Say hello to a meaner Mazda BT-50.

    The 2021 Mazda BT-50 Thunder packs a range of tough-looking accessories developed by Mazda Australia.

    It’s a full-time member of the range, sitting above the existing BT-50 GT.

    This isn’t a heavily redesigned rival to the Ford Ranger Raptor. Instead, the range of exterior add-ons fitted to the Thunder make it more of a match for the Toyota HiLux Rogue or the Nissan Navara Pro-4X.

    Up front, it features a single-hoop steel bull bar and a new dual-row LED light bar.

    There are 18-inch alloy wheels, fender flares, and side steps, along with a sports bar and powered tonneau cover.

    Unique graphics on the side of the tub rounds up the updates.

    The Thunder goes on sale in April.

    Pricing

    • 2021 Mazda BT-50 Thunder manual: $65,990
    • 2021 Mazda BT-50 Thunder automatic: $68,990

    All prices are drive-away.

    Engine

    All 2021 Mazda BT-50 models use a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.

    It’s mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

    Four-wheel drive models feature switchable 2H, 4H, and 4L options plus a locking rear differential.

    Fuel Economy

    The BT-50 Thunder uses 7.7L/100km with the manual transmission, and 8.0L/100km with an automatic.

    Dimensions

    The 2021 Mazda BT-50 Thunder measures 5280mm long, 1790mm tall, and 1870mm wide.

    Braked towing capacity is 3500kg, while un-braked capacity is 750kg.

    Servicing and Warranty

    Mazda backs the BT-50 with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assist.

    Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000kms, whichever comes first.

    Service prices for all BT-50 4×4 automatic variants are $418, $390, $673, $496, and $312 for the first five services through to 75,000kms.

    Safety

    The 2021 Mazda BT-50 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

    The rating is based on an adult occupant protection score of 83 per cent, a child occupant protection score of 89 per cent and a safety assist score of 81 per cent.

    All 2021 Mazda BT-50 models come standard with:

    • Autonomous emergency braking
    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Lane-departure warning
    • Rear cross-traffic alert
    • Turn assist
    • Driver attention monitoring

    There are also front, side and curtain airbags, plus a driver’s knee airbag and a front-centre airbag.

    Automatic models also feature lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

    Standard Equipment

    • 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, DAB+ digital radio and satellite navigation
    • 18-inch alloy wheels
    • LED headlights with auto levelling
    • LED front fog lights and daytime running lights
    • Side steps
    • Dual-zone climate control
    • Rear air vents
    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
    • Auto-dimming interior mirror
    • Rear seat centre armrest
    • Power-folding exterior mirrors
    • Keyless entry
    • Brown leather upholstery
    • Eight-way power driver’s seat
    • Heated front seats
    • Remote engine start (automatic only)
    • Front parking sensors
    • Heated chrome exterior mirrors
    • Steel bull bar
    • Fender flares
    • Sports bar

    MORE: 2021 Mazda BT-50 news and reviews

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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