Mazda BT-50 In Depth

Press Release

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Design
Page 3: Craftmanship
Page 4: Driving Performance
Page 5: Utility
Page 6: Safety

Message from the programme manager

In developing a new Mazda pickup, our goal was to faithfully inherit the qualities that earned high praise and a significant number of awards for previous generations of the Mazda B Series pickup, while also evolving it to become a true Zoom-Zoom Pickup that brings customers a new dimension of driving pleasure.

Mazda's new Zoom-Zoom Pickup delivers an exciting blend of sophisticated design, and refinement, responsive handling and dynamic performance, all packaged to feature outstanding versatility, comfort and convenience. Sophisticated contours and sporty, athletic styling reflect a level of quality and beauty that clearly distinguish the model as a new generation. The relaxing, roomy expanse of the cabin treats occupants to a level of comfort and quietness that rivals even passenger cars. Responsive handling combined with satisfying engine performance reminds users what the pleasure of driving is all about, while still achieving high fuel efficiency. Further polish applied to all aspects related to its role as a working pickup truck makes loading and lugging cargo easier and more convenient, while also improving the already superb off-road driveability of the 4WD system. I am confident that the finished product is one that customers will find delivers pleasure and blends well into their respective lifestyles.

Reflecting our confidence in this new model that fully embodies Mazda's Zoom-Zoom brand DNA of stylish, insightful and spirited dynamic performance, we renamed it the Mazda BT-50 � a new lifestyle-enhancing concept built for all to enjoy.

The BT-50 has been designed to ensure that its owners will find that this new Mazda is easy to own, a delight to drive and intelligently designed, as well being able to count on the BT-50's vehicle construction and safety features to protect their families.

Overview

The spirit at Mazda is one that celebrates life. It's one that understands that life should be lived to the full, that driving should be pure, exhilarating fun. It's the spirit that's best summed up in our phrase "Zoom-Zoom" - that magical feeling you first experienced as a child when the sheer joy of motion made your heart beat faster. First reflected in the Mazda6, the arrival of the new BT-50 is another generation Mazda to fully reflect the style and spirit of the Zoom-Zoom philosophy. Its design is distinctive, performance exhilarating and driving a joy. The latest Mazda one-ton pickup undoubtedly sets another benchmark for its competitors.

Zoom-Zoom performance and luxurious refinement

The Mazda BT-50 combines the powerful ride of high-performance engines with responsive, passenger-car-like steering and handling characteristics to deliver distinctive Zoom-Zoom driving pleasure that appeals to both those who use a pickup truck much like a passenger car, as well as those who require tough, reliable commercial truck performance.

The luxurious refinement of the cabin interior is almost enough to make you forget that the Mazda BT-50 is a pickup truck, with new interior appointments offering true user-oriented convenience and utility; and all this is wrapped in a sophisticated, modern package that features sporty and athletic styling.

The new Mazda BT-50 series was developed to possess five key values. Its stylish and athletic design aims to express the individual; its craftsmanship aims to deliver functional beauty, build quality and customer delight; driving performance features the powerful yet fuel-efficient engine combined with superb handling; it adopts unique features with utility for a variety of practical purposes, and it also aims to provide safety levels that are top in its class.

Match one of the three available body types - Regular (single) Cab, Freestyle Cab and Double Cab - to the lineup of petrol and diesel powertrains available in each respective market the Mazda BT-50 can be tailored to perfectly suit the driver's needs, whether for use in town, an outing in the country, or for business.

The Regular Cab body can comfortably seat two or three occupants, and provides the longest cargo box with the largest load capacity. Featuring the large door opening and easy access of Mazda's unique Freestyle Door System, the Freestyle Cab body accommodates two in the front and two in the back, with the back alternately offering plenty of room for carrying precious belongings. The Double Cab body provides roomy comfort for five occupants, with two in the front and three in the back, making it just right for family use, sharing good times with friends, or for moving small work teams between locations.

Newly developed MZR-CD 2.5 and MZR-CD 3.0 direct-injection common-rail turbo diesel engines join the MZI 4.0 V6 petrol engine, MZ-DE 2.5 Turbo diesel engine, MZ-DE 2.5 diesel engine (for Thailand only), MZI 2.6 fuel-injected petrol engine and the MZI 2.2 petrol engine to form a diverse lineup that delivers a fine combination of power, fuel economy, quietness and reliability.

Models powered by the newly developed MZR-CD engines are fitted with a new 5-speed manual transmission that raises torque transmission capacity to support the greater power and torque produced.

