16 minute read
Motoring
BT-50 Thunder . . . designed to attract attention. MAZDA BT-50 THUNDER
CHRIS RILEY
Utes have taken the Australian market by storm, with three of the top 10 selling vehicles now dual-cab utilities.
Unfortunately for Mazda the BT-50 is not one of them, although in an embarrassing twist the donor Isuzu D-Max is – and therein lies the problem.
Enter stage left the bigger, bolder and blacker BT-50 Thunder, a special edition designed right here, with parts manufactured here and available to buy only here.
Thunder is geared with one object in mind, to attract attention -- and hopefully dollars.
Based on the $56,990 GT model, Thunder is available with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, priced from $65,990 plus on-roads – an auto adds $3000.
That’s still 10 grand cheaper than Ford’s Ranger Raptor, but Raptor features a different powertrain, wider track suspension
STYLING
Think black. Mazda has released a ‘bolder” BT, but this is a much better, more convincing effort.
Thunder opens its card with a prominent front-end treatment that includes a single hoop steel bull bar that integrates a new bumper and Lightforce dual-row LED light bar.
There’s also black 18inch alloys, black wide steps, and black exhaust extension, along with a premium sports bar and electric roller tonneau -- both in black too.
All-up Mazda says the additional kit adds more than $13,000 in value, but for just $9000 more than GT (since then Mazda has slotted the SP between them).
Thunder is available in Ice White, True Black Mica, Ingot Silver Metallic, Concrete Grey Mica, Gun Blue Mica, Rock Grey Mica and Red Volcano Mica – all at no extra cost.
Standard kit includes leather, dual zone climate air, LED headlights and daytime runners, auto lights and wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, heated front seats, eight-way power adjust driver’s seat, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, and walk away automatic locking.
INFOTAINMENT
Infotainment comprises a 9.0-inch touchscreen and eight-speaker audio system with satnav, Bluetooth streaming, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay – plus single USB and 12V outlets.
One of the speakers is mounted in the roof headlining, while a 6 x 9 woofer delivers powerful bass response. Two-way dome tweeters emit clear mid- to high-range sounds. Dash-mounted and rear door ‘balanced dome’ tweeters use a voice coil and domeshaped diaphragm to create impressive depth.
Unlike other Mazdas, the infotainment screen is touch sensitive, with no central control knob -- but no physical volume control.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Thunder is powered by a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that generates 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque -- the latter between 1600 and 2600 rpm.
It replaces the previous unit that was good for 147kW and 470Nm, with torque available from 1750 revs.
The new power plant features an aluminiumalloy head and cast-iron engine block, chaindriven double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, drive-bywire throttle control and a Variable Geometry System turbocharger.
Two-wheel drive models all get a 6-speed auto, while the 4×4 version is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
The driver can change gears manually using the shifter in the auto, but the familiar steering wheel-mounted change paddles are absent.
SAFETY
package includes eight airbags, reverse camera and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
There’s also Attention Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist – Overtaking, Emergency Stop Signal, Automatic High Beam, Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane-keep Assist System (automatic models), Locking Rear Differential (4×4 models), Rear Cross Protection, Secondary Collision Reduction, Speed Assist System, Traction Control System and Turn Assist.
DRIVING
The drive experience is solid but generally slow and truck-like. Once it’s up and running, Thunder feels relaxed and easy to drive, cruising effortlessly on the motorway while using little fuel in the process.
Steering is light, fairly responsive and relatively accurate for a 4x4 ute, and does not require constant attention – but don’t expect this thing to handle like a sedan.
Speed-sensitive, powerassisted rack and pinion steering is standard across the range, with 3.84 turns to lock.
With a 76-litre tank, fuel consumption is rated at 8.0L/100km. We were getting 8.6L after more than 1200km of mixed driving (not as good as the 7.8L we got out of the XTR).
The cabin is trimmed in brown leather and has dual zone climate air, with comfy heated seats for front seat occupants and air vents for back seat passengers.
The wheel is reach and height adjustable, while the driver’s seat has eight-way power adjustment.
Analogue instrument info screen where speed can be displayed recognition keeps the driver informed of the current speed limit.
