Photo: Mazda
Last year, it went into off-road overdrive with the SP Pro and Thunder Pro packs, but for 2024, the Mazda BT-50 is all about adding even more abilities to its vast and practical portfolio.
Once upon a time, the Mazda BT-50 compact-then-mid-size pickup truck produced by the Japanese carmaker since 2006 was twinned with the best-selling international Ford Ranger – first the PJ/PK iteration and then the ubiquitous T6. However, starting with the third generation of the BT-50, which was revealed in Australia during the summer of 2020, Mazda developed the mid-size workhorse using the DNA of the third-generation Isuzu D-Max.
As such, the current (TF) generation of the BT-50 is produced at Isuzu's factory in Samrong, Samut Prakan, Thailand. The model is an important vector for Mazda in the Austral-Asian region, which is why some of the most important updates arrive in the Land Down Under first and then spread around. Last year, for example, we saw the presentation of new off-road-focused accessory packs for the Australian specification.
Now, again, the Land Down Under's local division announces a raft of upgrades to broaden its appeal, starting with the addition of a Rough Terrain Mode on all 4x4 models, designed to optimize traction when off-roading, especially useful "for greater management and precision in difficult conditions," according to the automaker. Rough Terrain Mode can modulate both throttle and brake inputs while also working in conjunction with the locking rear differential and Hill Descent Control.
Additionally, the Dual Cab is available in new GT specification – it builds on top of the XTR grade with LED headlamps, dual-zone climate control, a 9-inch touchscreen, and leather-clad steering wheel and gear knob, as well as gaining chrome-finished heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats and brown leather upholstery. The GT model also gains a remote start function, and the XTR trim has an engine-off accessory function for lights and the audio system. In contrast, XS and XT models now feature auto relock functionality.
Pricing kicks off at AUD 35,520, which is the equivalent of just $23,715 at the current exchange rate. However, that's for the base 1.9-liter engine, which is only offered on the BT-50 Single Chassis XS with 4x2. The 3.0-liter becomes standard on all other models from AUD 38,520 or $25,731, and Mazda has a generous offer of configurations: no less than 21 options combined Single, Freestyle, Dual Cab chassis with 4x2 and 4x4, as well as the XS, XT, XTR, GT, SP, and Thunder trim variants. Of note, all prices – up to AUD 74,095 ($49,487), remain the same as last year with the sole exception of the SP model, which got hiked AUD 30 or $20 to AUD 68,690 or 45,870! Cool, right?
As such, the current (TF) generation of the BT-50 is produced at Isuzu's factory in Samrong, Samut Prakan, Thailand. The model is an important vector for Mazda in the Austral-Asian region, which is why some of the most important updates arrive in the Land Down Under first and then spread around. Last year, for example, we saw the presentation of new off-road-focused accessory packs for the Australian specification.
Now, again, the Land Down Under's local division announces a raft of upgrades to broaden its appeal, starting with the addition of a Rough Terrain Mode on all 4x4 models, designed to optimize traction when off-roading, especially useful "for greater management and precision in difficult conditions," according to the automaker. Rough Terrain Mode can modulate both throttle and brake inputs while also working in conjunction with the locking rear differential and Hill Descent Control.
Additionally, the Dual Cab is available in new GT specification – it builds on top of the XTR grade with LED headlamps, dual-zone climate control, a 9-inch touchscreen, and leather-clad steering wheel and gear knob, as well as gaining chrome-finished heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats and brown leather upholstery. The GT model also gains a remote start function, and the XTR trim has an engine-off accessory function for lights and the audio system. In contrast, XS and XT models now feature auto relock functionality.
Pricing kicks off at AUD 35,520, which is the equivalent of just $23,715 at the current exchange rate. However, that's for the base 1.9-liter engine, which is only offered on the BT-50 Single Chassis XS with 4x2. The 3.0-liter becomes standard on all other models from AUD 38,520 or $25,731, and Mazda has a generous offer of configurations: no less than 21 options combined Single, Freestyle, Dual Cab chassis with 4x2 and 4x4, as well as the XS, XT, XTR, GT, SP, and Thunder trim variants. Of note, all prices – up to AUD 74,095 ($49,487), remain the same as last year with the sole exception of the SP model, which got hiked AUD 30 or $20 to AUD 68,690 or 45,870! Cool, right?
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