A turbodiesel engine with an automatic gearbox isn't usually good news because of turbo lag; careful use of clutch and accelerator helps with a manual gearbox for a quick pull-off but add the auto and, well, problems
So, I expected a bit of a hurry-up-and-wait stuff when I was handed the keys to an auto Mazda Drifter BT-50 (yes, the bigger models are still called Drifter). Under the bonnet is a beaut of an oil-burner - a three-litre, common-rail, direct-injection turbodiesel good for 115kW and a class-beating 380Nm, the latter from as low as 1800rpm.
It's a power train I've experienced in the new Mazda and Ford bakkie ranges both, but always with a long gearlever for my left hand. Incidentally, the auto box is only available in 4x2 double-cab guise and is newly developed for the higher power and torque.
So, what to do? Grabbed the keys, headed down to the basement, and consoled myself with the fact that I could finally get all my old garden refuse and suchlike to the dump despite the expected turbo lag. But surprise, surprise! At the first traffic light, no lag; in fact the tyres actually chirped off the line.
From there on I really had quite a jol because there's no dead spot as the auto box works its charms. The rev range, like all diesels, is considerably short, meaning that in manual guise you would be doing most of the work. The auto box, on the other hand, keeps the rev needle dancing and has an overdrive on/off button to ensure a lower gear when, say, doing a bit of dirt, or in my case, urban cruising.
I did find, though, that with overdrive switched on there tended to be a flat spot right before a gear change.
Double-cabs take on a whole new meaning when you actually enjoy driving 'em. They become really practical animals for family outings with loads of cargo space (the bin is 60mm higher than before). The tailor-made load box cover even had Velcro strips to seal the areas around the roll bar.
I found myself bolting into water puddles (because I could) and nailing potholes I've grown to hate (again, because I could) and don't even talk about the wheel-spinning while turning that you can do when there's no load in the back and the tail's light.
Power-wise, it's obvious that this truck would be quite at home hauling a caravan, boat or trailer.
One gripe...
The finish is more than adequate: power windows, aircon, leather seats, power-assisted steering and the usual storage spots all there. Impressive is that, the double-cab gets both front AND side crash bags. Rear legroom - like most double-cabs - is not great but not entirely uncomfortable either.
My only gripe about the interior was the under-fascia handbrake; you know, the one you have to lean forward to grab and pull and turn to release. On the whole it's tacky to use.
Verdict
This really is a lekker bakkie. The engine/gearbox combo is not the usual arranged marriage and the rest of the bakkie gets ticks in all the right boxes.
It's nippy, handles well, looks good and will easily double up as a workhorse in the week and a leisure vehicle for the weekend. - Star Motoring