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1. Overview

Mazda’s new BT-50 utility offers more power and torque, better fuel consumption and more payload capacity; and all this is wrapped in a stylish, athletic exterior and a luxurious interior that offers car-like levels of comfort.

BT-50 replaces Mazda’s venerable B Series, which has sold more than three million vehicles worldwide. BT-50 combines high-performance diesel engines with responsive steering and handling to deliver distinctive Zoom-Zoom driving pleasure that appeals to both those who use a utility much like a passenger car, as well as those who require tough, reliable commercial truck performance.

The new Mazda BT-50 was developed to possess five key values. Its stylish and athletic design aims to express the individual; its craftsmanship aims to deliver functional beauty, build quality and customer delight; driving performance features new powerful yet fuel-efficient diesel engines combined with superb handling; it adopts unique features with utility for a variety of practical purposes, and it also aims to provide safety levels that are top in its class.

Match one of the three available body types - Single Cab, Freestyle Cab and Dual Cab - to new diesel powertrains and the Mazda BT-50 can be tailored to perfectly suit the driver's needs, whether for use in town, an outing in the country, or for business.

The Single Cab body can comfortably seat two or three occupants, and provides a long 2400mm accessory alloy tray providing one of the largest load capacities in its class. At 1410kg the BT-50 Single Cab can haul an additional 30kg over the superseded B Series model.

In two-wheel drive, the Single Cab Chassis is powered by a new MZR-CD 2.5-litre, common-rail, DOHC 16-valve diesel engine that is more refined and fuel efficient than the previous engine, while producing an additional 23 kilowatts of power (now 105kW at 3500rpm) and 59 Newton metres more torque (now 330Nm at 1800rpm).

The 4x2 Single Cab Chassis consumes 8.3L/100km compared with 9.7L/100km (a 14.4 per cent improvement) for the equivalent B Series model according to ADR 81/01 fuel tests. Mated to a new five-speed manual gearbox it can accelerate from 0-100kmh in just 10.4 seconds.

Towing capacity has also improved with the braked capacity increasing significantly from 1800kg to 2250kg.

All other models in the range – 4x4 Single Cabs, Freestyle and Dual Cabs in both 4x2 and 4x4 specification – are powered by a new 3.0-litre common rail, DOHC 16-valve diesel engine that develops 115kW at 3200rpm (up 33kW) and 380Nm at 1800rpm (up 109Nm) on the superseded 2.5-litre diesel engine.

The use of a variable geometry turbocharger and a large intercooler ensure spirited acceleration, while a Variable Swirl Control Valve (VSCV) combined with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system and a high-efficiency EGR cooler ensures both engines meet Euro Stage IV compliance.

Maximum payload has improved over B Series from 1371kg to 1430kg and braked towing capacity has jumped from 1800kg to 2500kg.

Fuel consumption for all 4x4s has improved with five-speed manual models consuming on average 9.2L/100km, down from 10.1L/100km for the B Series. Range-topping Dual Cab SDX 4x4 models are also offered with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The Dual Cab body provides roomy comfort for five occupants, with two in the front and three in the back, making it just right for family use or for moving small work teams between locations.

Featuring the large door opening and easy access of Mazda's unique Freestyle Door System, the Freestyle Cab body accommodates two in the front and two in the back, with the back offering plenty of room for carrying precious belongings. The front doors and rear access panels open from the centre in a design that uses no centre pillar to create an unobstructed opening of a wide 1,500mm.

With sedan-like atmosphere, helped by impressively low NVH levels, the Mazda BT-50's sophisticated interior is enough to make occupants forget they are in a workhorse. With its subdued two-tone colour scheme employing grey as the keynote colour and with silver-finish accents highlighting details, the interior creates a modern, clean ambience that speaks of high quality.

The new instrument panel design features individual highlights common to those used in Mazda passenger cars. Three large meters are each framed by a stylish silver ring that instils a look of greater luxury.

A modular audio unit fits cleanly within the centre stack, and is covered by a silver-faced panel that ties well with the clean look of the cockpit. Both the single disc and six disc systems are MP3 compatible.

