As with anything in life, competitors will always go after the reigning champ. The same goes for the pickup truck market, where manufacturers are developing models that can rival the powerful Ford Ranger Raptor.
According to a report by motoring.com.au, Mazda is currently working on a new version of the BT-50. It’s still based on the new third-generation D-Max, but Mazda is sprucing it up so that it could rival the monster from Ford.
This is just an accessorized BT-50, but the final version could look like this. [Photo: motoring.com.au]
Not many details were given, but as per reports, it will be using the same 3.0-liter turbo-diesel propelling the new Isuzu D-Max, and with the same tune. This means that this future BT-50 version can make up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque.
In comparison, the Ford Ranger Raptor can make 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Another strength of the Raptor is its purposefully designed suspension system which allows it to perform jumps and reach incredible speeds on the sand, gravel, rough roads, etc.
Again, there’s much that we don’t know about this upcoming Mazda BT-50 and what it has under its sleeves, but the report also revealed some exterior features that it might be coming with.
These are all Australian-made accessories, which include a steel “Queensland bar” with new fog lamps with integrated turn signal lamps, headlamp protection, and a beefy-looking bash plate. It will also come with a set of off-road tires, a sports bar, new wheels, and a snorkel.
A closer look at the "Queensland bar" [Photo: motoring.com.au]
>>> Related: 2021 Mazda BT-50 Old vs New: Spot the differences
Moreover, reports suggest that the new Mazda ute will be with a suspension lift. However, official specs are yet to be revealed. As such, it’s too early to tell if it could really match the beefy versatility of the Ranger Raptor’s Fox off-road setup.
Mazda is yet to say when this new BT-50 will be released. According to Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi though, this new version of the Mazda truck will only be available in Australia.
As for Mazda Philippines, it is still keeping mum as to when the local market will get the new BT-50. Maybe after Isuzu PH launched the new D-Max? We’ll just have to wait and see.
For the latest automotive news, car reviews, and car maintenance tips, keep it here on Philkotse.com.
Know more about Mazda BT-50 2024
The third-generation Mazda BT-50 2024 is the latest pickup truck offering from the Japanese marque. It still remains to be a body-on-frame model, and it is based on the third-generation Isuzu D-max.
For the Philippine market, the Mazda BT-50 for 2024 is available in three variants. These come with a price ranging from Php 1,390,000 to Php 1,908,000, with the BT-50 4x4 MT as the entry-level variant, and the BT-50 Pangolin Edition 2 4x4 AT as the top-spec variant.
Under the hood of the BT-50 is a 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX inline-4 turbodiesel engine. At maximum, it can produce up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Available transmissions include a six-speed automatic and a five-speed manual. For drivetrains, only the top-spec variant comes with 4x4.
Size-wise, the new BT-50 2024 Philipines is 5,280mm long, 1,870mm wide, and 1,800mm in height. It also has a wheelbase of 3,125mm.
Competing against the Mazda BT-50 in the Philippine market are the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Strada, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Maxus T60, etc.
Mazda BT-50 Launch
The newest Mazda BT-50 was launched for the Philippine market in November 2021. It replaces the older BT-50 which has been around locally since 2013. Other markets however received by new BT-50 earlier in 2019.
The new version of the BT-50 shares a platform with the Isuzu D-Max. And like the said model, the new BT-50 comes with a handful of improvements for its on-board tech, as well as its mechanical components.
Mazda BT-50 Exterior
While its roots are apparent in its general body shape, the third-gen BT-50 was provided with characteristics that are uniquely Mazda. For instance, it gets the hexagonal front grille, as well as a pair of sharp-looking LED headlamp clusters. These of course are also found on other Mazda models like the CX series of crossovers.
Exterior features include rain-sensing wipers, a set of 18-inch wheels, power-adjustable side mirrors with power fold, and roof rails for the top-spec 4x4 variant.
Size-wise, the BT-50 2024 Philippines comes with a length of 5,280mm, a width of 1,870mm, a height of 1,800mm, and a wheelbase length of 3,125mm.
Mazda BT-50 Interior
Like most trucks in the market today, the new BT-50 can comfortably seat up to five occupants. Its interior space, however, was designed to be more premium in look and feel. Furthermore, it also comes standard with a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system, electronically adjustable front seats, leather seats, and many other niceties.
Technology & Safety Features
Safety-wise, the top-spec BT-50 4x4 comes with the Mazda I-Activsense suite of driver-assist technologies. This includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert, among others. It also gets 7 airbags at most, as well as the usual safety features like stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, among others.
For entertainment, the top-spec 4x4 variant gets a 9-inch touchscreen headunit. Its connectivity options include Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is then linked to an 8-piece speaker system. The other trims then have a seven-inch headunit with the same connectivity options, but it is linked to a six-piece speaker system.
Platform & Chassis
The BT-50 shares a platform with the Isuzu D-Max. As such, it also uses a ladder-frame chassis. For suspensions, the Mazda-branded truck uses a double-wishbone for the front and a leaf spring suspension for the rear. It then uses a ventilated front disc brake and a rear drum brake.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the 2024 Mazda BT-50 is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. At maximum, it can make up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. For transmissions, it either gets a five-speed manual gearbox, or a six-speed automatic tranny with sequential shift.
The entry-level and mid-spec trims of the BT-50 use a 4x2 drivetrain. Only the top-spec variant comes with a 4x4 and a locking rear differential.
Mazda BT-50 Q&A
1. How much is the Mazda pickup BT-50 in the Philippines?
The price of Mazda BT-50 2024 in the Philippines ranges from P1,390,000 to P1,908,000.
2. Is the Mazda BT-50 reliable?
The Mazda BT-50 is generally considered a reliable pickup truck. It is built with high-quality materials, has a solid construction, and is equipped with durable components that can withstand tough driving conditions.
3. Is the Mazda BT-50 fuel efficient?
The Mazda BT-50 is generally considered to be a fuel-efficient pickup truck, especially compared to other similarly-sized vehicles in its class.
4. What engine is in the BT-50?
The Mazda BT-50 is available with either a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine or a 3.2-liter 5-cylinder turbo diesel engine.
5. Is the Mazda BT-50 automatic?
Yes, the Mazda BT-50 is available with an automatic transmission.
₱ 1,390,000 - ₱ 1,858,000
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