Mazda BT-50 2022: 1.9-litre turbo-diesel joins the range alongside sporty-looking SP

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Mazda Australia has announced its 2022 BT-50 ute line-up will kick off with a more affordable 1.9-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine as part of a wider range expansion.

The updated BT-50 will be available in Australia from January 2022, with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Along with a new base engine, the ’22 BT-50 becomes the latest model in Mazda’s range to adopt a sports-flavoured SP grade, alongside the Mazda 3 Evolve SP, Mazda 6 GT SP, CX-30 Touring SP, CX-5 GT SP, CX-8 Touring SP and CX-9 GT SP.

The mechanically identical Isuzu D-Max adopted the new 1.9-litre turbo-diesel last month as a cheaper alternative to compete more closely with rivals such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux on price.

How powerful is the new 1.9-litre engine?

Developing 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, the 1.9-litre engine is down on sheer grunt compared to the existing 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel in all other BT-50 models, though it still packs more of a punch than many of its direct rivals.

Braked towing capacity has been reduced to three tonnes (versus 3.5-tonnes for the 3.0-litre) and Mazda has opted to offer the 1.9-litre exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission  – unlike Isuzu who also offers a six-speed manual as a cheaper option.

Buyers who are determined to change gears themselves will be glad to know Mazda continues to offer a six-speed manual with the 3.0-litre engine across the range, with the exception of the XTR cab chassis.

What does each grade of the BT-50 offer?

Mazda offers the new 1.9-litre engine exclusively on a new entry-level XS grade. Buyers of the XS can choose either a 4×2 single-cab chassis or 4×2 and 4×4 dual-cab pick-ups.

The BT-50 XS is similarly specified to the XT grade, with the only difference being the inclusion of the larger 3.0-litre engine and 17-inch alloy wheels on the XT instead of 17-inch steelies.

As standard, both are equipped with a cloth interior, LED headlights and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

Mazda also includes a locking rear differential on 4×4 models and rear parking sensors on BT-50s with a traditional ute tray.

The BT-50 has been rated five stars under ANCAP’s strict new testing protocol and this is partly due to the generous amount of active safety features offered as standard.

These features include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (auto only)
• Lane departure prevention
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Reversing camera
• Autonomous emergency braking

Stepping up to the BT-50 XTR builds on the XT grade by offering larger 18-inch alloys, power-folding mirrors, side steps, keyless entry and LED fog lights.

Mazda also includes a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, a rear-seat centre armrest and leather trim on the steering wheel and gearknob.

For 2022, Mazda will offer the BT-50 XTR grade as a dual-cab chassis alongside the regular dual-cab ute bodystyle.

Available exclusively as a dual-cab ute, the BT-50 GT steps into luxury territory with brown leather seats, heated front seats and eight-way power adjustment for the driver.

Other convenience features include front parking sensors and the ability to start the ute remotely in automatic transmission models.

What do you get in the new BT-50 SP?

The BT-50 SP is available exclusively as a 4×4 dual cab ute and features a combination of black and grey bodywork to give it a more sinister demeanour.

This begins with dark metallic grey roof rails, a black grille and satin black 18-inch alloy wheels along with gloss-black touches on the mirrors, door handles and sports bar. 

Mazda also adds a tub liner, gloss-black wheelarch flares and a manual roller tonneau cover. The interior is trimmed in a combination of driftwood leather and black synthetic suede upholstery.

Sitting at the top of the tree is the BT-50 Thunder which ticks just about every accessory option on the list to enhance its off-road capability and provide a tougher appearance.

At the front, a single-hoop bullbar has been fitted with an integrated light bar, along with black 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in chunky tyres,  housed within widened wheelarch flares.

Mazda also includes a sports bar, an electric roller tonneau cover and an underbody bash plate for good measure.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed for the 2022 BT-50 range but we expect those details to be released closer to the new year.