A keyless entry system is standard on all models making it easy to lock or unlock the doors (even when both of your hands are encumbered with boxes or bags.)

Safety has also been seriously considered by Mazda in developing the new BT-50. ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution are available on all but the entry Single Cab chassis 4x2 model.

Dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters are standard on all but the farmer focussed Single Cab 4x4 model. In this case the airbags are an option. An airbag compatible bullbar will be offered on all 4x4 models.

Front seatbelt height adjusters are standard on all Dual Cab models.

Two types of 4WD system are available -- manual shift or electric shift -- with each offering easy operation between 4x2 and 4x4 modes and go-anywhere performance.

While carrying over the double wishbone front design and rear leaf springs proven tough and reliable on previous Mazda utilities, the system is refined to offer a smoother, more comfortable ride. Braking has also been upgraded.

All Mazda’s offer great value and the BT-50 range is no exception. Priced from $20,990 with air conditioning and an alloy tray, the Single Cab 4x2 model also includes alloy wheels, CD player, remote locking, variable intermittent wipers, low fuel warning light, engine immobiliser and dual airbags.

The promotional price for the 3.0-litre powered 4x4 version, complete with overfenders and automatic locking remote free wheel hubs, as well as an alloy tray and air conditioning, is $28,990.

Doug Dickson, Mazda Australia’s managing director, said: “BT-50 offers commercial ute buyers a real Zoom-Zoom alternative. It blends tough workhorse credentials with great style, comfort and naturally driving enjoyment”.

Mazda Australia expects to build on the B Series sales success, which with 6269 sales year-to-date October, is enjoying its best year ever. BT-50 is expected to sell about 700 a month with 4x4 sales taking 50 per cent of the volume (up from 45 per cent now).

BT-50 is protected by a two year, unlimited kilometre or three year/100,000km warranty, whichever comes first.

2. At a Glance

Exterior

• All-new exterior design with single-fascia front end integrating the grille, bumper, headlamps and fog lamps (depending on grade)
• Large grille design with wide wing bars and a chrome-plated Mazda logo
• Chrome door handles, side mirrors, tailgate handle, rear badging (depending on model)
• Three cab versions seating two or three (Single Cab), four (Freestyle Cab) or five passengers (Dual Cab)
• A longer body (+ 70 mm), taller door panels (+ 30 mm) and taller cargo box sides (+ 60 mm)

Interior

• New dashboard design with silver-look centre stack
• Larger seats with 43 mm taller seatback bolsters and thicker sides for better side support
• High-elasticity urethane foam material used in the seat cushions for more comfort
• Ventilation system now with two intake ducts for better heating and cooling performance
• Extensive engine and wind noise reduction, combined with more insulation, for lower cabin noise
• New slide-out tray above the glove box robust enough for 10kg
• New floor console storage box with integrated removable ashtray, three cupholders for front passenger and two cupholders for back passengers (depending on grade)
• Power adjustable side mirrors, one-touch driver's power window, power door lock/unlock from the driver’s seat (depending on grade)
• A keyless entry system is standard on all models

Powertrain

• Newly-developed MZR-CD 2.5 and 3.0-litre common-rail turbo diesel with intercooler
• 2.5-litre, common-rail, DOHC 16-valve diesel engine that is more refined and fuel efficient
• It produces an additional 23 kilowatts more power (now 105kW at 3500rpm) and 59 Newton metres more torque (now 330Nm at 1800rpm)
• The Single Cab BT-50 consumes 8.3L/100km compared with 9.7L/100km (a 14.4 per cent improvement) for the equivalent B Series model according to ADR 81/01 fuel tests
• Mated to a new five-speed manual gearbox it can accelerate from 0-100kmh in just 10.4 seconds.
• 4x4 Single Cabs, Freestyle and Dual Cabs in both 4x2 and 4x4 specification – are powered by a new 3.0-litre common rail, DOHC 16-valve diesel engine that develops 115kW at 3200rpm (up 33kW) and 380Nm at 1800rpm (up 109Nm) on the superseded 2.5-litre diesel engine.
• Fuel consumption has been improved with five-speed manual models consuming on average 9.2L/100km, down from 10.1L/100km for the B Series. Range-topping Dual Cab SDX 4x4 models are also offered with a five-speed automatic transmission.
• Maximum payload has improved over B Series from 1371kg to 1430kg and braked towing capacity has jumped from 1800kg to 2500kg.
• Manual five-speed gearbox and 2WD or 2WD/4WD transmission with remote free wheel system
• Limited-slip differential for all 4x4 models
• Larger transfer case for 4WD models that translates higher torque into more traction
• Up to 2,500kg towing capacity (3.0-litre models)

