RPM TV - Episode 217 - Mazda BT-50 vs VW Amarok

RPM TV - Episode 217 - Mazda BT-50 vs VW Amarok

[@2t44]

Yesterday i drove a bt50 pro and today i drove an amarok. I want to give my findings after testing them. It comes down to what you prefer and what you will need. I drove them both only on paved roads. Mazda had leather seata, amarok cloth seats. Both 4x4. Both automatic. Drove both around the same place.
-Exterior design: mazda, the front is difficult to look at other than that, good. VW exterior very good visual exterior design.
-engine perception: mazda 3.2liters diesel 5 speed i think. Awsome!! Responsive, endless power&torque, it feels like it owns the streets, continuous, smooth acceleration for a diesel pickuptruck, when you accelerate you feel theres mote where that came from.Probably thirsty engine. VW 2.0 diesel 8 speed. Quick acceleration, thought it feels alot less powerfull than mazda, when you acceletate you feel like the engine is really working hard. Very fuel efficient, quite capable engine, quite powerfull. Those 8 speeds might test your patience, have to really drive a lot to get the desired speed at some situations, it makes you think more on what you are doing while driving.
Suspension: mazda, incredible! it absorbs every bump,holes, whatever, vehicle doesnt bounce with just any road imperfection it feels very sturdy and comfortable, maybe because its heavier vehicle than amarok. With an empty cargo area vehicle felt as stable as an SUV. VW very good compared to traditional trucks, i felt more road imperfections than in mazda, but again it was way better than traditional trucks. You feel imperfections make vehicle do small bounces constantly, sort of like a sports car. in mazda i didnt feel that.
Steering wheel: mazda, really heavy stearing sometimes wondered if it had any hydraulics, you have to really pull on it to make fast turns and react fast, parking is quite heavy steering try to find easy parking space. VW, i literally!! used two fingers to move the steering completly, very easy steering, quite helpfull if driving every day with lots of turns and off roading, and it has outwards manual telescopic adjustment with wich i found a perfect driving position, with mazda i felt awkward positioned holding the steering wheel.
Interior percieved outter noise: mazda, absolutly silent interior, almost didnt hear the diesel reving and no wind noise, not even rush hour noise, cant feel much engine vibration also, almost feels like petrol engine. VW you can definetly hear engine rev, but its ok. Fair amount of wind noise because square nose, you can feel engine vibrations but not as much as traditional trucks, not as insulated as mazda.
Interior desing: mazda better than average, good value. VW excellent feels very high class.
Exterior visibility: mazda really good i prefered mazda. VW really good also.
Radio sound system quality: mazda, better than good. VW excellent!!! you cant ask for more quality than that.
Front seats comfort: mazda, seats feel comfortable could drive long hours comfortable, but driver might not find perfect seating position for holding steering wheel, it happend to me . VW seats feel comfortable, though has ergonomic/sporty tendency.
Rear seat comfort: mazda quite good. VW very good!!.
I believe both trucks are fully off road worthy. Maybe mazda has more torque power and tow power wich could make situations easier, but amarok is more fuel efficient and easier steering. Depends what you need more, what will you be doing more. And which comforts you want more. And how much each cost in your country. I believe there is no definitive winner, their just set for different personalities.

[@willemschipper7680]

This dude sounds like a real chop, wonder how much vw paid him for this review.

[@miloraca]

The BT 50 is an awesome vehicle,so much grunt

[@bruxner]

wow comparing a 4x2 to a 4x4? He loves the ride but doesn't worry about the performance specs, a great episode.

[@reecebro4146]

He mentions all the things bt50 has on the amarok but still picks the amarok? Also compares a 4x4 Mazda price to a 4x2 all option amarok. Your a fool

[@jamesloganarcher]

Completely disagree on the comments about styling. The Amarok is a simple, safe and inadvertently boring in comparison to, not only the BT-50, but every other ute on the market. The Mazda is, to use a cliche, striking, noticeable and unique. It gets talked about constantly, so it's doing it's job. Plus, in my opinion is a better vehicle all round.

