The refreshed Mazda BT-50 will arrive here in May, designed and built just for the Australian market…
IT’S FAIR TO SAY the Mazda BT-50 never struck the same chord as its virtual twin under the skin, Ford Ranger. So, Mazda is hoping a new-look BT-50, designed and engineered locally will give it some grunt in the growing ute segment.
Mazda isn’t saying too much and has, so far, only released the above image of the front guard, but the new BT-50 will go on-sale here in May. In a statement to the media, Mazda Australia boss, Vinesh Bhindi said the refreshing of the BT-50 was an important step.
“The utility segment is a huge priority in Australia and for Mazda; we’re always looking to improve and enhance our product offering, to remain competitive and appealing to our customers,” said Mr Bhindi.
“This upgrade gives the BT-50 a stronger and tougher bearing, which we know Australians look for in a ute.”
Mazda Australia said the new BT-50 would be free of the curves and swooping body panels that lacked the perceived, squared-off, ‘tough look’ of its rivals. Mazda Australia said, “the BT-50 will see significant front end design changes, doing away with curving lines to strengthen the ute’s impressive road stance.
“Lowering the car’s visual centre of gravity, the outer edges of the bumper have been squared off, bolder contrasting fog light surrounds have been added, along with a large trapezoidal lower air intake with a skid plate.
“Further bolstering its tougher outlook, the grille has adopted strong horizontal lines to straighten out the front of the car, giving the ute a wider and more solid bearing.”
The refreshed BT-50 has been produced in partnership with the EGR Group. EGR is traditionally a producer of things like tonneau covers and bull bars as OEM but is also involved with engineering products too.
More detail on specific equipment upgrades and pricing will be made available closer to release in May.