Chassis & Safety

• Overlapped, cross-braced ladder frame with shear-type mounts for strength and rigidity
• Double wishbone front suspension with larger 32 mm diameter dampers for improved ride comfort
• Larger rear dampers and longer leaf springs (+120 mm) for more carrying strength and better damping performance
• Front airbags are optional on Single Cab 4x4 models and standard on the rest of the range
• ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution are available on all but the entry Single Cab chassis 4x2 model.
• Steering components improved for predictable steering regardless of load
• Ventilated front disc brakes with new two-piston callipers (4WD models) that improve high speed braking
• Rear brake drums with a load sensing proportioning valve (LSPV)
• Four-wheel ABS and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) (depending on grade).
• High-efficiency wheel cylinder caps introduced for improved brake feel and pedal performance
• Freestyle Cab with large door reinforcements for superior crash resistance
• Height-adjustable front seatbelts (Dual Cab)
• Child-proof door locks and safety auto-reverse function for driver's power window

3. Design

Stylish and athletic design that expresses individualism

As befits the new-generation utility, the Mazda BT-50 features a complete redesign of the exterior and interior. While the new design inherits the tough expression of its predecessor, it also presents a sporty and athletic look that is more modern and attractive.

Exterior design with an attitude
The body contours are shaped to present a tougher look that brings to mind the muscular appearance of a well-trained athlete. Adding a dynamic flair to the styling is the increased height of the door panels and cargo-box walls. And, bringing a sophisticated sedan-like air to the tough image of the exterior design is the clean, modern look of the character line and tasteful placement of chrome-plated parts.

The BT-50 is the first model in its class to introduce a large one-piece front fascia that integrates the grille and bumper. Contributing a luxurious touch is Mazda's characteristic five-point grille with wide chrome-finished bars through the centre and top, and large chrome-plated Mazda symbol. All 4x4 models are fitted with front and rear overfenders that create a tougher and more stylish expression, while 4x2 Freestyle Cab and Dual Cab models adopt blister fenders with a similar curvature.

Redesigned lamp units adopt a new multi-reflector headlamp and side lamp mounted within a single housing and framed in black for a modern, sporty look. Creating a unified expression at the rear are the new rear combination lamps that adopt the same design motif. A chrome-plated tailgate handle (on high-grade models) combines with the chromed BT-50 badge to highlight the look of true quality at the rear.

The sporty and athletic design concept is continued right to the pavement, with new 15-inch and 16-inch alloy wheel designs adding extra flair to the performance of the Mazda BT-50.

An inviting interior design
The sedan-like atmosphere of the Mazda BT-50's sporty, sophisticated interior is enough to make occupants forget they are in a workhorse. With its subdued two-tone colour scheme employing grey as the keynote colour, and with silver-finish accents highlighting details, the interior creates a modern, clean ambience that speaks of high quality.

The new instrument panel design features individual highlights common to those used in Mazda passenger cars. Three large meters are each framed by a stylish silver ring that instills a look of greater luxury.

A modular audio unit fits cleanly within the centre stack, and is covered by a silver-faced panel that ties well with the clean look of the cockpit.