SO FAR SO GOOD.
The infotainment screen is actually a touchscreen (Mazda screens aren’t usually) but is not particularly responsive. digital radio, listed as a feature. It’s there but you frequency bands.
What’s more, even when you eventually do to drop out frequently (did I mention our phones frequently failed to reconnect).
Satellite navigation meanwhile has acquired a nanny who will not let you operate the unit unless the car is stationary.
Thunder is a big vehicle at almost 5.3 metres in length and weighing 2213kg, but surprisingly easy to manoeuvre, according to the missus (who likes it).
To assist in maneuvering it comes with front and rear park sensors plus a rear-view camera.
Front suspension is independent via upper and lower wishbones with coil springs, gas and a stabiliser bar.
Down the back you still get old-style leaf springs, but XS models get a softer setup in keeping with their less workoriented role.
Switching to fourwheel drive is achieved via a rotary knob located in the lower part of the console, with high and low range available – as well as a locking rear differential in the auto.
With 240mm of ground clearance and able to ford 800mm of water, it’s got what it takes for medium off-road duties – but as always, it’s the side steps.
All grades and body under-body protection to guard against accidental damage off-road or in rural areas.
Thunder can carry a payload of 897kg and pull a 3500kg braked trailer.
The cargo box is 1571mm long, 1530mm wide and 490mm deep, with 1120mm between the wheel arches and four tie-down points.
A tray liner is standard and Thunder comes with a power-operated roller shutter (which decided to stop working at one stage).
There are two IsoFix and two top tether child seat anchor points.
Servicing intervals are 12 months or 15,000km year unlimited kilometre warranty.
SUMMING UP
Price is the thing. $70K is a big ask for a ute. Still, it’s 10 grand less than Ford’s Raptor which continues to breed like rabbits.
Has it got what it takes to woo buyers? Mazda is pleased with the product but only time will tell.
AT A GLANCE
Mazda BT-50 Thunder (auto) $68,990 Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mazda dealer for driveaway prices.
SPECIFICATIONS
(Mazda BT-50 Thunder 3.0L Turbo 4-cylinder diesel 6sp automatic 4×4 Dual Cab Pickup) ENGINE: Capacity: 3.0 litres cylinders in line Maximum Power: 140 kW @ 3600 rpm Maximum Torque: 450 Nm @ 1600-2600 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.0 L/100km CO2 Emissions: Euro 5 DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic, 4×4
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5280 mm Wheelbase: 3125 mm Width: 1870 mm Height: 1785 mm Turning Circle: 12.5 metres Kerb Mass: 2213 kg Fuel Tank Capacity: 76 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc Rear: Drum
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
Mitsubishi Outlander . . . Looks aren’t everything but they help MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER EXCEED
CHRIS RILEY
Mitsubishi’s Outlander is than ever – but all is not quite as it seems because the latest Outlander hides time the Japanese brand has released a badgeengineered car.
By the same token, it has just as much in common with the Renault Koleos, which also shares the same platform. It’s all Mitsubishi is part of the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance and has been for a long time, although it rarely gets a mention.
Outlander is priced from $34,490 plus on-roads. Our test vehicle, the Exceed, sits second from top and is priced from $47,990 plus on-roads.
STYLING
For two grand more, Exceed Touring adds twotone paint and interior trim, along with massage for driver and front passenger seats.
LS and above models get three rows of seating as standard.
The cabin has an upmarket look and feel, with its quilted leather seat trim, piano black console surround and quilting on the doors too.
The car is slightly longer than its predecessor, but more importantly wider and taller with a 36mm longer wheelbase that translates to more interior space -- especially more rear legroom.
But the third row is still extremely cramped and suitable only for small children (how many times have I written those words).
At the same time, the second-row slides forward to provide more room. The tall, skinny, third row headrests look like Easter Island statues, but fortunately can be not required. Second row passengers also get their own air outlets as well as sun blinds for the side windows.
There’s plenty of eye candy too, with a digital instrument cluster and attractively styled freestanding touchscreen that’s super responsive to the touch.
But the instrument panel looks a little busy. It’s not apparent from the photos, but that’s the way it feels.
