Designed specifically for Australia, the 2018 Mazda BT-50 update is now on sale in Australia boasting a new infotainment system, revised front styling and longer service intervals resulting in a more rounded product for Australian consumers. The 2018 BT-50 is part of Mazda’s 2018 product offensive.
The 2018 Mazda BT-50 is unique to Australia, with the restyled front end, new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as a reversing camera – all standard across the BT-50 range – not offered in any other country. The upgrades are fitted locally by Mazda staff.
Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi, said the Australian-only BT-50 is an important step in the vehicle’s evolution.
“The BT-50 has already won fans in Australia, offering safety, comfort, performance and answering customer’s practical needs with great towing power and payload,” said Mr Bhindi.
“We know Australian customers want all this and a tough looking exterior, so we heeded demand and worked with local engineers to refresh the front-end and toughen up the BT-50.”
“The utility segment is a huge priority in Australia and for Mazda; we’re always looking to improve and enhance our product offering, to remain competitive and appealing to our customers,” said Mr Bhindi.
Externally, the 2018 Mazda BT-50 incorporates new front end styling, with a redesigned grille that incorporates new horizontal slats, as well as a new lower front bumper with revised air intake shaping for a more masculine look – according to the brand, anyway. Upper range XTR and GT grades have chrome grille fins, paired with a dark grey lower bumper insert, while the XT has satin black grille fins and black bumper insert.
Now in dealerships, the 2018 Mazda BT-50 offers a new Alpine infotainment system that’s fitted locally across the range, which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring – the first Mazda product worldwide to feature smartphone mirroring tech. Crucially, a reversing camera is standard across the BT-50 range. Upper models also include inbuilt satellite navigation with live traffic updates, whilst the BT-50 GT adds a chrome sports bar with an integrated LED stop light, a heavy-duty tub liner to protect the tub and tailgate from scuffs and dents, tailgate central locking to safely secure gear in the tray and a 12 volt auxiliary socket and light in the tub.
Mazda have made changes to the BT-50’s servicing schedule, with newer 15,000km service intervals – longer than the previous model’s (and all other Mazda products in Australia) 10,000km intervals. Services are still required once yearly, at a minimum. According to Mazda, the new service schedule will save owners up to $1,920 over five years if they travel the average 25,000km per annum. Travelling 15,000km will cost BT-50 owners $2,683 over five years to service their ute. Mazda is yet to upgrade their below par warranty however, with two years/100,000km provided, however if owners don’t exceed the distance in this time an extra year is added.
Mechanically, the BT-50 remains unchanged. Entry level models are equipped with a 110kW/375Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, whilst upper models and all 4x4s are equipped with a 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel. Both engines are paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is listed as between 8.0 and 8.6L/100km for the 2.2-litre engine, and 8.9 and 10.0L/100km for the larger 3.2-litre engine, depending on 4×2 or 4×4.
Entry level BT-50 XT models are equipped with steel wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, black cloth trim, a trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio, a 7.0-inch Alpine infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, a reversing camera (now in the centre screen and not the rear view mirror), six speakers, a locking rear differential on 4×4 models and six airbags with stability control. The XT is available in all three cab forms.
The XTR adds a chrome grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, front foglamps, automatic headlights and wipers, chrome mirrors, side steps and bumper inserts, dual-zone climate control, inbuilt satellite navigation with live traffic updates, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob, as well as carpet floor coverings and an auto-dimming rear mirror. The XTR is only available in dual cab and freestyle cab forms.
GT dual cab then adds leather upholstery, a chrome sports bar, a tub lining, heated and electric-folding mirrors, an 8-way electric driver’s seat and tinted windows.
Mazda has also launched driveaway pricing with the 2018 BT-50 range, starting from $28,990 for the entry level XT single cab 4×2 six-speed manual and ranging to $51,990 for the top spec GT dual cab 4×4 six-speed automatic.
2018 Mazda BT-50 pricing (driveaway):
XT single cab 4×2 2.2-litre six-speed manual – $28,990
XT single cab 4×2 2.2-litre six-speed automatic – $32,205
XT single cab 4×2 3.2-litre six-speed manual – $32,205
XT freestyle cab 4×2 3.2-litre six-speed manual – $34,490
XT freestyle cab 4×2 3.2-litre six-speed automatic – $36,490
XT dual cab 4×2 3.2-litre six-speed manual (with tray) – $36,198
XT dual cab 4×2 3.2-litre six speed manual – $35,990
XT dual cab 4×2 3.2-litre six-speed automatic – $37,990
XTR dual cab 4×2 3.2-litre six-speed manual – $39,990
XTR dual cab 4×2 3.2-litre six-speed automatic – $41,990
XT single cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed manual – $37,990
XT single cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed automatic – $39,990
XT freestyle cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed manual – $40,490
XT freestyle cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed automatic – $43,490
XTR freestyle cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed manual – $45,990
XTR freestyle cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed automatic – $47,990
XT dual cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed manual (with tray) – $41,198
XT dual cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed manual – $40,990
XT dual cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed automatic – $42,990
XTR dual cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed manual – $46,990
XTR dual cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed automatic – $48,990
GT dual cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed manual – $49,990
GT dual cab 4×4 3.2-litre six-speed automatic – $51,990
The 2018 Mazda BT-50 is now on sale in Australia. Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for news and reviews regarding the Mazda range.