Seat design that offers the best for your seat
Designed for true driving pleasure, the seats in the Mazda BT-50 offer positive support, a firm hold and comfort that doesn't tire the driver on long trips. The bucket front seats match the BT-50's superb handling, holding occupants of all builds firmly in place during quick steering actions or when driving on rough roads. S-shaped springs, new urethane foam material with high elasticity and a completely new internal design create a better fit that provides the best holding characteristics in the class.

The driver and passenger seats include fore-aft slide adjustment (240mm in Freestyle Cab and Dual Cab; 180mm in Single Cab) and can be reclined up to 68° in 34 steps (in Freestyle Cab and Double Cab). Additionally, the steering wheel provides tilt adjustment.

Single Cab models with bench seats are fitted with a foldout centre armrest. Rear seats for the Dual Cab models increase torso angle from 20° to 23° for greater comfort, and adopt a new integrated headrest design as well as a large, foldout centre armrest.

4. Craftmanship

Delighting users with precision build and functional beauty
The Mazda BT-50 is the first pickup truck to fully implement dedicated craftsmanship as only Mazda could deliver. Based on analysis of survey data, the development team aimed to satisfy the customer's expectations for quality and to deliver the features of greatest interest. Also reflected in the approach to craftsmanship are the three pillars of car building at Mazda -- build quality, functional beauty, and customer delight. The result is an industry-leading level of fine craftsmanship that far surpasses the typical standards of the commercial vehicle market.

Fine fit and finish
Fine assembly precision and use of integrated parts greatly improve fit and finish, as readily seen in the much tighter gap tolerances achieved. For example, the gaps are greatly reduced between the bonnet and headlamp assemblies, between the front bumper and grille, and between the front bumper and fender. Examples within the cabin include the tight gap tolerances between the instrument panel and front door trim.

Single integrated components, such as the integrated front bumper and grille unit and the integrated headlamp unit, replace assemblies comprised of several parts to further contribute to eliminating gaps. In addition, the rear combination lamp design eliminates the use of mounting screws.

Functional beauty for ease and convenience
Mazda follows an ergonomics-based Human-machine interface (HMI) design approach in working diligently to ensure that customers find their cars easy to drive and easy to operate, and that the physical form of components achieve the optimal balance to match their function.

The sedan-like cockpit features a functional instrument panel design with highly visible meters and easy-to-operate controls. The instrument panel material and door trim also feature an improved feel to their surface.

Large side steps designed to blend smoothly with the body make it easier to enter and exit the cabin, while the ribs on the upper surface prevent slipping. The side panels of the cargo box feature new guiding grooves that not only make it easy to secure bench strips, but also add an attractive flair.

Designed to delight daily
With sporty taste and accommodating comfort that makes occupants feel at home, it reminds customers on each outing of the satisfaction and pleasure that comes with owning the BT-50.

At night, indirect illumination from beneath the centre stack creates a relaxing mood. Illumination throughout the cabin and green backlighting used for the audio and ventilation control switches improve visibility while also creating the pleasant, refined atmosphere of a passenger car. Adding to the delight of daily use is the retractable jack-knife style key.

5. Driving Performance

Providing the perfect blend of power, handling and fuel economy
To achieve the dynamic Zoom-Zoom driving performance worthy of Mazda's entry as the new generation pickup, the development team has striven to build a powertrain that delivers greater power, higher efficiency, and a quiet comfortable ride.

Powerful and efficient diesel engines
Newly developed MZR-CD 2.5 and MZR-CD 3.0 direct-injection common-rail turbo diesel engines deliver a fine combination of power, fuel economy, quietness and reliability.

The BT-50 marks the perfect opportunity for Mazda to introduce the 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre versions of its latest common-rail direct-injection diesel engine, tuned to match the performance characteristics and requirements of a pickup truck.

Other than the bore and stroke, thus the total displacement, the two engines share the same components, including the common-rail injection system, the new turbocharger design and other advanced Mazda technologies.

Both displacement versions produce plenty of torque from low speed, and demonstrate a linear curve with high output right to the engine's peak, a tuning consideration made to ensure that drivers enjoy easily controllable torque characteristics.

