Mazda BT-50 Thunder revealed for Australia

Mazda has unveiled a new top-of-the-range variant of its impressive new BT-50 dual-cab ute – and it’s called Thunder.

The tough-looking workhorse is based on the automaker’s regular range-topping GT model and has been specifically designed for the Australian market, delivering a package similar to Toyota’s Hilux Rugged X and Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior.

Mazda’s team of local in-house engineers have added new equipment, designed to cater to BT-50 owners keen on exploiting the dual-cab’s off-road capabilities.

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The front of the ute scores a low-set new steel bullbar with single hoop and an integrated underbody bash plate that should better protect the car when the going gets rough.

Also integrated into the bullbar is a custom Lightforce dual-row LED light bar, which will be handy on regional trips and weekend getaways.

Flanking either side of the Thunder is a set of matte black fender flares and complimenting side steps, and the ute also sits on new 18-inch black alloy wheels.

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At the rear of the dual-cab, a new matte black rear bar has been fitted, as well as an electric roller tonneau cover, tub liner, and new “Thunder” decals.

Powering the new BT-50 flagship is the same 3.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine found in the rest of the model range.

The torquey donk dolls out 140kW and 450Nm, sending power to all four wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The Thunder comes equipped with a switchable locking differential as standard, ensuring its off-road cred.

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Fuel economy is rated at 7.7L/100km when fitted with the six-speed manual, and 8.0L/100km when optioned with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda Australia has priced the new Thunder with an introductory offer of $65,990 drive-away for the Dual Cab 4x4 manual and $68,990 driveaway for the Dual Cab 4x4 automatic.

After that, the sticker price will remain the same, but buyers will need to fork out for on-road costs.

Mazda has confirmed the rugged Thunder will be rolling into showrooms from April.

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Aside from the custom kit, the Thunder comes equipped with all the goodies of the BT-50 GT model, which includes:

Power-adjustable chrome exterior mirrors with power-folding and heating functions

Brown leather upholstery

Driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustment

Heated front seats

Remote engine start (automatic transmission)

Front parking sensors

LED Headlamps with auto levelling

LED front fog lamps

LED signature daytime running lamps

Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning with rear vents

Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob

Auto-dimming interior mirror

Rear seat with centre armrest

9-inch full-colour infotainment touchscreen

Satellite navigation

Advanced keyless entry

Power windows

Carpeted floors

Cruise Control (manual transmission)

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go (automatic transmission)

Apple CarPlay® (wireless and USB) and Android™ Auto (USB)

Bluetooth® hands-free telephone and audio capability

DAB+ digital radio

Reverse camera

Rear-seat USB charging point

Airbags SRS (driver, front passenger, side, curtain, driver’s knee and driver’s far-side)

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Attention Assist

Automatic High Beam (AHB)

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK) – Overtaking

Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)

Hill Descent Control (HDC)

Hill Launch Assist (HLA)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)

Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) (automatic transmission only)

Locking Rear Differential (LRD) – switchable on/off

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)

Roll Over Protection (ROP)

Secondary Collision Reduction

Speed Assist System

Traction Control System (TCS)

Turn Assist

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