Mazda Philippines is set to steal the limelight in the hotly contested pickup segment. And it’s got just the truck to do it. Bristling with brand new parts and advanced technology top to bottom and from bumper to bumper, the latest generation of Mazda’s venerable pickup melds the distinctiveness and dynamism of the brand’s Kodo Soul of Motion Design with the real-world practicality, durability and versatility of a solid new platform.
The new BT-50 fuses premium car-like comfort, elegance and style with the strength, stance and functionality of a true workhorse. “The all-new Mazda BT-50 is the pickup we have all been waiting for,” says Mazda Philippines president and CEO, Steven Tan. “The new BT-50 brings power, stature and prestige into the pickup market as it sits proudly among the rest of our Kodo Soul of Motion-inspired lineup. It is a confident expression of strength and versatility tempered by style and boldness that will allow its driver to experience life to the fullest. Our customers will surely find in the new BT-50 the same premium quality, comfort, durability and driving satisfaction that they have come to expect from every Mazda.”
Despite sharing its platform with the likewise all-new Isuzu D-Max, the BT-50’s drivetrain, engine, and even its now more dignified stature delivers a sophisticated presence that perfectly dovetails with Mazda’s design and engineering philosophies.
Sporting Mazda’s three-dimensional signature wing that anchors its sharp, sleek and elegant LED headlamps, the front end of the new BT-50 is unmistakably Mazda. Its sculpted front bumper is smoothly integrated into the front fascia to create a continuous, graceful flow. At the back, the taillights take on a similar cylindrical mold as the headlamps, making it consistent with Mazda’s round-light design theme.
The new BT-50’s low-rake hood and its pronounced crease lines that extend all the way to the side mirrors, give the impression of dynamism even at a standstill. Flared fender panels convey an expression of strength while new 18-inch wheels with a two-tone finish provide a stylish accent.
The new BT-50 is ready and able to do the hard work it’s designed for. The bed’s wide 1,530mm opening, 490mm depth, and 1,571mm length makes the BT-50 a versatile hauler for cargo of various shapes and sizes. All variants even come with a bedliner. The 4×4 also has a functional roof rail.
Echoing Mazda’s premium direction, the new BT-50’s SUV-like cabin is made of high-quality materials that provide comfort and convenience for all occupants without sacrificing durability and functionality.
From the bold dashboard to the sculpted door panels, the new BT-50’s cabin exudes an elegant yet highly functional finish. This attention to detail is matched in the molded front seats which are covered in fine brown leather (for the 4×4) or cool high-quality black fabric (for the 4×2). Along with the padded leather knee pads and armrests, no stone was left unturned in the quest to have the new BT-50 deliver the same luxurious and relaxing driving experience one would expect from a Mazda.
To add a touch of class inside the cabin, matte-finished sculpted accents make their way from the doors to the dash, along with the gloss finish on the air conditioning bezels. The multi-info display shows key information (including frequently used infotainment controls) within the driver’s line of sight. More nifty fetaures include seat warmer, electric seat adjustments for the driver’s seat, and a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel. Bottle holders in the doors can hold a 1.5-liter drink bottle. There are upper and lower glove compartments plus front and rear USB ports and an auto-dimming rear view. The new BT-50 even boasts an infrared-reflecting windshield glass to cut down the heat entering the cabin, futther improving the effectiveness of the AC.
A Remote Engine Start button on the key fob allows the driver to start the engine from up to 20 meters away and cool the cabin. It also has Keyless Entry and Walk Away Auto Lock systems.
Even the rear seats offer generous space and afford a natural seating position for passengers. They also benefit from dual-zone A/C through air vents. Hidden compartments underneath the rear seats let one stow valuables away from prying eyes.
The new BT-50’s 9-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay/Android Auto infotainment system works with 6×9-inch woofers in the front and rear doors, on-dash tweeters, and special roof speakers to provide an 8-speaker surround setup.
All three variants of the new BT-50 will use Isuzu’s tried-and-tested 4JJ3 3.0-liter 4-cylinder intercooled variable-geometry turbo (VGT) diesel engine that develops 190ps and 450Nm of torque from as low as 1,600 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic.
The new BT-50 4×4 is equipped with an electronically controlled Drive Selector featuring options for 2-wheel Drive Low, 2-wheel Drive High, 4-wheel Drive Low, and 4-wheel Drive High. Together with an Electronic Rear Differential Lock, maximum contact and traction is achieved even on loose and undulating surfaces. Negotiating downhills is also easy with the new BT-50’s HIll Descent Control. The new BT-50 sports a ground clearance of 240mm and a wading depth of 800mm.
The new BT-50’s is equipped with Mazda Active Safety Technology (MAST) pre-crash safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Auto High Beam Control, and automatic wipers. The BT-50 is also equipped with 7 airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and front side airbags as added layers of safety.
Mazda prides itself for being the only brand that provides a 5-Year Free Service Plan. As with every other brand-new Mazda, the plan covers the expenses of periodic maintenance at either 6-month or 10,000-kilometer intervals, for up to 5 years or 100,000 kilometers.
The 5-Year Free Service Plan follows the comprehensive maintenance and parts replacement schedule recommended by Mazda Japan. It includes the highest-grade Shell fully synthetic lubricant, all scheduled replacement parts, and labor costs. Aside from significant savings, Mazda Philippines’ Free Service Plan shields customers from cost inflation concerns during their ownership experience.
Along with the 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty included in every new Mazda and Mazda Philippines’ award-winning after-sales service, customers can enjoy the reassurance and peace of mind of premium ownership with the new BT-50.
The 2022 BT-50 will be available in three different trims: Manual Transmission 4×2 priced at P1,390,000; Automatic Transmission 4×2 priced at P1,430,000; and Automatic Transmission 4×4 priced at P1,790,000. A range of colors from Concrete Gray, Gun Blue Metallic, Volcanic Red, Rock Gray, Icy White, Silver Ingot and True Black are available.