Mazda BT-50 – What you need to know

The latest Mazda BT-50 is a very different beast from the previous generation, which shared its mechanicals with the Ford Ranger in a joint venture known as the T6 project.

This new BT-50, however, is based on the Isuzu D-MAX. So all variants are powered by the Isuzu’s four-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine coupled to either a manual or automatic transmission. Like the D-MAX, both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations are available. Single, Freestyle and Dual Cabs are offered in three trim levels: XT, XTR and GT.

What continues is plenty of choice, so let’s find the one that ticks the dollars and features boxes for you.

While the biggest sellers are dual cabs, and both 4×2 and 4×4 cab chassis and pickup variants are on offer, $36,550 (plus on-roads) gets you into the 4×2 XT single cab with an automatic transmission and comes with the following standard features:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive cruise control
• Seven-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• Reversing camera

The good news is you won’t get charged for premium paint.

A reversing camera, front, knee, side and curtain (where applicable) airbags, driver attention assist, blind spot monitoring, auto headlight high beam, hill launch, lane departure and prevention, lane keep assist (automatic models), rear cross traffic alert and turn assist come standard on all Mazda BT-50 models.

Also standard across the range are anti-lock brakes with brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist and rain-sensing wipers. There are also stability and traction control systems, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, trailer sway control and roll stability control.

Hill descent control and a switchable locking rear differential are only available on the 4×4 models.

If you want front parking sensors you'll have to stump up for the range-topping GT 4×4, but you can have rear parking sensors by ticking the dual cab XT 4×2 or 4×4 boxes.

The base Mazda BT-50 XT 4×2 and 4×4 variants get a seven-inch screen with their infotainment system, which also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an AM/FM/DAB radio, four speakers, steering wheel controls, USB and auxiliary ports.

Take a step up to the XTR and the infotainment screen grows to nine-inches and in the 4×2 version you get six-speakers, just like the 4×4 XT dual cab chassis or pickup. Only the 4×4 XTR and GT variants come with eight speakers.

Satellite navigation, I hear you ask. Well head over to the XTR in 4×2 or 4×4 guise and it’s yours.

If you like the comfort of an arm rest for rear passengers you'll have to go for the XTR as a minimum.

A leather steering wheel and leather gearshift knob add a bit of ambience to a ute interior and the best way to get them is to select the XTR 4×2 and save the money spent on the 4×4. The XTR also provides dual-zone air conditioning and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

What about the convenience of adaptive cruise control?  The good news is it's available on all models. The bad news is you have to have the auto transmission.

Move up to the range-topping 4×4 GT and the interior looks more impressive, ditching the cloth trim of the other variants for black leather, along with an eight-way power adjustable driver seat, and heated front pews, none of which are available in the 4×2 range.

While the XT cab chassis and utility feature black door handles, those on the XTR are chrome and only the utilities get rear mudflaps, with the cab chassis missing out.

But there is no need to throw your money at the GT if you want fog lights, LED daytime running lights, side steps and power folding exterior mirrors, as they are all standard on the XTR.

However, if you want the exterior mirrors in chrome with a heating function, then tick the 4×4 GT box.

While the XT models run on 17-inch alloy wheels, the XTR and GT variants are fitted with 18-inch alloys.

Freestyle Cab

The Freestyle cab has two doors and two rows of seats and comes as an XT 4×2 cab chassis (automatic transmission)  or 4×4 XT cab chassis (manual and automatic transmission). The Freestyle gets the same safety kit and infotainment, comfort and convenience features as previously outlined.

Only XT models in 4×2 (automatic transmission) and 4×4 (automatic and manual) make up the range. The single cab models have the safety, infotainment, comfort and convenience features as previously outlined.

A 3.0-litre 140kW/450Nm turbo-diesel powers the entire Mazda BT-50 range.

All 4×2 variants drive through a six-speed automatic transmission, whereas 4×4 models offer the option of a six-speed manual as well.

This latest Mazda BT-50 range comprises a diverse selection of models and configurations, but for me a 4×4 dual-cab automatic ticks the most boxes.

Regardless of funds I’d take the 4×4 XTR with its nicer interior ambience, extra kit and have it in all-wheel guise, so I had the option of throwing it down some muddy tracks.