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ZOOM The Mazda BT-50 has undergone a ground-up renewal for 2021.
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he initial line-up of dual cab models of the 2021 BrandNew Mazda BT-50 range became available in Australia in October. The capitals on the words ‘Brand-New’ are Mazda’s reference to the significant number of changes to the BT50 range which had its world premiere in June and is now available here just a few months later. This has been a universally challenging year for business globally, yet Mazda has stayed true to its plans for the BT-50, probably in response to the number of new models coming from other manufacturers including the Isuzu D-Max with which the BT-50 has shared some development. Mazda has designed a relatively muscular looking exterior which is tempered with comfortable interiors and a plethora of built-in safety technology. Mazda’s commitment to offering best50
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in-class safety features carries over from its passenger cars and SUVs to the BT-50 with standard equipment including Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as well as the expected functions such as Anti-lock Braking System and Dynamic Stability Control. SRS airbags are fitted for the driver, front passenger, side curtain, driver’s knee and driver’s far side to afford a significant level of occupant protection in the unfortunate event that the other systems are unable to prevent a serious impact. The new BT-50 line-up includes 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions and Dual cab-chassis and dual cab pickups with single and extended ‘freestyle’ cabs expected to join the range by early 2021. Three trim levels are available across the
XT, the sportier XTR, and the high-spec GT which is available exclusively as a 4x4. All three models are available in cab-chassis or pickup configuration, and interestingly, 4x2 models are only available with the six-speed auto. Power is provided by a turbocharged 3.0 litre, four cylinder diesel engine which delivers 140kW peak power with 450Nm of torque available between 1,600 and 2,600 rpm which should provide sufficient pulling power for most circumstances and is much the same engine as currently available in the D-Max and offers more power and torque than the previous BT-50. Depending upon the specific model, a focus on saving weight has reduced tare weight by around 50kg from the previous BT-50 which makes a modest yet worthwhile contribution to fuel efficiency. Again, depending upon the
