Mazda Australia has upgraded the infotainment system in its BT-50 ute in a bid to keep interest up in the ageing one-tonner as the Japanese manufacturer prepares to switch from Ford to Isuzu for partnership with its next-generation model, which is not due for release here until around 2020.

This is the Ranger-based BT-50’s first update in a couple of years and brings with it a new infotainment system that Mazda has developed with the local arm of Alpine Electronics.

Fitted standard on higher-grade XTR and GT grades – leaving the XT with only a basic infotainment system – the upgrade brings a larger 8.0” high-resolution colour touchscreen with integrated reversing camera and improved satellite navigation that brings point-to-point four-wheel-drive off-road navigation with 3D digital terrain.

Mazda says that for the first time in a BT, the infotainment system has split screen capabilities, allowing both audio and navigation content to be viewed at the same time. It also displays air-conditioning and broader heating/cooling information, while incoming mobile phone calls can now be answered via controls on the steering wheel.

Passengers can watch pre-loaded TV shows or movies while the vehicle is stationary via USB or HDMI cable (the ports for which are now more accessible on the dashboard), as well play MP3, WMA, AAC or FLAC audio and MP4 and MKV video files. The HDMI input also replicates shows being watched via streaming services (such as Netflix, Stan or Foxtel), or on portable DVD players and tablets within the vehicle.

The system includes DAB+ digital radio – with four 50W amplifiers – and also has standard live traffic updates through the radio data system (RDA).

At the entry XT level, the BT is fitted standard with a 3.5” monochrome screen and has the usual array of connectivity ports and Bluetooth phone and audio capability, but no reversing camera.

Mazda also recently issued a recall notice for BT-50s with a manual transmission sold between 14 July 2015 and 2 February 2016.

According to its notice on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s website, the gearshift cable retaining clip may not be fully engaged, which could lead to the gearshift cables moving out of position and contacting the propeller shaft – a situation that could result in difficulty changing gears or loss of drive.

Mazda Australia will contact all affected owners by mail, advising them to contact their local dealer to arrange for an inspection and repair of their vehicle.