The new Mazda BT-50 will be safer, higher-tech and cheaper to run than the model it replaces, according to Mazda Australia, which has confirmed specifications and equipment for its redesigned dual-cab ute ahead of its release on October 1.
Following yesterday's announcement that more than 100 genuine accessories will be available, Mazda has today confirmed three dual-cab model grades will be available from launch: base-spec XT, mid-range XTR and fully-equipped GT.
Although pricing hasn’t been announced yet, Mazda will offer a choice of 4x4 and 4x2 drivelines in both cab/chassis and pick-up configuration.
Unlike its twin under the skin, the new Isuzu D-MAX, only a single dual-cab body style will be offered when the Mazda BT-50 launches in October. Mazda says single-cab and Freestyle extended-cab versions will be introduced in 2021.
Standard equipment levels are impressive and a big step up on the outgoing BT-50, especially when it comes to safety. New safety features for all models will include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Attention Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Roll Over Protection (ROP), Secondary Collision Reduction, LED headlights, Speed Assist System and eight airbags including the D-MAX's first-in-class front centre airbag.
However, only automatic versions get Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go traffic functionality (see below for the full list).
Other standard features include Bluetooth hands-free telephone and audio capability, cruise control, alloy wheels, rear-seat USB charging port (dual-cab only) and a locking rear differential (4x4 only).
In terms of the cabin, buyers will get a 7.0-inch colour infotainment touch-screen with cabled Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, plus DAB+ digital radio, a reversing camera, USB ports for front and rear seats and plenty more besides.
XTR models adds bigger alloy wheels, LED fog lights and a bigger 9.0-inch touch-screen, while the top-spec Mazda BT-50 GT comes with brown leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats.
The 2021 Mazda BT-50 is identical to the 2021 Isuzu D-MAX in terms of powertrains, which means all models are powered by the same 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (140kW/450Nm), matched to six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
While power and torque levels are down slightly compared to the previous BT-50, which used a bigger 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel from the Ford Ranger on which it was based, Mazda says better torque delivery and less weight makes the new BT slightly quicker than before.
Towing capacity is still 3500kg and tray payload remains 1000kg-plus.
Mazda has now also confirmed that fuel economy has been reduced by a whopping 20 per cent, thanks to the more modern engine and a 50kg vehicle weight reduction. Fuel consumption for automatic 4x2 dual-cab pick-up models is claimed at 7.7L/100km.
Mazda BT-50 4x4 models with a six-speed manual also use 7.7L/100km while 4x4 pick-up and 4x2 cab/chassis auto models are both rated at 8.0L/100km -- down from the previous ute’s 10L/100km.
Stay tuned for Mazda BT-50 pricing in the next couple of weeks, but expect increases over the current model, pricing for which currently starts at around $40,000 for the entry-level BT-50 XT 4x2 manual cab-chassis and tops out at $63,250 for the flagship Boss BT-50 4x4 auto.
With the new Isuzu D-MAX, facelifted Toyota HiLux and impending Nissan Navara facelift hitting the market before year’s end, the ute segment is about to get even hotter.
2021 Mazda BT-50 equipment levels
Mazda BT-50 XT:
17-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights with manual levelling
Power-adjustable body-coloured exterior mirrors
Black cloth seat trim
Air-conditioning
Power windows
Carpeted floors
Cruise Control (manual transmission)
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go (automatic transmission)
7.0-inch full-colour infotainment touch-screen
Apple CarPlay (wireless and USB) and Android Auto (USB)
Bluetooth hands-free telephone and audio capability
DAB+ digital radio
Reverse camera
Rear-seat USB charging point (Dual Cab Chassis and Pickup)
Airbags SRS (driver, front passenger, side, curtain, driver’s knee and driver’s far side)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Attention Assist
Automatic High Beam (AHB)
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) – Overtaking
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) (automatic transmission only)
Locking Rear Differential (LRD) – switchable on/off (4x4 models)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Roll Over Protection (ROP)
Secondary Collision Reduction
Speed Assist System
Traction Control System (TCS)
Turn Assist
Mazda BT-50 XTR adds:
18-inch alloy wheels
Exterior mirrors with power folding function
LED headlights with auto levelling
LED front fog lamps
Side steps
LED signature daytime running lamps
Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning with rear vents
Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob
Auto-dimming interior mirror
Rear seat with centre armrest
9.0-inch full-colour infotainment touch-screen
Satellite navigation
Advanced keyless entry
Mazda BT-50 GT adds:
Chrome exterior mirrors with heating function
Brown leather seat trim
Driver’s seat with eight-way power adjustment
Heated front seats
Remote engine start (automatic transmission)
Front parking sensors
Measure | XT Dual Cab Chassis 4x2 | XT Dual Cab Pickup 4x2 | XTR Dual Cab Pickup 4x2 | XT Dual Cab Chassis 4x4 | XT Dual Cab Pickup 4x4 | XTR Dual Cab Pickup 4x4 | GT Dual Cab Pickup 4x4 |
Braked Towing (kg) | 3,500 | 3,500 | 3,500 | 3,500 | 3,500 | 3,500 | 3,500 |
Unbraked Towing (kg) | 750 | 750 | 750 | 750 | 750 | 750 | 750 |
Payload (kg) | 1,081 | 1,075 | 1,055 | 1,106(m) 1,096 (a) | 1,095(m) 1,090 (a) | 1,080(m) 1,070 (a) | 1,075(m) 1,065 (a) |
Approach Angle (degrees) | 29.6 | 30.0 | 30.4 | 29.6 | 30.0 | 30.4 | 30.4 |
Departure Angle (degrees) | 25.3 | 23.9 | 24.2 | 25.3 | 23.9 | 24.2 | 24.2 |
Rampover Angle (degrees) | 23.9 | 23.3 | 23.8 | 23.9 | 23.3 | 23.8 | 23.8 |
Wading Depth (mm) | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
Ground clearance (mm) | 235 | 240 | 240 | 235 | 240 | 240 | 240 |