2023 Mazda BT-50 gets high-lift suspension upgrades

Mazda Australia has introduced new high-lift suspension upgrades for its 2023 Mazda BT-50 that raise the ride height by up to two inches (51mm) and bring a variety of other enhancements to boost off-road performance.

The new accessory packs are available on the high-series SP and Thunder versions of the MY23 Mazda BT-50 dual-cab 4x4 ute that are normally priced from $68,510 and $73,410 respectively (both plus on-road costs).

For the BT-50 SP, the ‘SP Pro’ pack Nitrocharger suspension upgrade offers stiffer springs and twin-tube dampers that have been designed to increase off-road prowess while improving ride quality both on and off the road.

Since the new Nitrocharger suspension has been developed by Mazda, the Japanese car-maker says the standard-fit ABS and stability control systems have both been recalibrated to ensure their performance is unaffected.

Tick the box for the SP Pro pack, which costs $7668 (fitted), and you also get new 18-inch alloy wheels and an integrated LED light bar that is significantly brighter than the standard lamps.

It also adds ‘SP Pro’ graphics on the lower door stripes.

For those who want even more capability from their ute, the BT-50 Thunder Pro pack introduces an even more sophisticated high-performance suspension.

The Old Man Emu EP-51 suspension features locally developed springs and dampers that are said to have been designed for medium load use (0-300kg) and are claimed to have been tested in the harshest conditions.

Differing from the standard high-lift kit, the EP-51 upgrade blends new springs with trick nitrogen-filled dampers with a remote reservoir that are adjustable for both compression and rebound.

Owners can then finetune their suspension for different conditions, such as when carrying light or heavy loads or towing.

The BT-50 Thunder Pro pack also includes a snorkel air intake, unique decals and round Lightforce LED driving lights added to the light bar.

The pack costs $9046, which Mazda says represents a $500 saving over the cost of ordering the same accessories individually.

Available from July from Mazda dealers nationwide, both packs can be fitted retrospectively to the current-gen BT-50 and carry a two-year warranty from the manufacturer.

If ordered with a new ute, the accessories are covered under Mazda’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty.

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