Willowvale Motor Industry acting Managing Director Dzi Matanhire unveiled the 2021 Mazda BT-50 for the Zimbabwean market during a Livestream this past week.
The all-new Mazda BT-50 is the first new BT50 platform for about a decade. The Isuzu sourced chassis has actually been available as a 2020 model in South Africa but is just breaking cover locally.
Drivetrain Options
Being an Isuzu OEM chassis the 2021 BT-50 is powered by one of two D-Max sourced engines. A 1.9L diesel providing 110kW at 3600rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1800-2600rpm. A larger 3.0L diesel engine is also available giving the BT50 a peak power output of 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1600 and 2600rpm.
Both engines can be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6 speed automatic. Either of which can be paired to a 4×4 or 4×2 drivetrain. With such variety available to spec; consumers should have no problems finding the BT-50 to suit their needs.
With a fuel tank capacity of 76L owners can expect claimed consumption of 6.6L/100km for the 1.9D and 8L/100km for the 3.0D. On the highway, this could amount to a range in excess of 900km in ideal conditions.
The Interior
The interior of the BT-50 also receives some much-needed upgrades. A modern 9-inch infotainment system with touchscreen, Bluetooth and USB is standard; an 8 speaker surround sound system will keep driver and passengers immersed in audio pleasure. The instrument panel consists of a digital display flanked analogue dials to keep the driver aware of the truck’s vitals.
The bakkie’s seating is available in either leather or cloth to suit your needs. Cabin storage has also been increased to accommodate larger water bottles for those trips off the beaten track.
The Exterior
The latest model wears the current Mazda family face to bring it more in line with the rest of the range with sleek LED high and low beam headlights. This gives it a fairly rugged albeit agile appearance with its flowing Kodo – Soul of Motion design language and in my opinion, seems to suit the bakkie better than on the CX-5 for instance. Compared to Nissans and Toyota’s in this segment, the BT-50 should stand out in the parking lot. The BT-50 sits on rugged-looking 18inch wheels at each corner.
Safety
Mazda has also made sure to improve upon the safety of the BT-50. Features vary depending on the mode but along with the usual complement of airbags; the BT-50 range also offers features such as Autonomous Emergency Brake, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind-spot Monitor, parking aid and Hill Descent Control. Auto headlights and auto wipers also come standard as mod cons.
Pricing
The 2021 Mazda BT-50 is available as a single cab with recommended retail prices starting at US$32 200 for a 4×2 1.9D model and double-cab 4×4 bakkies with a recommended starting price of US$47 300. Top of the range 3 litre diesel 4×4 double cabs are expected to be north of US$60 000.
Check out a recording of the Livestream below and some video of the BT-50 in action around Donnybrook.
