Five Upgraded Mazda BT-50 Models for UK

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, UNITED KINGDOM - October 16, 2008: The refined, upgraded Mazda BT-50 line-up of pick-ups, now on sale in the UK, introduces a new range-topping ‘Intrepid’ model with a 3-litre, 156ps turbo diesel engine, five-speed automatic transmission and leather interior. All upgraded models inherit the athletic looks of the previous model, while incorporating a further touch of brawny truck toughness into the exterior design. Combined with a broader range of exterior colours, the refreshed appearance conveys rugged reliability and an even stronger on-road presence.

“The upgraded Mazda BT-50 range is more boldly styled and better equipped and, in response to British customer feedback, now offers buyers in the UK a new ‘Intrepid’ model with more power and more comfort. Across the range, all the technical and practical attributes of the predecessor are retained, including its car-like driving dynamics, and valuable upgrades, such as ABS as standard, and an improved MP3-compatible audio system with auxiliary input jack. These enhancements, plus fresh exterior colours, will boost the appeal of Mazda’s pickup,” comments Mazda UK's sales director Mark Cameron.

The five-strong range of upgraded Mazda BT-50 models is priced from £10,830.74 (Commercial Vehicle, on-the-road) for the 4x2 Single Cab and rise to £18,680.96 (CV OTR) for the new range-topping 4x4 Double Cab 3.0 Intrepid model. Currently, a range of customer savings (retail sales only, until 31 December 2008*), offers outstanding concessions of up to £1,981 (including VAT), meaning that Mazda BT-50 ownership can begin at only £10,495 (CV OTR), whilst Intrepid is offered at just £16,995 (CV OTR).

“The revised on-the-road prices for the upgraded Mazda BT-50 range – together with our ‘customer savings’ until 31 December, ensure that our pick-up remains extremely competitive for this market sector. I am confident our latest model will continue to build a strong presence for Mazda in the pick-up sector,” concluded Cameron.

All upgraded Mazda BT-50 models feature a new bonnet and grille, revised headlamps and a new front bumper design. The side-view of the upgraded Mazda BT-50 is also bolder and simpler, with Double Cab models featuring body-coloured flared wheelarches. A new, 16-inch, deep-recess alloy wheel design is standard on Double Cab TS2 and Intrepid models.

The upgraded Mazda BT-50 continues to deliver excellent off-road performance, with highly competitive approach, departure, breakover and tilt angles. Measuring 5,075mm in overall length, the Mazda BT-50 has a 465mm-high double-walled cargo box and a rear suspension featuring double-acting shock absorbers, enabling the 4x4 models to carry a load of up to 1,219kg.

Enhanced Convenience, Comfort & Equipment
The upgraded Mazda BT-50 carries over the car-like comfort and ambience that has earned widespread praise in the current model. New fabric designs and materials further improve the interior trim quality to provide class-leading comfort and bring a touch of sporty flair.

It also now features a new auxiliary (AUX) jack at the base of the centre stack to allow users to connect a portable audio player and listen to their favourite music through the vehicle’s audio system with two, four or six speakers – depending on model. The centre stack is now painted all-over silver, giving it a cleaner and deeper appearance.

New 156ps, 3-litre turbo diesel ‘Intrepid’ model exclusively for the UK
Especially for the UK market, a new MZR-CD 3.0 common-rail DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine is now available for the upgraded Mazda BT-50, offering 9% more power and 15% more torque than the 2.5-litre engine available with the rest of the range. The new engine is exclusive to the ‘Intrepid’ model and makes the Mazda BT-50 even more of an ideal companion for a number of lifestyles.

Delivering more power and more torque for even greater towing ability, the 3-litre turbo diesel engine generates a maximum power output of 156ps at 3,200rpm, and immensely exploitable maximum torque of 380Nm at just 1,800rpm. All 4-wheel drive Mazda BT-50s have a class-leading braked towing capacity of 3,000kg.

The new engine is matched to a new five-speed automatic transmission with a higher fifth gear ratio than the other 4-wheel drive models in the range (0.710:1 compared to 0.800:1 and the same final drive ratio of 3.727:1) for quiet economical cruising.

The new Mazda BT-50 4x4 Double Cab 3.0 Intrepid now heads-up the range with luxuries such as full leather trim, air conditioning and an MP3-compatible 6-CD autochanger with auxiliary jack input and six speakers. In addition to the leather trim, exclusive to the model are a stainless steel rear bumper bar and unique B-pillar trims, BT-50 branded scuff plates, a durable load-bed liner and privacy glass to the rear windows. The Intrepid logo features as a bold graphic on the front doors.

Buyers of Single Cab, Double Cab TS and Double Cab TS2 models will enjoy power provided by the popular 143ps, 330Nm 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine which is carried over unchanged, together with a five-speed manual gearbox, and delivers outstanding fuel economy of up to 39.7mpg on the extra-urban cycle.

Tough and Easy to Handle
The upgraded Mazda BT-50 retains the numerous chassis and safety improvements introduced with the previous model. The drivetrain is still offered in two versions – as before – a 2WD only version and a 2WD/4WD version with a two-speed (high/low range) transfer case and all 4x4 models are equipped with a rear Limited-Slip Differential (LSD).

Every Mazda BT-50 is provided with a full 3-year, 60,000 mile warranty cover, including Mazda European Assistance, 3-year paintwork warranty and a 6-year anti-perforation warranty for added peace of mind.

Customer Savings until 31 December
For a limited period, Mazda is offering a series of ‘customer savings’ for VAT-registered retail customers. These ‘savings’ rise up to £1,981 (including VAT), depending on model, on retail sales until 31 December 2008 and mean that Mazda BT-50 ownership can begin at just £10,495 (CV OTR) for VAT-registered customers during this period.

All models in the Mazda BT-50 range have a payload in excess of 1,000kg, ensuring their qualification as a commercial vehicle for company car tax purposes. Customers running their Mazda BT-50 as a company vehicle therefore qualify for ‘Benefit-in-Kind’ taxation at a rate of just £3,000, meaning an annual car tax bill for a 20% tax payer of £600, which compares favourably to similarly-specified passenger cars.