A change of styles for me - I have moved away from a wagon to a dual cab ute - a new BT 50 Mazda 4WD.
I got the hose out model with auto - after driving both it was a no-brainer to get the auto.
This forced my hand into a ute away from a cab chassis, so I decided to modify my plans of a custom integrated canopy body (cheaper too, this way!)
Here's a quick report after a few weeks driving on bitumen (metropolitan + country highway) and dirt roads of
Birdsville & Strzelecki tracks,
Flinders Ranges,
Innamincka and
Cobar.
I have also driven 4 hours on unmaintained station Strzelecki
sand dune tracks and over Big Red (easy peasy).
Approx 7,00 km in total with a variety of 3 or 4 in the cab. In other words, a reasonable cross section of Outback motoring.
Road manners:
I planned prior to purchase to sit tight before committing to a
suspension up- grade. I have been concerned that clearance will be a real issue; that has not yet proven to be. Ute rides better with my regular load than with just the driver - no surprise. But what is surprising is when fully loaded it still rides very
well.
Has excellent dirt manners and only once has all the fancy electronic gadgetry had to earn its living; the dynamic stability control braked a wheel at 90 kph on some loose corrugations and snapped the ute smartly back into line. Gave me a fright, tough!
In summary, easy to drive and hangs on like crazy.
Engine:
Heaps of powers & torque. A willing & amazing drive. Tows my 1.4 t trailer like the big 4.8 L Nissan does at half the fuel cost!!!
Economy so far is 11.1 L/100 km. I am more than satisfied.
Half of that distance has been driven with a custom made aluminium roof rack loaded with a 2nd spare and 5 swags - it catches plenty of air.
The ute section has been full with water, extra fuel, fridge, bags & large tool box (100 kg weight).
Engine has a degree of Turbo lag & I am taking a while to adjust my driving style to this aspect.
Interior:
Comfy & roomy.
It was a concern of
mine moving from 2 x GU Patrols re space, seating, comfort etc.
I am amazed and delighted to say that after 10 hour driving spells I am not as fatigued from sitting as I was in the Nissan!
I have added as mentioned a custom roof rack, and also a ute liner & 2 x 12 V outlets to
the tub. ARB bull bar goes on next week (not available until now - and you would not, even in a pink fit, get the Mazda dealer's offer.) Tonneau cover goes on tomorrow- it also is being custom made, to fit over the 2nd spare which is now mounted vertically on RHS of tub.
I traded in the standard issue
Dunlop highway tyres on 5 x 265/70 R 16 LT Bridgestone 697's after 3,500 km. These are the 'new' version of the 694's and are almost impossible to fault - a real value equation.
All in all, I reckon I have made a good choice. Not much more for me to do in terms of making the vehicle fit to my patterns of use. I'll worry about underbody protection & a lift as/when it happens. For the moment will run with jerry cans of diesel to increase the range - after market fuel tanks are a crazy price, although the Dolium 48 L tank is appealing.
Watch out other manufacturers - Ford aka Mazda have re written the dual cab rule book here. Goodnight Hilux - you're a dinosaur.
Cheers
Rick
PS have a look in the
classifieds at my GU for sale - it may suit you.