Need a pickup up to $35,000

Name: Konstantin Shumilo. Age: 31. Occupation: brand manager. Drives: Ford Focus. Wants: a diesel all-wheel-drive pickup, definitely one of those officially sold in Russia. Budget: up to $35,000

I have a hobby: I like to sit by the shore with a fishing rod. And my requirements for a car are related to fishing. First, all-wheel drive — sometimes I go where there are no proper roads. Second, a loading platform to stow the necessary gear. And, of course, a reasonable price

Mazda BT-50

Chosen because: Japanese cars have long been renowned for their quality.

Ford Ranger

Chosen because: I wanted to find out what a pickup in maximum trim is like.

SsanYong Actyon Sports

Chosen because: the car has an unconventional design, and you can buy it with an automatic transmission.

Image

Nothing. In the sense that it doesn't matter much. For me, practicality is key! And, of course, quality.

Style

Definitely not a bulky "American" — I don't like them. And I'd rather avoid products from the Chinese auto industry too.

Ride and Handling

Dynamic on the highway, capable off-road. You can't expect much comfort from such a vehicle. And frankly, I don't.

Fuel Economy

The less it drinks, the better. I occasionally have to be far from Moscow, where the chance of running into counterfeit fuel is higher than at home.

Interior

Solid. So that the trim panels don't rattle on every bump. A comfortable cabin to at least somewhat compensate for the stiff suspension.

Equipment

Air conditioning, a full-size spare wheel, and as an option — a canopy for the cargo platform.

Everyone understands happiness in their own way. The well-known phrase from Gaidar's "Chuk and Gek" is surely remembered by all my peers. For some of them, happiness is spending an evening in a nightclub or playing a game of billiards; someone collects car models, while others like to dress up in women's clothes in the evenings. To each his own. For me, fishing is such an escape from daily worries. Driving three hundred kilometers away, pitching a tent, lighting a campfire, casting a fishing rod — a dream! Mostly I go alone: friends' wives rarely let them go. Mine is already used to it... But sometimes we go as a group. A boat, tackle, tables, chairs, food supplies — that's far from a complete list of the stuff I have to haul along. Or carry on myself: repairing the Ford Focus suspension is not cheap these days. So you leave the car and trudge on foot, loaded down. So, gradually, I came to the conclusion that I need suitable transport for such trips — an SUV! With that thought, I plunged headfirst into studying the market, which unexpectedly quickly cooled my ardor: as rich as the choice is, as poor am I. However, I didn't have to grieve for long. A pickup! That's the solution! All-wheel drive — one, a spacious cargo compartment — two, a reasonable price — three! Perhaps, there's no more suitable car for my hobby.

SsanYong Actyon Sports

Poor thing, you've probably had a hard life: few can truly appreciate such a design. Although I unexpectedly liked the non-standard appearance of the "Korean." Even despite the fact that I'm a proponent of classic forms. From the front, you immediately encounter the stern gaze of the headlights from under the brows, boring into you with a silent question: are you a supporter of unconventionality or an opponent? And if you come with a positive attitude, the SsangYong shyly smiles with the corners of its radiator grille, squinting its headlight eyes. And if you're another "hater," the pickup, frowning its brows, demonstratively bares its predatory "grille" mouth. Like, better stay away. The wedge-shaped profile with deep stamping on the sides gives the car visual dynamism, as if justifying the Sports addition in the name. And only the rear, high and massive like a fortress wall, in my opinion, creates a certain dissonance with the overall body styling. Moreover, such a design solution greatly hinders my rear visibility. But perhaps that's the only truly uncomfortable moment behind the wheel: I have no more complaints about the driver's space organization.

Plenty of room, comfortable seats, clear control of onboard systems. Here's climate control, here's the drive mode selector, here's seat heating. To the left of the steering wheel (where else would they be?) are the side mirror adjustment buttons, while the non-functional buttons for the "aftermarket" stereo are on the steering wheel itself. But these are trifles that are easy to put up with. Not so with the Actyon Sports' behavior on the road. I didn't suspect it of excessive briskness, but could it react a bit faster to the gas pedal? No, instead of allowing quicker acceleration from a standstill or during overtaking, it will slowly climb out of the turbo lag, simultaneously deciding which gear the automatic should select. And the steering? Driving leisurely — the connection to the wheels seems adequate. But as speed increases, the precision of reactions disappears and a certain misunderstanding arises: I'm already changing lanes, and you? Only the brakes have no complaints.

Style

Fresh and original. Only the rear design goes against the styling of the front part of the body.

Ride and Handling

A quite noticeable turbo lag and a sluggish automatic transmission significantly spoil the dynamic "picture." As speed increases, the steering's connection to the wheels noticeably weakens.

Interior

Spacious and comfortable cabin. There are minor ergonomic flaws, but overall the impression is positive.

Fuel Economy

If the technical documentation is to be believed, the average fuel consumption of this version of the car is 8.7 liters per 100 km. I like that figure.

Standard Equipment

Quite sufficient for my requirements. For example, I didn't even count on climate control.

