Meet the all new BT-50

Recently, we took a generation two BT-50 on a sunset drive through the Woodhill State Forest and came away mightily impressed with its off-road performance, especially given it was a stock standard model running on road tyres.

This was, however, the final drive – and will likely be the last word – for the gen 2 BT-50, since the third generation has now officially launched – and it is all-new.

In fact, the only common component with the older model is the Mazda badge on the grille.

Now it is true that the BT-50 is not all Mazda. The engine for example is pure Isuzu, the company Mazda has opted to partner with to produce utes for the foreseeable future.

In what is an equal partnership, Mazda brings 90+ years’ worth of experience in ute production, Isuzu contributes its truck manufacturing expertise.  

This pairing is a demonstration of a key characteristic of the third generation BT-50: a clever juxtaposition of ruggedness and refinement.

This combination goes deeper than merely a characteristic of the whole ute. It applies to every element that makes up the whole. An example? What better than the heart of the BT-50?

Under the bonnet is an extremely robust three-litre, four-cylinder, variable geometry turbo diesel, with 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm of peak torque from 1600rpm.

The engine is smooth, quiet – but not too quiet – and built with longevity and efficiency in mind.  

As a result, it returns a fuel efficiency figure of eight litres per 100km for a CO2 output of 207gm per km.

This engine is common across the BT-50 range, the same range which has seen a significant rationalisation to six models, three grades, one transmission and either two or four-wheel drivetrains.

All things being equal, NZ Company Vehicle will have the opportunity to evaluate the GSX, GTX and Limited model more comprehensively in future editions, but for now, here’s a general overview of the BT-50.

For the previous two generations the BT-50 has had an isolated time of it, being the lone commercial offering from Mazda.

In this respect it has always been something of a stepchild compared to say, the CX-5, CX-9, Mazda6, Mazda3 and the rest of the passenger vehicles making up the Mazda brand offering.

With the arrival of the third generation, this has all changed.

Incorporating Mazda’s proprietary Kodo; Soul of Motion design language, the BT-50 adopts the frontal aspect of the SUV range, bringing the BT-50 firmly into the Mazda family.

This ‘adoption’ goes further than a skin-deep consideration, as the all-new BT-50 introduces passenger values to a commercial vehicle, by virtue of its exterior design and interior sophistications.

Mention should be made of the safety features, inherent in the make-up of the five-star ANCAP safety rated BT-50, which was tested under 2020 parameters – arguably the toughest testing regime yet.

Not all ANCAP safety ratings are the same. When comparing safety ratings, it is vital to consider what year the vehicles were tested.

Out of seven comparable utes, only two have been tested to 2020 standards and one was tested as far back as 2011 – and yet all have five-star safety ratings, despite the parameters of the test changing dramatically in that time frame.  

Key to achieving the 2020 rating for the BT-50 was the inclusion of a centre airbag for the front cabin, an emergency lane keeping system and turn assist – this last mitigating the risk of a turning vehicle colliding with an oncoming vehicle.

These features are in addition to an extremely comprehensive suite of sophisticated safety systems, which complements the extensive features found throughout the range.

As to the subject of extensive lists, the BT-50 also features an impressive array of safety compliant genuine accessories, all of which come with a factory backed warranty.

And that leads neatly to what we at NZ Company Vehicle believes is one of the most compelling reasons to look very carefully at the BT-50 – especially if you hadn’t considered one until now.

In addition to the sharp looks, styling and features of the gen 3 BT-50, the pricing has been set with one of most arrow-tipped pencils an accountant could find. But that’s not the first consideration.

The aggressive pricing demonstrates Mazda’s serious intentions when it comes to taking the BT-50 from its number five position in current YTD registrations to something considerably higher; but look further.

Mazda offers MazdaCare – the aftermarket service package which applies to the BT-50 and should seal the deal if nothing else does.

MazdaCare offers a five year/150.000km warranty, a five year/150,000km fixed service package for $250 plus GST per 15,000km service and a five year/unlimited km Roadside Assist, all of which is fully transferable.

That’s peace of mind motoring for a hard working ute and its futureproofing as well, guaranteeing a genuine parts service history to preserve your return on initial investment.

Bottom line? The BT-50 is demonstrative of Mazda’s excellence and is a ute whose time has come.