Mazda has launched a new, Australian exclusive dual-cab Ute, the BT-50 Thunder.

Created to suit Australia’s unique market demands, the Thunder features a single-hoop steel bull bar, a Lightforce dual-row LED lightbar, 18-inch black allow wheels, wider fender flares and side steps. It also includes a “premium sports bar” and advanced electric roller tonneau, which securely covers a tub liner.

Unchanged from the wider BT-50 range, the Thunder is powered by a turbo-charged 3.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. As dual range 4×4 system is fitted as standard, with switchable locking rear differential for further improved traction. Combined claimed fuel economy ratings for the Thunder sit at 7.7L/100km for six-speed manual transmission, or 8.0L/100km for automatic.

A full list of specifications can be found below.

Set to storm dealerships in April 2021, the Thunder adds an array of off-road and lifestyle-focused parts designed by Mazda Australia’s engineering team, with pricing at launch to start from $65,990 drive-away with a six-speed manual, or $68,900 drive-away in automatic form.

The recommended retail price sits at $65,990 (plus on-road costs for manual BT-50 Thunder, or $68,990 for automatic. Both figures represent increases of $9,000 in comparison to respective variants of the standard GT – however, Mazda claims that $13,000 value of additional equipment has been added.

The BT-50 Thunder will be available in a wide variety of colours, including Ice White, True Black Mica, Ingot Silver Metallic, Concrete Grey Mica, Gun Blue Mica, Rock Grey Mica and Red Volcano Mica.

“We have been extremely pleased with how the Brand-New Mazda BT-50 has been received by our dealer partners, customers and media since its mid-2020 launch,” said Vinesh Bhindi, Managing Director at Mazda Australia.

“The range-topping, uniquely-Australian BT-50 Thunder makes a strong statement with a bold and assertive aesthetic, while retaining the high level of specification and safety attributes expected of a Brand-New BT-50 model.”

Specifications

• Power-adjustable chrome exterior mirrors with power folding and heating functions
• Brown leather upholstery
• Driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustment
• Heated front seats
• Remote engine start (automatic transmission)
• Front parking sensors
• LED Headlamps with auto levelling
• LED front fog lamps
• LED signature daytime running lamps
• Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning with rear vents
• Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob
• Auto-dimming interior mirror
• Rear seat with centre armrest
• 9-inch full-colour infotainment touchscreen
• Satellite navigation
• Advanced keyless entry
• Power windows
• Carpeted floors
• Cruise Control (manual transmission)
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go (automatic transmission)
• Apple CarPlay® (wireless and USB) and Android™ Auto (USB)
• Bluetooth® hands-free telephone and audio capability
• DAB+ digital radio
• Reverse camera
• Rear-seat USB charging point
• Airbags SRS (driver, front passenger, side, curtain, driver’s knee and driver’s far-side)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Attention Assist
• Automatic High Beam (AHB)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) – Overtaking
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC)
• Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
• Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) (automatic transmission only)
• Locking Rear Differential (LRD) – switchable on/off
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Roll Over Protection (ROP)
• Secondary Collision Reduction
• Speed Assist System
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Turn Assist

Source: Mazda Australia | Uniquely Australian Mazda BT-50 Thunder set to storm dealerships in April

29 March 2021