2022 Mazda BT-50 Review
MAZDA recently updated its popular TF-series BT-50 line-up by adding an Isuzu-sourced 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine to entry-grade XS variants and a well-equipped SP variant to the upper end of the range.
Additionally, the XTR dual-cab is now available in the cab-chassis body style for the first time.
The MY22 upgrades are modest, but worthwhile. The range now caters to a broader customer base than before, but still appeals to existing agricultural, fleet, trade, and recreational buyers.
Seventeen BT-50 variants are now available with two engine offerings, two transmissions, three body styles, two body configurations, and the choice of two- and four-wheel drive offered across six trim grades. The 1.9-litre mill is paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Prices begin at $33,650 (plus on-road costs) for the newly introduced 1.9-litre turbo-diesel XS single-cab chassis 4x2 and tops out with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel Thunder dual-cab pick-up 4x4 at $70,990 (+ORCs), which rises $2000 on last year’s sticker price – see New Model article.
The newly added 1.9-litre four-cylinder unit features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to produce 110kW at 3600rpm and 350Nm between 1800-2600rpm. Combined cycle fuel economy is rated at 6.7L/100km.
Maximum payload for XS variants (powered by the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel motor) is rated at 1380kg with maximum braked towing capacity listed at 3000kg.
The 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel offering remains unchanged. It also features DOHC and VGT to develop 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm between 1600-2600rpm. Combined cycle fuel consumption is listed at 7.7L/100km, while the braking towing capacity jumps to 3500kg.
Entry grade XS variants are now offered with the new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine and in 4x2 or 4x4 configuration.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, power windows and -folding wing mirrors, aircon, cloth trim, vinyl flooring, a 7.0-inch infotainment array with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity, DAB+ digital radio, as well as a rear-seat USB outlet.
XS 4x4 derivatives additionally feature a locking rear differential.
Safety kit continues to include a reversing camera, eight airbags, adaptive cruise control (with Stop & Go functionality), AEB with turn assist, attention assist, auto high-beam, blind spot monitor, emergency lane keeping, hill start and descent control, lane-departure warning-prevention and -assist systems, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors.
XT variants include all the convenience and safety features listed for XS variants, but in combination with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.
On the third-tier XTR (and, in addition to those features listed for the XS), we find 18-inch alloys, power-folding wing mirrors, LED front fog lights, auto-levelling LED head- and daytime running lights, side steps, carpeted flooring, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, dual-zone climate control with rear-seat ventilation outlets, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, keyless entry, native satellite navigation and a larger (9.0-inch) infotainment array.
GT variants feature chrome-capped wing mirrors with heating function, brown leather upholstery, eight-way electric driver’s seat adjustment, front seat heaters, remote engine start (auto only), and front parking sensors.
The newly introduced, and second-from-top SP derivative adds matte black 18-inch alloy wheels, a tub liner, roller tonneau cover, black and driftwood leather upholstery with synthetic suede highlights, gloss black grille, sail-plane sports bar, fender flares, plus colour-coded wing-mirror caps, door- and tailgate handles. The GT variant’s side steps and roof rails are finished in dark grey.
Finally, the top-shelf BT-50 Thunder receives 18-inch black alloy wheels, a black single-hoop bull bar, black alloy sports bar, black side steps, black fender flares, electric roller tonneau, Thunder decals, and a Lightforce 20-inch dual-row lightbar.
