The New Look 2018 Mazda BT-50 has been launched in Australia (Practical Motoring was unable to attend the local launch but is testing a new BT-50 in the next couple of weeks). The tweaks to the new-look BT-50 are exclusive to Australia and, says Mazda, is the most comprehensive update to the BT-50 since it was launched in 2011.

The BT-50 gets a new bumper that’s been squared off at the outer edges, new fog light surrounds and a larger air intake and skid plate. The grille now carries horizontal lines to create an impression of width. XTR and GT grades will have premium chrome grille fins, paired with a dark grey lower bumper insert, while XT has a satin black grille fins and black bumper insert.


The front-end changes are bolstered by equipment upgrades across the range, which includes the introduction of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all grades – a first for Mazda across any of its vehicles.

The top-spec GT variant has been tweaked to be more competitive, and adds a chrome Sports Bar with integrated high-mounted LED stop light, a heavy-duty tub liner, tailgate central locking to safely secure gear in the tray and a single 12 volt auxiliary socket and light. The XT adds a Reverse Camera and a 7-inch Alpine Infotainment System.


Mazda has pushed out servicing costs on the BT-50 from 10,000km or 12 months, to 15,000km/12 months – servicing costs and projected savings below. Drive-away pricing on all variants is at the bottom. Prices Starting From AUD 28,990.