The Japanese love a good acronym, especially when it comes to describing the technical features of cars.
Although it’s no acronym, you might be interested to learn that Outlander was penned under the design language “I-Fu-Do-Do”.
Don’t laugh. It may be lost in translation, but means “authentic and majestic” in Japanese, and shows in the
Outlander’s bold proportions, muscular fenders and the chiselled lines of the “Dynamic Shield” radiator grille.
Whatever, it looks pretty damn good, probably the best iteration yet of what we’ve come to think of as the ‘Decepticon’ look.
Until recently, even top of the line Mitsubishis sometimes missed out on satellite navigation. Drivers were forced instead to rely on their mobile phones if they needed to But there appears to have been a change of thinking at Mitsubishi HQ, because all models now come with satellite navigation as standard.
Standard kit includes dual zone climate control with rear air vents, front and rear parking sensors and as in speed limit warnings.
Outlander ES and LS models also have 7.0-inch colour multi-information display as part of the instrument cluster.
Aspire and above, however, gets a 12.3inch full colour digital instrument cluster.
By the time you get to Exceed, there’s leather, three-zone climate, 20-inch alloys, heated and cooled seats, 360 degree reversing camera, a panoramic sunroof and 10-speaker Bose audio.
Additionally, a 10.8-inch full-colour head-up display above models.
INFOTAINMENT
A stylish, responsive 9.0-inch touchscreen is standard across the range.
10-speaker Bose audio with satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, AM/ FM radio, Bluetooth with voice control and audio streaming, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android and wireless smartphone charging and 2 x USB ports.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Replacing the previous 2.0 and 2.4-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines, is 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that generates 135kW of power and 245Nm of torque.
It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with paddle shifts and Sport mode that provides access to eight pretend gears. The change lever itself feels more like a joystick, with a button for park. Two-wheel modes, all-wheel drives get six.
SAFETY
Depending on trim level, safety includes Forward Collision Mitigation application of cyclist detection and junction assist, Blind Spot Assist (BSA), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Rear Cross Automatic High Beam (AHB), and a Multi Around Monitor camera system with moving object detection.
DRIVING
Power output is more than the 2.4 it replaces, but still somewhat average in the context of today’s sophisticated hybrid and turbocharged setups.
But performance is adequate providing you don’t have high expectations. In fact, it’s about as middle of the road as it gets, not surprising considering the car’s target market.
Straddling the medium to large segments in terms of size, the previous model attracted young and growing families on a limited budget. They were chasing size and price, and the Outlander nailed it.
The new Outlander is a better looker, feels more upmarket and will have similar appeal.
The last time we drove the Outlander Exceed it had a $42,990 price tag.
But with prices from $5000 more, even for the entry ES model, it has lost some of its gloss.
It could see buyers start to look elsewhere, because to these people $5000 is an awful lot of money.
Drive-by-wire transmission combined with new CVT control logic is designed to deliver a feel more like a traditional auto and to some extent it does.
It’s generally more responsive and better behaved than we remember, but still has a tendency to become “zoomy” under load.
It’s hard to describe, but you’ll know exactly what I mean when it happens.
Steering is light and responsive, and the ride is very good considering the large 20-inch wheels and
The re-engineered all-wheel drive system includes enhanced Active Yaw Control, now including rear wheel brake control for independent control of all four wheels, and the evolution of 4WD control with a new hydraulically activated direct coupling device for faster all-wheel response.
Impressive but what we don’t like is the twitchiness that marks the system. It never really settles down, as the system continues to make tiny but frequent adjustments to maintain optimum traction -- and needs to be dialled back.
With a 55-litre tank, it is rated at 8.1L/100km and takes standard 91 unleaded. The trip computer was showing 8.2L after just over 400km (the old one was good for 7.2L/100km). years or 100,000km, but if you get your vehicle serviced with Mitsubishi it’s an impressive 10 years or 200,000km.
SUMMING UP
Like the looks, less thrilled about the performance and the way it drives.
People Product Partnerships
Specialising in 4x4 SUSPENSION & LOAD CARRYING SOLUTIONS
including bull bars & 4x4 accessories
2022 SUBARU BRZ: FIRST DETAILS
Subaru BRZ looks good in photos, we suspect it may be even better in the metal.
