Mazda BT-50 Tech Drive: Hill Descent Control
Mazda BT-50 Tech Drive: Hill Descent Control
How Does Hill Descent Control Keep Your Mazda BT-50 Safe Off-Road in Australia?
Stops you being a rolling stone at the touch of a button
You don’t need Sir Isaac Newton to tell you a 4x4 ute will accelerate down a steep slope if the driver doesn’t use suitable braking.
Thankfully, the Mazda BT-50 uses a feature called Hill Descent Control, or HDC. It’s designed for slow-speed off-road driving. At the touch of a button, HDC controls the BT-50's braking system to help you drive down steep and slippery terrain in a controlled manner. It lets you concentrate on the path ahead instead of worrying about how much brake pedal pressure to apply.
Even Newton would enjoy it. Check out this video.
Mazda BT-50 Tech Drive: Hill Descent Control Watch on YouTube
Let’s chat about Hill Descent Control, which comes standard across the Mazda BT-50 range. Hill Descent Control is a feature incorporated as part of the ABS system (Anti-lock Braking System) and has been around for some time.
The key benefit of Hill Descent Control in the Mazda BT-50 is enhancing the overall driving experience by managing steep descents. This technology takes the pressure off you in tough terrain, making challenging drives smoother and reducing overall driver fatigue.
To use this feature, all I need to do is hold down this switch on the instrument cluster. I’ll see the operation lamp illuminate, indicating that the system is engaged. As I approach the hill descent, I don’t need to apply my foot to the brake or accelerator, though I can use them to either increase or reduce the vehicle’s speed.
You may notice some operational noise when using Hill Descent Control. This is completely normal, as it comes from the ABS system operating while navigating the descent. If I need to increase speed, I simply apply the accelerator. To slow the vehicle down, I apply the brake. Once I release my foot, the system maintains the desired vehicle speed.
Hill Descent Control allows me, as the driver, to focus purely on the terrain ahead while the vehicle manages acceleration and braking. This reduces the load and stress on the driver, enhancing the driving experience and helping maintain control of the track ahead.
Okay, I’ve approached an area where I’m going to engage Hill Descent Control. I activate the switch, and I can see the operation lamp has come on. Now, it’s as simple as taking my foot off the accelerator and allowing the vehicle to move. The vehicle takes complete control of acceleration and braking, maintaining the speed I’ve set.
The benefit of this system is reducing overall driver fatigue, allowing me to focus purely on steering while the vehicle maintains speed safely.