Mazda BT-50 coming soon in Malaysia: Here's what to expect

KUALA LUMPUR: Bermaz, Mazda Malaysia’s official distributor posted a teaser image that shows silhouettes of two upcoming cars. From the looks of it, one in the button-right corner looks like a pickup, and the one in the top-left corner seems like an SUV.

Now, it is pretty obvious that the pickup in the image is none other than the new BT-50. How can we be so sure? Well, that’s because the Mazda lineup has only one vehicle in the pickup segment which is the BT-50. And today we’ll be discussing Mazda’s upcoming pickup in detail and see what’s in stock for the local market.

Starting, the new BT-50 is based on the latest Isuzu D-Max. With a unique exterior design, the two cars share the same cabin and under the hood configurations.

Though Mazda Malaysia is tight-lipped on the pickup’s specifications, we can always take clues from the recently launched Australia-spec third-gen BT-50.

Body-styles

In Australia, Mazda offers the new BT-50 in four body styles namely, Single cab, Freestyle cab, Dual cab/4x2, and 4x4. Each of which is offered in different variants, for instance, the single cab version is offered in XS Cab Chassis and XT Cab Chassis, the Freestyle Cab in sole XT Cab Chassis, the Dual Cab/ 4x2 in XT Cab Chassis, XS Pickup, XT Pickup, and XTR pickup. And lastly the 4X4 in XT Cab Chassis, XTR Cab Chassis, XS Pickup, XT Pickup, XTR Pickup, GT, SP, and Thunder.

We are not sure which body style, in which trim option/s will be available in Malaysia, however, it is certain that compared to Australia, we’ll get lesser options to choose from.

Performance

Powering the XS trim is a 1.9-litre in-line four-cylinder DOHC intercooler diesel engine making 15-PS at 3,600 rpm along with a peak torque of 350 Nm at 1,800 to 2,600 rpm. The power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The XT, XTR, SP, and Thunder trims are powered by a 3.0-litre in-line 4-cylinder DOHC intercooled turbo-diesel making 190 PS at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm at 1,600-2,600 rpm.

Exterior

The XS, XT, XTR trim features - body-colour door handles, ORVM, and rear bumper, under-body impact protection, window demister, 2-speed wipers with rain-sensing function, halogen DRLs, LED headlamps with auto on/off function, and halogen tail lamps.

In addition to the above inclusions, the SP trim features gloss black door handles, ORVM, and fender flares. Also present are front and rear mudflaps, body-coloured rear bumper with step, grey side steps, and a lockable tailgate.

The Thunder model gets chrome door handles, steel-black single exhaust extensions, chrome power-folding heated ORVM, black fender flares, front and rear mudflaps, body-coloured rear bumper with step, electric roller tonneau cover, premium black steel sports bar, Lightforce 20-inch dual-Row LED light bar. All the other lighting setups remain the same.

Interior

The XS, XT cabin is loaded with several comfortable and convenient features like dual-zone climate control, two USB ports, 4.2-inch LCD colour multi-info meter display, 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, four-speaker audio system, and much more.

The XTR, SP, and Thunder trims feature a 9-inch infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and a 6-speakers audio system.

Security

The pickup's standard safety kit includes - 7 airbags, ABS, Attention Assist, Auto Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Brake Assist, Childproof rear door locks, EBD, Emergency Brake-force Distribution, Electronic Stability Control, Emergency Lane Keeping, Emergency Stop Signal, Forward Collision Warning, Engine immobiliser, High Beam Control, High Beam Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Intrusion-minimising brake pedal, Roll Over Protection, Reverse Camera, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Manual Speed Limiter, Lane-keep Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, and more.

Whichever Mazda BT-50 variant Mazda Malaysia decides to bring in, we are sure they’ll do well in the local market. As all models are packed with powerful performance, a stunning cabin, and a strong safety shield.

Also Read: ANCAP awarded a perfect 5-star safety rating to 2021 Mazda BT-50