Transmissions - rear-wheel drive or 4WD

The Mazda BT-50 retains the same five-speed manual gear- box, mated to a transmission system that is offered in two versions - a 2WD only version and a 2WD/4WD version that is ideal for commercial use or for more adventurous lifestyles off-road. The 4WD mode is selected using a manual shift lever next to the gear shift lever. The driver can shift power to the rear wheels alone (in 2WD mode), or all four wheels for more difficult terrain - in the latter case, the driver can also shift the transfer case between low and high gear range.

For added convenience, a Remote Free Wheel system is fitted with remote electric front wheel hub locks. Pushing a switch in the dashboard automatically disconnects the front differential and prop shaft from the front wheels when in 2WD mode, which reduces friction and contributes to long term durability of the system. All 4WD models are equipped with a Limited- Slip Differential (LSD) in the rear axle, which automatically adjusts drive power between the two rear wheels to maintain traction on just about all kinds of surfaces.


Chassis - predictable and strong

Chassis development engineers of the new BT-50 took as their basis the B-Series' double wishbone front suspension and a rigid rear axle with 'Berlin Eye' leaf springs, then added several new improvements for even more Zoom-Zoom driving fun. The new pickup's front and rear dampers, for example, are 8 mm larger in diameter and the rear leaf springs are 120 mm longer than the outgoing model, which improves damping response and delivers good ride comfort in 2WD mode, and the strength to carry a load of almost 1,200 kg in the cargo deck of the 4WD versions.


Active Safety

Mazda safety engineers adopted the excellent active systems of the outgoing model - which has proven to be safe and reli- able in real-world situations around the globe. The driving position has been optimized to provide extended visibility, with a high hip point and a new cargo box that is 60 mm higher, which makes seeing the rear of the pickup easier from the cabin. A new door mirror design is introduced that reduces the amount of rain that clings to the mirror surface during bad weather - improving visibility. The pickup employs large ventilated front disc brakes and rear drums, with improved pedal operation, four-wheel ABS anti-lock and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) for superior braking behaviour whether unladen, carrying heavy loads or towing.


Passive Safety and Security

The new pickup retains the strong cabin area of the outgoing model - already one of the safest in its class - mounted to a robust overlapped, cross-braced ladder frame steel chassis by shear-type mounts. The cabin itself has strong doors and side impact bars for a body that resists deformation. Inside the cabin there are front airbags and front side airbags (depen- ding on market and model), with three-point seatbelts and pretensioners and load-limiters in the front. New for all Double Cab models are height-adjustable seatbelts for the front seats, which can be set to fit a wide variety of body sizes, from children to large adults. A collapsible steering column helps reduce potential chest injuries to the driver during a serious front impact. Child-proof door locks are also fitted. For models with electric power windows, the BT-50 has safety auto- reverse that automatically lowers the driver's window when something obstructs its travel, such as a child's hand.



Mazda3 MPS - A Double Dose of Zoom-Zoom

- Sporty yet elegant design inside and out
- MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo direct-injection petrol engine
- From 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds

First shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006, and set for launch in Western Europe about a month from now, the Mazda3 MPS is the second model of the new Mazda Performance Series after the Mazda6 MPS.

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