The Isuzu-based pickup now features a more powerful 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder in Australia
Upgrades have landed in the Australian lineup of Mazda’s BT-50 pickup, this time centered on a fresh powertrain option. A new 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel steps in for the old 1.9-liter unit, delivering more power, better efficiency, and a healthy boost in towing muscle.
The engine was originally introduced last year in Thailand under the skin of the mechanically related Isuzu D-Max pickup and MU-X SUV. It was then adopted by the Thai-spec Mazda BT-50 that shares the same underpinnings as the Isuzu pickup. All three models have now reached the Australian shores.
Stronger Numbers
The new 2.2-liter diesel produces 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, an increase of 13 hp (10 kW) and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) compared to the outgoing 1.9-liter unit. It is matched to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, with drive sent to either the rear wheels or all four corners depending on the variant.
According to Mazda, the new pairing improves fuel consumption by up to 0.7 l/100 km and lowers CO2 emissions by up to 17g/km. However, in the entry-level Single Cab Chassis XS trim, the savings compared to the previous configuration are only 0.1 l/100 km and 1 g/km CO2.
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For those who want more power, the flagship 3.0-liter diesel option remains available with 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. This version has gained a new Idle Stop System, reducing fuel consumption by anywhere between 0.2l and 0.9 l/100km. Regardless of the powertrain, all variants of the BT-50 are now rated with a towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7.716 pounds), matching the standard of the midsize pickup segment.
Entry-Level Workhorse
In Australia, the 2.2-liter diesel is reserved for the entry-level XS trim of the BT-50. Still, buyers have a choice between the Single Cab Chassis, Dual Cab Chassis, and Dual Cab Pickup bodystyles. The chassis models ride on 17-inch steelies, while the pickup trades them for alloys.
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Standard equipment includes LED headlights, an 8-inch infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear-view camera, and adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go. This sounds pretty good for a workhorse, although it can’t match the features of the significantly more expensive SP flagship trim.
Deliveries of the updated BT-50 range begin in October. The 2.2-liter models are AU$1,500 (US$1,000) more expensive than the outgoing 1.9-liter versions but still AU$2,500 (US$1,600) cheaper than the equivalent 3.0-liter diesel trims.
Isuzu Joins The Pack
Isuzu has also added the 2.2-liter engine to its Australian-spec D-Max pickup and MU-X SUV. Pricing sits around AU$2,000 (US$1,300) less than the equivalent 3.0-liter versions. The Isuzu D-Max comes in slightly under the Mazda twin and is available in higher trims such as the X-Rider.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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