New Mazda BT-50 coming soon
Previewed last year, Mazda’s new BT-50 ute is on the verge of being released locally. Australia is the biggest market for the BT-50 globally, with the 2025 version marking the fourth upgrade of the all-new platform that was released in 2020. According to Mazda, it’s also the most comprehensive upgrade.
The MY25 BT-50 progresses Mazda’s signature ‘Kodo – soul of motion’ design to introduce a tougher look and stance, with the most obvious changes being at the front. Unique LED headlamps are framed by a new grille and bumper. The bumper also features an ‘air curtain’ to increase aerodynamic efficiency and improve real-world fuel use.
At the rear, the tailgate now integrates a ridged design along the bottom edge, with new LED tail lights and exclusive new alloy wheel designs also part of the MY25 update.
Inside, the changes are more comprehensive, led by a completely new infotainment system, presented within a central interface that now integrates switches below the touchscreen. Audio volume and tuning dials are included either side of the screen, which measures up to 9.0 inches across, depending on model grade.
The driver gets a new Multi-Information Display (MID) of up to 7.0 inches, with added content for enhanced connectivity. This digital instrument display is customisable and works with the central touchscreen to display useful and relevant information.
As well as easy access to ADAS driver assistance settings, the centre display now also shows information previously contained in the MID – like real-time vehicle steering and tilt angles, TPMS status, drive mode/diff lock status and Rough Terrain Mode – for a more detailed overview when on the move.
USB-C sockets have been introduced, along with wireless Android Auto to join the existing wireless Apple CarPlay. Another useful addition is a USB port located close to the rearview mirror that allows for quick and easy connection of dash cams.
Subtle material updates feature on the door trims, centre console lid and mid-dash trim, notably a move from brown to black leather (dependent on grade). For the flagship BT-50 grades, there’s a new option of leather seat trim finished in black and terracotta Maztex with synthetic suede. This option adds embroidered ‘BT-50’ identification to the front seat headrests and complements the new Red Earth metallic hero paint – a colour that’s exclusive to the BT-50. Other new paint colours are Geode White pearl and Sailing Blue metallic, bringing the total BT-50 colour palette for 2025 to seven.
A new range of Mazda Genuine Accessories has also been developed, tailored for Australian conditions by the local team in collaboration with trusted supplier partners to suit the BT-50.
On the safety front, Mazda’s advanced driver assistance systems have been comprehensively upgraded for the new BT-50, starting with new front stereo cameras that double the vehicle’s field of view, while the digital rear camera now has a hydrophobic coating to keep it cleaner. In concert with this, dynamic guidelines have been added to the touchscreen display to assist with parking.
Traffic Jam Assist is another new feature, as is Rear Cross Traffic Brake and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, which uses an enhanced Traffic Sign Recognition system to set vehicle speed. The AEB system adds motorcycle detection and pedestrian detection at intersections, while Emergency Lane Keeping is now capable of detecting road edges without line markings.
Commenting on the new Mazda BT-50, Vinesh Bhindi, Managing Director of Mazda Australia, said: “Forming an integral part of our Mazda model range here in Australia, the BT-50 has set the tone as a versatile, ready-for-anything vehicle that suits a variety of customer needs, whether it’s a trusty work companion or an enabler for life’s passions.
“For 2025, this impactful new design has matured our much-loved ute to be an even more compelling choice regardless of the task in hand.”
Full specification, model grades and pricing for the new BT-50 will be revealed soon, ahead of the local launch in late Q1, 2025.