[@shaunmandich]

The Mazda will feel like a harder ride then the VW because the Mazda is made to carry a heavier load.The BT-50 is also available in a 6 speed manual.
I would go with the Mazda parts and service will be cheaper.

[@farzulali7021]

FORD RANGER T6 is the best looking truck hands down...

[@77936fief]

not sure how professional you guys are, but first thing you DON'T do is compare an automatic to a manual transmission.

[@mixhael6609]

I agree you have to compare apples to apples. I like the VW Amarok. But you have to be fair.

[@dannyboy8192]

I totally agree,

[@SevenAteNine182]

yip, I'm with you.

[@likerussel]

I use Mazda bt50 and its the best truck around ... a powerfull and fun pickup for all around needs!

[@dratempest610]

rcr1211 I couldn't agree more, very under rated ute (Bakkie) bloody great load carriers best in class to get the job done 💪🏼

[@mudbutton2]

Wow - they drove these two utes on bitumen and then on some smooth dirt roads that a lowered SS Commodore could drive on. What a test of their soccer mom abilities!

[@johncrouch5999]

With in 60 seconds we knew which vehicle he was going to choose, can't half tell who paying his wage

[@Kaegis]

I just got a BT-50 3.2 after testing the 2012 D-max and 2012 Navara. All 3 are good trucks and was a hard decision. But the Navara-D40 was the only truck that came near the same power as the BT-50. The BT-50 has more direct steering as well and awesome suspension travel for the larger stuff. Granted it is a little bumpy, but it was no real difference in ride softness between the 3 vehicles. I've got a black bullbar, and sportsbar which hides the "fancy styling" and totally makes the truck..!!!!

[@ActionMax09]

I wish the BT 50 came to the USA.
That being said, I like the curves on that truck. I would want it with a manual transmission thou. :)

[@ramsammy1]

they kinda are ... ford still owns some shares ... the BT-50 version was designed by a Mazda team based at Ford Australia's design center in Melbourne... both Ford and Mazda worked independently on them of the exterior panels, only the windscreen, roof and rear screen is common between the Ranger and BT-50, although the underpinnings are largely the same.... and they're the same chassis

[@infringementMAN]

The VW is better because it's more "fun". I'll assume then that the Mazda is the better pick up truck.

[@grantnewland6285]

(WTF) are you kidding me BT50 hands down...

[@tunastrike11]

I bought a bt50 to tow a boat that weight of 3.2 tonne and tows it very well amarok and hillux didn't even consider not enough power.

[@julioortiz2436]

i love the bt-50

[@kingnillvwell381]

Thanx , but we need more to now , you now that both have deferent loads wight , compare them after loading. Very important some react completely deferent in loads .

[@ebenenchef4560]

1:52 ...he's supposed to sit in the Mazda right? Look at the steering wheel....

[@flattopproducts2232]

got both , difference is minor. Cost of VW service IS AN ISSUE in Australia??
VW + Volkswagen Amarok + AUTOREMOTE HARD COVERS+ Flat Top

[@enemay]

which has a softer ride the bt50 or the Ford Ranger?

[@luigisevilla]

Use Hankook Tires....!! one question how many Km give a littler of gasoil (diesel) of the new mazda bt 50

[@erdomings]

is the best pick up the world with automotive from Bogota, Colombia engineer appreciation, South America

[@etd5791]

hahahaha i was listening to the review from Aus until the presenter gooied the BAKKIE word. love it !!!

[@WarFivevyone]

space cadet presentation

[@Pedalpumpingaddict]

If only the BT-50 come to the US, does anybody know if Mazda plans to bring the BT-50 to the US? Thanks.

[@brealistic1970]

I wish Mazda would bring the BT-50 to the US- even with just the 2.2 turbo diesel. The VW Amarok looks nice.. but in the US, VWs do not have a durable image. They are overly complex but then built with cheap but for some reason expensive to replace parts. I do not see VW selling trucks here, but Mazda could especially if people thought it a real Mazda. Oh, they probably just got what the media fleets had to give them... which is why they compared 4x2 and 4x4. I want the 6 speed manual 4x2 BT-50.

