New Mazda BT-50 – South African pricing and specifications

Mazda has launched its new BT-50 bakkie in South Africa, at a starting price of R611,900.

The new BT-50 has undergone a complete interior and exterior overhaul, with design elements from the brand’s popular SUVs making their way onto this bakkie.

This BT-50 is also slightly smaller than the outgoing model, and features less-powerful engines for both the entry-level and top-end specifications.

Standard features

The new Mazda BT-50 offers a much-improved cabin compared to the previous generation, with the cabin’s design and features finding inspiration from Mazda SUVs.

In the entry-level Active trim, standard equipment comprises:

• Six speakers
• Keyless entry
• Reverse camera
• Rear parking sensors
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic cruise control
• LED headlights with DRL
• All-round electric windows
• 7-inch infotainment system
• Multifunction steering wheel
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Six-way power-adjustable driver seat
• Manual air conditioning with rear-seat vents

The more expensive Dynamic trim will see rain-sensing wipers, an upgraded infotainment system, eight speakers, climate control, leather design elements, 18-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, and a more powerful engine fitted.

The range-topping Individual specification then gets four-wheel drive and an exclusive front axle to set it apart.

In addition to a 5-star Australasian NCAP safety rating, the BT-50 range boasts a high level of standard safety and assistance programmes.

This includes ABS, automatic door locking, traction control, trailer sway mitigation, roll-over mitigation, hill descent control, a tailgate lock, and seven airbags.

Engines

The Mazda BT-50 Active is driven by a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine generating 110kW and 350Nm.

This engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to the rear wheels via a locking rear differential.

This achieves a combined fuel consumption of 6.6l/100km and a maximum braked towing capacity of 2,100kg.

The pricier Dynamic and Individual trims are powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers 140kW and 450Nm – paired with a six-speed automatic transmission only.

Combined fuel consumption for this set-up comes in at 8.0l/100km, alongside a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500kg.

Price

The South African model line-up for the new Mazda BT-50 is as follows:

• Mazda BT-50 1.9TD Active 6MT 4×2 – R611,900
• Mazda BT-50 1.9TD Active 6AT 4×2 – R647,900
• Mazda BT-50 3.0TD Dynamic 6AT 4×2 – R759,400
• Mazda BT-50 3.0TD Individual 6AT 4×4 – R794,400

Each purchase includes a 3-year/100,000km warranty, service plan, and roadside assistance.