NEW DELHI: Mazda’s updated BT-50 pickup has been officially revealed, with production set to get underway in Thailand this week.
For the 2016 model year, the BT-50 steps closer towards Mazda’s current styling language without adopting the full ‘flat nose’ look.
As revealed in a leaked image last month, front styling appears to be drawn from the same look applied to the updated CX-5 SUV. Rear styling will likely be more-or-less identical to that of the outgoing model.
We say ‘likely’ as the Japanese carmaker has only afforded us a single photo of its updated Ute, but sweeping changes to the rear aren’t usually the norm for a mid-cycle update to a commercial pickup.
Mazda has revealed that the rear will get revised tail lights, and buyers can expect some new-look alloy wheels across some of the range.
The carmaker also says the model line-up will be unchanged for 2016, meaning the BT-50 will retain its 2WD and 4WD variants in single-cab, dual-cab and ‘freestyle’ extra-cab body-styles.
The interior gets a light update which Mazda says will give it “a higher-quality feel”, and a reversing camera will be available for the first time on some models.
Powertrain options will carry over from the outgoing model, including the 2.2 litre four-cylinder and 3.2 litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engines producing 110kW/375Nm and 147kW/470Nm respectively.
Each engine is available with either manual or automatic transmissions – both six-speed.
The BT-50’s stablemate in the Ford Ranger has also been updated for 2016, with pricing and specifications announced recently ahead of an expected arrival in September.
New Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara models have already arrived in Australia, while the new Toyota HiLux will arrive in the coming weeks.
Mazda says its updated BT-50 will arrive sometime before the end of the year, with pricing and full specifications still to be confirmed.
