknamed ‘Maddo’. Now Maddo had a “Pipe Dream”, we are not talking pot here, you may however, think he was smoking his socks when he said he wanted to ride his dirt bike on the powerful and iconic waves of Tahiti.
Ok, so the Impossible is possible, it takes guts and some engineering! Guess that is my cue to man up and get behind the wheel of the Mazda BT-50
I did drive the BT-50 on a Moto-X track in an attempt to try and kill it (there is a shot in the video). The BT-50’s civilised styling belies its no nonsense under the gloss grunt! The Impossible is Possible, Mazda’s BT-50 4×2 with Drifter pack has changed my mind about Bakkies. Whilst it may be the size of a DeathStar, it goes like the Millennium Falcon and parks like a cat in front of a fire.
There is more than enough space for 4 adults (and I’m not short). The load bay, although limited in length and breadth, still has the volume and sits on a unit able to carry 1/2 tonne and tow another 3.35 tonnes. The 2.2 diesel engine is as responsive as it is thrifty. The locally made engine puts out 110kW and 375Nm. I’d hate to know how invincible I’d feel in the 3.2l!
The Drifter Pack includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a nudge bar, roll bar and running boards. You get Drifter carpets and a pneumatic shock absorber for the rest tailgate that allows it to mimic the opening and closing ease of a hatches bootlid. Plus leather seats & Climate Control.
Now how butch do you need to be to drive a Bakkie? Being the bachelor, in this company, I am not in a position to ask the wife what she thinks. Whilst I am sure that the BT-50 has pulling power I left this task to Steve.
So Steve over to you!
My wife, I guess like most town women, does not want a DeathStar-sized vehicle as a day-to-day vehicle. Having said that, she reeled off a million positives about the Mazda BT-50: build quality, comfort, safety, space, ride height, rugged and stylish interior, economy, an impressive turning circle, and more. Women do talk more than men. Its debatable who listens more.
I like the unpretentious price point. Starting at less than R335 000 for the entry level single cab workhorse, you’re coming into a relatively luxurious utility vehicle. The BT-50 we drove, retails at under R415 000 with an extra R25 000 of Drifter Pack applied… That Drifter Pack suits the urban warrior nature of this 4×2 double cab. My friends said they can see me in this… Its stylish. Its hard working. Who wouldn’t see me in this?
The Mazda BT-50 is the perfect partner to an active family. For those that get out to 4×4 tracks more than once a year, consider the 4×4 option. Our 4×2 was the perfect urban warrior. It commanded the road, led with ease and overcame everything we threw at it… including moving furniture and other interesting items… like bicycles and scuba divers!
This vehicle has many features that make it similar to a large sedan, with the added packing capacity for adventure: it is prepared for anything, like a boy scout. In terms of my logical disconnect to this class of vehicle previously… it is gone. Thank you Mazda. Now… about that long term test vehicle…
Steve, I can take it from here……
Dear Mazda Marketing
Re: Mazda MX-5 & BT-50 Long Term Test
You may want to watch the video whilst I negotiate with those marvelous folk at Mazda. Wonder if we can get a group discount?