Whether it’s in the bush or on the boulevard, Mazda’s rugged but mild mannered BT50 has the distinction of being some of the most capable utes in Australia. They’re the most versatile ute/pick-up platform ever engineered by Mazda, which is why nudge bars are one of the smartest aftermarket bolt-on accessories that they can be outfitted with.
Unlike outsized, big-diameter bull bars that are better suited for full-time off road duty than everyday driving, Mazda BT50 nudge bar parts offer a level of frontal protection that’s safer for both the driver and the general public. They’re strong enough to shield vital BT50 components like the radiator and water pump from all but the most serious animal strikes, only without the massive forward projection that could be calamitous in case of an urban collision.
Ultimate9 Nudge Bars Offer Premium Mazda Frontal Protection
Let’s be honest: while there’s no shortage of opinions surrounding the practicality of bull bars and nudge bars, the fact is any increase in frontal protection in Australia can be a life saver. That’s why it’s no surprise that Victoria’s Ultimate9 has stepped up to develop a high-quality Mazda BT50 nudge bar that rises above pointless discussions about frontal protection.
Ultimate9 nudge bars provide the essential front end protection that’s needed to guard against animal strikes when driving on regional roads, especially after dusk. And with their narrower width and gentler angles of approach than standard bull bars, they’re also the best solution for urban driving, especially for parking safety and protection.
Aussie aftermarket manufacturers are acutely aware of the dangers associated with regional and rural areas, as well as those attributable to high traffic density areas. That’s why Ultimate9’s BT50 nudge bars are engineered to offer the widest range of benefits without sacrificing their urbane practicality, to include:
- Sensible design. Not only are nudge bars smaller and lighter than heavyweight bull bars, their minimal width and forward projection make them the sensible choice for protection against minor rural, and standard city impacts.
- Lighter weight. At under 30 kgs, Ultimate9’s lightweight BT50 nudge bar offers the same primary frontal protection that 80 kg bull bars do, with the benefit of improved fuel efficiency, greater stability and less of a drag on the Mazda’s GVW.
- Compact installation. With a low profile fit that follows the BT50’s frontal contours perfectly, Ultimate9’s Mazda nudge bars nestle smartly against the front bumper without any cutting, and can be mounted easily without any special tools or provisions.
Make no mistake: with a 22% year-over-year increase in animal collisions across Australia, nudge bar kits are the perfect choice for BT50 owners who want the peace of mind that comes with frontal protection, without the cost, inconvenience or prospect of personal injury that a full-fledged bull bar could incur. That’s because Ultimate9 kits are designed to hug the BT50’s frontend with OE-like precision; and owners only have to look at the range of features these kits offer to understand just how versatile they are when it comes to premium frontal protection.
BT50 Nudge Bar Features Are the Key to Versatility
Versatility is critical when it comes to nudge bars. Where bull bars rely on bulk for their visual and physical deterrence, nudge bars are as polished as they are protective. The BT50’s day-to-day utility makes them suitable for multiple roles, which is why Ultimate9 nudge bars are built with an equally wide range of specs and features that include:
- Rigid 3 mm nudge bar, 1.6 mm centre pan and 6 mm steel chassis mounts;
- Corrosion-resistant zinc plating, with black textured powder coating;
- Testing and confirmation for airbag compatibility;
- Support for lane assist radar, front camera and parking sensor placement; and,
- An integrated Ultimate9 26“ LED lightbar with high-beam adapter and OE-style light switch.
Ultimate9 nudge bars also feature laser-cut mounting points that are perfect for attaching antennas or additional lighting. No other nudge bar kit offers the stylish, all-purpose functionality that Ultimate9 kits do. And only their certifiable ADR compliance guarantees BT50 owners protection for their most critical frontend components while also reducing the risk of personal injury.
Ultimate9 Brings ADR Compliance to the Forefront of BT50 Conformity
Although each state sets its own rules for nudge bar compliance, national guidelines for acceptable frontal protection systems are actually prescribed by Australian Standards (AS) 4876. These directives are based on ADR-specified criteria and cover the construction of all nudge bars sold throughout the country.
Even with the BT50, ADR compliance is central to acceptable frontal protection. And fortunately, Ultimate9 nudge bars excel when it comes to key compliance attributes, including:
- Conformity with the BT50’s unique frontal profile;
- Utilisation of Mazda’s approved mounting points;
- Compliance with the BT50’s minimum allowable ground clearance;
- Acceptable tube end shapes and corner and edge profiles; and,
- Elimination of any restrictions on driver visibility.
Together with their reinforced ladder suspension systems, BT50 nudge bars offer one of the most comprehensive levels of frontal protection available on any ute. No other accessory is more successful when it comes to simultaneously tying ADR compliance to style and safety.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, BT50 owners know that regardless of how they divide their time between rural and city driving, frontal protection is mandatory. They have every reason, however, to expect ADR-compliant protection to fully reflect the BT50’s style, utility and versatility. And not surprisingly, that’s also how Ultimate9 visualises frontal protection.
No matter where an owner spends the bulk of their time, Ultimate9’s high quality nudge bar kits offer everything they need to protect their front end. They’re a sound investment in safety that drivers can’t afford to ignore.