Brand new Mazda BT-50 joins SA bakkie segment

After a very long wait the all-new Mazda BT-50 has been launched in South Africa. The new BT-50 was launched internationally in 2020 and is an all-new vehicle, from the ground up, that is produced in Thailand.

 

SUV inspired design

Mazda’s Kodo, Soul of Motion design language is immediately evident at the front of the vehicle thanks to a prominent grille and the three-dimensional signature wing that extends out towards the side.

 

The face is typical Mazda, distinct, sharp, LED headlights take inspiration from Mazda’s SUV range while the overall design expresses power, toughness and functionality that is ready to work or play.

 

The large load box can handle payloads of more than one ton. At the rear the tailgate is a key design point, shaped to flow towards the Mazda badge to create a continuous movement from front to rear.

 

Two new aluminium wheel designs round off the design, in 17-inch on the Active derivatives and 18-inch on the Dynamic and Individual derivatives.

 

Standard exterior features include LED headlamps, Daytime Running Lights, Rear Combination Lamps and front rain-sensing wipers.

 

Inside story

The interior has been carefully designed, taking into account Mazda’s human centric design. All touch surfaces including the dashboard, steering wheel, seats and centre console have been design to connect drivers to the vehicle and make them as comfortable as possible. The result is an interior that is more SUV and less bakkie. Rear passengers are taken care of with USB ports, air ducts and grab handles. A black fabric interior including black seats and door trim is complimented by light greige finishes on the ceiling, pillars and passenger grab handles.

 

Interior features include the MZD Connect Infotainment System with a seven or nine-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, Reverse Camera, Parking Sensors, seven airbags and cruise control. The instrument cluster comprises dual analogue gauges flanking a 4.2-inch multi-information display.

 

High level of safety

Standard safety features on the BT-50 include amongst others a reverse camera, smart advanced keyless entry, ISOFIX mountings, driver, passenger, driver knee, curtain and side airbags. ABS, EBD and DSC incorporate traction control, hill launch and descent control, roll over mitigation as well as trailer sway mitigation for safe driving in all conditions.

 

Three-model line up

The model line up will consist of three derivatives under the Active, Dynamic and Individual nomenclature. The Active model features a 1.9-litre diesel engine paired with an automatic or manual gearbox, that produces 110kW and 350Nm.

 

The Dynamic and Individual models are fitted with a 3.0-litre six-speed automatic gearbox and boast 140kW and 450Nm. Only the Individual model is available with a 4x4 drivetrain, all other models are available in 4x2 guise only.

 

Pricing and availability

The all-new Mazda BT-50 is now available at Mazda dealerships.

 

Mazda BT-50 1.9 Active MT 4x2	R611 900
Mazda BT-50 1.9 Active AT 4x2	R647 900
Mazda BT-50 3.0 Dynamic AT 4x2	R759 400
Mazda BT-50 3.0 Individual AT 4x4	R794 400