Two types of 4WD system are available � manual shift or electric shift � with each offering easy shift operation between 2WD and 4WD modes and go-anywhere performance.

While carrying over the double wishbone front design and rear leaf springs proven tough and reliable on previous Mazda pickup trucks, the system is refined to offer a smoother, more comfortable ride.

Larger shock absorbers on the front and rear with a 32mm shaft diameter greatly improve ride comfort as well as the feel of system rigidity. Extending the rear suspension's leaf springs to 1,320mm not only makes them the longest in the class, but more importantly provides ride comfort with a mild, a reassuring feeling.

A major feature of the Mazda BT-50 is its intelligent approach to making cabin access as effortless as possible.

Freestyle Cab models adopt Mazda's unique Freestyle Door System to maximize the ease of ingress/egress to and from the rear of the cabin, as well as the loading and unloading of cargo. The front doors and rear access panels open from the centre in a design that uses no centre pillar to create an unobstructed opening of a broad 1,500mm in width.

Large side steps on the 4WD versions of Double Cab or Freestyle Cab models feature a ribbed finish on the top surface that prevents slipping for a solid foothold.

The keyless entry system on high-grade packages makes it easy to lock or unlock the doors, even when both of your hands are encumbered with boxes or bags.

Safety has also been seriously considered by Mazda in developing the new BT-50. 4W-ABS and EBD systems, which help keep the vehicle under control at all times, regardless of the road or load conditions, are available and, in addition to dual front airbags, some models are available with new side airbags for head and chest protection (marking a first for this class outside of Europe).

On models equipped with airbags, each front seatbelt adopts a pretensioner and load limiter.

Also, Height adjusters newly added to the shoulder anchors on Double Cab models help set the seatbelt in optimal position for a wider variety of body types and builds while some models are also equipped with ISOFIX child-seat anchors that make securing a child seat a quick and sure action.

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Design
Page 3: Craftmanship
Page 4: Driving Performance
Page 5: Utility
Page 6: Safety

Design

Stylish and athletic design that expresses individualism

“The Mazda BT-50 is modelled around a sporty & athletic design theme. While inheriting the tough countenance of its predecessor, the clean lines of the body create sophisticated style that enhances every scene, whether you're actively pursuing work or leisure.� Kunihiko Kurisu; Design Strategic Studio

As befits the new-generation pickup truck, the Mazda BT-50 features a complete redesign of the exterior and interior. While the new look inherits the tough expression of its predecessor, it also presents a sporty and athletic look that is more modern and attractive.

Exterior design with an attitude

The body contours are shaped to present a brawnier look that brings to mind the muscular appearance of a well-trained athlete. Adding a dynamic flair to the styling is the increased height of the door panels and cargo-box walls. And, bringing a sophisticated sedan-like air to the tough image of the exterior design are the clean, modern look of the character line and tasteful placement of chrome-plated parts.

The BT-50 is the first model in its class to introduce a large one-piece front fascia that integrates the grille and bumper. Contributing a luxurious touch is Mazda's characteristic five-point grille with wide chrome-finished bars through the centre and top, and large chrome-plated Mazda symbol. All 4WD models are fitted with front and rear overfenders that create a tougher and more stylish expression, while 2WD models adopt blister fenders with a similar curvature.

One custom design package, available on all body types, does add overfenders and large tyres to give 2WD models the same dynamic exterior styling of the 4WD models, while still maintaining 2WD high-speed performance and fuel economy.

Redesigned lamp units adopt a new multi-reflector headlamp and side lamp mounted within a single housing and framed in black for a modern, sporty look. Creating a unified expression at the rear are the new rear combination lamps that adopt the same design motif. A chrome-plated tailgate handle (on high-grade models) combines with the chromed BT-50 badge to highlight the look of true quality at the rear.

The sporty and athletic design concept is continued right to the pavement, with new 15-inch and 16-inch alloy wheel designs adding extra flair to the performance of the Mazda BT-50.

The wide range of available body colours continues to make it possible for a wide variety of customers to match their tastes. The side stripe* features a dynamic design to add an extra accent. (*Optionally available only for Thai market.)

Interior design with an inviting disposition

The sedan-like atmosphere of the Mazda BT-50's sporty, sophisticated interior is enough to make occupants forget they are in a pickup. With its subdued two-tone colour scheme employing grey as the keynote colour, and with silver-finish accents highlighting details, the interior creates a modern, clean ambience that speaks of high quality. Models for Thai market substitute beige as the keynote colour, introducing an interior package that emphasizes its own elegant yet sporty tone.