The 2.5-litre engine produces a maximum power output of 105kW at 3,500rpm and maximum torque output of 330Nm at 1,800rpm.

Fuel consumption is much improved. The Single Cab BT-50 consumes 8.3L/100km compared with 9.7L/100km (a 14.4 per cent improvement) for the equivalent B Series model according to ADR 81/01 fuel tests. Mated to a new five-speed manual gearbox it can accelerate from 0-100kmh in just 10.4 seconds.

The 3.0-litre engine produces a maximum output of 115kW at 3,200rpm and maximum torque output of 380Nm at 1,800rpm, and boasts impressive performance.

The fuel consumption of 4x4 models has been significantly improved with the 3.0-litre five-speed manual variants consuming on average 9.2L/100km, down from 10.1L/100km for the B Series.

In addition to adopting the latest common-rail system with high-pressure fuel injection, both displacement versions feature advanced engine technologies such as a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), double helical intake port design, and powertrain control module (PCM) with a high-performance 32-bit microcomputer.

The variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) employs a variable nozzle design that controls nozzles mounted on the outside of each blade to adjust the speed and volume of exhaust gas flow, ensuring that it consistently strikes the turbine blades at the optimal speed and in the optimal direction. The result is reduced turbo-lag for quick response and torquey low-end performance combined with consistently efficient boost pressure that delivers the power needed for spirited performance at high engine speeds. The mechanism maintains boost pressure, even at low speeds when relatively small amounts of exhaust gas are produced, by reducing the size of the opening for each nozzle to secure adequate velocity of the gases striking the blades.

Conventional VGT designs use only a single connecting pin to secure one side of each nozzle to the shroud assembly, causing the nozzle to angle on its pin as it receives the flow of exhaust gas and make contact with the shroud, which becomes the source of uneven friction. The new BT-50 is the first pickup truck in the world to adopt a VGT design that secures both sides of the nozzle for improved durability and resistance to friction.

Securing the shroud plates that sandwich the nozzles are clearance control pins mounted in three locations, which maintain the right amount of side clearance required by the nozzles to move, maintaining a high level of flow efficiency while also improving durability and reliability.

Adopting this new low-friction nozzle link mechanism, the compact turbine housing design and turbine with low inertial moment improves VGT control response. These technologies come together to realize driving ease at low speeds, positive response and spirited acceleration, as well as greater engine power and torque output.

The direct-injection diesel engine for the BT-50 also sports a larger new intercooler for the turbocharger system, which greatly improves cooling efficiency from the 60 per cent rate of the MZ-DE 2.5 Turbo to 74 per cent for the new MZR-CD 2.5/3.0 engines.

The newly developed diesel engine features a four-cylinder DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) structure with 16 valves, which increases the area of the passageways over the previous SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) 12-valve design for greater intake and exhaust efficiency, as well as improved engine power and torque output.

The change to 16 valves also reduces the size and weight of related parts, which allowed a change to a high-lift design that yet further improves the efficiency of intake and exhaust handling. The cam's swing arm followers are also changed to a roller type, reducing resistance where they touch the cam, contributing to a reduction in mechanical loss, and improving fuel economy.

From an eco-friendly perspective, the MZR-CD engine employs an EGR system, which recirculates some of the engine's exhaust gas to lower the temperature of combustion and suppress nitrogen oxide emissions. To achieve yet cleaner emissions with these newly developed engines, the EGR used is matched from one of two types to the body type and destination market, and satisfies the emissions regulations in each country.

The fine control over combustion also suppresses the knocking characteristically associated with diesel engines for quieter operation. Improved combustion tuning combines with the use of dual counter-rotating balance shafts and other mechanical changes to help suppress noise and vibration.

Particular attention went to greatly improving the performance of the cooling system for the BT-50, as befits the engine of a utility that must perform equally well over a range of severe conditions that includes blazing heat, freezing cold, high altitudes and rough surfaces.

The new MZR-CD 2.5 and MZR-CD 3.0 engines have also reduced engine noise by 1.5dB over the previous B Series, and produce an engine note that is clearly quieter and more pleasing to the ear than many of the competing models.

