2021 Mazda BT-50 Thunder price and specs

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