The new instrument panel design features individual highlights common to those used in Mazda passenger cars. Three large meters are each framed by a stylish silver ring that instills a look of greater luxury.

A modular audio unit fits cleanly within the centre stack, and is covered by a silver-faced panel that ties well with the clean look of the cockpit.

Three interior-trim packages � fabric, cloth, or vinyl � are available to match the destination market, body type, or model grade.

Seat design that offers the best for your seat

Designed for true driving pleasure, the seats in the Mazda BT-50 offer positive support, a firm hold and comfort that doesn't tire the driver on long trips. The separate front seats match the BT-50's superb handling, holding occupants of all builds firmly in place during quick steering actions or when driving on rough roads. S-shaped springs, new urethane foam material with high elasticity and a completely new internal design create a better fit that provides the best holding characteristics in the class.

The driver and passenger seats include fore-aft slide adjustment (240mm in Freestyle Cab and Double Cab; 180mm in Regular Cab) and can be reclined up to 68° in 34 steps (in Freestyle Cab and Double Cab). Additionally, the steering wheel provides 2° of tilt adjustment. The bench seat for some Regular Cab models is fitted with a foldout centre armrest. Rear seats for the Double Cab models increase torso angle from 20° to 23° for greater comfort, and adopt a new integrated headrest design as well as a large, foldout centre armrest.

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Design
Page 3: Craftmanship
Page 4: Driving Performance
Page 5: Utility
Page 6: Safety

Craftsmanship

Delighting users with precision build and functional beauty

“Please take a good look at the attention to detail. Fit and finish throughout the interior delivers an air of quality that we're sure will delight our customers, while every aspect is designed to be easy and enjoyable to use, as evidenced by the new slide-out tray mounted in the instrument panel.� Akira Kawata; Vehicle Engineering Promotion Dept.

The Mazda BT-50 is the first pickup truck to fully implement dedicated craftsmanship as only Mazda could deliver. Based on analysis of survey data, the development team aimed to satisfy the customer's expectations for quality and to deliver the features of greatest interest. Also reflected in the approach to craftsmanship are the three pillars of car building at Mazda � build quality, functional beauty, and customer delight. The result is an industry-leading level of fine craftsmanship that far surpasses the typical standards of the pickup truck market.

Fine fit and finish a treat for the eyes

Fine assembly precision and use of integrated parts greatly improve fit and finish, as readily seen in the much tighter gap tolerances achieved. For example, the gaps are greatly reduced between the bonnet and headlamp assemblies, between the front bumper and grille, and between the front bumper and fender. Examples within the cabin include the tight gap tolerances between the instrument panel and front door trim.

Single integrated components, such as the integrated front bumper and grille unit and the integrated headlamp unit, replace assemblies comprised of several parts to further contribute to eliminating gaps. In addition, the rear combination lamp design eliminates the use of mounting screws.

Functional beauty for ease and convenience

Mazda follows an ergonomics-based Human-machine interface (HMI) design approach in working diligently to ensure that customers find their cars easy to drive and easy to operate, and that the physical form of components achieve the optimal balance to match their function.

The sedan-like cockpit features a functional instrument panel design with highly visible meters and easy-to-operate controls. The instrument panel material and door trim also feature an improved feel to their surface.

Large steps designed to blend smoothly with the body make it easier to enter and exit the cabin, while the ribs on the upper surface prevent slipping. The side panels of the cargo box feature new guiding grooves that not only make it easy to secure bench strips, but also add an attractive flair.

Designed to delight daily

The BT-50 aims to delight customers as only Mazda can. With sporty taste and accommodating comfort that makes occupants feel at home, it reminds customers on each outing of the satisfaction and pleasure that comes with owning the BT-50.

At night, indirect illumination from beneath the centre stack creates a relaxing mood. Illumination throughout the cabin and green backlighting used for the audio and climate-control system control switches improve visibility while also creating the pleasant, refined atmosphere of a passenger car. Adding to the delight of daily use is the sporty, retractable jack-knife style key.

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Design
Page 3: Craftmanship
Page 4: Driving Performance
Page 5: Utility
Page 6: Safety

Driving Performance

Providing the perfect blend of power, handling and fuel economy

“Our newly developed MZR-CD engines make driving fun and efficient, producing plenty of torque from low speeds and delivering lively acceleration from mid throttle. Despite their power and high performance, these engines also do Mazda proud by delivering top-of-class fuel economy and emissions levels.� Makoto Kuniyoshi; Powertrain Development Promotion Dept., Program Development Promotion Group

To achieve the dynamic Zoom-Zoom driving performance worthy of Mazda's entry as the new generation pickup, the development team has striven to build a powertrain that delivers greater power, higher efficiency, and a quiet comfortable ride.

