Mazda BT-50 gets second facelift in Australia – Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, from RM86k

Mazda BT-50 gets second facelift in Australia – Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, from RM86k

It what appears to be the last hurrah for the current Mazda BT-50, a second facelift for the pick-up truck has just been introduced. Developed specifically by Mazda’s Australian division for sale Down Under, the new model features a tougher look and an increase in kit.

On the outside, the nip and tuck consists of a revised front fascia that provides the BT-50 with a “lower visual centre of gravity,” featuring squared-off corners, angular fog light surrounds and a trapezoidal centre air intake with an integrated skid plate and a three-dimensional insert.

Also fitted is a new grille with twin louvres, as seen on the latest CX-9 SUV. Higher-end XTR and GT models receive chrome grille louvres and a dark grey bumper insert, while the base XT makes do with a satin black grille and a black bumper insert.

Mazda BT-50 gets second facelift in Australia – Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, from RM86k

On the inside, the BT-50 features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the range. No, Mazda Australia has not found a way to shoehorn the next-generation MZD Connect infotainment system into its Ford Ranger-based offering, but has instead fitted the truck with an Alpine double-DIN head unit with a seven-inch touchscreen, which has those features.

Interestingly, this makes the Australian BT-50 the only Mazda in the world currently sold with both smartphone integration technologies, beating the US-market 2018 Mazda 6 to market. A reverse camera will also become standard-fit, while the GT model adds a chrome sports bar with an integrated LED brake light, a heavy-duty bed liner, tailgate central locking and a 12-volt auxiliary power socket and a lamp in the bed.

Mazda has also increased the service interval on the BT-50 from 10,000 km/12 months to 15,000 km/12 months, which the company says would result in savings of more than AU$850 (RM2,500) over five years. With the average real-world BT-50 mileage of 25,000 km per year taken to account, this jumps to AU$1,920 (RM5,700) over the same period. Pricing of the new-look Mazda BT-50 starts at AU$28,990 (RM86,000).

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Richard Tido on May 03, 2018 at 6:35 pm

    AUD28k in Australia is kacang puteh. Even McDonalds worker earn about AUD$30 an hour.

    Very affordable car to most Australians. Most Australians don’t even take loan to buy this car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
    • Nick Nack on Dec 03, 2018 at 12:15 pm

      $30 per hour you must be joking more like $10 -$15 per hour for a maccas worker

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • zztop on May 04, 2018 at 1:10 am

    Why this the only pickup in the world that has the tail light on the tail gate?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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