Mazda Australia has just unveiled a new flagship version of the BT-50 pickup truck, dubbed the BT-50 Thunder.

Created exclusively to meet the demands of Aussie customers, the BT-50 Thunder directly rivals the Toyota Hilux Rugged X and Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior. It is based on the BT-50 GT Dual Cab 4×4 and will go on sale in April from AU$65,990 (US$50,500) including on-road costs for the Dual Cab 4×4 manual and AU$68,990 (US$52,795) including on-roads for the Dual Cab 4×4 automatic.

Read Also: New 2021 Mazda BT-50 Adds Two Work-Oriented Chassis Cab Models In Australia

Immediately differentiating the Thunder from other variants is a bespoke steel bull bar and a Lightforce dual-row LED lightbar at the front. Mazda has also equipped the pickup with distinctive 18-inch black alloy wheels, flared fenders, and new side steps. Other modifications include the fitment of a sports bar over the bed and an electric roller tonneau cover that sits above a tub liner.

Mazda says the modifications made to the BT-50 Thunder add up to over AU$13,000 (US$9,948) of upgrades.

Like other BT-50 models, the Thunder features a turbocharged 3.0-liter four-cylinder diesel that produces 187 hp (140 kW) and 331 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque between 1,600 rpm and 2,600 rpm. When optioned with the six-speed manual transmission, the truck consumes 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 mpg US) or 8.0 l/100 km (29.4 mpg US) with the six-speed automatic. As standard, the truck has a dual-range 4×4 system with a switchable locking rear differential.

Prospective buyers of the BT-50 Thunder will be able to choose between Ice White, True Black Mica, Ingot Silver Metallic, Concrete Grey Mica, Gun Blue Mica, Rock Grey Mica, and Red Volcano Mica.

“We have been extremely pleased with how the Brand-New Mazda BT-50 has been received by our dealer partners, customers and media since its mid-2020 launch,” Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said. “The range-topping, uniquely-Australian BT-50 Thunder makes a strong statement with a bold and assertive aesthetic, while retaining the high level of specification and safety attributes expected of a Brand-New BT-50 model.”