The only thing that could possibly make the brand-new Mazda BT-50 more attractive would be some AC/DC decals — or flashing devil horns on the roof. Developed exclusively for Australia by Mazda Australia’s in-house engineering team, the Thunder is a range-topping ripper.
It starts with a highly specified BT-50 GT Dual Cab 4x4, and adds a bold front-end treatment with a single-hoop steel bull bar and a Lightforce dual-row LED lightbar, which, let me tell you, can turn night into day. The bold and aggressive aesthetic looks equally mean from side on, with sinister 18-inch black alloy wheels, wide fender flares and chunky side steps.
At the rear you’ll find a premium sports bar and a super-useful electric roller tonneau, which covers the included tub liner for additional tray protection. Slapped on its hindquarters, of course, are the “Thunder” decals, which really set it apart from every other BT-50 on the road.
A dual-range 4x4 system is fitted as standard, with a switchable locking rear differential for improved traction, while power comes from the turbocharged 3.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine found in the wider BT-50 range.
This impressive engine generates 140kW of power along with 450Nm of torque, which is available from 1,600rpm to 2,600rpm for exceptional grunt, and effortless towing. Mazda’s BT-50 Thunder adds more than $13,000 of total equipment to this incredible ute. Singing Thunderstruck every time you drive it is, of course, optional.