Pros and Cons

+ Extravagant appearance, spacious cabin, reliable brakes.
- Unresponsive steering, sluggish automatic, high price.

Specifications

Make and model - SsangYong Actyon Sports
Dimensions - 4965/1900/1755 mm
Engine - turbodiesel, 1998 cm3, 141 hp/4000 rpm
Transmission - automatic, 4-speed
Performance - 165 km/h; 16 s to 100 km/h

Mazda BT-50

I would describe the appearance of this car as plain, even a bit boring. It drives by, and no one turns their head. And if someone does turn, it's only to guess the make. And there's a risk of getting it wrong: in my opinion, Chinese newcomers have borrowed a lot from the Japanese... Although, as I've noted, avant-garde doesn't really appeal to me; classic is closer. And I don't particularly need design frills. You can't judge a book by its cover. What matters to me is practicality. And in that regard, the BT-50 is in perfect order. First, the less noticeable the car, the less chance vandals will want to dance on the hood, run a nail along the side, or cut the canopy. By the way, according to official dealers, a new canopy for the BT-50 costs from 33,000 rubles, while for the Actyon Sports it's from 90,000. So think for yourself. Second, the payload capacity here is one and a half times higher than that of the pickup I tested before: 1,175 kg versus 786 kg. For me, that's not critical, but it's nice to be aware of such capabilities—both mine and the car's. And loading is easier: the tailgate is noticeably lighter. As for cabin comfort, I didn't feel much difference, except it's tighter in width. But I like the controls more. I prefer the Mazda's transfer case lever to the modest little knob on the SsangYong's panel. It inspires more trust on an intuitive level. Same with the good old manual: with it, the BT-50 accelerates noticeably more briskly than the Korean. But the steering wheel of the Japanese pickup isn't as obedient. Even at low speeds, its sluggish responses to turns evoke melancholy, saved only by adequate brakes. Special thanks to them! **Style** Modest, without excess. But in my opinion, a pickup doesn't need showy grandeur: what matters is that it's made solidly and isn't stingy with fuel. **Ride and Handling** With the manual gearbox—no other is offered for the BT-50—the car confidently gains speed and brakes, but the steering responds reluctantly. **Interior** Looks nice. But the quality of trim materials suggests that over time, the cabin will start to fill with rattles. And there's not much free space either. **Fuel Economy** Such diesel consumption suits me just fine. **Standard Equipment** Alas, the base version doesn't even have ABS. And they didn't spoil us with air conditioning either... **Pros and Cons** + Unobtrusive design, excellent brakes, brisk acceleration dynamics, clear brakes. - Cramped cabin, sluggish steering responses. **Specifications** Make and model — Mazda BT-50 2.5 Dimensions — 5075/1805/1755 mm Engine — turbodiesel, 2499 cm³, 143 hp/3500 rpm Transmission — manual, 5-speed Performance — 158 km/h; 12.5 s to 100 km/h **Ford Ranger** What a twist! It turns out that not only a "real American" can be like this. Fancy, with leather interior, a roll bar in the bed, stylish wheels, and other attributes of a well-off farmer, whom we used to call a kulak... And I thought that was only loved overseas. Impressive, no doubt! But I don't need that: the price bites, and it would be a shame to drag it through the mud with such charm. But visually, the Ranger grabs attention the most. The massive grille makes it more aggressive, and the toxic-orange color only emphasizes its character. I understand that the previous tester and this one are essentially the same model? The units and specs are the same? And indeed: on the road, it behaves the same. Already familiar imprecise steering responses, decent acceleration, adequate brakes. And the average consumption, according to the manufacturer, is the same as the Japanese one: 8.9 liters of diesel per hundred versus 8.7 for the SsangYong Actyon Sports. Though it's hard to believe: intuition suggests the real appetite is higher. **Style** Flashy, but still beautiful. Too bad I don't need such a show car. **Ride and Handling** For those who like attention on the road, confident acceleration matters more than perfect handling. **Interior** Inexpensive plastic surprisingly coexists well with quality leather seats. **Fuel Economy** I don't think such consumption will hit the wallet hard. Even if the figures are slightly understated. **Standard Equipment** Even in the base, the car is so well equipped that you don't need to think about extras. **Pros and Cons** + Interesting looks, comfortable cabin, decent dynamics, good brakes. - Mediocre handling. **Specifications** Make and model — Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.5 Dimensions — 5165/1805/1795 mm Engine — turbodiesel, 2499 cm³, 143 hp/3500 rpm Transmission — manual, 5-speed Performance — 158 km/h; 12.5 s to 100 km/h **My Choice** Honestly, I identified the favorite as soon as I learned the prices. I'm ready to spend on my hobby, but within reason. From an economic standpoint, buying the SsangYong or Ford seems impractical. In both cases, there's a significant overpayment for rich equipment. And I don't need it: I'm getting a pickup solely for fishing. So I can easily do without leather seats, an automatic, and flashy looks. Therefore, with a light heart, I choose the Mazda BT-50—it seemed the most practical of the three.