Mazda BT-50 SP Pro & Thunder Pro are two new Australia-specific models.
The third generation Mazda BT-50 has been around for 3 years now. Many BT-50 markets come with their own special editions and now Mazda Australia has added two more which caught our eye – the BT-50 SP Pro and the BT-50 Thunder Pro.
Mazda BT-50 SP Pro
This version of the BT-50 comes with revised suspension that they call nitrogen-filled dampers called ‘Nitrocharger suspension’. This new setup comes with new springs, 5 centimeters of additional ground clearance, and twin tube shock absorbers. The SP Pro also gets exclusive 18″ wheels, a light bar rated for 569 meters of illumination.
Being a pick-up truck, there is, of course, a decal set. Mazda has conducted rigorous testing to ensure the modifications to the suspension does not impact any of the BT-50’s built-in safety systems. This SP Pro package adds A$7668 to the final price tag, translating to more than RM23,000 in accessories.
Mazda BT-50 Thunder Pro
The BT-50 Thunder Pro is the real hardcore hero of the two accessory packs. There’s a rugged looking front bumper in gloss black. The wheels here are also a little different from those on the SP Pro. There’s a bit of underbody protection as well with “BT-50” cut out.
This version has ADJUSTABLE Old Man Emu BP-51 nitrogen-filled dampers with a remote reservoir.
To top it off, the Thunder Pro comes with a snorkel for deep water wading. The same light bar on the SP Pro is found here as well. In addition, there are two round LED driving lights.
These are rated for 1.1km of illumination. Needless to say, the Thunder Pro comes with decals of its own. This package comes up to A$9,046, or roughly RM28,000 in our currency.
Inside, the only noticeable changes are the two neatly integrated buttons for the ‘Light Force’ branded accessory lights.
Why Buy These Accessory Packs?
Mazda Australia isn’t hiding that these accessory packs aren’t from the factory. These are parts you can buy off the shelf and fit yourself. So why buy or retro fit them at the dealer level? Well, two reasons.
First, Mazda has worked out a deal that saves the customer nearly A$500 per package vs buying the parts individually. Secondly, Mazda are also giving customers a 2-year warranty on the parts when retrofitted by a dealer. If you buy a new BT-50 with these packages, then the total warranty increases to 5 years.
While it’s certainly not enough to elevate the BT-50 to a Ranger Raptor competitor, these upgrades certainly have some appeal to them. Bermaz should look into the feasibility of something similar for our market.
