Verdict
The RM18,482 saving makes the Mazda BT-50 the practical work-and-family choice: its 3.0-litre diesel produces 188 hp and 450 Nm through a six-speed automatic, against the Jimny’s 100 hp, 130 Nm and four speeds. But its 5,280-mm body and RM1,638 annual road tax demand more parking space and budget. The Jimny costs more, yet its 3,480-mm length, 1,435-kg weight, low-range four-wheel drive and RM120 road tax suit tight Malaysian streets and recreational trails.
Pick the Mazda BT-50 if you need five seats, 450 Nm of diesel torque and a better-equipped cabin for less money.
Pick the Suzuki Jimny if compact dimensions, low-range four-wheel drive and far lower annual road tax matter more than power and passenger space.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda BT-50 RM140,418; Suzuki Jimny RM158,900.
- Output: Mazda BT-50 188 hp and 450 Nm; Suzuki Jimny 100 hp and 130 Nm.
- Transmission: Mazda BT-50 six-speed automatic; Suzuki Jimny four-speed automatic.
- Length: Mazda BT-50 5,280 mm; Suzuki Jimny 3,480 mm.
- Annual road tax: Mazda BT-50 RM1,638; Suzuki Jimny RM120.
- Doors and seats: Mazda BT-50 four doors and five seats; Suzuki Jimny three doors and four seats.
BT-50
- 188 hp and 450 Nm 3.0-litre diesel
- Six-speed automatic and five-seat cabin
- SCBS, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors and reverse camera
- RM1,638 annual road tax versus the Jimny’s RM120
- 5,280 mm long and 2,015 kg, versus 3,480 mm and 1,435 kg
Jimny
- 3,480-mm length suits confined parking spaces
- Part-time four-wheel drive with low range
- Rated 6.8 L/100 km economy and RM120 annual road tax
- Costs RM18,482 more despite 100 hp and 130 Nm
- Three doors and four seats versus the BT-50’s four doors and five seats
- No listed autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors or reverse camera
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM140,418✓ | RM158,900 |
| Body type | Pickup | SUV |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM1,638 | RM120✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Common-Rail Direct Injection | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,999 cc | 1,462 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp✓ | 100 hp |
| Torque | 450 Nm✓ | 130 Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel | Petrol |
| Bore | 95.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.3 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6AT | 4AT |
| Gears | 6 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | — | 6.8 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h✓ | 140 km/h |
| Co2 | — | 154 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,280 mm | 3,480 mm |
| Width | 1,870 mm | 1,645 mm |
| Height | 1,810 mm | 1,720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,125 mm | 2,250 mm |
| Weight | 2,015 kg | 1,435 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 76 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 3 |
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Boot Space | — | 85 litres |
| Front Tyre | 265/60R18 | 195/80R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 265/60R18 | 195/80R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Full-size Alloy | Full-size 15" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop AT25 Grandtrek | Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 All-terrain |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Solid Axle with Coil Springs |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Solid Axle with Coil Springs |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 15" Grey Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 15" Grey Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Recirculating Ball (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Part-time Four-wheel Drive with Low Range |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 3 stars — With 6 Airbags and Autonomous Emergency Braking |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For Front Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Hill Descent Control |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Folding Bench with Tip-up Under-seat Storage | 50:50 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Rear |
| Audio | 9" Infotainment Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 8 Speakers | 9" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Two Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Manual Key |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used BT-50 & Jimny for sale
BT-50 vs Jimny FAQ
Is the Mazda BT-50 or Suzuki Jimny better?
The Mazda BT-50 is better for carrying five people, stronger diesel performance and cabin equipment. The Suzuki Jimny is better for narrow streets, lower running tax and low-range four-wheel-drive use.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda BT-50 costs RM140,418 and the Suzuki Jimny costs RM158,900, so the Jimny is RM18,482 more expensive.
Which is easier to park in Malaysia?
The Suzuki Jimny is much easier to place in tight spaces. At 3,480 mm long and 1,645 mm wide, it is 1,800 mm shorter and 225 mm narrower than the 5,280-mm-long, 1,870-mm-wide Mazda BT-50.