Mazda Philippines is getting back into the pick-up game with the all-new BT-50. The BT-50 has always been part of Mazda’s recent lineup, and it stands as the traditional workhorse with a little extra, as a complement to Mazda’s fleet of fun-to-drive cars and SUVs.
What is it: The BT-50 is an all-new pickup introduced globally just this year. The new truck is a the result of a tieup (or collab, in today’s parlance) with Isuzu Motors. The BT-50 is thus based on the Isuzu D-Max and is manufactured by Isuzu in Thailand.
Design: Where Isuzus tend to have a more utilitarian look, Mazda has imbued the BT-50 with some of its Kodo-Soul of Motion styling. Thus, the BT-50 looks more elegant than almost any pickup, with sleek headlamps and the traditional pentagonal Mazda grille. Mazda changed most of the truck’s body panels to give it a harmonious design. Daytime running lights and LED headlamps give it a modern touch.
Interior: Expect wireless Apple CarPlay and USB Android Auto on board the BT-50, with control via a 7-inch touchscreen. This wouldn’t be a Mazda without premium-grade materials, and at least visually, the BT-50 seems in tune with this standard. Expect the usual exemplary layout of secondary controls, incluuding multi-function steering wheel buttons.
Powertrain: The Mazda BT-50 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine with 190ps and 450 Nm of torque. This allows for towing of up to 3.5 tons. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic.
Chassis: Mazda BT-50 clocks in at 5280mm length x 1870mm wide. Its cargo box is 1530mm wide x 1571mm long. Suspension is via the usual pickup standard double wishbones up front and rigid axle with leaf springs at the rear. Expect 235mm of ground clearance on the standard 17-inch alloy wheels. The use of high-tensile steel helps with rigidity and handling.
Safety: Mazda prides itself on safety, and the BT-50 should have a complete set of active safety features, including ABS, auto emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, electronic stability control, emergency lane keeping, and forward collision warning. Hill descent control and hill launch assist will help in trick situations.
The Mazda BT-50 wants to zoom as much as the brand’s cars and SUVs, and offers styling and technology that help it to stand out in the crowded pickup market.
