Mazda adds new BT-50 variants

MAZDA has tweaked its BT-50 one-tonne ute line-up for Australia, now offering a cab-chassis version of the 4x2 dual-cab and a new automatic transmission variant of the 4x2 single cab-chassis.

In addition, eight-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat is now standard on the flagship 4x4 dual-cab GT variant.

Priced at $34,590 plus on-road costs, the new 4x2 dual-cab-chassis is powered by the 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and is available in XT trim level only, which includes air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, electric windows and power-adjustable mirrors.

The 4x2 single-cab-chassis now offered with the six-speed automatic transmission is a unique model, combining a 110kW/375Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, 4x4-style raised ride height and separate front seats instead of a bench.

Mazda Australia public relations manager Steve Maciver told GoAuto the new automatic variant is still a few weeks from appearing in showrooms and pricing has not yet been finalised.

BT-50 sales are up 16.1 per cent so far this year, with 4734 examples leaving local showrooms.

Sales of 4x4 variants are up 96 per cent to the end of May at 3537 units, but sales of the 4x2 have plummeted 47.3 per cent to 1197 units compared with the model superseded by the new BT-50 last October.

Mazda says the new additions to its BT-50 line-up were introduced “in direct response to customer demand”, and the company hopes they will add incremental sales volume by broadening the BT-50’s appeal.

Mazda Australia national marketing manager Alastair Doak said there had been increased uptake of automatic transmissions on the BT-50 and that the dual-cab is now the most popular body style.

“We thought it was important to listen to that and broaden our line-up accordingly,” he said.