SMALL CHANGE

MAZDA FOLLOWS ISUZU'S LEAD AND OFFERS A NEW 2.2-LITRE ENGINE AND EIGHT-SPEED TRANSMISSION OPTION TO ITS BT-50 UTE LINE UP

- WORDS MATT RAUDONIKIS

Following hot on the heels of last month's Isuzu D-Max 2.2 launch, Mazda Australia has rolled out its version of what is essentially the same midsize 4x4 ute.

For those new to the party, the current Mazda BT-50 is pretty much a facelifted and rebadged Isuzu D-Max - and if you're going to partner with any ute manufacturer, Isuzu has proven to be a solid choice for Mazda.

So, when Isuzu ditched its entry-level 1.9-litre diesel engine in favour of a new, more powerful 2.2, you didn't need to be Nostradamus to predict Mazda would soon follow suit.

For Mazda, the 2.2-litre engine will be offered in four of the 18 variants in the BT-50 lineup, starting with the single-cab XT and double-cab XS 4x2 models, and extending to the 4x4 double-cab XS with a choice of cab-chassis or ute tub configurations.

The remaining variants in the range are still powered by the legendary 4J 3.0-litre Isuzu engine, which now adds a stop/start idle feature to its repertoire.

The new 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine produces a claimed 120kW at 3600rpm and 400Nm from 1600-2600rpm, with fuel use as low as 6.3L/100km. That improved efficiency is aided by the fitment of a new eight-speed automatic transmission in place of the six-speed still shackled to the 3.0-litre engine.

BT-50 4x4 models powered by the 2.2-litre engine offer the same 3500kg towing capacity and 1000kg-plus payload as their 3.0-litre stablemates, so there's no compromise there.