Mazda BT-50

Mazda has launched its new BT-50 ute in Australia with a potent 3.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine pumping out a claimed 115kW and 380Nm.

Despite its new skin, the BT-50 is based on the same chassis as the superseded B-Series ute. The suspension is basically the same too: torsion-bar front end and live-axle at the rear with leaf springs, although it has been significantly retuned for the new model and features longer leaves at the back and new dampers all-round.

The BT-50 4X4 range consists: Single Cab Chassis DX ($31,975); Freestyle Cab Chassis DX+ ($36,980); Freestyle Ute DX+ ($38,850); Freestyle Ute SDX ($42,750); Dual Cab Ute DX ($39,150); Dual Cab Ute SDX ($43,550); and Dual Cab Ute SDX auto ($45,550).

Driver and passenger airbags are optional on single-cab models and standard on the rest of the 4X4 range. Front seatbelts feature pre-tensioners and load limiters. ABS brakes are standard on top-spec SDX models and are offered as an option on the rest of the 4X4 range. The BT-50 is yet to be given a crash rating.

Mazda will offer a genuine accessory, airbag-compatible alloy bullbar.

Click here to read the full range review of the current model Mazda BT-50.