First pics of Mazda BT-50 entry-level workhorse and cab chassis! New towing, powertrain, weight, body styles and select trim level details revealed for Isuzu D-Max twin

More Mazda BT-50 specification details have been revealed ahead of the ute’s official launch, with new Australian Government documents revealing engine and gearbox combinations, body styles – including the option of a cab chassis set-up – and basic trim inclusions.

The documents, seen by CarsGuide, confirm the BT-50 will be offered with a Cab Chassis Single Cab, Freestyle Cab and Dual-Cab, as well as a Freestyle Cab and Dual-Cab in utility guise, and in at least two trim levels.

So let’s dig a little deeper, shall we? According to the documents, every BT-50 mentioned to date will make use Isuzu’s 2999cc turbo-diesel engine, producing 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm. That engine will be paired with a choice of a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox, depending on trim.

We also know the Dual-Cab utes will stretch 5265mm in length, 1870mm in width, 1785mm in height and ride on a 3125mm wheelbase. The documents list running clearance at between 224mm and 229mm.

The two trim levels lightly detailed confirm that air-con, anti-lock brakes, powered windows and door mirrors, and central locking will arrive as standard, but the wheels can climb from 17-inch steels to 18-inch alloys.

To be fair, you learn more from what you see in the photos – namely, the two trim levels we know of so far appear to include an entry-level workhorse (complete with steel wheels, blacked-out bumper and what appear to be plastic wing mirrors). The second ute pictured gets 18-inch alloys as well as a more premium front end and appearance.

According to the data, one Dual-Cab ute trim level delivers a tare weight of between 1890kg and 1905kg, while the second variant ranges from 1955kg to 1990kg (presumably the jump from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive), and a gross vehicle mass of between 3000kg and 3100kg. While the Cab Chassis variants don’t list a tare weight, they do share the same gross mass listing of between 3000kg and 3100kg.

We also know that the BT-50 will deliver a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg, and an unbraked maximum of 750kg, while payload has previously been confirmed at 1000kg.

Step over to the Freestyle Cab ute, and the major numbers remain the same, while the exception of only the six-speed automatic gearbox being listed, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels exclusively.

We also know Mazda is shooting for a full five stars from ANCAP, and has touted autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.

As previously reported in CarsGuide, the BT-50 is also expected to feature a centre side airbag between the driver and front passenger to adhere to the stricter 2020 ANCAP standards, while also being one of the first utes to have a solid anchoring point for the middle seat top tether, instead of a fabric loop.

Full pricing and spec details are expected closer to launch, which is earmarked for the latter part of 2020.


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