Facelifted Mazda BT-50 begins production for Thailand and Australia



The Mazda BT-50 has just received its mid-life update and this time, the Ford Ranger-based utility vehicle benefits from the company’s Kodo design philosophy. Its exact specifications have yet to be revealed, but we’re told up front that there will be no changes to the powertrain.

As stale as that sounds, let’s not overlook what their existing 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre turbodiesel engines can offer; 148 hp at 3,700 rpm and 375 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm for the smaller four-cylinder engine, whereas the 3.2-litre inline five-cylinder oil burner makes 198 hp at 3,000 rpm and 470 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission which sends power to all four wheels on demand.

Mazda BT-50
The current Mazda BT-50 is priced from RM90k to RM107k

Like its specifications, official pictures are also scarce. But what’s obviously different is its exterior styling, which sees the truck getting a new, sleeker front face, updated headlights, new grille and a new set of aluminium wheels believed to be either in 16-inch or 17-inch guise, just like before. Although there are no pictures of its rear end, Mazda assures that the tail lamps are new, and we can expect a mix of LED and bulb combination clusters.

The interior also gets its fair share of upgrades, possibly receiving Mazda’s MZD Connect System for the first time. A reverse camera joins the amenities front, which means we can expect a 7-inch touchscreen unit to be fitted just like their passenger car range. Production of the BT-50 facelift started yesterday (13 July 2015) at Mazda’s manufacturing plant in Rayong, Thailand where it will go on sale soon. Australia is also another market set to receive the ute.