2022 Mazda BT-50 is the newest challenger in PH pickup truck segment

After its launch last year, the all-new Mazda BT-50 has now finally arrived on our shores. Mazda Philippines officially announced that the third-generation version of its pickup truck joins the local lineup with a new look that showcases the brand’s signature design elements, as well as an updated powertrain.

2022 Mazda BT-50

For its latest iteration, the Mazda BT-50 is no longer based on the Ford Ranger. Instead, Mazda tapped its fellow Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors to develop its all-new truck, sharing the same platform as the Isuzu D-Max. Considering how reputable Isuzu’s name is as a brand that manufactures rugged and durable trucks, Filipino car buyers should be up for a treat.

“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,” said Mazda Philippines President and CEO Steven Tan.

Exterior

The all-new Mazda BT-50 is crafted with the brand’s award-winning Kodo design language which gives the truck its contemporary appearance. It gets a similar face as its crossover siblings thanks to the new and sleeker LED headlight design, a larger Signature Kodo grille, and revamped fog light housing.

A huge design leap as compared to the second-gen

Moving to the sides and rear, the new BT-50 reflects identical design cues as its Isuzu twin. The vertical taillight designs of the two models are similar, with subtle differences to distinguish one from the other. A new set of two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels is available in the top-spec variant, while lower variants get 17-inch alloy wheels.

Dimensions-wise, the all-new pickup truck spans 5,280mm in length, 1,870mm in width, and 1,810mm in height. This makes it 85mm shorter and 31mm shorter in height than the outgoing model. But the width has been increased by 20mm. All variants are equipped with a bedliner for added surface protection during hauling tasks.

Interior

Inside, the 2022 Mazda BT-50 offers a different appeal as compared to the previous generation. Gone is the bright and straightforward interior, and is replaced with a premium-like cabin layout. This is brought by the dark theme, new black headliner, two-tone configuration, redesigned controls, and a revamped steering wheel.

2022 Mazda BT-50 interior

Black cloth is the go-to for the seat material, while the flagship variant gets to benefit from brown leather seats. Other features that are exclusive to the top-spec variant are an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat to easily find the preferred driving position and heated seats.

Tech & Safety

A 9-inch infotainment screen is integrated into the center console that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is connected to an 8-speaker system for a fuller listening experience on the go. Also, the cabin uses dual-zone automatic climate control. These features are exclusive to the top trim.

Demanding road presence

As for safety, the Japanese pickup truck is offering seven airbags including knee airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and front and rear parking sensors. Moreover, it boasts driver-assistance features such as Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

Engine & Powertrain

As part of the partnership, Mazda replaced the 3.2-liter Ford Duratorq engine with a 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel engine found in the Isuzu D-Max. It is capable of generating 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

One off-road capable truck

Despite the slightly smaller engine displacement, the all-new Mazda BT-50 is still capable of pulling a similar payload capacity of over 1,000 kg and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg. It can be configured to either a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain system with a rear locking differential for a more reinforced off-roading capability.

Pricing

For the 2022 model, Mazda Philippines slightly increased the price tag of the BT-50 pickup truck which is expected for next-gen models. See the list below for the full pricing:

• Mazda BT-50 4x2 MT - Php 1,390,000
• Mazda BT-50 4x2 AT - Php 1,430,000
• Mazda BT-50 4x4 AT - Php 1,790,000

The truck adopts the Kodo design language

Mazda Philippines is also offering the 2022 BT-50 pickup truck with a five-year Free Service Plan as well as a three-year or 100,000 km warranty. 

In addition, the first 200 buyers of the 2022 BT-50 3.0L 4x2 AT, and 3.0L 4x4 AT will get a set of free accessories that include: a lockable roller-type bed cover with a black finish, matte black fender flares, and a black front scuff plate with a silver accent.     

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