[@Monkeytoothpick]

the mazda bt50 is not a bad looking car, except those stupid rear brake lights!! like come on what were they thinking? it looks cheap and tacky. if they made them square or rectangle like every one else im sure they would sell so many more units what do u think?

[@michaelprinsloo413]

For all you North Americans: bakkie (pronounced "bucky) is the Afrikaans word for a pick-up. Afrikaans is the first language on Google translate. There you now you learned something.

[@dorothyfuller9362]

A lot of confusion in this vs this what about the 3.5 ton braked towing of the BT50 highest in it's class

[@Kavi4GP]

Just a note the Mazda had a price drop to undercut the Ranger the 4×2 3.2 SLE (full spec with chrome nudge and roll bars )now about R375 000 and still has a discount

[@lachieo5666]

Ok

[@aslavtankmachine]

were is the Holden Colorado

[@davros0007]

Odd two to compare, as noted by others. Apples and oranges.

[@SEMIAUTOMAN]

I have driven both of these and would go with the BT50,it has more power and more features. The Amarok was nice but lacked power. Better yet go with the Ford Ranger the best Ute by far.

[@AustralianoffroadacademyAu]

What is the point of comparing a manual 4x2 and an auto 4x4?

[@Tiepner]

there is a 4x2 bt-50, why didn't you use that?

[@finalpharoah1]

This is a South African show, and here in South Africa, we call these Bakkie

[@1BlubeTube]

There are so many trucks that I would buy before I would buy a VW Amarok.

[@hoanganh1809]

BT50 is better

[@DontYouLikeMyNameXD]

did they do an isuzu Dmax test?

[@giacomocogorno]

Cant really compare a 4x4 w/ a 4x2...I go Amarok, looks good, works good, sturdy and efficient.

[@artbymiwsher]

*opens segment saying he prefers his UTE to "look" more aggressive*
*Concludes review preferring the daintier, 2-wheel drive, less functional UTE that "looks" more aggressive*

[@headcas620]

Fitting that the VW check engine light is on...

[@agektm]

im guessing he refers to it as a 2x4 because it doesn't have factory lockers unlike the bt50

[@ealesy93ify]

I think the bt50 looks way better! Didn't even do any 4x4 challenges.

[@micdlewis]

bakkie is South African for a pickup which is American for a ute...utility which is what Aussies call 'em

[@amhk90]

Hmmm they are comparing pick ups like they are Luxury SUVs, WTF! Wheres

[@littleterror05]

It's only a 2x4 cause u got the 2 wheel drive on but biast not to mention it comes 4x4 also

[@miloraca]

Good review,the hi lux is the biggest seller in Australia as well,but is so outdated and underpowered for the obscene amount of money they ask,colorado,ranger and BT50,Amarok are keeping Toyota very honest these days,Nissan Navara has a shit unreliable engine,Mitsubishi Triton is very outdated

[@only1niki]

Lol

[@MrAkwaholic]

miloraca The New Mitsi Triton is certainly worth a test drive. The styling has changed and should be less polarising. The Gls model comes with all the fruit at a price that compares with mid range Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger models.

[@miloraca]

The triton is a good honest vehicle,very popular with tradesmen,the new one looks great,heaps of power

[@vazcona]

agreee

[@dondabro]

why the hell would they compare the 4x2 version with a 4x4 ? That is quite dumb. The Amarok didn't come out with the 4x2 until a year after... The 4x4 is the original Amarok that came out.

[@davidarreola2771]

Am I the only one who sees somebody running through the fence on the right side of the screen at the minute 6:49?

[@krzysztoflis2759]

in both you cannot go pernament 4x4 on almost dry road....
They miss central diff... therefore Mitsubishi L200 is winner. I've driven more than 200K km in Mitsu mostly without heavy load. Stability with 4x4 is supreme.
We have 3 kids, second row is the most comfortable in the class (I am looking on dimension but on feeling...
I am saying as it is...

