MAZDA has offered a first glimpse at the updated BT-50 ahead of its arrival in Australia in the second half of this year, revealing a mild aesthetic revision and more standard equipment for the one-tonne pickup.
The Japanese car-maker confirmed production of the facelifted version started at the Thai plant yesterday, with first deliveries headed to showrooms in Thailand and Australia.
Mazda released only a single view of the vehicle’s front end, revealing its lightly restyled grille and headlights with a more Kodo-influenced look, and a new alloy wheel design.
Mazda confirmed the 2015 update will bring a reverse camera, while the interior has been “refined to give a higher-quality feel”.
Customers could expect more connectivity technology to bring the 2015 version in line with its rivals, as well as other comfort updates across all body styles.
The BT-50 shares the basic platform with the Ford Ranger. Ford holds a small shareholding in Mazda internationally and there has been a sharing of model development and vehicle platforms in Australia and overseas over the years.
Mazda enjoys a loyal customer following nationally due to a sustained drive for reliability and service.
No changes will be made to the range of body styles and drivetrains, with the choices remaining Single cab, Freestyle cab and Dual cab, combined with 3.2-litre diesel engine and either two or four-wheel drive transmissions.
Goauto.com.au