Last year, Mazda Philippines launched the BT-50 Pangolin Edition. For those unaware, it’s a tougher-looking version of the Mazda pickup truck made in collaboration with Katala Foundation.
This was done in order to raise awareness for the critically endangered Pangolin, aka scaly anteaters that are native to Palawan. That version however was only available with a 4x4 drivetrain combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The Mazda BT-50 4x2 Pangolin Edition
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Exterior
With regards to exterior features, the BT-50 4x2 Pangolin Edition has some significant differences from the 4x4 trim that was released last year. For starters, it no longer has a large roof-mounted cargo basket.
However, it still comes with the black-colored sports bar, the aggressive-looking fender flares, as well as the beefy-looking set of 17-inch alloy wheels from Rota. Also, the Pangolin decal is smaller and is mounted on the tail section of the truck.
Remember that for the 4x4 version, the said decal was positioned mostly on the front door, and was significantly larger.
Note the smaller Pangolin decal
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Interior
Step inside the new BT-50 4x2 Pangolin editions and one will find an interior that’s identical to the BT-50, and the BT-50 4x4 Pangolin.
It features leather-clad seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a generous amount of space for up to five occupants.
The BT-50 4x2 Pangolin Edition's cockpit
For the driver, this model also provides an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an analog gauge cluster, a digital trip computer, as well as a reverse camera. As with the standard 4x2, non-Pangolin trims, the new model also gets cruise control, which can be controlled via steering wheel-mounted controls.
Tech and Safety
In terms of on-board tech and safety equipment, the new BT-50 4x2 Pangolin variants come equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-front airbags, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, parking sensors, stability control, among others.
Engine
For its powerplant, the new 4x2 versions of the BT-50 Pangolin Edition use the smaller 2.2-liter inline-4 engine options available to the Mazda pickup truck model.
At most, the said engine can produce up to 148 horsepower and 375 Nm of torque. In contrast, the 4x4 version is propelled by a 3.2-liter five-cylinder engine that could make up to 200 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque.
The BT-50 4x2 Pangolin Edition uses a double-wishbone front suspension, and a leaf spring rear suspension
Now, unlike the earlier 4x4 variant, these are available with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, which sends power to the truck’s rear wheels.
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Pricing
The 2021 Mazda BT-50 4x2 Pangolin MT is priced at Php 1,350,000 while 4x2 Pangolin AT can be had for Php 1,395,000.
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