[@Jebat1212]

And the Amarok is my choice...
Yeahhh u right..

[@Dreadzedan]

why didnt you all compare to the top line Amarok? a waste of 10 mins really. sorry

[@dinkum83]

if that VW is your choice you must be city driver and not an BUSH driver, which is the whole point of a 4X4.. or have we all forgotten this..

[@MrGee13133]

Such a bad review rofl. I have an Amarok Highline and my brother has a BT-50. The BT-50 is sooooo much better, much smoother, comfier for long drives and seem to tow easier. Don't know what this clown is on about.

[@petercsernak9102]

Bakkie , not buggy !

[@Salatiso]

In all fairness I enjoy the reviews but it puzzles me why a 4x4 is being pitted against a 4x2.
The Amarok is likely to take the on road drive comfort but the penalty is the lower load capacity, stiffer suspension setup on the rear of a bakkie means a bouncy ride but on the bright side bigger loads.
As for the Amarok being the best looking bakkie, purely subjective but for me the Ford wins this hands down.
Ultimately Id say it comes down to what you are using the bakkie for.

[@dratempest610]

Mazda all the way and far more reliable.

[@Michael_Michaels]

I will never EVER buy continental tires again!!!!

[@748tech]

seriously. you have a 4x2 amarok manual lower end spec car vs the top of the line mazda 4x4...then complain about lack of low range, the 4x4 amarok has high and low range ( I know as I own a manual 4x4) when the going gets tough, I have to pull most BT50s and rangers out after a front CV goes pop....done that a few times and will continue to do it in to the future.
power wise the amarok is down, the BT50 is also a 5 cylinder. having said that its like putting it against a V8 land cruiser...not accurate.
the drive of the BT50 is woefull at best.

[@benswanepoel5173]

PRESENTER LIKE THE AMAROK BEFORE HE STARTED THE TEST. HE EVEN DID NOT KNOW THAT HE MAZDA MADE 470 TORQUE, COMPARE AN 4X4 TO 4X2, THE 4X4 MAZDA WILL BE STIFFER THAN THE AMAROK

[@offroadrover]

Why are you comparing a 2wd and a 4wd. That doesn't help my decision at all.

[@dratempest610]

Moon Buggy buy a Mazda bt50 , far better all round ute than most on the market, it’s very under rated ute , based solely on its so called soft looks ,if you ask me it’s a load of shit !

[@myltonsamame]

MAZDA EXCELENTE PERFORMANCE

[@qcxnewborn]

BT-50

[@joshuairvine4962]

You will find the guy is south african not aussie

[@amhk90]

They are comparing Pickup trucks like they are SUVs. WTF! They are not... Where is the mud, the load, etc?? Compare the hilux, the Ranger, the Dmax, i mean amarok is good but for a guy thats at least 40 years old that need comfortable shi t... The real pick up is for working and strong ride

[@jonedgar48]

Not a helpful comparison.

[@neryesanchez614]

is v 6

[@nathanpaul8558]

The amarok is the worst looking bakkie ever designed
But he's comparing?

[@TheSmortaus]

Very silly review .... 4x2 vrs 4x4 ... two different classes...

[@LightHouse31073]

Its a "bakkie" not "bucky". Its South African for a pick-up.

[@johntronx1]

This fool bases his choice between the two solely on the appearance of the trucks, the Mazda crushes the Amarok in every respect, but said idiot encourages viewers to buy the Amarok because of looks alone. Screw functionality, torque, tow capacity, safety ratings. Buy Amarok because is looks mean. This isn't an objective review.

[@johntronx1]

Razvan J See there was no need for name calling in the first place now was there.

[@ghostmasterP15]

i dont know about u guys but my amarok is 4x4 and i bought it 2 years ago..... this comparison is simply stupid

[@Ara198826]

come on , if you want a long lasting , never die work horse , you know Hilux is the only way to go

[@MrAkwaholic]

+Ara J The Hilux is an outdated vehicle with toyota relying on their marketing to bring in the sales. When/if you compare the hilux with the Ranger, BT50 or the colorado you will soon see who is boss and who needs a good overhaul, and that includes the new 2016 model. Shame on you Toyota

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

Can't buy a US pickup in South Africa? The Hilux/Tundra is one of the worst pickups you can get here.

