In a bid to boost its presence in the light commercial segment, Mazda has revitalised its new BT-50 range to be more versatile than ever.
The BT-50 now boasts a more comprehensive model range, mechanical and styling upgrades, and improvements to interior comfort and ergonomics – totalling 29 models across five drivetrains and three bodystyles.
Mazda has bolstered the range of the new BT-50 with two new 4×2 and five new 4×4 models available as a Single Cab, Freestyle Cab or Dual Cab.
The new range features a 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre turbodiesel manual drivetrains which boast fuel economy of 8.3 and 9.2 litres/100km respectively and are Euro IV compliant for minimal tailpipe emissions.
Entry-level models use the MZR-CD 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve turbocharged diesel engine which produces peak power of 105kW and 330Nm from 1,800rpm.
The higher-grades use a 3.0-litre common rail DOHC 16-valve diesel engine which develops 115kW and 380Nm at 1,800rpm.
In manual guise, the BT-50 is capable of towing up to 3,000kg regardless of its engine type while the five-speed automatic is limited to a braked towing capacity of just 2,500kg.
The BT-50 Single Cab tray has a payload of up to 1,449kg in 4×2 configuration or up to 1,441kg in 4×4 configurations, making this model a true workhorse.
The interior is intended to be anything but, featuring a two-tone colour scheme, silver-finish accents, single or six-disc MP3 compatible CD player with iPod connectivity and remote keyless entry.
ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners are standard on all but the “farmer-focused” entry level Single Cab chassis 4×2 models.
Mazda expects to sell around 10,000 of its revitalised BT-50′s each year, with the range starting from $23,295 with a three-year or 100,000km or two-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