Diverse lineup of powerful and efficient engines

Newly developed MZR-CD 2.5 and MZR-CD 3.0 direct-injection common-rail turbo diesel engines join the MZI 4.0 V6 petrol engine, MZ-DE 2.5 Turbo diesel engine, MZ-DE 2.5 diesel engine (for Thailand only), MZI 2.6 fuel-injected petrol engine and the MZI 2.2 petrol engine to form a diverse lineup that delivers a fine combination of power, fuel economy, quietness and reliability.

The BT-50 marks the perfect opportunity for Mazda to introduce the 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre versions of its latest common-rail direct-injection diesel engine, tuned to match the performance characteristics and requirements of a pickup truck.

Other than the bore and stroke, thus the total displacement, the two engines share the same components, including the common-rail injection system, the new turbocharger design and other advanced Mazda technologies.

The engines are also tuned to match the performance characteristics and requirements of a pickup truck.

Both displacement versions produce plenty of torque from low speeds, and demonstrate a linear curve with high output right to the engine’s peak, a tuning consideration made to ensure that drivers enjoy easily controllable torque characteristics. With the 2.5-litre producing maximum output of 105kW at 3,500rpm and maximum torque output of 330Nm at 1,800rpm, and the 3.0-litre producing maximum output of 115kW at 3,200rpm and maximum torque output of 380Nm at 1,800rpm, both boast top-level performance within their class.

In addition to adopting the latest common-rail system with high-pressure fuel injection, both displacement versions feature advanced engine technologies such as a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), double helical intake port design, and powertrain control module (PCM) with a high-performance 32-bit microcomputer.

The variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) employs a variable nozzle design that controls nozzles mounted on the outside of each blade to adjust the speed and volume of exhaust gas flow, ensuring that it consistently strikes the turbine blades at the optimal speed and in the optimal direction. The result is reduced turbo-lag for quick response and torquey low-end performance combined with consistently efficient boost pressure that delivers the power needed for spirited performance at high engine speeds. The mechanism maintains boost pressure, even at low speeds when relatively small amounts of exhaust gas are produced, by reducing the size of the opening for each nozzle to secure adequate velocity of the gases striking the blades.

Conventional VGT designs use only a single connecting pin to secure one side of each nozzle to the shroud assembly, causing the nozzle to angle on its pin as it receives the flow of exhaust gas and make contact with the shroud, which becomes the source of uneven friction. The new BT-50 is the first pickup truck in the world to adopt a VGT design that secures both sides of the nozzle for improved durability and resistance to friction.

Securing the shroud plates that sandwich the nozzles are clearance control pins mounted in three locations, which maintain the right amount of side clearance required by the nozzles to move, maintaining a high level of flow efficiency while also improving durability and reliability.

Adopting this new low-friction nozzle link mechanism, the compact turbine housing design and turbine with low inertial moment improves VGT control response. These technologies come together to realize driving ease at low speeds, positive response and spirited acceleration, as well as greater engine power and torque output.

The direct-injection diesel engine for the BT-50 also sports a larger new intercooler for the turbocharger system, which greatly improves cooling efficiency from the 60% rate of the MZ-DE 2.5 Turbo to 74% for the new MZR-CD 2.5/3.0 engine.

The newly developed diesel engine features a 4-cylinder DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) structure with 16 valves, which increases the area of the passageways over the previous SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) 12-valve design for greater intake and exhaust efficiency, as well as improved engine power and torque output.

The change to 16 valves also reduces the size and weight of related parts, which allowed a change to a high-lift design that yet further improves the efficiency of intake and exhaust handling. The cam’s swing arm followers are also changed to a roller type, reducing resistance where they touch the cam, contributing to a reduction in mechanical loss, and improving fuel economy.

Both versions produce plenty of torque from low speeds and demonstrate a linear curve with high output right to the engine's peak, a tuning consideration made to ensure that drivers enjoy easily controllable torque characteristics.

The engines also feature powerful acceleration, whether from a standing start or when overtaking. This combines with fuel efficiency to make longer trips possible on a single tank of fuel, achieving a balance of performance and fuel efficiency that far surpasses the competition.

From an eco-friendly perspective, the MZR-CD engine employs an EGR system, which recirculates some of the engine’s exhaust gas to lower the temperature of combustion and suppress nitrogen oxide emissions. To achieve yet cleaner emissions with these newly developed engines, the EGR used is matched from one of two types to the body type and destination market, and satisfies the emissions regulations in each country.

