2018 Mazda BT-50 facelift revealed

The Mazda BT-50 has gained a locally designed grille and front bumper as part of running changes to keep it looking fresh in the eyes of buyers.

It’s the most significant change to the Mazda-badged workhorse since this generation of the trade ute was introduced to the Australian market in 2011, and the first model tweak since minor changes were made to the headlights and grille late in 2015.

Mazda’s changes to the trade ute range also come months before its twin under the skin, the Ford Ranger, gains a significant makeover including fresh sheetmetal and an equipment boost to higher-end models – and the arrival of the more potent Ford Ranger Raptor.

Mazda said the outer edges of the sharper bumper “have been squared off to give the ute a lower visual centre of gravity and a more solid bearing on the road”.

“Strong, straight lines are carried through to new fog light surrounds and a large trapezoid lower air intake with skid plate, accented with mesh texture and a three-dimensional insert for greater contrast,” it said. “Further impressing a wide stance, the grille has also adopted horizontal lines, punctuated by a prominent Mazda badge. XTR and GT grades will have premium chrome grille fins, paired with a dark grey lower bumper insert, while XT will have satin black grille fins and black bumper insert.”

The changes also run inside, where the BT-50 adds Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support for the first time.

Mazda’s flagship BT-50 GT adds a tub-mounted chrome sports bar with integrated high-mount LED stop light, a heavy-duty tub liner that extends to the tailgate, tailgate central locking to safely secure gear in the tray – a feature believed to be in store for the upcoming Ranger facelift – and a 12 volt power socket and light for the tub.

The entry-level XT grade adds a reversing camera as standard and a 7.0-inch multimedia screen as part of the smartphone connectivity roll-out.

In another move that helps reduce the cost of ownership, Mitsubishi has lifted the service intervals for the BT-50 from 10,000km or 12 months, to 15,000km or 12 months. “Based on a 15,000km/12 month interval, this will save owners of the new-look Mazda BT-50 more than $850 at the five-year service mark,” Mazda said. “When looking at real-world Mazda owner mileage of 25,000km per annum, there is a potential saving of $1920 after five years.”

The refreshed Mazda BT-50 goes on sale in May.

2018 Mazda BT-50 pricing