The growing number of the refreshed and more sophisticated mid-size trucks appearing in the global market and we saw recently the updated Ford Ranger and the performance Raptor version. The Ranger continues to improve the efficiency measures, performance, and add more premium cues combined with the advanced safety tech. On the other hand, the Mazda BT-50 shares some of the DNA with the popular Ranger model including the platform and the five-cylinder diesel engine but it lacks the level of refinement and modern tech we can found in the increasing number of the modern utes.
Mazda updated the BT-50 for the 2018 model year and most of the changes were of the cosmetic nature. There were also some tech updates but the model still falls behind the class leaders regarding the level of the modern tech and safety features as well as the premium features.
The things will stay pretty much the same with the arrival of the 2020 Mazda BT-50 while the next-generation version should come with the major upgrades beyond 2020.
2020 Mazda BT-50: Design
The all-new BT-50 will be built as the joint venture with the Isuzu and the new version will switch to the new platform and Mazda’s styling language. In the meantime, the 2020 Mazda BT-50 will continue to live on the 2018 model year styling updates.
Mazda updated the front-end styling for the recent refresh with the new bumper design, new grille inserts and headlights. The 2020 Mazda BT-50 model will enter the 2020 model year with the same styling and there won’t be major updates either structural or visual before the arrival of the next-generation version.
Interior, Equipment:
The interior of the model will also remain the same form. No signs that Mazda will introduce material and tech updates for the 2020 version.
The model has a simple but well-arranged interior. Buyers will also find several premium features available in upper grades like the leather surfaces, automatic climate control, powered seats, alloy wheel, smartphone compatible infotainment system, etc.
The advanced safety systems like the radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, etc. won’t likely be available again.
2020 Mazda BT-50: Performance
Under the hood of the 2020 Mazda BT-50 will remain a 3.2-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel. The engine makes 197 hp at 3000 rpm while the max torque of 470 Nm will be available from 1750 rpm.
Mazda will again mix this engine with the six-speed automatic transmission. Both the two- and off-road capable four-wheel drive will be available. The model will stay at the max towing capability of 3500 kg and above 1000 kg tray capacity.
On the other hand, the latest reports suggest that the next-generation BT-50 should introduce the radically new powerplant. The reports indicate the introduction of the bi-turbo electronically-supercharged engine.
2020 Mazda BT-50: Release, Price
The 2020 Mazda BT-50 will hit the market in the last quarter of 2019. The next generation BT-50 is a few years away from the launch. Expect the similar price range or even slightly reduced price of the 2020 version.
