Mazda may not be among the top players in global automobile industry but it is on a portfolio expansion mission. The BT-50 is its offering in pickup truck segment. The truck was introduced way back in 2006. For 2017 Mazda is giving it a makeover. The styling and interior have been spruced up to tackle the growing competition in the sector. It locks horns with rivals like Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, and Chevy Colorado etc.
2017 Mazda BT-50 – Design – Design Improvements
The 2017 Mazda BT-50 comes in three body styles- dual-cab, Freestyle-cab, and single-cab, covering a whopping 23 variants. The double cab has 4 doors while other variants have two. The cabin is decently designed but it is not exactly fancy looking. The GT models get leather seats. The cabin has enough storage options for keeping small sized items. The available trim levels are-XT, XTR and GT.
The safety features in Mazda BT-50 2017 are just decent and not great. You get airbags and Standard stability control. GT and XTR trims get a reversing camera. All models get features like Cruise control, Bluetooth, 12-volt outlet. You also get Hill-Launch Assist, Electronic Traction Control, and Trailer-Sway Control. The 7.8-inch touchscreen display is there in GT and XTR trims. The UI is however not as refined as what you get in Ford’s sync 3 system. However, there are no advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance.
2017 Mazda BT-50 – Engine Specs
The base XT trim is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It has a 6-speed auto transmission unit. The ride, however, is far from smooth more so when a payload is less. The other engine option is a 3.2-litre turbo diesel five-cylinder unit which can be coupled with either a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox. Highest towing capacity is 3500 kg and payload varies from 1084 kg to 1533 kg, which is pretty good for its class.
2017 Mazda BT-50 – Price and Release Date
The XT trim of 2017 Mazda BT-50 costs around $25,570 while the price for top end GT is $53,790. The truck will be made available for sale in late 2016. While the 2017 Mazda BT-50 is a decent light duty truck with good towing capacity and payload, there are rivals that outshine it in other departments. The Ford Ranger comes with better safety and technology features for example. The BT-50 also lags behind VW Amarok and Mitsubishi Triton in these respects.