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Mazda is not planning to launch a consumer-centric competitor to the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider, instead suggesting buyers 'customise to order' using accessories.
There will not be a variant of the Mazda BT-50 2.2-litre specifically targeted at private or lifestyle buyers any time soon.
The 2.2-litre Mazda BT-50 ute is unashamedly aimed at fleet and business buyers, as it is only available in a single, low-specification XS trim, in both two and four-wheel drive, and in cab-chassis and ute (styleslide) body styles. The brand has no immediate plans to copy its engineering partner, Isuzu, and offer a lower-priced consumer-targeted variant. For now, at least.
As part of the updated Isuzu D-Max range, the smaller 120kW/400Nm 2.2-litre engine is available in the 4x4 twin-cab X-Rider variant, which is aimed at lifestyle buyers. Priced from $59,500 before options and on-road costs, the 2.2-litre D-Max X-Rider is priced $2000 less than its equivalent 3.0-litre variant ($61,500), but $5300 more than the entry-level 3.0-litre D-Max SX ute.
The D-Max X-Rider includes a black sports bar, a unique front grille and 17-inch gloss black alloy wheels.
Speaking with Drive at the launch of the new small-engine BT-50 ute range, a Mazda Australia spokesperson noted of an X-Rider competitor, “Not that we are specifically planning, but we do always do it based on customer preference.”
Instead, Mazda notes they will steer customers toward the extensive BT-50 accessories catalogue, the majority of which can be fitted to cars with either the 3.0-litre or new 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine.
“If there are customers going into dealers saying, ‘I’ve seen pictures of this one’ or ‘I’ve seen that Isuzu does something similar’, we can look at building it up with the accessories that we offer”, said the spokesperson.
Accessories for the BT-50 include a range of bars, racks and canopies, but the range also carries a suspension upgrade and lift using Old Man Emu (OME) BP51 shock absorbers, fender flares, all-terrain tyres, and accessory lighting.
The brand offers a series of ‘packs’ to suit both lifestyle and working customers, minimising the need for vehicles to have aftermarket upgrades fitted.
For example, Mazda showcased a ‘mining’ specification vehicle fitted with a ‘Fleet Pack’ that includes handbrake alarm ($243), high-mount lamps and header-board ($3225), tow pack ($1435), hoop bulbar ($4159), alloy tray ($3030), rubber mats ($228) and snorkel ($1186) – a total of $13,506 on top of the $53,120 MSRP for a BT-50 XS 2.2-litre 4x4 cab-chassis.
With over 20 years of experience in digital publishing, James Ward has worked within the automotive landscape since 2007 and brings experience from the publishing, manufacturer and lifestyle side of the industry together to spearhead Drive's multi-media content direction.
