Mazda adds auto trans to BT-50 XTR

Year To Date, 65 per cent of BT-50 buyers have chosen 4x4s, with 43 per cent of them preferring automatic, which has led to the decision to offer the previously manual-only Freestyle Cab Utility XTR 4x4 with an automatic.

Engine is unaltered in the new auto XTR: a 3.2 litre turbo diesel producing 147kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. Towing capacity is 3,500 kilograms, making the BT-50 Freestyle Cab is one of the best in its class.

Interior specs include Bluetooth, satnav, USB, dual-control climate control, power mirrors and 17-inch alloys. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard, as are anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, locking rear differential, hill descent control and hill launch assist.

The BT-50 Freestyle Cab seats four, with rear seat entry aided by a clever pillarless rear door.

At time of writing, the BT-50 is on track to break its sales record of 11,848 - set in 2012. Year to Date sales are currently almost 1,200 per month. Increased BT-50 supply creates further opportunity for BT-50 sales growth.

Mazda Australia's national marketing director, Alastair Doak said: "In the BT-50, Mazda has a tough, powerful utility with the sophistication and comfort of an SUV. We have responded to increased customer demand for automatic transmissions by adding the BT-50 Freestyle Cab Utility XTR 4x4 with a six-speed automatic transmission to our award-winning utility line-up."

The BT-50 Freestyle Cab Utility XTR 4x4 with six-speed automatic is available now at Mazda dealers nationally with a Manufacturers List Price (MLP) of $48,890.