Mazda has strengthened its popular BT-50 ute line-up with the addition of a new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel powertrain, delivering more grunt, better efficiency, and the choice of 4WD.
Replacing the outgoing 1.9-litre engine, the new four-cylinder turbo diesel lifts outputs to 120kW and 400Nm – that’s 10kW and 50Nm more than before. Coupled to a new eight-speed automatic, it not only improves performance but also cuts fuel use by up to 0.7L/100km and trims CO₂ emissions by as much as 17g/km.
Expanded Capability
Previously only offered as a 4×2, the entry-level XS grade can now be had with the 2.2L engine in 4×4 Dual Cab Chassis and Dual Cab Pickup formats. This makes the BT-50 more versatile for buyers who need extra traction without stepping up to the larger 3.0L option.
The Dual Cab Pickup XS also benefits from alloy wheels, while standard kit across the XS range includes LED headlamps, reverse camera, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Efficiency Gains Across the Range
Mazda has also introduced a fuel-saving Idle Stop System on the proven 3.0-litre engine, cutting fuel use by up to 11 per cent in stop-start driving. In addition, XTR and GT 4×4 Dual Cab Chassis grades now come with a factory-fitted towbar for extra convenience.
Pricing and Variants
The refreshed BT-50 line-up continues with five grades – XS, XT, XTR, GT, and SP – and a wide spread of cab and drivetrain configurations.
Key pricing highlights include:
- Single Cab Chassis XS 2.2L 4×2 – from $37,900
- Dual Cab Pickup XS 2.2L 4×2 – from $46,710
- Dual Cab Pickup XS 2.2L 4×4 – from $54,720
- Dual Cab Pickup GT 3.0L 4×4 – from $66,620
- Range-topping Dual Cab Pickup SP 3.0L 4×4 – from $71,950
All models come backed by Mazda’s five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, with a full suite of genuine accessories available to tailor the BT-50 for work or play.
Fleet and Business Buyers
For fleet operators and novated lease customers, the arrival of the 2.2L engine provides a strong balance of performance and running costs. The lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to the outgoing 1.9L make it a compelling option for businesses looking to reduce operating expenses while keeping capability front and centre.
- Distraction is falling—but remains a leading truck crash causeFewer major truck incidents are being attributed to inattention and distraction, but the improvement comes with a warning for fleet operators: losing focus remains the largest individual contributor in the latest NTARC analysis. The 2026 National Truck Accident Research Centre Major Incident Investigation Report found the inattention/distraction incident rate fell to 17.0 per 10,000 NTI-insured heavy vehicles
- ANCAP Puts BYD Sealion 5 Safety Systems to the Test
The BYD Sealion 5 has received a three-star ANCAP safety rating, with testing identifying limitations in crash avoidance and driver monitoring despite stronger results in crash protection. The rating applies to both Essential DM-i and Premium DM-i plug-in hybrid variants sold in Australia and New Zealand, covering vehicles built from August 2025. Assessed against ANCAP’s - Repair or Replace? IAG Calls for a Rethink on Vehicle Design
IAG has joined international motor insurance research institutes in calling for closer collaboration between insurers and vehicle manufacturers to improve road safety and make vehicles easier and more affordable to repair. For fleet managers, the call highlights the importance of looking beyond purchase price and safety features when selecting vehicles. Repairability, parts availability and the - Commercial Vehicle Safety Must Become a Priority
Australia’s improving passenger vehicle safety record is not being matched across commercial vehicles, with new figures highlighting a sharper rise in fatalities involving light and heavy vehicles. ANCAP SAFETY has welcomed the Australian Government’s Mid-term Review of the National Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030, particularly its recognition of the contribution safer vehicles are making to reducing - From incident to fleet redesign: what City of Gold Coast can teach fleet practitioners
A serious workplace incident involving a City of Gold Coast tipper truck provides a powerful example of why fleet safety goes well beyond driver behaviour — and why fleet practitioners have an important role in designing, procuring and managing safer vehicles. The lessons from the incident, and the extensive work undertaken by the City of








