Mazda BT-50 Thunder set to storm dealerships in April

BT-50 Thunder National Driveaway Price of $65,990

Mazda BT-50 Thunder- Mazda Australia’s innovative engineering expertise has resulted in a uniquely Australian BT-50 range-topper. 

2021 BT50 THUNDER underneath

Exclusive to the Australian market, the Brand-New Mazda BT-50 Thunder is set to storm dealerships with its aggressive appearance and quality parts developed by Mazda Australia’s in-house engineering team.

“We have been extremely pleased with how the Brand-New Mazda BT-50 has been received by our dealer partners, customers and media since its mid-2020 launch,” said Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi.

2021 BT50 THUNDER interior

“The range-topping, uniquely-Australian BT-50 Thunder makes a strong statement with a bold and assertive aesthetic, while retaining the high level of specification and safety attributes expected of a Brand-New BT-50 model,” he said.

From launch an introductory BT-50 Thunder National Driveaway Price of $65,990 for the Dual Cab 4 x 4 manual and $68,990 for the Dual Cab 4 x 4 automatic applies.

Regular Manufacturer’s Retail Listed Pricing sits at $65,990 (plus on-road costs) for manual BT-50 Thunder, or $68,990 in automatic form.

The Mazda BT-50 Thunder goes on-sale in April, 2021.

2021 BT50 THUNDER rear side

Mazda BT-50 Thunder- Impressive and aggressive

The Brand-New Mazda BT-50 Thunder’s standard specification is based on the highly-specified BT-50 GT Dual Cab 4 x 4, ensuring the Thunder offers impressive safety, connectivity and capability, whether on-road or off the beaten track.

Created to suit the Australian market’s unique demands, the Mazda BT-50 Thunder stamps its authority immediately, with a bold front-end treatment that includes a single hoop steel bull bar and a Lightforce dual-row LED lightbar.

This aggressive aesthetic extends to the BT-50 Thunder’s side profile, with sinister 18-inch black alloy wheels, wide fender flares and side steps. Moving to the rear reveals a premium sports bar and an advanced electric roller tonneau, which securely covers a tub liner for additional tray protection.

Pulling the visual together is a set of ‘Thunder’ decals applied to the tub sides.

All-up, the additional equipment adds over $13,000 total value, ensuring the Mazda BT-50 Thunder delivers in the value stakes, too.  

2021 BT50 THUNDER engine

Mazda BT-50 Thunder: Drivetrain

Powering the Brand-New Mazda BT-50 Thunder is the turbocharged 3.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine found in the wider BT-50 range. This unit generates 140kW peak power along with 450Nm torque, the latter provided from 1,600 to 2,600rpm for exceptional pulling power.
Combined-cycle fuel economy is listed at 7.7L/100km when fitted with the six-speed manual transmission, or 8.0L/100km when optioning the six-speed automatic transmission. 

A dual-range 4 x 4 system is fitted as standard, with switchable locking rear differential for further improved traction.

2021 BT50 THUNDER front

Mazda BT-50 Thunder – Key specification highlights

In addition to the bespoke specifications listed above, Brand-New Mazda BT-50 Thunder shares the same safe, technologically advanced yet mechanically robust specification as the BT-50 GT grade, including:

  • 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

All Mazda BT-50 exterior colours (Ice White, True Black Mica, Ingot Silver Metallic, Concrete Grey Mica, Gun Blue Mica, Rock Grey Mica and Red Volcano Mica) are available for BT-50 Thunder, with no additional cost. 

2021 BT50 THUNDER profile

Peace of mind with Guaranteed Future Value via Mazda Assured

When purchasing through Mazda Finance’s Mazda Assured program, Brand-New Mazda BT-50 customers benefit from Guaranteed Future Value*. This offers lower monthly repayments^ and locks in what the vehicle will be worth to Mazda Finance at the end of the loan (subject to fair wear and tear and agreed kilometres being met) the vehicle’s future trade-in price before the customer drives away.

2021 BT50 THUNDER front qtr

Warranty and servicing

Brand-New Mazda BT-50 customers benefit from a comprehensive five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, with complimentary roadside assist for the warranty’s duration.

Servicing intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

*The Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) is the minimum value of your Mazda at the end of your finance contract, as determined by Mazda Finance. If you decide to return your car to Mazda Finance at the end of your term, Mazda Finance will pay you the agreed GFV, which will be put against your final payment subject to fair wear and tear conditions and agreed kilometres being met. The information provided is general in nature. You should seek your own financial advice to determine whether Mazda Assured is appropriate for your individual circumstances. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Mazda Assured GFV products are available to approved customers of Mazda Finance, a division of Australian Alliance Automotive Finance Pty Limited ABN 63 002 407 703, Australian Credit Licence 513747.

^ Lower monthly repayments compared to a similar term with no Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) or equivalent balloon final payment. Total interest charges will be higher if a GFV or balloon final payment is selected.

About Rob Fraser 312 Articles
Rob first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, many years ago. He has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then.Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive.