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
