Light commercial sales may be down however there’s always strong interest in new utes. Mazda this week revealing its first all-new BT-50 ute in ten years due later this year. The outgoing Mazda BT-50, based on the popular Ford Ranger, never really hit its sales straps like its donor vehicle however the new model has a much stronger face with Mazda’s five-point shield grille. Under the skin it’s very much the yet-to-be-released isuzu D-Max featuring an upgraded 3.0-litre turbo diesel with either a six-speed manual or automatic. Power and torque – 140kW and 450Nm slightly down on the Ford sourced five-cylinder, but with less weight claimed to offer improved fuel economy. Towing capacity remains at 3500kg so too payload on certain models at over 1,000 kilos. The new BT-50 will also gain more car like features like height and reach adjustable steering and a host of active safety elements.

I’m David Berthon

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