All-new Mazda BT-50 is a Sexy Pickup We’d Like to See Here
Mazda stopped selling pickups in North America in 2010 with the discontinuation of the B-Series, a clone of the old Ford Ranger. Elsewhere around the world, things are different. There’s a model called BT-50 that recently spawned a third generation and we just can’t help but fantasize about it.
The vehicle is based on an Isuzu D-Max chassis while sporting Mazda’s signature KODO design. Obviously, styling is a matter of personal tastes, but have you ever seen such a sexy and refined small pickup? Probably not. Maybe the upcoming Hyundai Santa Cruz will have something to say about that…
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From what we understand, the Mazda BT-50 pictured here is a premium model that can double as a daily driver. Cheaper, lesser-equipped variants are also available for customers who just want a work truck.
At 5.28 metres long, 1.88 metre wide and 1.78 metre tall, this model is barely more compact than a new Ranger SuperCab with a six-foot bed.
The interior of the redesigned BT-50 looks nothing like a pickup cabin and much more like a car’s. Ergonomics and material selection were a big focus. Check out the centre console, too. The dashboard incorporates a nine-inch touchscreen and select models even offer a digital instrument cluster.
What about capability? We know the new Mazda BT-50’s engine lineup includes a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel rated at 190 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque—numbers that are quite similar to those of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon equipped with the 2.8-litre Duramax (181 horsepower, 369 pound-feet). Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions can be specified. Payload capacity is 2,347 pounds, while max towing amounts to 7,716 pounds (Ranger: 7,500).
Production of the Mazda BT-50 takes place in Thailand for export to Asia and Australia. Fancy a return in North America? We can at least dream about it.
