Mazda PH could be launching a vehicle next week, and here's our guess

Updated Nov 18, 2020 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Could it be the new BT-50?

While it isn’t an outright confirmation and more of a teaser, it seems that Mazda Philippines is launching a vehicle on November 24, 2020. 

We aren’t really sure as to what this model is since Mazda PH is being really coy about it. But if we consider the scant evidence though, the only vehicle in Mazda PH’s current lineup that has not received a recent update is the Mazda BT-50.

Currently, it’s also the oldest model in the local Mazda lineup. Do note that this is a wild guess, but we think Mazda PH might be launching the new 5th-gen BT-50 next week.

A picture of the Mazda PH launch teaser

November 24, 2020. Save the date

We might turn out to be wrong though because Mazda has also launched several new vehicles in other markets such as the CX-30 Turbo, the updated CX-5, the Mazda3 Turbo, among others.

But if it’s really the BT-50 that’s going to launch next week, why didn’t Isuzu PH get to launch the new 3rd-gen D-Max first? Well, according to a report by caradvice.com.au, the plant producing the D-Max had to halt production for three months. This is due to a shortage of parts caused in turn by the COVID-19 situation in Europe.

The production of the Mazda BT-50 however, is still ongoing for now. This is despite the fact that these two trucks share the same production line as they are literally the same model save for some exterior differences. As such, that’s our theory as to why Mazda PH could launch the new BT-50 next week.  

>>> Related: 2021 Mazda BT-50 debuts CX-9 looks on an Isuzu truck platform

A picture of the Mazda BT-50

We're either right on the money, or totally off with our guess

If our very wild guess rings true, then this is the brand’s first new-generation pickup truck in almost a decade. And that will surely catch everyone’s attention. Moreover, the 2021 Mazda BT-50 would make the local pickup truck segment even more exciting. 

For more updates on this, be sure to keep posted here on Philkotse.com.

Know more about Mazda BT-50 2024

Mazda BT-50

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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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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