A modest Australian focused facelift, additional equipment and reduced service costs make up the list of changes to the 2018 Mazda BT-50.
Mazda claims the redesigned new bumper and grille represent major front-end changes, this is a bit of an overreach.
The updated front was designed locally and is exclusive to the Australian market. The change does square things up, Mazda is hoping the new front which also features fog light surrounds and a lower air intake with skid plate achieves a ‘stronger road stance’ that appeals to Aussie tastes.
XTR and GT grades get chrome grille fins, paired with a dark grey lower bumper insert, while XT variants aren’t as blingy with satin black grille fins and black bumper insert.
The flagship GT now gets a chrome sports bar with integrated high-mounted LED stop light, a heavy-duty tub liner, tailgate central locking and a single 12-volt auxiliary socket and light in the tub.
At the entry-level, the XT adds a rear view camera and a 7.0-inch Alpine infotainment System.
Remarkably, all BT-50 variants now feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto making it the only Mazda model line to do so.
Common sense has seen Mazda reassess the BT-50’s service schedule. Service intervals are now set at 12 months/15,000km up from the old 10,000km.
Maintenance costs have also been improved, it now costs $854 less over five years to service a BT-50.
With the pencil still sharp, Mazda is now offering drive-away pricing across the range.
The pricing structure and service costs do strengthen the BT-50’s value credentials, however, the styling changes don’t go far enough, locals are happy to pay more for the American styled Ranger.
2018 Mazda BT-50 pricing (drive-away):
BT-50 4x2
Manual 2.2L Single C/CH XT 4X2 - $28,990
Automatic 2.2L Single C/CH XT 4X2 - $32,205
Manual 3.2L Single C/CH XT 4X2 - $32,205
Manual 3.2L Freestyle C/CH XT 4X2 - $34,490
Automatic 3.2L Freestyle C/CH XT 4X2 - $36,490
Manual 3.2L Dual C/CH XT 4X2 - $36,198
Manual 3.2L Dual Cab Utility XT 4X2 - $35,990
Automatic 3.2L Dual Cab Utility XT 4X2 - $37,990
Manual 3.2L Dual Cab Utility XTR 4X2 - $39,990
Automatic 3.2L Dual Cab Utility XTR 4X2 - $41,990
BT-50 4x4
Manual 3.2L Single C/CH XT 4X4 - $37,990
Automatic 3.2L Single C/CH XT 4X4 - $39,990
Manual 3.2L Freestyle C/CH XT 4X4 - $40,490
Automatic 3.2L Freestyle C/CH XT 4X4 - $43,490
Manual 3.2L Freestyle Cab Utility XTR 4X4 - $45,990
Automatic 3.2L Freestyle Cab Utility XTR 4X4 - $47,990
Manual 3.2L Dual C/CH XT 4X4 - $41,198
Manual 3.2L Dual Cab Utility XT 4X4 - $40,990
Automatic 3.2L Dual Cab Utility XT 4X4 - $42,990
Manual 3.2L Dual Cab Utility XTR 4X4 - $46,990
Automatic 3.2L Dual Cab Utility XTR 4X4 - $48,990
Manual 3.2L Dual Cab Utility GT 4X4 - $49,990
Automatic 3.2L Dual Cab Utility GT 4X4 - $51,990
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