Midlife makeover for BT-50

Mazda has refreshed its BT-50 range of one-tonne two and four-wheel drive utes and cab-chassis models. In addition to a new look, courtesy of new fascia and head and tail lights, the carmaker has added seven new models and has tweaked the line-up and marketing to target more lifestyle buyers.
 
Mazda's best-selling light commercial Down Under ever, the turbodiesel-only BT-50 range was first introduced in late 2006 (more here). Since then it has been a consistent performer for the brand. This year's sales are on track to again top 10,000 units.
 
The continued shift of sales to the top-end of the one-tonne market has seen added influence from family and lifestyle buyers in the segment. With the midlife makeover of the BT-50 Mazda is looking to capture more of these purchasers and has incorporated an interior upgrade and the availability of more anti-lock brake and automatic transmission equipped models in the new line-up.
 
Its new television advertising campaign will focus on lifestyle users with the theme 'Too Easy'.
 
The mid-life update introduces two new automatic transmission 4x2 models and five new 4x4 models -- a mix of auto and manuals. The two new 4x2 models are both 3.0-litre Dual Cab Utility DX variants and top off the rear-wheel drive range. The 4x4s are also 3.0-litre models and include the first auto-equipped Freestyle Cab variant (Freestyle is Mazda's equivalent of a 'space' or 'xtra' cab). The remaining models expand the Dual Cab range and include DX Dual Cab Chassis variants for the first time.
 
The new range is on sale now and takes the total number of BT-50 variants available Down Under to 29.
 
The new BT-50s are distinguished externally by a new five-sided 'family' grille and more aggressive one-piece front fascia. New head and tail lights are featured and on the Freestyle and Dual Cab models the B-pillar is now in body colour instead of black. Side step and wheel designs (alloy and steel) have been freshened.
 
Five new paint colours have also been added to the BT-50 palette.
 
Inside there's a new centre console, redesigned front seat design and updated fabrics and the audio system gets an AUX jack for MP3 junkies. Mazda claims "significant improvements to interior comfort and ergonomics".
 
Factory fitted air-conditioning is now standard across the BT-50 range.
 
Both the 2.5 and 3.0-litre turbodiesel drivetrains are unchanged.  So too the continued choice of Single Cab, Freestyle Cab and Dual Cab body styles and three trim variants -- DX, DX+ and the top of the range SDX.
 
The new model range kicks off with the $23,295 five-speed manual 2.5-litre Single Cab Chassis DX rear-wheel drive and tops out with the lifestyle-focussed SDX 4x4 Dual Cab Utility powered by Mazda's 380Nm 3.0-litre diesel and matched to a five-speed auto box. The range-topping SDX starts at $45,590.
 
 
Revised Mazda BT-50 range -- Sept 2008
(New models indicated in bold type)
 
4x2 Model Line-up
2.5L Single Cab Chassis DX 5MT -- $23,295
2.5L Single Cab Chassis DX (bucket seats) 5MT -- $23,520
3.0L Freestyle Cab Chassis DX+ 5MT -- $30,890
3.0L Freestyle Cab Chassis DX+ (ABS) 5MT -- $31,490
3.0L Freestyle Cab Utility DX+ 5MT -- $32,260
3.0L Freestyle Cab Utility DX+ (ABS) 5MT -- $32,860
3.0L Dual Cab Utility DX 5MT -- $33,060
3.0L Dual Cab Utility DX (ABS) 5MT -- $33,660