EWAN KENNEDY
Subaru has advised us that its all-new BRZ will have more power, greater handling precision and a stand-out design.
A powerful new 2.4-litre, naturallyaspirated Boxer engine and port fuel-injection systems brings improved performance. It has 174 kilowatts of power and 250 Newton metres of torque.
With an automatic transmission, power is up 27 kilowatts over the outgoing model and torque by 45 Newton metres. For manual, power is increased by 22kW and torque by 38Nm.
It will have six- speed, close-ratio manual or performance-oriented six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. There’s a Torsen limited-slip differential.
Two model variants, BRZ Coupe and BRZ Coupe S are available, both have LED headlights with automatic height adjustment, Vehicle Dynamics Control, 18-inch alloy wheels and dual-zone airconditioning.
Active Sound Control will enhance engine sound inside the cabin for a more engaging driving experience.
A new 7-inch, customisable digital instrument cluster puts the tachometer at its centre and features a digital speedometer readout.
An 8-inch central touchscreen is used to operate of key systems: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, digital radio and satellite navigation. sporty black upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift.
BRZ Coupe’s sports seats are cloth-trimmed while Coupe S seats are of Ultrasuede and leather-accented trim. Driver and front passenger seats are heated in the Coupe S.
The coupe’s body has approximately 60 per cent more front lateral bending rigidity and approximately 50 per cent more torsional stiffness than its predecessor.
Aluminium has been used for the bonnet, front guards and roof skin, helping to keep the car’s weight low.
New BRZ’s has electrically-assisted rack and pinion steering. It has independent MacPherson front struts and double rear wishbone suspension. The 18-inch alloy wheels Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.
Braking is by large, ventilated front and rear disc brakes.
Commenting on the 2022 BRZ, Subaru Australia Managing Director Blair Read said, “the compact sports coupe has generated an impressive amount of pre-launch interest, of 500 vehicles already exhausted. We look forward to sharing more information about pre-order for the next allocation of the popular Subaru BRZ in due course.”
POLESTAR IS TRIALLING A FASTCHARGING SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON THE NULLARBOR
Chip fat will be used to power Polestar EVs in a trial program!
EWAN KENNEDY
Polestar, the premium Swedish electric vehicle brand, says it’s channeling the spirit of past Aussie pioneers fast-charging system for electric vehicles on Australia’s Nullarbor Plain.
Covering more than 700 kilometres between the West Australian towns of Caiguna and Southern Cross, the all-electric Polestar 2 is powered up at the fully off-grid, and fast chargers en-route to Perth.
The chargers are entirely powered using waste ‘chip fat’ (vegetable) oil from the Caiguna roadhouse. charging system is the brainchild of retired engineer, Jon Edwards, proposed electric vehicle highway in Western Australia left a gap on the Nullarbor Plain, and with it, the ability to drive an electric vehicle all the way around Australia.
Connecting Western Australia to South Australia, the Caiguna Roadhouse charging point is positioned 370km east of Norsemen and 370km west of the South Australian border. This halfway point offers sustainable charging that effectively plugs the gap to allow EV owners to traverse the Nullarbor. from waste oil using a generator, but is an entirely net-zero exercise, with no incremental impact on the environment. The vegetable oil for the fryers comes from seed crops, such as canola and CO2 and sunlight, and the CO2 produced to power the charge system is the equivalent to CO2 absorbed.
“Polestar is thrilled to share its passion for innovation and sustainability with visionaries like Jon Edwards,” says Samantha Johnson the managing director of Polestar Australia.
“To turn a waste product into a CO2neutral charging solution, which connects Australian EV owners from the east with the west, is the sort of ingenuity that has led to so many Australian innovations.”
Jon Edwards, inventor cost of installing an equivalent solar-powered EV fast charger is over charging unit. Solar energy would not have been economically feasible for such a environmentally friendly interim solution for EVs driving across the Nullarbor right now.”
Polestar 2 goes onsale in Australia in February. Reservations can be made at www. polestar.com/au.
