BT-50 launched: three model grades but pricing still to come

Mazda has launched its radically styled BT-50. Aimed at top-end tradies and family users, the new vehicle is claimed to offer a car-like experience in terms of looks, equipment and driving characteristics.

motoring.com.au will bring you more news and a full launch review of the vehicle in the coming days but in the meantime we thought a snapshot of the vehicle roll out was an important first step. Mazda had not announced pricing as this article was prepared on the afternoon of October 19.

The BT-50 will be available in both two and four-wheel drive versions across three body styles: Single Cab; Freestyle Cab (an extended cabin) and traditional four-door Dual Cab. Three model grades will be offered at launch: XT, XTR and GT.

Two engines are on the spec sheet, both turbodiesels. The 2.2-litre four-cylinder and 3.2-litre five-cylinder are claimed to be all-new and are matched, depending on variant and trim grade to "brand new" six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Equipment levels take a significant step up on the previous generation BT-50, of which nearly 50,000 were sold Australia wide. All three grades get cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, air-conditioning, power windows and power mirrors as standard.

Perhaps more importantly, safety hasn't taken a back seat. The new BT-50 gets anti-lock brakes and stability control as standard across the range. In this regard it matches its twin-under-the-skin, the new Ford Ranger. No mention of parking sensors or a reversing camera however... More on that in our launch review...

As buyers ascend the trim levels the XTR features 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, dual-zone climate control, leather gear shift knob and steering wheel, satellite navigation and chrome trim. The GT is the range-topper and adds very un-ute like goodies such as auto on/off headlamps, rear-view mirror with auto dimming function, rain-sensing wipers and leather seat trim.

Mazda will also offer 'themed' option packs for the XTR and GT Dual Cab 4x4 models.

Sounding very butch, the Boss Sports kit adds an airbag-compatible alloy bull bar, driving lights, 17-inch seven- spoke alloys, tubular side steps, an alloy sports bar and a lockable hard tonneau cover. The Boss Adventure kit meantime replaces alloy with black steel. Adventurers therefore get a black bull bar, sports bar and side steps, driving lights, 17-inch five-spoke alloys and a soft tonneau cover.

In addition to the above items as single components, accessories that Mazda will offer via dealers for the BT-50 will include canopies and tub liners.

The new BT-50 will be sold in 168 countries, says Mazda. The company claims that Australia will likely become the largest single market for the car. Mazda Australia is projecting sales of around 1000 units per month, more than two-thirds of which are expected to be four-wheel drive.

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