Cheap Thrills - The Car Configurator Thread

[DFB FGXR6]

Mazda BT-50

I go on like a broken record regarding Ford's disinterest in selling single cab Ranger's. Despite Ford offering a XL Single Cab Chassis in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, those models are not represented on Ford's website or marketing material, its only present in brochure spec lists.

https://www.ford.com.au/content/ford...load-brochure/
https://www.ford.com.au/showroom/tru...d-vans/ranger/
https://www.ford.com.au/buy/build-an...rThaiAUS202450

I know Ford like to chase profitable high end models like XLT, Wildtrak, Sport and Raptor, but the simple fact is, not everyone needs a dual cab show pony. I also take issue with Ford's take it or leave it attitude, where other car companies manage to give buyers some choice with the new car. This is especially lackluster considering how expensive these vehicles are now.

So, what else is there? Both Isuzu and Mazda recognize the appeal of a single cab chassis, and for me, I like the Mazda version better.

https://www.mazda.com.au/build/bt-50...ies=TF11ACSCTS

The first thing to note is Mazda offer two model grades for the SCC, the entry level XS and the higher spec XT. What I hate most about this segment is that the single cab buyer is treated like a pauper, so Mazda offering the ability to select a higher trim level is great.



And get this, the buyer can also select from two engines and two gearboxes! What a concept! I would go the big 3.0 with the 6-speed auto and 2WD..........imagine that going through a wet roundabout!



Again, well done Mazda for offering a choice of colours, even if most of them are silver-grey-white tones. I actually like the look of Concrete Grey Mica, but it would be hard to go past Red Volcano Mica, I'm over white work cars.





And what's this? A choice of wheels? In my case, I would probably stick with the standard 17-inch alloy's.



Mazda offer a number of steel and aluminum trays.



Interior is nothing special, but I actually like the fact it has a simple and easy to read gauge cluster rather than a screen with fancy graphics that do nothing for legibility.





The end result is not too bad looking. I would probably have a steel tray made locally, with the same hammer-tone gunmetal finish I have on my current workhorse. This would allow me to set it up just the way I want with toolboxes and slider drawer. With the standard aluminum Mazda tray, rubber floor mats and metallic paint, this would be a $46,064 proposition.