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New LE Trim Puts a Bulbar on the 2023 Mazda BT-50 Pickup

Mazda has kicked off the new year in Australia by introducing a new trim level for the 2023 BT-50. On sale now, the pickup is available to order in the LE configuration too, which joins the already generous lineup.
2023 Mazda BT-50 LE 13 photos
Photo: Mazda
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Building on the XTR, which sits between the XS, XT, and the GT, SP, and Thunder, the new Mazda BT-50 LE features some original accessories, like the single-hooped polished alloy bulbar, polished sports bar with integrated brake light, and heavy-duty tub liner to keep the bed safe from scratches.

Engineered specifically for the Australian market, the bulbar is said to fully integrate with the vehicle’s safety systems. As a result, the crumple zones, airbags, and driving assistance gizmos are unaffected, the automaker states. Moreover, the research and development process, and real-world testing have revealed that the engine and transmission cooling are unaffected too.

A generous host of features are offered as standard on the new Mazda BT-50 LE, with the car marque mentioning stuff such as the keyless entry, reversing camera, satellite navigation system, dual-zone climate control, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The exterior color of choice is called the Ingot Silver Metallic.

The model is only offered as a dual-cab 4x4, powered by 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine that churns out 140 kW (190 ps / 188 hp) at 3,600 rpm, and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque between 1,600 and 2,600 rpm. It works in concert with a six-speed automatic transmission, with four-wheel drive, and returns 7.7 l/100 km (30.6 mpg US) combined. The total braked towing capacity is rated at 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs), and it has a maximum payload of 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs).

One of the many strings to the Mazda BT-50’s bow is the sheer breadth of customization options available through the Mazda Genuine Accessories program, all of which come with a five-year warranty when fitted at delivery,” said Mazda Australia’s Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi. “With the new Mazda BT-50 LE, we’re offering the best of both worlds – an enhanced and individual look, combined with even more added versatility.

Pricing for the 2023 Mazda BT-50 LE kicks off at AU$64,295 (equal to US$43,406), before on-road costs, and it represents an AU$2,500 (US$1,688) saving compared to specifying the same accessories separately.

In the pickup body style, the 2023 BT-50 can be had from AU$57,212 (US$38,624) Down Under for the XS, AU$56,851 (US$38,381) for the XT, and AU$61,012 (US$41,190) for the XTR. The GT, SP, and Thunder will set customers back at least AU$67,051 (US$45,267), AU$73,213 (US$49,427), and AU$78,245 (US$52,824) respectively. The family also comprises the Cab Chassis configuration, with the XT and XTR grades that can be ordered from AU$58,378 (US$39,412) and AU$65,106 (US$43,954) respectively.
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About the author: Cristian Gnaticov
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After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s.
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