The latest Mazda BT-50 bakkie has arrived in South Africa.

"The all-new Mazda BT-50 is designed to appeal to customers who have an active and demanding lifestyle whether at work or at play," says Doreen Mashinini, Mazda Marketing Manager. "The revolutionary new design combined with increased interior space, longer wheelbase and greater power ensures all the comfort of a passenger car, with the versatility of a pick-up truck."

The all-new Mazda BT-50 combines strong style and design elements with the comfort and convenience of a premium passenger car.

As an active lifestyle vehicle, the all-new BT-50 provides both comfort and utility in a variety of settings. Three body types are available: the double cab, the single cab, and the freestyle cab to suit individual, family or business needs.

All body types are greater in length, width and height than the previous BT-50, providing a roomier cabin to carry colleagues, friends and family, as well as a larger load capacity.

Front headroom as well as shoulder room is even more spacious in the all-new BT-50. The double cab's rear passengers enjoy similar conveniences with regard to headroom and legroom. Seats are newly-designed for fatigue-free driving and comfort, with the front seats offering greater adjustability.

For entertainment, all freestyle cabs (except the 2.2 MZ-CD SLX High Ride 4x2 5 MT Diesel) and double cab derivatives have a radio, MP3-compatible CD player and AUX socket as standard. A Multi Function Display - 3.5-inch monochrome super-twisted nematic (STN) display for SLE models, 2-line display for SLX models (except the 2.2 MZ-CD SLX High Ride 4x2 5 MT Diesel) - is located at the top of the centre stack to confirm audio operations. Control is via a jog pad surrounded by dedicated buttons. High-performance, six-inch door-mounted speakers are tuned for accurate sound staging. For assured comfort, there's a newly-adopted dual-zone automatic air conditioning system.

The all-new engine line-up consists of 2.2- and 3.2-litre diesel derivatives, and a 2.5-litre petrol derivative, mated to five- and six-speed manual transmissions and a six-speed automatic transmission. All 4WD models feature a shift-on-the-fly transfer case.

The in-line four-cylinder 16-valve MZ-CD 2.2 common-rail direct-injection power plant is the mainstay of the engine line-up, and is offered in two power versions. The 88kW version delivers 3700rpm and maximum torque of 285Nm, while the 110kW version delivers 3700rpm and maximum torque of 375Nm.

The MZ-CD 3.2 achieves 147kW at 3000rpm and 470Nm at 1750-2500rpm.  

These diesel engines (except the 88kW MZ-CD 2.2) are married to either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

The MZI 2.5 inline 4-cylinder DOHC petrol engine features a power output of 122kW and has peak torque of 225Nm. This engine and the 88kW MZ-CD 2.2 diesel derivatives are paired with a new five-speed manual transmission.

The Mazda BT-50 incorporates all the safety features you would expect in a fully-loaded passenger vehicle. Active safety begins with good all-round visibility and operability, superior braking performance, and a full range of vehicle control technologies.

Passive safety starts with the strength and rigidity of the cabin, with its multiple, high-tensile steel reinforcements. The frame is optimised to absorb and disperse collision energy. Together, cabin and frame safeguard occupants against impacts from any direction. Passive safety inside the cabin includes front and passenger airbags on all models. There is also a shock-absorbing steering column and crushable brake pedal to further protect the driver.

"Whether it's intended for recreational or business use, the new package offers increased space and versatility with even greater levels of refinement. The revolutionary new styling is sure to attract attention, while the impressive levels of comfort and specification make the Mazda BT-50 a savvy choice," adds Mashinini

The Mazda BT-50 has service intervals stationed 15 000km apart, a four-year or 120 000km comprehensive manufacturer warranty, as well as a five-year or 90 000km service plan. A three-year MazdaMotion roadside assistance plan comes standard with the purchase of any Mazda vehicle.

PRICING:

Single Cab    
Mazda BT-50 2.5 MZI SL LR 5MT 4x2 S/Cab Petrol: R190 330
Mazda BT-50 2.5 MZI SL LR 5MT 4x4 S/Cab Petrol: R228 070
Mazda BT-50 2.2 MZ-CD SL LR 5MT 4x2 S/Cab Diesel: R200 330
Mazda BT-50 2.2 MZ-CD (High Power) SLX 6MT 4x2 S/Cab Diesel: R266 020
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLX 6MT 4x2 S/Cab Diesel: R306 920
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLX 6MT 4x4 S/Cab Diesel: R354 200

Freestyle Cab    
Mazda BT-50 2.2 MZ-CD SLX 5MT 4x2 F/Cab Diesel: R231 950
Mazda BT-50 2.2 (High Power) MZ-CD SLX 6MT 4x2 F/Cab Diesel: R286 420
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6MT 4x2 F/Cab Diesel: R351 650
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6AT 4x2 F/Cab Diesel: R362 970
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6MT 4x4 F/Cab Diesel:R 398 970

Double Cab    
Mazda BT-50 2.2 (High Power) MZ-CD SLX 6MT 4x2 D/Cab Diesel: R340 480
Mazda BT-50 2.2 (High Power) MZ-CD SLE 6MT 4x2 D/Cab Diesel: R372 760
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6MT 4x2 D/Cab Diesel: R403 560
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6AT 4x2 D/Cab Diesel: R414 890
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6MT 4x4 D/Cab Diesel: R450 890
Mazda BT-50 3.2 MZ-CD SLE 6AT 4x4 D/Cab Diesel: R462 210