Mazda announce new changes to beloved BT-50 model

One of Australia’s most loved cars has undergone some massive changes as this car giant tries to hang onto its popularity amid a myriad of challenges.

The updated Mazda BT-50 has scored some tough love as it looks to fight back against a fast changing ute market.

As new players circle and electrified options offering alternatives to the diesels that have long dominated Mazda has beefed up the look of its workhorse to better tackle heavy hitters such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux – while fending off new arrivals such as the BYD Shark 6 and upcoming Kia Tasman.

Gone is the passenger car-inspired cuteness of the BT-50 and in is a tougher look that Mazda believes will make the car a hit with ute buyers open to looking beyond the top two sellers, which between them account for half of the 250,000-odd annual ute sales.

“We wanted to create a design that would truly match the Australian landscape,” said Eiji Kimoto, Mazda’s chief designer who also confirmed a new colour – Red Earth Metallic – that was inspired by the outback.

MORE: Popular Aussie ute fires fresh shot in vehicle war

2025 Mazda BT-50. Picture: Supplied.

That new look and improvements to the tech – including the return of dials in lieu of buttons for the audio system – has Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi predicting record sales for the updated model.

”Australians love their utes,” said Bhindi. “We haven’t achieved full potential that we believe we can with BT-50. The ute segment may have stabilised in terms of the overall market but we think we’ve got the opportunity to push harder.”

Over the last few years Mazda has sold upwards of 15,000 BT-50s annually.

But not all ute buyers will love the updated BT-50.

2025 Mazda BT-50. Picture: Supplied.

MORE: Major car brand smashed by Aussie change

Gone is the manual gearbox option that had dwindled to just 3 per cent of BT-50 sales.

Bhindi said it didn’t make sense given the clear trend towards automatics, even in the workhorse segment.

And he believes longevity in the market and a broad dealer network will be positives for the BT-50 in a market segment being shaken from all corners.

“Ute buyers look for reputation, look for quality, look for durability and the support mechanism from a dealer network and technical expertise, so we believe we can still grow our share,” he said.

“With the updates not just to the styling but the safety pack and the infotainment and our accessory range we are in a pretty strong position to push harder.

The new BT-50 is priced from $38,990 drive-away for an entry-level model with the less powerful 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, steel wheels and two-wheel drive.

Even then, that car comes with advanced driver assistance systems designed to help avoid a crash as well as radar cruise control that can lock onto the car in front.

2025 Mazda BT-50. Picture: Supplied.

The cheapest 4x4 model – an XT with alloy wheels and rear air vents – sells from $54,990

The BT-50 rises to $67,990 for a ute with the lot, as well as a gruntier 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel.

It’s at the top end of the market that Bhindi believes Mazda has an opportunity to boost its sales.

“With the SP model … we see an opportunity to grow our business.”

Even then, buyers can choose from more than 100 locally developed accessories – including bullbars, spotlights and roof platforms – to customise their rigs.

Originally published as Mazda announce new changes to beloved BT-50 model