2024 Mazda BT-50 debuts in Thailand with styling updates and new Rough Terrain Mode

KUALA LUMPUR: Mazda has officially revealed the facelifted version of its popular BT-50 pickup truck at the 2024 Bangkok Motor Show. The latest model comes with subtle yet impactful updates primarily focusing on the exterior, aiming to elevate its appeal in the competitive market.

As earlier, the Mazda BT-50 is offered in two body styles - a “Freestyle cab" with two doors and an extended rear bed and a "Double cab" featuring four doors and a 5-seater cabin.

The refreshed Mazda BT-50 benefits from a sleek black grille replacing the chrome-plated one across all trim levels. A revamped front bumper further adds a touch of modernity to the vehicle's aesthetics; it comes paired with a more prominent skid plate on higher-spec variants.

For enthusiasts seeking a bolder look, Mazda has a special "Black Thunder" package that makes the pickup look tougher and more aggressive. The said package adds several gloss black elements, including a front skid plate, a sports bar, and fender extensions. Even the striking 18-inch alloy wheels, wheel arch trims, door handles, and mirror caps get the same slick treatment.

Inside the cabin, the BT-50 comes with the same 9.0-inch infotainment unit, with base models featuring a 7.0-inch screen. However, a significant upgrade comes in the form of wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enabling seamless integration of smartphones for navigation, music, and communication needs. 

The higher-spec models of the new Mazda BT-50 boast premium brown and black leather upholstery along with an immersive 8-speaker audio system. As for safety, it comes equipped with active gears like adaptive cruise control with stop & go, advanced blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and auto high beam.

In terms of mechanical setup, the Thai-spec BT-50 retains the same options. These include - a 1.9-litre Bluepower turbo-diesel engine tuned to generate a maximum power of 150 PS and a peak torque of 350 Nm and a mighty 3.0-litre turbo diesel mill that churns out 190 PS and 450 Nm. The power is sent to the wheels via a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox depending on the variant picked.

The 3.0-litre engine is now available in both 2WD and 4WD variants, with the top-spec Double Cab being the only model equipped with 4WD. The 4WD variant also features Rough Terrain Mode and a rear electronic diff-lock system for improved off-road performance.

The all-new 2024 Mazda BT-50 is offered in six variants in the Land of Smiles at a price ranging between THB 752,000 (RM 98k), and THB 1,272,000 (RM 165k).

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