Mazda recently revamped the B2500 Fighter 4WD truck.
And many steps have been taken to bring about a fresh
new look. Exterior-wise, there is now a two-tone colour
scheme and the roll-bar at the rear is now colour-coded
for a harmonious effect. The effect is completed by
distinctive 16-inch alloy wheels that are shod with
Sime Alpina tyres.
The familiar 2.5-litre intercooled trubodiesel with
indirect fuel injection has been improved: a 12-valve
single camshaft unit that delivers more power at 121
bhp at 3500rpm (from 117bhp) and 262 Nm of torque
at 2000rpm.
The Fighter continues to have a five-speed manual
transmission. The suspension is basically similar
to the previous model with an independent double wishbone
front supported by torsion bar and tubular double
acting shock absorbers. The rear is served by rigid
leafsprings with double acting shock absorbers. Its
is in the tuning of the suspension that separates
it from the old.
Significant changes include an anti-lock brake system
(BS) for the standard front discs rear drums brake
arrangement, dual airbags for front occupants, stronger
side impact beams in the doors and limited slip differential.
On the road, the ride comfort is impressive. Rear
passengers are not tossed about like basketball over
bumps and there is no noticeable pitching on the highway
due to irregular road surfaces.
Torgue is adequate, enough pull to give you that
quick charge for a turbodiesel which is more than
adequate to flow in with the highway traffic. Intrusion
of engine noise is also kept to a minimum and you
can cruise along on the highway and enjoy the music
without increasing the music volume.
At about RM87,000 on the road, the new Mazda Fighter
appears to be as attractively priced as before. It
has added another RM10,000 but you do get a better
package in engineering and fittings than before. Another
attraction is the new range of colours to add fresh
sparkle to its novelty.
