WHEN the current Mazda BT-50 launched locally in 2011 it was essentially Hiroshima’s take on the Australian-developed Ford Ranger.

Apart from different exterior and interior styling, the only difference between the Thailand-made utes was with their suspension tune, the Ford’s softer and Mazda’s firmer.

Late last year, however, the BT-50 was lightly facelifted but without a real mechanical makeover. By contrast the Ranger received a revised cabin, new active safety technology, fresh electric power steering and retuned engines.

For what the Mazda lacks in perceived ‘freshness’ it aims to make up for with pricing that is, with the BT-50 XTR 4x4 dual-cab tested here, around $4000 cheaper than its Ford equivalent. So is the value strategy the right strategy?

Note: Interior image is Mazda BT-50 GT

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