New Mazda BT-50 2021 specs detailed: Isuzu D-Max twin to launch as dual-cab ute with Toyota HiLux-beating safety

Mazda Australia has announced full specification details for the new-generation BT-50 ute, which will launch in October with dual-cab variants ahead of additional body-styles at a later date.

While pricing is still unknown, the BT-50’s launch range features three grades, with the entry-level XT (4x2 and 4x4) available in cab-chassis and pick-up configurations, while the mid-range XTR (4x2 and 4x4) and flagship GT (4x4) are only offered in the latter.

A 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine is standard range-wide, with it producing 140kW of power at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque from 1600-2600rpm, and mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque-converter automatic. Of note, the former isn’t available in 4x2 dual-cab pick-ups.

Fuel consumption on the combined-cycle test (ADR 81/02) is 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres for the automatic-only 4x2 dual-cab pick-up and manual 4x4 dual-cab pick-up, while the automatic 4x2 dual-cab chassis and automatic 4x4 dual-cab pick-up manage 8.0L/100km.

Even though they’re confirmed, the manual 4x2 dual-cab chassis and manual and automatic 4x4 dual-cab chassis variants are yet to stake their claims.

Standard equipment in the XT includes a rear differential lock (4x4), LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable side mirrors, a 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto support, Bluetooth connectivity, digital radio, a rear USB port and black cloth upholstery.

Advanced driver-assist safety systems extend to autonomous emergency braking with intersection assist, lane departure warning (manual), lane-keep assist (automatic), emergency assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, cruise control (manual), adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality (automatic), speed sign recognition, high-beam assist, driver attention alert, hill-start assist, hill-descent control and a reversing camera.

The XTR adds LED daytime running lights and foglights, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding side mirrors, side steps, keyless entry, a 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control (with rear air vents), a leather-trimmed gear selector, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rear centre armrest.

Meanwhile, the GT also picks up remote engine start (automatic), chrome-trimmed side mirrors with heating, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, brown leather upholstery and front parking sensors.

For reference, the Isuzu D-Max twin’s braked towing capacity is 3500kg, while unbraked is 750kg. Maximum wading depth is 800mm, while ground clearance is 235mm (cab chassis) or 240mm (pick-up).

Maximum payload ranges from 1055kg to 1106kg for the dual-cab variants, which have varying approach (29.6 to 30.4 degrees), departure (23.9 to 25.3) and break-over (23.3 to 23.9) angles.

As reported, single- and extra-cab variants of the Toyota HiLux rival are on the way, with the former to be only offered in the cab-chassis configuration, while the latter will also be available as a pick-up.