Mazda is just about to launch the BT-50 pick-up
We all have our favorites in the motoring industry, for different reasons. I love Toyota because their products are safe, reliable choices and truthfully, are becoming sexier of late (GR Supra, GR Yaris, anyone?).
I absolutely adore Nissans because among the Japanese brands, they take the enthusiasts seriously, what with the R35 GTR, the 370Z, the Navara Pro 4X and now, the Almera with its 1.0 3-cylinder turbo aimed squarely at rejuvenating the local custom car culture with an affordable and exciting entry-level sedan. I enjoy Subarus because of their blood-horns like driving experience which is difficult to match once you’re in the mood, accentuated by its off-beat boxer rumble.
But I love Mazdas the way you would a long-time confidante who has been with you through thick and thin: their products exude a certain sophisticated style only they possess, their driving experience is truly sublime, and the build quality is peerless. From the driving position, to the layout, to the driver-focused qualities aimed at improving one’s quality of life the way only a vehicle car, Mazda just does things differently. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit their home in Hiroshima twice, have a deeper understanding of their ethos, as well as a sound comprehension of their business as well, and the company’s direction as a whole.
So, imagine my shock when Mazda introduced the BT-50 pick-up to other markets ahead of us last year. It just looked gorgeous: all the Mazda design cues, with the solid foundations of the Isuzu D-Max it shares its underpinnings with, offering driving dynamics and refinement one would expect from a Mazda. It would be a painful waiting game until the BT-50 reached local shores.
In recent months, we have seen the unveiling of the Toyota Hilux in its latest variant, the Gazoo Racing Sport, the Nissan Navara Pro 4X, the newest Isuzu D-Max and of course, the Mitsubishi Strada Athlete which was launched over a year ago quietly prior to the pandemic. It seems like Mazda’s BT-50 was the last one to the party.
But better late than never as they say. Like the latest D-Max, the Mazda BT-50 is assembled at Isuzu’s Samut Prakarn factory in Thailand.
While Isuzu handled R&D of the new pick-up platform completely, all the aesthetics and touch-points are unique to Mazda, particularly the KODO: soul of motion design language but thankfully and crucially, having driven the D-Max, I can say the shared platform drives very well, befitting the Mazda badge and image.
Power comes from Isuzu’s 4JJ3-TCX 3.0 CRDi turbocharged and intercooler diesel, outputting 190ps and 450 Newton-Meters of torque driving either all four wheels or the rears exclusively via a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. There’s also a smaller, 1.9 liter CRDi diesel engine codenamed RZ4E-TC that outputs 150ps and 350 Newton-Meters of torque, presumably for lower-end variants and possibly fleet vehicle users of the BT-50.
With the 3.0 lump, the BT-50 has a proper 3500kg towing capacity and a smidge over 1,000kg of pick-up bed payload capacity. It also has a generous 800mm flood fording depth and a 235mm ground clearance in 4×4 trim, with a 6.25 meter turning radius, making it perfect for off-roading and overloading adventures.
Inside, Mazda promises an upgraded interior compared to its Isuzu twin: higher quality materials, a sophisticated two-tone black and brown theme, and special MDI polyurethane materials for the seats to lessen fatigue over long drives. Think of it as Mazda’s (and Isuzu’s) answer to Nissan’s Zero Gravity Seats which also aim to reduce fatigue over long periods of time behind the wheel.
Of course, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, with a 9-inch LCD touchscreen display assuming we get the same spec as that of Thailand and other markets. The BT-50 also inherits the D-Max’s ceiling mounted Live Surround sound system, making your Spotify tunes truly come alive.
The BT-50 also leads in terms of safety in Thailand, and we hope these features will also find their way locally. The BT-50 with a full suite of airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, and on models, advanced blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert or Advanced Driver Assist System or ADAS. Using two stereoscopic cameras, it allows next-level functions such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Truly, today’s pick-ups are beyond mere workhorses.
Because it is a Mazda, it will most likely be priced slightly higher than its Isuzu twin, whilst offering more value via better features matched with Mazda’s much vaunted after-sales service, offering their usual Yojin PMS package. Excellent build quality, amazing features, striking design, peerless after-sales service. As someone who really needs a pick-up for work, I think I am close to making a choice on which one to buy. Are you excited? You won’t have to wait longer because Mazda is unveiling this really soon.
Photo: Mazda2022.com