[@mattheginger]

Hilux/Tundra the worst?? Bullshit. You can't even buy a hilux in the US, and the Tundra is very well put together.

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

In the US trucks have to be good due to competition. When comparing the Tundra to F-150, 1500, and Silverado; they commonly are last or near last in every metric put on them.

[@mattheginger]

Kevin Smith in the US you're only getting things like modern Diesels and box section chassis recently. Isuzu/toyota/Nissan/Mazda have had that stuff for at least 15 years. I can't imagine anything worse than an f150 in South Africa or Australia... It would fall apart, you'd get laughed off the road. Plus they're needlessly large.

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

mattheginger I don't think you have really looked into the pickup truck market. Half the vehicles on the road here are pickups making it the biggest pickup truck market. Its why even foreign companies design and build their pickups in the US opposed to home soil.
You made 2 assumptions on US pickups that are actually opposites. First US pickups are not modern. Second US pickups are not reliable. Now your first assumption is true. US pickups are slower to modernize. This is done for 2 reasons. The first is low cost of fuel that makes some technologies pointless. The second is for reliability. A 5.7L V8 is going to be a lot more reliable than a small displacement turbo charged diesel engine when fully utilizing a vehicle. One of the main appeals of a pickup here is that they are usually reliable for 2 decades.
Now my main point is that the Tundra is crap. The Tundra here is a full size pickup like the F-150, Ram 1500, and Silverado. Compared to any of those three, the Tundra is lacking in every category. It really needs an update considering the other three have been refreshed recently, so it feels dated.

[@mattheginger]

Kevin Smith US pickups are built to be incredibly competitively priced. To be honest that is probably the driving force behind the mediocre quality, which is also seen in the US car market. US customers demand a low price above quality. A Hilux/Ranger/Amarok etc in NZ/Australia costs approximately what you pay in the states for a well spec'd 3500 Silverado. But I have to say, you do get a he'll of a lot of vehicle for your money in the states. I never said I don't like American trucks.. They definitely have appeal/heritage.

[@crazyapeplays6019]

3:55 did he say it costs 375,000 wtf where are you buyng it I could get one for well under 60,000.

[@geodangleon]

thats rand not dollars you qwirk

[@MrAkwaholic]

CrazyApe Plays 60 000 what??? Which currency are you talking about. 375000 South African Rand is roughly 30 000 American dollars so you are getting ripped off if you can get one for $60 000us. Engage your brain before your mouth.

[@28supermarket78]

amarok is the Besy my Dad owns a pickup shop and everyone Buys the amarok

[@yewnk]

I own a bt-50! Is better and faster~ and powerful

[@Evil5556]

My Choice Is The Mitsubishi L 200 Sportero ..GTFO AMAROK AND MAZDA NIAHHAHA !!

[@wyunaboy]

true you don't need 4x4 that often but hey you really glad is there when you need it. i think both pick up are rubbish. one is typical german, to preoccupied with quality that it is not really need it in a pick up, the other just trying to blur the line between pick up and a girls car. both are to damn expensive to be use in a construction site, better off with Chinese build pick up, you can trash it around and no body will be cross.

[@woolliehead]

what a bloody ponce how can you call that a test when I could take my car there - take them to a 4x4 track and try them out there

[@dondabro]

Yeah, I'm the dickhead... My point is simple.. If the apples to apples comparison is easier to obtain, why go out and get the apples to oranges...

[@JulianHibbert]

ISUZU kiss all these!! How can you not even mention ISUZU, a REAL BAKKIE!??

[@dpalma11]

why would you even consider comparing the p.o.s Mazda with a VW?..aaand at least you could've get the 4x4 version, it does exist you know, makes more sense...might as well compare it with an airplane for that matter.

