2022 Mazda BT-50 updates: New engine and flagship SP grade added

The 2022 Mazda BT-50 range gets a smaller engine option like its Isuzu D-Max twin, a sportier-looking SP trim level in line with other Mazda models, and a more user-friendly lane assist system.

The updated model range arrives in January 2022, with pricing to be revealed closer to launch.

The 2022 BT-50 will join the 2022 D-Max in offering a smaller Isuzu-made 1.9-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine with 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque, and a 3.0-tonne towing capacity.

The engine will be fitted to a base BT-50 spec grade called XS and come in three body style options: 4×2 single-cab chassis, 4×2 dual-cab pickup and 4×4 dual-cab pickup body styles.

All will be available with a six-speed automatic only.

This is a marked contrast to Isuzu which fits the smaller engine only to base SX single-cab-chassis 4×2 grades, with the option of a manual.

Standard equipment in the new XS grades is identical to the base XT, aside from the substitution of the 17-inch alloy wheels for 17-inch steel wheels.

Therefore despite being a base model it’ll still offer LED headlights, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, digital radio, and a reversing camera.

There’s also active safety and driver assist features including adaptive cruise control with stop/go, automatic high-beam, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Mazda has yet to announce how much cheaper the 1.9-litre XS will be compared to the XT.

Most versions of the 2022 BT-50 will continue with the familiar 140kW and 450Nm 3.0-litre.

Beyond this, the BT-50 will also become the latest Mazda to gain a sporty-looking SP variant in 3.0-litre form. The new GT SP slots above the GT, and features a range of aesthetic tweaks.

The BT-50 SP adds:

• Dark grey roof rails
• Black grille
• Glossy black exterior mirrors
• Gloss black door handles
• Black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Dark grey side steps
• ‘Driftwood’ leather and black synthetic suede trim
• Manually-operated black roller tonneau cover
• Tub liner
• Gloss black sail-plane sport bar
• Front bumper lower decoration trim
• Gloss black wheel flares

It’ll be available only as a 4×4 dual-cab pickup with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, though like the GT it’ll offer a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

Other changes? Following customer feedback, all BT-50 models now feature a new Lane Support System button. By pressing and holding this button for two seconds, drivers can disable the standard Lane Support systems where required.

Finally, a dual-cab-chassis body will be made available in mid-range XTR trim, joining the existing dual-cab pickup. It’s available only with four-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission, and the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four.

In terms of sales, Mazda says it’s been able to secure additional supply on account of the BT-50’s sales performance here. We also suspect that Australian regional demand is one of the highest of anywhere, since this is a key Mazda market.

July 2021 was in fact the second-highest sales month in the BT-50 nameplate’s history, and Mazda sold more BT-50s in the first seven months of this year than in all of 2020. It’s fifth in 4×2 and 4×4 segment sales alike.

“As we move towards the brand-new BT-50’s second year, we are already focused on evolving the product and offering wider customer choice, which is a hallmark of our business,” said Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi.

 “Brand-new Mazda BT-50 has performed strongly in 2021, with July recording the second-highest sales month in the nameplate’s history. July also saw the range surpass the total 2020 BT-50 sales figure.

“These impressive results have enabled us to secure additional supply from November production.”

MORE: Everything Mazda BT-50