Mazda reveals MY25 BT-50 updates
With traditional rivals upping their game, and new contenders arriving from China, Mazda has hit ‘go’ on updates to its strong-selling BT-50 ute.
Queenslanders love to score a win against their southern neighbours and one area where we’ve recently been crowned national champs is in the purchase of Mazda’s rugged BT-50 ute.
That’s the word from Mazda Australia, which recently unveiled its MY25 updates to what is the nation’s fifth best-selling ute and a perennial favourite with Qld buyers.
The BT-50 is, of course, based on the same mechanicals as its more popular rival the Isuzu D-Max, but is differentiated with specific styling, model grades and fitout, including an interior that is widely regarded as having among the best fit and finishes in the segment.
While Queensland leads the sales table for BT-50s nationally, Australia is the vehicle’s largest and most important market globally, which is why Mazda chose to reveal the updated MY25 model to Australian journalists ahead of its global reveal.
Although not due here until Q1 next year, the changes represent the biggest update to the BT-50 since the new model was launched in 2020, encompassing design changes, safety upgrades, and new accessories.
There are no changes to powertrains, however, with the BT-50 continuing to offer the choice of a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel developing 110kW/350Nm, or the larger and more popular 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with its gutsier 140kW/450Nm.
Mazda says the design changes are intended to create a tougher, more powerful stance for its workhorse ute and include new LED headlamps, a new radiator grille and a new bumper incorporating an ‘air curtain’ to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
At the rear, there are new LED tail-lamps, a larger Mazda logo, and a new tailgate incorporating a distinctive ridged design. A selection of new alloy wheel designs also adds to the upgraded model’s freshened looks.
Inside, Mazda has introduced a new infotainment system with central touchscreen display that integrates touch switches below the display for better usability and visibility.
In a win for fumble-fingered folk, physical volume and tuning dials are included either side of the screen in place of the previous screen-only icons.
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There’s also a new Multi-Information Display (MID) in the instrument binnacle that now includes content that’s claimed to enhance connectivity and complement information in the touchscreen display.
The central display also now provides a more detailed overview while driving, including real-time vehicle steering and tilt angles, traction control system status, drive mode/diff lock status and more.
The system also provides easy access to switchable ADAS system to disable such features as proximity sensors.
Other interior changes include the inclusion of USB-C sockets and the integration of wireless Android Auto along with the existing wireless Apple CarPlay functionality.
There are also materials updates to door trims, console lid and mid-dashboard trim.
A new option on higher-spec models is the availability of a leather seat trim finished in black and terracotta synthetic suede, with stitched ‘BT-50’ moniker in the front seat headrests.
The BT-50’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have also been upgraded with new front stereo cameras that double the vehicle’s field of view.
Traffic Jam Assist has been added, as well as Rear Cross-Traffic Brake (RCTB) and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control.
The AEB system also now features motorcycle detection and pedestrian detection at intersections, while the Emergency Lane Keeping system can now detect road edges without line markings.
The digital rear camera now has a special coating to help keep it cleaner, and dynamic guidelines have been added to the touchscreen display to assist with parking manoeuvres.
As with most new utes, Mazda’s BT-50 rarely leaves a dealership without being equipped with some of the 100-plus accessories available from the Mazda Genuine Accessories range, all of which carry a full five-year warranty if fitted at vehicle delivery.
Mazda says the accessories have been specifically tailored for Australian conditions by the local Mazda team, in collaboration with trusted supplier partners.
The accessory range has also been expanded and improved for the new model, with 53 new or modified items available.
These include a lightweight roof platform and Thule side awning, a new bull-bar design and new wheel-arch flares.
Also available are Light Force ‘Beast’ driving lights that are claimed to throw a beam strong enough to read a book 1.5km away.
Another important addition is a dual battery kit that now includes a 100-amp slimline lithium battery and a new ‘long-leg’ sports bar with textured finish that matches the bullbar.
No details on pricing of the new model were released but Mazda Australia says the new BT-50 “will be fit for purpose” when it arrives in Q1 2025 and will “continue to offer very good value in the marketplace.”
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