2025 Mazda BT-50 ute receives new 2.2-litre diesel, Australia yet to be confirmed
04/12/2024 22:00
The Mazda BT-50 has followed its Isuzu D-Max twin with a new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine added in Thailand – replacing the 1.9-litre – ahead of a possible Australian launch.
The 2025 Mazda BT-50 ute has followed its Isuzu twin with the addition of a new turbo-diesel engine overseas.
Mazda Thailand has announced the facelifted BT-50 – launched there this week – will offer the new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder announced for its Isuzu D-Max twin under the skin two weeks ago.
The 2.2-litre engine replaces the existing 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel – which has been offered in Australia in entry-level BT-50 XS grades since 2022 – while the 3.0-litre diesel continues unchanged, in line with the Isuzu.
Matched with a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission – replacing the six-speed unit previously used – the 2.2-litre is evolved from the 1.9-litre with a revised cylinder head, block and connecting rods, plus new lower-friction pistons.
Power outputs are rated at 120kW and 400Nm – up 10kW and 50Nm over the 1.9-litre, but down 20kW and 50Nm compared to the 3.0-litre.
Isuzu, the engine's manufacturer, says the 2.2-litre "brings significant improvements to start-up capability, acceleration, and fuel efficiency compared to existing models" with a claimed 10 per cent fuel efficiency improvement over the 1.9-litre.
A six-speed manual is also offered with the 2.2-litre engine in Thailand – however, it is unlikely for Australia as the current 1.9-litre BT-50 is sold with an automatic only locally.
MORE: Isuzu reveals new 2.2-litre diesel engine for D-Max and MU-X, venerable 3.0-litre to continue
While it has not been confirmed for Australia, the new 2.2-litre engine and eight-speed auto combination are likely to eventually replace the existing 1.9-litre unit in the BT-50 locally, possibly to coincide with the facelifted model arriving early next year.
A Mazda Australia spokesperson told Drive the brand would make any announcements about the BT-50 relevant to the local market "at the appropriate time".
Australia led the global reveal of the facelifted 2025 BT-50 in October, with local pricing and specifications to be confirmed closer to its showroom arrival between January and March next year.
So far, Mazda Australia has only detailed updates for high-spec 3.0-litre dual-cab four-wheel-drive variants – the GT and SP – with more information on single-cab, 'freestyle' extra-cab, and other dual-cab models to be announced closer to launch.
MORE: 2025 Mazda BT-50 revealed, due in Australia next year – Facelift is biggest overhaul in four years
Changes for the facelifted 2025 BT-50 include a revised front-end design with new headlights and a CX-5-like daytime running light signature, new alloy wheel designs, updated tail-lights, ridged indentations on the tailgate, and three new colours: Red Earth, Geode White, and Sailing Blue.
Inside, the BT-50 mirrors its D-Max twin with larger 8.0- and 9.0-inch touchscreens with updated infotainment software, an available 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto support – in addition to wireless Apple CarPlay already standard – and USB-C charge ports.
There are also revisions to its active safety suite with a wider-angle detection for its front windscreen-mounted cameras, and the addition of traffic jam assist, intelligent speed-limit assist, braking support for its rear cross-traffic alert system, and road edge detection for its lane-keep assist.
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