Transmissions built to handle the long haul
The Mazda BT-50 is offered with a five speed manual or five speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, both tuned to optimally match the high performance of the engines and draw out the full pleasure of Zoom-Zoom driving performance, while also contributing to greater fuel economy.

The BT-50 models are fitted with a new five speed manual transmission that raises torque transmission capacity to support the greater power and torque produced. 1st and 2nd gears use triple-cone synchronizers as part of a multi-syncro package that delivers a pleasing feel to shift operations, while a new device known as a dual-mass flywheel is employed by the clutch system to suppress gear noise for a quieter, more comfortable ride.

The electronically controlled close-ratio five-speed automatic transmission offered on 4x4 Dual Cab SDX models features smooth shifting and outstanding fuel economy at highway speeds.

Advanced four-wheel-drive systems
Two types of 4WD system are available -- manual shift or electric shift -- with each offering easy shift operation between 2WD and 4WD modes and go-anywhere performance.

Manual transmission models come with the manual 4WD transfer case shift lever, which allows quick selection from 2WD (2H) to 4WD High (4H), 4WD Low (4L) and neutral (N) drive modes. All manual 4WD models include remote free wheel hub lock mechanisms as standard equipment.

Automatic Dual Cab SDX models come with the electric shift 4WD system, which offers smooth "on-the-fly" shifting out of 2WD mode into either 4WD High or 4WD Low drive modes.

4x4 models employ a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) at the rear wheels, which automatically adjusts drive power to maintain traction, even when one wheel wants to spin loosely in the mud or on rough surfaces with large potholes. They are also fitted with a large underbody protector and mesh barrier guard to protect the intercooler.

To deliver responsive steering and handling that amplifies the pleasure of driving and supports true Zoom-Zoom driving performance along with sedan-like quietness and ride comfort, the Mazda BT-50 adopts the popular chassis and body from the previous model while adding several new improvements.

Refined suspension system for comfort and a controlled ride
While carrying over the double wishbone front design and rear leaf springs proven tough and reliable on previous Mazda pickup trucks, the system is refined to offer a smoother, more comfortable ride.

Larger shock absorbers on the front and rear with a 32mm shaft diameter greatly improve ride comfort as well as the feel of system rigidity. Extending the rear suspension's leaf springs to 1,320mm not only makes them the longest in the class, but more importantly provides ride comfort with a mild, reassuring feeling.

Smooth, responsive steering
Steering has been optimised and completely retuned to provide predictable control under all load conditions. Mazda BT-50’s steering shaft, links, hydraulic power assist valves and the coupling joint that links the gearbox to the steering shaft are all optimised for better overall steering performance and a larger ball joint introduced for added rigidity. The result is improved road feedback and predictable steering wherever the road may take you.

Braking power that's easy to control
While inheriting the ventilated front disc and leading/trailing rear drum brake layout of the previous model's brake system, improvements made improve the feel of brake pedal operation while fully maintaining the level of brake effectiveness. For instance, the caps for the wheel cylinders were changed to high-efficiency parts employing a tight rubber construction, and which increase their rigidity.

This suppresses unwanted play in the brake pedal, and gives pedal operation a solid feel throughout its stroke and particularly when first starting to press the pedal.

The lever ratio is also reduced, improving brake stroke by roughly 10 per cent over the brake system on the previous B Series.

The fluid passageways for the LSPV were changed and the bypass pipe eliminated, shortening the length and reducing the amount of fluid used to reduce the amount of play in the brake pedal.

Combined, the above changes and revisions give the BT-50 top-class brake feeling with a confident feel from the instant the pedal is pressed and throughout its stroke, and with plenty of braking power.

Body built for toughness and a quiet ride
The Mazda BT-50 inherits the unique overlapped, cross-braced design of Mazda's traditional rugged ladder frame, providing the tough durability to perform well fully laden off the road and under harsh conditions.

