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Mazda’s new BT-50 starts $3,390 upstream of D-Max sibling but has a cheaper flagship CALLUM HUNTER AZDA Australia has revealed the pricing for its all-new BT-50 off-road pick-up truck, with the Isuzu D-Max-based ute due to hit showrooms from October 1 priced from $44,090 plus on-road costs for the XT Dual-Cab Chassis 4x2. That entry price places the new BT-50 more than $3300 upstream of the equivalent D-Max, despite the two sharing the same architecture, underpinnings and powertrain however the Mazda gets its own back at the top of the range, with the flagship GT Dual-Cab 4x4 (automatic) topping out at $59,990 compared to the $62,900 D-Max X-Terrain. The BT-50 range is spread across three trim grades, two body styles and two drive types. The most affordable of the trim levels is XT with prices ranging between $44,090 and $53,260 depending on the body style – dual-cab chassis vs dual-cab pick-up – and drive configuration – 4x2 vs 4x4. Despite being the entry-level trim, Mazda has far from skimped in terms of standard equipment on the XT with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, power-adjustable exterior mirrors, black cloth seat trim, air-conditioning, power windows, carpeted floors, cruise control (automatics score adaptive cruise control with stop and go function), 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple Carplay, USB Android Auto, Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio and a reversing camera all included as standard while rear-seat occupants also score a USB charging point. Above the XTs are the XTR variants which range from $49,470 to $57,210 depending on body style and drive configuration. Compared to the XT, the XTRs up the ante with 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding exterior mirrors, self-levelling LED headlights, LED fog lamps,
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The new BT-50 shares all of its underpinnings, including its engine and running gear, with the new Isuzu D-Max.” side steps, LED daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control, 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite navigation, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, centre armrest for rear occupants and advanced keyless entry in addition to all of the kit included on the base model. At the top of the BT-50 tree, the GT is available exclusively as a dual-cab pick-up 4x4 with just two variants being offered – manual or automatic.
Standard equipment Priced from $56,990, the GT one-ups the XTR with heated chrome exterior mirrors, brown leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, remote engine-start on automatics and front parking sensors. While the standard equipment list may be generous, it pales in comparison to the list of standard safety gear included on all BT-50s, the same gear that helped the D-Max become the first off-road ute in Australia to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, attention assist, automatic high beam, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, traction control, dynamic
stability control, emergency lane keeping, emergency stop signal, hill descent control, hill launch assist, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, lane-keep assist (automatic only), rear cross-traffic alert, rollover protection, secondary collision reduction, speed assist system and turn assist are included as standard on all variants, regardless of trim or body style. As previously reported by GoAuto, the new BT-50 shares all its underpinnings, including its engine and running gear, with the new Isuzu D-Max. This means that it sheds the previous Ford-sourced 3.2-litre turbo-diesel five-cylinder engine in favour of the proven albeit updated 3.0-litre four-cylinder Isuzu unit developing 140kW and 450Nm. Drive is sent to either the rear or all four wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic, with 4x4 variants scoring a switchable locking rear differential to boost their off-road ability. On the subject of off-road capability, all variants share the same 800mm wading depth while the maximum approach
angle is pegged at 30.4 degrees (XTR 4x4/GT). The XT Dual-Cab Chassis 4x4 – marginally – takes the gong for the best rampover angle at 23.9 degrees while the XT Dual-Cab Chassis twins boast the best departure angle of 25.3 degrees. Maximum braked towing capacity is rated at the industry standard 3500kg while payload capacity varies from 1065kg-1106kg depending on the variant. According to Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi, stock has started arriving at dealerships around the country and the brand is “very excited to showcase this new Ute to the local market”. “With cutting-edge safety technology, impressive all-terrain performance and a smooth and efficient drivetrain, brandnew BT-50 offers exceptional value across the range, while meeting the demands of the modern customer,” he said. With the new model set and ready to be launched next month, Mazda has sold 1967 4x2 BT-50s and 4914 4x4 units, accounting for 11.9 per cent and 5.1 per cent of their respective segments.
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2020
