All-new Mazda BT-50 speaks ‘Kodo’

MANILA: Local Mazda distributor Bermaz Auto Philippines (Mazda Philippines) has launched the 2022 BT-50 pickup, which among other highlights, features the carmaker’s Kodo design language.

“The latest generation of Mazda’s venerable pickup truck melds the simplicity and dynamism of Kodo Soul of Motion Design, with the real-world practicality, durability and versatility of a solid new platform,” Mazda Philippines flaunted in a release.

Now available in Mazda dealerships, the 2022 BT-50 comes in three different trims: MT 4x2 (P1.390 million), AT 4x2 (P1.430 million), and AT 4x4 (P1.790 million).

Mazda’s Kodo makes the 2022 BT-50 unique from its counterpart, the Isuzu D-Max (both cars share the same platform and body). Kodo translates into the 2022 BT-50 as a three-dimensional signature grille and sleek LED headlamps. The front bumper seamlessly integrates into the front fascia for a cleaner look, while the hood sports creases that extend to its side mirrors.

On its sides, Kodo adds in the 2022 BT-50 flared fender panels, which are accented by 18-inch wheels with a two-tone finish.

At the back of the 2022 BT-50, the rear combination lamps take on a similar cylindrical mold as the headlamps to make them consistent with Mazda’s preference for a round light design theme.

The 2022 BT-50 is “ready and able to do the hard work it is designed for,” Mazda says. The bed has a rear opening with a 1,530-millimeter opening, 490mm depth, and 1,571mm length to accommodate cargo of various shapes and sizes.

All BT-50 variants come with a bedliner, while the BT-50 4x4 is topped by a functional roof rail, enabling additional overhead cargo carrying ability.

To motivate the pickup, a three-liter diesel engine with a Variable-Geometry System (VGS) turbo is standard across the range. The mill makes 190ps at 3,600rpm and 450Nm of torque from 1,600rpm. A six-speed automatic and manual make up the transmission choices.

Meanwhile, the 2022 BT-50 is underpinned by a double-wishbone front and leaf spring rear suspension components, and four-wheel drive with an electronically controlled Drive Selector.

This system provides two-wheel drive low and high, and four-wheel drive low and high power delivery options. For maximum traction, the 2022 BT-50 also uses a rear differential lock.

Negotiating downhills is also easy with the 2022 BT-50’s HIll Descent Control. The system assures a steady downward crawl even when the driver does not press the throttle or brakes.
The off-road features continue to the ground clearance of 240mm and a wading depth of 800mm.

Meanwhile, the 2022 BT-50’s interior is appointed with brown leather and black fabric depending on variant, to echo Mazda’s premium direction.

The pickup’s creature comforts include padded knee pads for the driver, door bottle holders that Mazda says can fit 1.5-liter bottles, heat-reflecting front windshield, push-button start, and keyless entry and walk-away locking. Mazda adds that the cabin is made with sound-insulating carpets and tighter door and window seals.

The cabin is also outfitted with a nine-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which is linked to an eight-speaker audio setup.

For safety, the 2022 BT-50’s bundles most of the safety equipment in its Mazda Active Safety Technology (MAST) suite, which includes the following features: Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Traffic Alert. MAST is paired with seven airbags.

Lastly, as with every other brand-new Mazda, the 2022 BT-50 comes with a free five-year service plan with its SRP. This covers the expenses of periodic maintenance for up to five years or 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

There are 16 Mazda dealerships located across the Philippines and Metro Manila: Mazda Greenhills, Mazda Pasig, Mazda Quezon Avenue, Mazda Makati, Mazda Alabang, Mazda Sta. Rosa, Mazda Pulilan, Mazda Pampanga, Mazda Dagupan, Mazda Cabanatuan, Mazda Tarlac, Mazda Cebu, Mazda Iloilo, Mazda Negros, Mazda Cagayan De Oro, and Mazda Davao.

Photos from Bermaz Auto Philippines

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