Improved performance of window seals and a change to a closed-section design for the weather stripping helps prevent wind noise from entering the cabin when driving at highway speeds.

Aerodynamic performance that denies its utility roots
Despite the larger size of the new body, the BT-50 achieves a low drag coefficient that improves fuel economy and acceleration when passing at highway speeds, while also reducing wind noise.

A new chin spoiler integrated into the front bumper improves front/rear lift balance and the grip of the front tyres for better line-tracing ability at highway speed, improved straight-line stability, and a great reduction in the amount of lateral pull felt when passing large vehicles. In addition, redesigned front pillars and door mirrors contribute to achieving class-leading aerodynamic efficiency.

6. Ease of Use

Unique features provide versatile utility for every occasion
Versatile utility and unique features designed for maximum ease of use make the Mazda BT-50 a highly reliable partner for work or private use.

Making cabin access easy
A major feature of the Mazda BT-50 is its intelligent approach to making cabin access as effortless as possible.

Freestyle Cab models adopt Mazda's unique Freestyle Door System to maximize the ease of ingress/egress to and from the rear of the cabin, as well as the loading and unloading of cargo. The front doors and rear access panels open from the centre in a design that uses no centre pillar to create an unobstructed opening of a broad 1,500mm in width.

Large side steps on the 4WD versions of Dual Cab or Freestyle Cab models feature a ribbed finish on the top surface that prevents slipping for a solid foothold

The standard keyless entry system makes it easy to lock or unlock the doors, even with your hands full.

Storage spaces that provide flexible convenience
As befits the new sports pickup built to satisfy a wide range of business and family applications, the Mazda BT-50 sports a variety of convenient storage spaces dispersed throughout the cabin for stowing and organising small items.

A large new slide-out tray mounted on the passenger side of the instrument panel can serve as a handy table when parked for a rest, or as a stand a clipboard can be leaned against for easy viewing, and with space enough to accommodate items such as CD discs or the owner's manual.

The front of the new integrated floor console unit hosts a pair of cupholders along with a handy storage compartment, while the rear adopts a large armrest on the top of the console lid that opens to reveal a 1.7-litre upper box and 5.09-litre lower box in a double-decker layout. Dual Cab models also include a pair of cupholders at the back of the console for the rear seat passengers.

The door trim inside each front door houses a cupholder and large door pocket. Freestyle Cab models also include pockets on each of the rear access panels that are large enough to accommodate a 500ml beverage bottle.

Convenient features for a more satisfying driving experience
Placing themselves in the customer's shoes throughout the project, the Mazda BT-50 development team fitted the cabin with a variety of the same convenient features found in passenger cars.

For starters, the Mazda BT-50 offers the latest in advanced audio systems. The base configuration of the new modular system includes an AM/FM radio with either an MP3-compatible CD player or on SDX Freestyle or Dual Cab models the new MP3-compatible in-dash 6-disc CD changer and the richer sound of a six speaker system.

A low fuel warning light and variable intermittent wipers have also been added.

Refinements to the full air mix climate-control system greatly reduce fan noise while also increasing air flow when the optional air conditioner is operating, a combination that realizes a more comfortable cabin environment.

A 12V DC accessory socket serves as a convenient power source for recharging a cellular phone or running a laptop computer. Power door mirrors can be adjusted or stowed via a remote switch, while the power window switch on the driver's side features one-touch operation to raise or lower the windows. The fuel lid opener makes it possible to refuel without leaving the cabin.

An engine immobiliser system is standard.

Cargo box designed for optimum usability and practicality
As a one-tonne truck intended for a wide variety of applications, special attention was given to ensuring that the Mazda BT-50 delivers excellent load characteristics.

The cargo box for all body types is 60mm deeper than the box on the previous B Series, a practical new design that not only increases efficiency for business use, but also expands the possibilities for leisure and family purposes.

