The Mazda BT-50 Thread

Most Fuel-Efficient Double-Cab Bakkies in SA

Are you looking for the most fuel-efficient bakkie currently on offer in South Africa? Here they are…

Double-cab bakkies serve multiple purposes in South Africa. They are workhorses, but they are also family vehicles used for a wide variety of leisure activities. They are often seen clambering up rocky mountain roads or towing boats and other leisure vehicles and accessories.

For the average double-cab bakkie buyer in South Africa, outright capability is sometimes more important than fuel efficiency, but if you consider that these vehicles often commute within the city too, then fuel efficiency becomes more relevant. Also, with fuel prices on the rise, you’d be wise to account for it. After all, fuel efficiency has a direct impact on the overall cost of ownership of the vehicle and it should form part of your decision-making process when you are looking to buy a double-cab bakkie.

Note that this list is determined according to claimed manufacturer fuel consumption figures. In the real world, consumption will vary depending on factors such as driving style, load, road and terrain conditions and so forth, so consider this a guideline when looking for the most economical bakkie.

Pricing details are accurate as of April 2023.

Most Fuel Efficient Double-Cab Bakkies in SA

1. Mazda BT-50 1.9TB Active – 6.6 L/100km

2. Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT / XL manual – 6.9 L/100 km

3. Volkswagen Amarok 110 kW / 125 kW Life double-cab – 6.9 L/100km

4. Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6 Raider / SR – 7.1 L/100 km

5. Nissan Navara SE / SE Plus – 7.2 L/100km

www.cars.co.za

Most Fuel-Efficient Double-Cab Bakkies in SA

We list South Africa's most fuel-efficient double-cab bakkies currently on sale. See which pick-ups drink the least amount of fuel.
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za
 
Mazda BT-50 bakkie bites the dust in South Africa

Mazda has confirmed that its BT-50 bakkie range will no longer be sold in South Africa.

The latest-generation BT-50, which is based on the Isuzu D-Max and imported from Thailand, has been a slow seller on the local market. In the past six months an average of just nine units per month were registered in the country.

Earlier versions of the BT-50, locally produced and based on previous generations of the Ford Ranger, were a more common sight local roads.

But the latest version simply could not compete as a fully imported model.

“The South African LCV, and in particular the double cab market, is extremely well developed and competitive with locally manufactured Brands and nameplates dominating sales,” said Craig Roberts, MD of Mazda Southern Africa.

“This factor, as well as an extremely challenging landscape for imported vehicles, competing directly with locally manufactured products has led Mazda SA to make this difficult decision.”

We do admire Mazda’s honesty here. Other carmakers tend to let go of their slow selling models with radio silence.

This is not an international discontinuation, and the Thai-built model will still be available in other global markets where it currently competes. Interestingly the BT-50 was also axed in New Zealand recently, although it remains for sale in Australia, which is a big market for the ute.

 
Facelifted Mazda BT-50 revealed (but not for SA)

The facelifted Mazda BT-50 bakkie has been revealed, though with this nameplate having been discontinued in SA earlier in 2024, we won’t see it on local roads…

In March 2024, Cars.co.za broke the news that the Mazda BT-50 nameplate had been discontinued in South Africa after an 18-year run. Now, the facelifted version of the Japanese firm’s bakkie has been revealed overseas.

Of course, since the BT-50 is no longer a part of Mazda Southern Africa’s line-up – with the automaker’s local division having cited an “extremely challenging landscape for imported vehicles” and a struggle to compete directly with locally manufactured products, such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max – this facelifted model won’t be seen in Mzansi.

So, what are we missing out on? Well, styling changes on the double-cab bakkie include a refreshed front end, which sports a new lighting signature for the LED headlamps as well as a redesigned grille and bumper (the latter now incorporating an “air curtain”). Around back, the tailgate gains a ridge along its bottom edge, while new LED taillamps and a larger “Mazda” logo have been adopted.

The facelifted BT-50 furthermore scores redesigned alloy wheels, while 3 fresh paint colours – Red Earth Metallic, Geode White Pearl and Sailing Blue Metallic – have been added to the colour palette. The cabin upgrades to what Mazda calls a “completely new infotainment system” presented within a “responsive central touchscreen interface that now integrates touch switches below the display for better usability and visibility”.

 
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