General News
28 October, 2024
Bold, tough look for pick-up
THE new BT-50 pick-up has been unveiled by Mazda, revealing a raft of bold design changes, safety upgrades, added functionality and new accessories for 2025.
As the lead market for the BT-50 globally, the versatile ute has cemented its reputation in Australia as one of the brand’s top sellers.
Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said the BT-50 was “an integral part of our Mazda model range here in Australia”.
“The BT-50 has set the tone as a versatile, ready-for-anything vehicle that suits a variety of customer needs, whether it’s as a trusty work companion or an enabler for life’s passions,” he said.
“For 2025, this impactful new design has matured our much-loved ute to be an even more compelling choice regardless of the task in hand.”
In the largest of the four updates since 2020, the 2025 BT-50 progresses the signature Mazda ‘Kodo – soul of motion’ design to introduce a tougher, more powerful stance that exudes its resolute capability on- and off-road.
“The bold exterior look is most impactful from the front, where unique LED headlamps are framed by a new radiator grille and bumper. The bumper also features an ‘air curtain’ to increase aerodynamic efficiency and enhance real-world fuel use,” a Mazda Australia spokesman said.
“At the rear, the tailgate now integrates a distinctive ridged design along the bottom edge of the panel, which in addition to the new LED tail-lamps and larger Mazda logo, gives the BT-50 an unmistakable presence.
“Exclusive new alloy wheel designs also emphasise the rugged nature and practical power of the Mazda ute.
“Inside, the changes are just as comprehensive. A completely new infotainment system is at the heart of the human machine interface (HMI) and is presented within a responsive central touchscreen interface that now integrates touch switches below the display for better usability and visibility. Physical volume and tuning dials are included either side of the screen, which is up to nine inches across.
“A new multi-information display (MID) spanning up to seven inches across the instrument binnacle now has added content for enhanced connectivity, is user-customisable and works in harmony with the central touchscreen to display useful and relevant information.
“As well as easy access to the on/off ADAS settings, the centre display now also shows information previously contained in the MID – such as real-time vehicle steering and tilt angles, TPMS status, drive mode/diff lock status and Rough Terrain Mode – for a more detailed overview on the move.
“Overall occupant experience has also been further enhanced thanks to the inclusion of USB-C sockets, as well as the integration of wireless Android Auto to join its existing wireless Apple CarPlay functionality. The door trims, console lid and mid-dashboard trim also benefit from subtle yet effective material updates, including the move from brown to black leather trim (depending on grade).
“A particular visual highlight is the option of a leather seat trim finished in black and terracotta Maztex with synthetic suede on flagship models. The vibrant and eye-catching upholstery includes a stitched ‘BT-50’ moniker in the front seat headrests, and complements the new ‘red earth metallic’ hero paint – a colour unique to the Mazda BT-50.”
Elsewhere, ‘geode white pearl’ and ‘sailing blue metallic’ are new to the range, bringing the total colour palette to seven at launch.
The suite of advanced driver assistance systems has also been comprehensively upgraded, starting with new front stereo cameras that double the vehicle’s field of view.
Traffic jam assist is a new feature, as is rear cross traffic brake (RCTB) and intelligent adaptive cruise control, which uses the enhanced traffic sign recognition system to set the vehicle’s speed. The AEB system also now features motorcycle detection and pedestrian detection at intersections, while emergency lane keeping is capable of detecting road edges without line markings.
Full pricing and specification details will be revealed early next year, ahead of the new model’s launch in the first quarter of 2025.
