Mazda overhauls BT-50 workhorse

AS MITSUBISHI Motors Australia launches its revised Triton one-tonne workhorse range this week, Mazda has moved to steal its thunder with details of an overhauled BT-50 series that carries a significant equipment upgrade and a new tradesman-oriented Boss pack.

Safety features, cabin convenience items and exterior enhancements all figure in the upgrade, with Mazda now including ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and alloy wheels as standard on all Freestyle extra-cab and Dual Cab DX and DX+ models, with the DX Freestyle and Dual Cab also picking up power windows and mirrors.

Power windows/mirrors are also now fitted standard on 4x2 and 4x4 Single Cab Chassis DX variants, with ABS and EBD emerging as an option on both.

Meanwhile, at the top of the range, all SDX variants gain side airbags and a leather-clad steering wheel/gearshift knob.

The Boss pack includes an aluminium tray, ladder rack, toolbox and water tank, while 4x4 Boss variants also pick up a bullbar.

To mark the introduction of the Boss pack and the general equipment upgrade, Mazda has placed driveaway pricing on select models. The 4x2 specials target the Cab Chassis DX Boss ($23,390), Freestyle Cab Chassis DX+ Boss ($31,390) and Dual Cab Utility DX with canopy ($34,490).

The 4x4 promotional pricing centres on the Cab Chassis DX Boss ($32,990), Freestyle Cab Chassis DX+ Boss ($37,990), Dual Cab Utility DX with canopy and bullbar ($39,990) and Dual Cab Utility SDX, also with canopy and bullbar ($42,490).

At last count, the BT-50 range extended to more than 30 model variants across the Single Cab (two- or three-seat), Freestyle (four-seat) and Dual Cab (five-seat) body types, Cab Chassis and Utility back ends, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, and the DX, DX+ and SDX trim lines.

Mechanical details remain unchanged, with the BT-50 continuing to offer two ‘MZR-CD’ common-rail DOHC 16-valve turbo-diesel engines: a 105kW/330Nm 2.5-litre, which is fitted to the 4x2 Single Cab Chassis DX and, on all other models, a higher-output 115kW/380Nm 3.0-litre engine.

Both engines meet Euro IV emissions regulations, thanks in part to the combination of a “variable swirl control valve” and “exhaust gas recirculation system”. The engines also feature a variable geometry turbocharger and large intercooler.