Amidst the flurry of car news on October 25, 2024, Mazda Australia unveiled the facelifted BT-50 ute set for 2025, catering to the robust Australian market for commercial vehicles. The updated BT-50 showcases a revamped front-end design, new LED lights, and a redesigned tailgate, along with interior enhancements like a 9.0-inch touchscreen and a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Notable additions include USB-C ports, wireless Android Auto phone mirroring, and a sleek matte black finish in the cabin. Engine-wise, the BT-50 retains Isuzu’s trusted 1.9- or 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines.
On the other end, Isuzu Ute Australia announced the pricing and specifications of its flagship D-Max Blade ute, starting from $76,990 driveaway. The off-road-focused Blade, developed in collaboration with Walkinshaw Automotive, boasts enhancements like Monroe twin-tube dampers, wider track, underbody bash plates, all-terrain tires, and tubular side steps. Despite retaining the 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, the Blade falls short of being a direct competitor to the Ford Ranger Raptor.
Zeekr, a Chinese automaker under the Geely Group, revealed the futuristic Mix electric people-mover, catering to the affordable segment with electric-only powertrains and impressive features like a 15-inch touchscreen, 13-inch instrument cluster, electric sliding doors, 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, and a 21-speaker sound system. The Mix model, powered by a 310kW/440Nm electric motor and offering a choice between 76kWh or 102kWh battery packs, is positioned to rival upcoming models like the Volkswagen ID Buzz.
Chinese battery giant CATL made waves with its Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery, a long-range PHEV battery promising a 400km electric-only driving range. The sodium-lithium battery, with an estimated energy capacity around 75kWh, is set to debut in models from Chinese automakers like Li Auto and Changan before expanding to global brands such as Volvo, BMW, Ford, and MG.
Meanwhile, Chasing Cars contributor Mike Stevens delved into the 2025 Audi A5, noting improvements in interior styling, technology, and ride quality, albeit with some drawbacks like the absence of mild-hybrid tech for the 2.0-litre petrol engine and reduced boot space. Despite these hiccups, the new A5 received praise for its overall performance and appeal to buyers not yet ready to embrace EVs.
With the automotive landscape evolving rapidly, the updates to the Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max Blade signal a shift towards enhanced features, technology, and design in the competitive ute market. As electric vehicles gain traction globally, innovations like the Zeekr Mix people-mover and CATL’s long-range PHEV battery underscore the industry’s commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology.
📰 Related Articles
- Vogue Online Shopping Night 2025: Fashion Deals & Trends Unveiled
- Perth Bears NRL Coaching Speculation and 2025 Landscape Unveiled
- Mazda Australia Unveils 2025 CX-80 SUV, Expanding Family Lineup
- Liverpool Transfer Updates: Deals, Signings, and Rumors Unveiled Live
- Finnish Rock and Metal Albums of 2025 Unveiled