Mazda upgrades BT-50 infotainment

Mazda Australia has upgraded the infotainment system in its BT-50 ute, but once again it’s standard only in higher-grade XTR and GT models.

A larger new Australian-developed 8.0-inch high-resolution colour touch-screen replaces the 7.8-inch unit fitted to both variants since September 2015, bringing a fully integrated reversing camera display to the BT-50 for the first time.

However, in line with its most direct rivals, the entry-level XT continues without a touch-screen and, unlike its chief competitors, vision from its optional reversing camera continues to be presented via a small colour display in the interior mirror.

The infotainment upgrade is the BT-50’s first update since a minor midlife facelift two years ago, when the MY16 model brought revised front-end styling and more standard equipment including the touch-screen for XTR and GT versions.

It could also be the last upgrade for the current BT-50, which was released in 2011, until it’s replaced by an all-new model based on Isuzu’s next-generation D-MAX.

While Mazda’s one-tonner continues to come with a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, it still misses out on the passenger car-like active safety aids offered by the Ford Ranger on which it’s based, such as lane keeping assist and forward collision alert.

The new Alpine-branded satellite-navigation, audio, climate and reverse camera infotainment system brings point-to-point four-wheel drive off-road navigation with 3D digital terrain and, for the first time in a BT-50, split-screen capability.

This allows both audio and navigation content to be viewed at the same time, and also displays HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) information, while incoming mobile calls can now be answered via the steering wheel controls.

Passengers will be able to watch pre-loaded television shows and movies while the vehicle is stationary via USB or HDMI cable, as well as play MP3, WMA, AAC or FLAC audio and MP4 and MKV video files. The HDMI input also replicates shows watched via streaming services (Netflix/Stan/Foxtel) or on portable DVD players and tablets within the vehicle.

The system includes DAB+ digital radio, improved audio quality from four 50-Watt speakers, standard live traffic updates via a Radio Data System (RDA), Bluetooth-controlled hands-free phone functionality and more accessible USB, HDMI and 3.5mm AUX ports on the dashboard.

“Alpine has taken the BT-50’s infotainment system to a new level of functionality, performance and quality,” said Mazda Australia marketing director Alastair Doak.

“The reverse camera is now positioned within the screen itself, the sat-nav is improved and the system allows passengers to watch their favourite shows via the larger 8.0-inch screen.

“Mazda BT-50s new information and entertainment hub can be used and enjoyed by everyone within the vehicle.”