By Khulekani Dumisa

Mazda has finally launched its all-new Mazda BT-50. The new BT-50 units sold in South Africa will be produced in Thailand unlike the D-Max that will be made locally.

The Design

Fully-redesigned for the first time in nine years, the Japanese car manufacturer used its Kodo-soul of Motion design language for the new BT-50. The new BT-50 ditched Ford’s T6 platform in favour of Isuzu’s new D-Max platform. Up-front we have a prominent grille with horizontal slats surrounded by slim LED headlights, a look we have seen before on Mazda’s CX SUVs.

The new BT-50 has a traditional looking side-profile with pronounced haunches. Mazda ditched its old unique rear-lights design for something that looks more conventional.

Two new designs on the aluminum wheel round off the design: 17 inch wheels are on offer in the Active derivative and 18 inch wheels do duty in the Dynamic and Individual derivatives.

Standard exterior features on the All-New BT-50 range include; LED Headlamps, Daytime Running Lamps, Rear Combination Lamps and Front rain-sensing wipers.

The Mazda BT-50 is available in 6 colours: Gun Blue, Rock Grey, Red Volcano, Ice White, Ignot Silver and Concrete Grey.

The interior

Mazda has adopted the premium looking interior design of the new Isuzu D-Max for its BT-50. Everything from dashboard, steering wheel, seats and center console has been redesigned. As with all Mazda models, the All-New BT-50 comes standard with a generous level of features, including MZD Connect Infotainment System with a 7 or 9 inch display screen, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, reverse camera, parking sensors. There are 6-speaker surround sound system on the Active model whilst 8-speakers are part of the package on the Dynamic and Individual models.

To improve comfort, the adjustable driver’s seat offers six-way seat adjustment: forward and back, up and down, up and down of front seat base and reclining angle. There is manual lumber support function for the driver seat on the Dynamic and Individual model. Behind the front seats there is a nifty hook, allowing passengers to hang a coat, handbag or anything up to 4kilos.

Safety

Key safety systems include LED headlamps, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Mitigation, 7 airbags, Cruise Control to name a few.

Mazda has highlighted the fact that the All-New BT-50 received a 5 Star ANCAP Safety rating in 2020, issued by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program. The BT-50 performed strong in the following categories: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection and Safety Assist.

Line-up and engines

The model line-up consists of three derivatives: Active, Dynamic and Individual, and has been aligned with that of the passenger car range. The Active model features a new 1.9L diesel engine with automatic or manual gearbox, producing 121kW of power and 213Nm of torque. The Dynamic and Individual models feature the new 3.0L 6-speed automatic gearbox that produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. The Individual model is available with the 4×4 drivetrain, whereas all other models are available in the 4×2 drivetrain.

Pricing

The new Mazda BT-50 is priced as follows:

• Mazda BT-50 1.9L Active 6MT 4×2           R611,900
• Mazda BT-50 1.9L Active 6AT 4×2            R647,900
• Mazda BT-50 3.0L Dynamic 6AT 4×2        R759,400
• Mazda BT-50 3.0L Individual 6AT 4×4      R794,400