The upgraded Mazda BT-50 line-up of pick-ups is now on sale in the UK. Mazda have also introduced a new range-topping ‘Intrepid’ model with a 3 litre, 156ps turbo diesel engine, five-speed automatic transmission and leather interior.
All upgraded models inherit the athletic looks of the previous model, while incorporating a further touch of brawny truck toughness into the exterior design. Combined with a broader range of exterior colours, the refreshed appearance conveys rugged reliability and an even stronger on-road presence.
All upgraded Mazda BT-50 models feature a new bonnet and grille, revised headlamps and a new front bumper design. The side-view of the upgraded Mazda BT-50 is also bolder and simpler, with Double Cab models featuring body-coloured flared wheelarches. A new, 16-inch, deep-recess alloy wheel design is standard on Double Cab TS2 and Intrepid models.
The upgraded Mazda BT-50 continues to deliver excellent off-road performance, with highly competitive approach, departure, breakover and tilt angles. Measuring 5,075mm in overall length, the Mazda BT-50 has a 465mm-high double-walled cargo box and a rear suspension featuring double-acting shock absorbers, enabling the 4x4 models to carry a load of up to 1,219kg.
The upgraded Mazda BT-50 carries over the car-like comfort and ambience that has earned widespread praise in the current model. New fabric designs and materials further improve the interior trim quality to provide class-leading comfort and bring a touch of sporty flair.
It also now features a new auxiliary (AUX) jack at the base of the centre stack to allow users to connect a portable audio player and listen to their favourite music through the vehicle’s audio system with two, four or six speakers – depending on model. The centre stack is now painted all-over silver, giving it a cleaner and deeper appearance.
The five-strong range of upgraded Mazda BT-50 models is priced from £10,830.74 (Commercial Vehicle, on-the-road) for the 4x2 Single Cab and rise to £18,680.96 (CV OTR) for the new range-topping 4x4 Double Cab 3.0 Intrepid model. Currently, a range of customer savings (retail sales only, until 31 December 2008), offers outstanding concessions of up to £1,981 (including VAT), meaning that Mazda BT-50 ownership can begin at only £10,495 (CV OTR), whilst Intrepid is offered at just £16,995 (CV OTR).
Exclusive To The UK - The New 156ps, 3 litre turbo diesel ‘Intrepid’ Model.
Especially for the UK market, a new MZR-CD 3.0 common-rail DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine is now available for the upgraded Mazda BT-50, offering 9% more power and 15% more torque than the 2.5-litre engine available with the rest of the range. The new engine is exclusive to the ‘Intrepid’ model and makes the Mazda BT-50 even more of an ideal companion for a number of lifestyles.
Delivering more power and more torque for even greater towing ability, the 3-litre turbo diesel engine generates a maximum power output of 156ps at 3,200rpm, and immensely exploitable maximum torque of 380Nm at just 1,800rpm. All 4-wheel drive Mazda BT-50s have a class-leading braked towing capacity of 3,000kg.
The new engine is matched to a new five-speed automatic transmission with a higher fifth gear ratio than the other 4-wheel drive models in the range (0.710:1 compared to 0.800:1 and the same final drive ratio of 3.727:1) for quiet economical cruising.
The new Mazda BT-50 4x4 Double Cab 3.0 Intrepid now heads-up the range with luxuries such as full leather trim, air conditioning and an MP3-compatible 6-CD autochanger with auxiliary jack input and six speakers. In addition to the leather trim, exclusive to the model are a stainless steel rear bumper bar and unique B-pillar trims, BT-50 branded scuff plates, a durable load-bed liner and privacy glass to the rear windows. The Intrepid logo features as a bold graphic on the front doors.
Every Mazda BT-50 is provided with a full 3-year, 60,000 mile warranty cover, including Mazda European Assistance, 3-year paintwork warranty and a 6-year anti-perforation warranty for added peace of mind.
All models in the Mazda BT-50 range have a payload in excess of 1,000kg, ensuring their qualification as a commercial vehicle for company car tax purposes. Customers running their Mazda BT-50 as a company vehicle therefore qualify for ‘Benefit-in-Kind’ taxation at a rate of just £3,000, meaning an annual car tax bill for a 20% tax payer of £600, which compares favourably to similarly-specified passenger cars.
For more information on the upgraded Mazda BT-50 line-up call Mazda Darlington on 0800 980 4532 or Mazda Durham on freephone 0800 980 4534.