More variants, new engine for MY22 Mazda BT-50

FOLLOWING the lead of its development partner Isuzu, Mazda has updated its BT-50 pick-up truck for the 2022 model year with more variants, more standard kit and a new engine choice.

The new mill in question is a turbocharged 1.9-litre four-cylinder diesel unit developing 110kW/350Nm and will be exclusively available under the bonnet of the new ‘XS’ entry-level trim, of which three variants will be offered.

Paired only to a six-speed automatic transmission, the new engine is capable of towing up to 3000kg braked while the XS trim will be sold in 4x2 Single Cab Chassis, 4x2 Dual Cab Pickup and 4x4 Dual Cab Pickup configurations.

The only real differences splitting the XS from the existing XT is the inclusion of the smaller engine and the presence of 17-inch steel wheels in place of the latter’s 17-inch alloys.

Other than that, the two trim levels are tit for tat in terms of specification, with highlights including black cloth upholstery, a 7.0-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth, a reversing camera, manual air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control, hill descent control and automatic headlights.

Moving up the range, the mid-spec XTR trim level has been bolstered by the addition of a new Dual Cab Chassis variant to enhance the trim’s versatility and customisation stakes.

Continuing upwards, the once flagship GT has been shunted back down to third in line behind the unchanged Thunder and new SP variant.

Using the luxurious GT as a base, the BT-50 SP is Mazda’s answer to the top-spec Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain and as such dons a heap of cosmetic enhancements including black grille, mirror caps, door handles, 18-inch wheels, arch flares and sail-plane sports bar, complemented by dark metallic grey roof rails, gunmetal signature wing, dark grey side steps and unique front bumper.

Inside the cabin is ‘driftwood’ leather and black synthetic suede upholstery while the load area’s functionality is boosted by the standard inclusion of a tub liner and manually operated roller tonneau cover.

Unlike the X-Terrain, however, the SP can be optioned with a six-speed manual transmission as well as the familiar six-speed auto.

At the pointy end of the range, the decked-out Thunder flagship continues unchanged.

Changes Mazda attribute to dealer and customer feedback include a new shortcut button for the lane support system that enables drivers to switch it on or off on the fly and a black rear bumper for Cab Chassis variants.

According to Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi, the MY22 updates are designed to offer customers a wider product choice; a “hallmark” of the brand.

“The new Mazda BT-50 SP model brings a strong, sporty aesthetic with impressive equipment levels, while the new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel drivetrain delivers a highly capable entry point into the BT-50 model range,” he said.

“Brand-new Mazda BT-50 has performed strongly in 2021, with July recording the second-highest sales month in the nameplate’s history.

“July also saw the range surpass the total 2020 BT-50 sales figure. These impressive results have enabled us to secure additional supply from November production.”

Across both the 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, Mazda Australia has sold a combined 10,914 BT-50s so far this year ending August 31.

The brand says the updated pricing and full specification details of the new BT-50 range will be released closer to the MY22’s market introduction.