[@landimakanda1917]

you so late,you know that?

[@meganjay30]

ahahahahahahaha he is talking down the BT50 because VW sux and dosent want to be beaten by a mazda LOL

[@jimigolf]

mazda bt-50 japanese car made in thailand

[@Ansett76]

Wow the ZA spec Amarok sucks. The Aussie spec comes with the same as the Mazda's features standard. Like Bluetooth, multi function wheel, rear and front parking sensors etc. the roll bar is much bigger and better lolkins here too. And is constant 4x4 with an 8 speed auto. Is also rated to carry a tonne, they did say with the comfort suspension here and only the harder suspension available which is better anyways. The Mazda is ugly, Ford Australia did a great job redesigning the BT into the Ranger.

[@wyunaboy]

honestly who use Bluetooth, multi function wheels, rear and front parking sensors? it is GIRL or shemale who used that shit, even they cannot operate it correctly. btw it is the other way around, it is Mazda who used Ford ranger design etc and make BT-50. i guess truck manufacture nowadays trying to get those who didn't really need a pick up truck to buy their product so they stuff it in with things that aren't needed by those who really used pick up truck for work.

[@Ansett76]

you made no sense in trying to prove that you are such a big man with a large penis....you FAILED.
Just because someone chooses to use the options available in ANY modern 4x4 it doesn't somehow mean they have a lack of masculinity. If the world is defined by your standards then we are all FUCKED.

[@wyunaboy]

well if only you have a job that really demand the used of a pickup truck..you know what i'm talking about. if you are a farmer, trying operating Bluetooth after you shave 100 sheep balls all day. if you are a construction workers, try to brag that you used rear and front parking sensor in your truck, they all will tell you that are you a gay? and will says that you are in the wrong business, go be a hair dresser or fashion designer. if you are a hair dresser and still want to used a pick up truck then BT-50 is for you because it has everything that a real workers doesn't need for sure won't pay for it.

[@Ansett76]

you re-attempt at trying to be a real man has failed yet again. Your obsession with accusing others of being homosexual, sounds like you protest too much. I grew up on a farm an any idiot would know that you'd do that sort of work with a cruiser, Patrol or Land rover ute. These are more for the recreational user, you can kit them out to be as good in the rough and still use it as an every day car to town and back. You seem to have some real masculinity issues, as you keep having to tell us all how much of a man you supposedly are.....
You know mate, empty vessels always do make the most noise.

[@wyunaboy]

yep that pretty much you..an empty vessels :) I'm sorry that you are gay and feel threaten by my writing.. i have no grudge toward gay people, they can be as queer as they want, just stating the fact here. if you cannot accept it and saying that I have masculinity issue so be it, only gay people have this kind of issue of worrying what other people might think of them, do i look good, do i look pretty, my nipple hurt hahaha i don't give a damn about what people said about me ..you grew up in the farm, but not anymore right? probably because you don't want your nail getting dirty, I'm still in the farm and loving it!
you crack me up when you said ute are for recreational hahaha sorry mate, you just look like a fool. btw stop pretending that you know what your talking about. maybe if we are talking about hair tonic, it will be the other way around and i will let you speak freely.

[@medocrnacizmica]

The Amarok dose have 4x4.

[@DrKniz]

auto vs manual , 4x4 vs 4x2 ? what sort of shit is this? Was this sponsored by VW? The Mazda won this match up by far. Top speed and 0-100 stats for the mazda n/a.

[@CaptainBarbaros92]

WV all the way

[@ossa60]

why didn't you talk about relliability and those bi turbos from the amarok whick will eventually brake and cost a fortune!!!Worst review ever....

[@themexicanronaldo]

mazda is hilux

[@MrBoostin31]

What the fuck is a "bucky"? And why does he keep saying it?

[@ahajabcom3139]

Mazda is the Best

[@appealtohealth4829]

What the fuck is a 'buckee' and why is it said 6 billion times over the course of this view.

[@kormakurjonsson4191]

I think they should swap front ends