Mazda adds luxury elements to workhorse ute

TOP dollar for a BT-50 has climbed $6500 with Mazda announcing an expansion to its family of diesel double cab derivatives.

A new Takami edition has assumed flagship responsibility from the Limited.

The variant is an addition to the range that, at $68,290, is comfortable clear of the Limited, now a $61,790 proposition. Mazda NZ is also continuing with GSX and GTX grades.

Takami is a descriptive previously restricted to passenger models, designating an extra push cabin setting and equipment level.

It is not clear if the NZ market version has been created specifically for this country; there does not appear to be a equivalent in any other market where Mazda sells its ute.

It takes a different direction to Australia’s top-level model, called Thunder, which our neighbour specifically concocted to lift its off-roading status; adding in additional ride height, tougher body protections – including a bull bar front end – and more rugged rubber.

The Isuzu D-Max from which the BT-50 derives comes in a more expensive X-Terrain fit-out that is similar to that presented by Mazda NZ, but not wholly identical.

Aside from it taking a leather and cloth trim in a black and khaki hue similar to that commonly seen in Takami grade cars, the big lift for a Takami BT-50 over a Limited is aesthetic.

It has as standard a sports hoop, roof rails, fender flares and a roller lid that can be sourced as either factory options or after-market accessories for the cheaper models.

The drivetrain is identical across the range and outputs from the 3.0-litre turbodiesel do not alter; it’s the same story for suspension tune and tyre and wheel sizes. Takami only provisions with all-wheel-drive, whereas Mazda’s other grades also come with rear-drive.

In provisioned comment, Mazda NZ says the new derivative brings “a strong, sporty aesthetic with impressive equipment levels and dispels the myth that utes cannot combine performance with class-leading ride and comfort.”

Local managing David Hodge says: “The additional features found in the BT-50 Takami enhance what is already a fantastic ute. We believe buyers want the versatility of a ute without the need to compromise on features, ride comfort and safety. The interior cabin delivers a feeling of quality and refinement for the driver and passengers.”

Grey is the signature hue for the roof rails, side-steps and front bumper under garnish. The grille, door handles, exterior mirrors, sports bar, fender flares, 18-inch alloy wheels and retractable roller lid are in black.

Aside from the bespoke trim colours, the cabin spec apes that of the Limited grade which means heated front seats, power adjustable driver’s seat and eight-speaker audio system among ingredients.

Mazda partnered with Isuzu to create this generation BT-50 after Ford, with which it wed for the previous model, started a new relationship with Volkswagen, which has spawned the new Ranger now entering the showroom plus a fresh VW Amarok, coming out next year.