Publications
Partners
Mazda has unveiled its all-new BT-50 bakkie at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney with the Japanese carmaker's iteration of the truck theme taking exterior and interior styling cues from its car range.
Though far less assertive than the first teaser sketches, the BT-50's exterior design is still a lot more stylish than its new Ford Ranger sibling. The same can be said about the interior, which is said to feature all the accommodations of a car.
'Sophisticated beast'
Mazda calls its latest bakkie offering "a sophisticated beast” and, though the new model retains much in terms of design from the previous edition, it now sports many styling tweaks.
The nose now sports a new grille along with tweaked headlights. The rear has wraparound tail lights.
Sporty interior
The interior design has been changed and now shows a wraparound fascia which is a refreshing change from the “boring but practical” design of most bakkies.
The raised centre console gives the impression of an SUV-inspired design and the addition of metallic trim along the doors and panels brightens things.
Metallic highlights have been added to the instrument panel which gives off a sporty look and feel.
Ranger power?
Mazda hasn’t released any technical details but rumour has it the new BT-50 could share engines with the 2011 Ford Ranger. If that's the case, buyers will be offered a 150kW 2.2 turbodiesel with larger displacement diesel and petrol options backed by six-speed gearboxes.
Mazda is hoping that the new truck, with its interior and exterior changes, will raise the bar in the utility segment along with its family wagon alternative.
Though far less assertive than the first teaser sketches, the BT-50's exterior design is still a lot more stylish than its new Ford Ranger sibling. The same can be said about the interior, which is said to feature all the accommodations of a car.
'Sophisticated beast'
Mazda calls its latest bakkie offering "a sophisticated beast” and, though the new model retains much in terms of design from the previous edition, it now sports many styling tweaks.
The nose now sports a new grille along with tweaked headlights. The rear has wraparound tail lights.
Sporty interior
The interior design has been changed and now shows a wraparound fascia which is a refreshing change from the “boring but practical” design of most bakkies.
The raised centre console gives the impression of an SUV-inspired design and the addition of metallic trim along the doors and panels brightens things.
CUES FROM CARS: The 2011 BT-50 has sharp new tail lights.
Ranger power?
Mazda hasn’t released any technical details but rumour has it the new BT-50 could share engines with the 2011 Ford Ranger. If that's the case, buyers will be offered a 150kW 2.2 turbodiesel with larger displacement diesel and petrol options backed by six-speed gearboxes.
Mazda is hoping that the new truck, with its interior and exterior changes, will raise the bar in the utility segment along with its family wagon alternative.