The inner walls feature a new design that makes it possible to arrange the space within the cargo box to suit most any task. Grooves (shelf brackets) that run parallel to the floor about halfway up each wall can accommodate crosspieces. Rope hooks on both inner walls are placed closer to the floor where they make it easier to firmly secure a load. A strong bar and the rope hooks mounted along the outside of the cargo box walls can be used to firmly secure larger loads. A single-action tailgate lever makes opening and closing the tailgate sure and quick.

Some models are equipped with retractable load rest stoppers, which can be raised to firmly secure ladders or other long items, and conveniently folded out of the way when not in use.

At 1410kg the BT-50 Single Cab can haul an additional 30kg over the superseded B Series model. Towing capacity has also improved with the braked capacity increasing significantly from 1800kg to 2250kg.

Maximum payload for the 3.0-litre powered 4x4 models has improved over the B Series from 1371kg to 1430kg and braked towing capacity has jumped from 1800kg to 2500kg.

7. Safety

Every measure taken to make Mazda BT-50 a safe bet
The Mazda BT-50 delivers to customers the full pleasure of Zoom-Zoom driving experience with true peace of mind by offering the highest level of safety among pickup trucks.

Active safety to help avoid potential danger
The Mazda BT-50 combines positive visibility with responsive handling and sure braking for avoid dangerous situations to achieve impressive active safety performance.

Large door mirrors expand the field of view towards the rear of the vehicle, and their aerodynamically efficient design helps ensure clear visibility when driving in the rain by suppressing the amount of moisture that adheres to the mirror's surface. The 60mm height increase of the cargo box's walls brings the tail of the cargo box into view through the rear window of Dual Cab models, as well as in the rear mirror, allowing the driver to easily confirm where the rear of the body lies. High-grade 4x4 models include fog lamps as standard equipment. Models not fitted with load rests sport high mount stop lamps on the back of the cab, which clearly and quickly notify following vehicles when braking or stopping.

The Mazda BT-50 can also be equipped with 4W-ABS and EBD systems, which help keep the vehicle under control at all times, regardless of the road or load conditions.

Passive safety for reassuring occupant protection
Passive safety measures intended to protect occupants from injury in the event of a collision achieve a high level of safety performance that satisfies the strictest standards in each market.

The highly rigid ladder frame, highly rigid cabin and doors with built-in impact bars combine to satisfy the strict European collision-safety standards. The Freestyle Cab satisfies European collision-safety standards despite its wide, easy-access doorway that is free of central pillars.

In addition to dual front airbags are available across the range. On models equipped with airbags, each front seatbelt adopts a pretensioner and load limiter.

Height adjusters newly added to the shoulder anchors on Dual Cab models help set the seatbelt in optimal position for a wider variety of body types and builds.

8. Price

The commercial utility market offers a variety of pricing options from fleet to government, promotional and business deals. We have included the present promotional pricing on key models. The recommended retail pricing has been included as a guide only.

Pricing correct at 1 December 2006.

Promotional

4x2	2.5L	Single Cab Chassis 5MT with Tray & Air-con	$20,990
4x4	3.0L	Single Cab Chassis 5MT with Tray, Air-con	$28,990
4X4	3.0L	Dual Cab Utility 5MT with Canopy, Air-con	$35,990

Recommended retail

4x2	2.5L	Single Cab Chassis w/bench seat	5MT	DX	$23,255
		Single Cab Chassis w/bucket seat	5MT	DX	$23,480
4x2	3.0L	Freestyle Cab Chassis	5MT	DX+	$30,850
		Freestyle Cab Utility	5MT	DX+	$32,220
		Dual Cab Utility	5MT	DX	$33,020
4x4	3.0L	Single Cab Chassis w/bench seat	5MT	DX	$31,975
		Single Cab Chassis w/bucket seat	5MT	DX	$32,200
		Freestyle Cab Chassis	5MT	DX+	$36,980
		Freestyle Cab Utility	5MT	DX+	$38,350
		Freestyle Cab Utility	5MT	SDX	$42,750
		Dual Cab Utility	5MT	DX	$39,150
		Dual Cab Utility	5MT	SDX	$43,550
		Dual Cab Utility	5AT	SDX	$45,550