Update for the Australian Market
The Australian lineup of Mazda BT-50 pickups has been updated with a new powertrain. The new 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine has replaced the old 1.9-liter unit, providing more power, improved fuel economy, and significantly increased towing capabilities.
Engine Origin and Distribution
This engine was first introduced last year in Thailand for the Isuzu D-Max pickup and MU-X SUV, with which the Mazda BT-50 shares a platform. It later became available for the Thai version of the Mazda BT-50. Currently, all three models with this engine have already arrived on the Australian market.
Improved Technical Specifications
The new 2.2-liter diesel engine develops 161 hp (120 kW) and 400 Nm of torque, which is 13 hp and 50 Nm more than the previous 1.9-liter version. The unit is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, and the drive can be rear-wheel or all-wheel depending on the modification.
According to Mazda representatives, the new powertrain reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 l/100 km and lowers CO2 emissions by up to 17 g/km. However, for the base Single Cab Chassis XS version, the savings are only 0.1 l/100 km and 1 g/km of CO2 compared to the previous configuration.
For those who need more power, the flagship 3.0-liter diesel engine with 187 hp (140 kW) and 450 Nm of torque remains available.
This version received a new Idle Stop system, which reduces fuel consumption by 0.2-0.9 l/100 km. Regardless of the chosen powertrain, all BT-50 variants now have a maximum towing capacity of 3500 kg, which meets the standards of the midsize pickup segment.
Base Trim for Work
In Australia, the 2.2-liter diesel engine is available exclusively for the base XS trim of the BT-50 model. Buyers can choose between Single Cab Chassis, Dual Cab Chassis, and Dual Cab Pickup body types. Chassis models are equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, while the pickup gets alloy wheels.
Standard equipment includes LED headlights, an 8-inch multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function. This is a fairly solid set for a work vehicle, although it cannot compete with the equipment of the significantly more expensive flagship SP trim.
Deliveries of the updated BT-50 lineup will begin in October. Models with the 2.2-liter engine will cost 1,500 Australian dollars (1,000 US dollars) more than the previous versions with the 1.9-liter engine, but still 2,500 Australian dollars (1,600 US dollars) cheaper than equivalent versions with the 3.0-liter diesel.
Pricing Policy
| Mazda BT-50 2.2-liter diesel | Price |
| Single Cab Chassis XS 4×2 | 37,900 Australian dollars |
| Dual Cab Pickup XS 4×2 | 46,710 Australian dollars |
| Dual Cab Chassis XS 4×4 | 53,120 Australian dollars |
| Dual Cab Pickup XS 4×4 | 54,720 Australian dollars |
Competition from Isuzu
Isuzu has also added the 2.2-liter engine to its Australian versions of the D-Max pickup and MU-X SUV. Their prices are approximately 2,000 Australian dollars (1,300 US dollars) lower than equivalent versions with the 3.0-liter engine. The Isuzu D-Max is slightly cheaper than its Mazda twin and is available in higher trims, such as the X-Rider.
| Isuzu D-Max 2.2-liter diesel | Price |
| Single Cab Chassis SX 4×2 | 36,200 Australian dollars |
| Crew Cab Chassis SX 4×2 | 42,700 Australian dollars |
| Crew Ute SX 4×2 | 44,200 Australian dollars |
| Crew Cab Chassis SX 4×4 | 50,700 Australian dollars |
| Crew Ute SX 4×4 | 52,200 Australian dollars |
| Crew Ute LSM X-Rider 4×4 | 59,500 Australian dollars |
The appearance of the new engine in both models demonstrates the partnership strategy between Mazda and Isuzu, aimed at optimizing costs and improving competitive positions in the commercial vehicle market. It also indicates that manufacturers continue to refine traditional diesel technologies, despite the general trend towards electrification of the automotive market. For Australian buyers, this means a wider choice of reliable and economical work vehicles.