Nature lover

Employees of Mazda's European office know how to keep their composure. At official events, their faces remain impassive, and communication with journalists is strictly protocol-driven. However, for us Russians, they make an exception: Russia is now their main sales market, and in private conversations, brand representatives no longer hide their delight. They are genuinely surprised at how our country managed to surpass everyone and take the leading position, and with such a margin that one can only admire it.

And it's true! For example, in sales of the BT-50 pickup, we are ahead of all of Europe, so we can afford to demand a version with an automatic transmission. Journalists from other countries couldn't even dream of such luxury—they just sigh enviously and repeat that they wish they had such oil reserves.

The updated BT-50 received a slightly revised exterior: the front bumper, radiator grille, and rear lights have changed. The technical part also underwent minor modernization—engineers worked on the suspension. That's about all the significant changes. The engine and gearbox were left untouched, guided by the principle "the best is the enemy of the good." However, the BT-50 has long ceased to be a simple work tool for farmers. Proof of this is the leather interior, which is now available in the top trim.

But you can't fool heredity. Off the asphalt, when you switch the transfer case to low range, the "BTR" shows its best qualities. Rear-wheel drive is replaced by all-wheel drive, the diesel under the hood starts its song, and the leaf-spring suspension on an empty body tosses passengers over bumps. And only after getting properly dirty do you begin to understand the true purpose of this car.

And its purpose is to connect with nature. The open pickup bed is not just a cargo platform but also a perfectly suitable place for sleeping under the open sky. How can refined city SUVs on low-profile tires compare? In the city, the BT-50 is frankly bored. Maneuverability is not impressive—the turning radius is like that of a long "Gazelle," and the suspension tuned for off-road doesn't care much about comfort on asphalt. By the way, not only the exterior has been updated, but also the price tag. Naturally, upward.

Maxim Rakitin

The diesel case. The engine remains the same, and the engineers can be understood—the power unit is good as is. It pleases with confident traction both on the highway and on broken dirt roads.	Added leaves. The suspension was refined primarily to improve comfort on asphalt. It's far from sedans, of course, but the BT-50 has completely different tasks.
	Now in leather. The leather interior is unlikely to add practicality—it's more of a marketing move for those who go off-road once a year but like to call themselves "jeepers." We prefer the simple fabric upholstery.