The fine control over combustion also suppresses the knocking characteristically associated with diesel engines for quieter operation. Improved combustion tuning combines with the use of dual counter-rotating balance shafts and other mechanical changes to help suppress noise and vibration.

Particular attention went to greatly improving the performance of the cooling system for the BT-50, as befits the engine of a pickup truck that must perform equally well under a range of severe conditions that includes blazing heat, freezing cold, high altitudes and rough surfaces.

The new MZR-CD 2.5 and MZR-CD 3.0 engines have also reduced engine noise by 1.5dB over the previous B Series, and produce an engine note that is clearly quieter and more pleasing to the ear than what powers competing models.

Transmissions built to handle the long haul

The Mazda BT-50 is offered with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, both tuned to optimally match the high performance of the engines and draw out the full pleasure of Zoom-Zoom driving performance, while also contributing to greater fuel economy.

Models powered by the newly developed MZR-CD engines are fitted with a new 5-speed manual transmission that raises torque transmission capacity to support the greater power and torque produced. 1st and 2nd gears use triple-cone synchronizers as part of a multi-syncro package that delivers a pleasing feel to shift operations, while a new device known as a dual-mass flywheel is employed by the clutch system to suppress gear noise for a quieter, more comfortable ride.

The 5-speed manual transmission for models powered by other engines continue to use the proven unit from the previous Mazda B Series pickup.

The electronically controlled close-ratio 5-speed automatic transmission features smooth shifting and outstanding fuel economy at highway speeds.

Advanced Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) systems

Two types of 4WD system are available � manual shift or electric shift � with each offering easy shift operation between 2WD and 4WD modes and go-anywhere performance.

Manual transmission models come with the manual 4WD transfer case shift lever, which allows quick selection from 2WD (2H) to 4WD High (4H), 4WD Low (4L) and neutral (N) drive modes. All manual 4WD models include remote free wheel hub lock mechanisms as standard equipment.

Automatic transmission models come with the electric shift 4WD system, which offers smooth "on-the-fly" shifting out of 2WD mode into either 4WD High or 4WD Low drive modes.

4WD models employ a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) at the rear wheels, which automatically adjusts drive power to maintain traction, even when one wheel wants to spin loosely in the mud or on rough surfaces with large potholes. They are also fitted with a large underbody protector and mesh barrier guard to protect the intercooler.

“The Mazda BT-50 adds a number of improvements to the popular chassis and body from the previous model that enhance the already superb handling performance. The result is Zoom-Zoom driving pleasure that leaves the customer feeling safe and confident behind the wheel.� Kenji Kudo; Vehicle Development Promotion Dept.

To deliver responsive steering and handling that amplifies the pleasure of driving and supports true Zoom-Zoom driving performance along with sedan-like quietness and ride comfort, the Mazda BT-50 adopts the popular chassis and body from the previous model while adding several new improvements.

Refined suspension system for comfort and a solid ride

While carrying over the double wishbone front design and rear leaf springs proven tough and reliable on previous Mazda pickup trucks, the system is refined to offer a smoother, more comfortable ride.

Larger shock absorbers on the front and rear with a 32mm shaft diameter greatly improve ride comfort as well as the feel of system rigidity. Extending the rear suspension's leaf springs to 1,320mm not only makes them the longest in the class, but more importantly provides ride comfort with a mild, a reassuring feeling.

Double Cab and Freestyle Cab models for the Thai market are the first in their class to introduce a rear stabilizer, which helps achieve a balance between soft-feeling spring characteristics and solid-feeling roll stiffness.

Smooth, responsive steering

Steering employs the smooth action and high reliability of the ball and nut system, and system tuning is improved thanks to a thorough review of every related detail.

Braking power that's easy to control

While inheriting the ventilated front disc and leading/trailing rear drum brake layout of the previous model's brake system, improvements made improve the feel of brake pedal operation while fully maintaining the level of brake effectiveness. For instance, the caps for the wheel cylinders were changed to high-efficiency parts employing a tight rubber construction, and which increase the rigidity of the caps.

This suppresses unwanted play in the brake pedal, and gives pedal operation a solid feel throughout its stroke and particularly when first starting to press the pedal.

The lever ratio is also reduced, improving brake stroke by roughly 10% over the brake system on the previous B Series.

The fluid passageways for the LSPV were changed and the bypass pipe eliminated, shortening the length and reducing the amount of fluid used to reduce the amount of play in the brake pedal.

Combined, the above changes and revisions give the BT-50 top-class brake feeling with a confident feel from the instant the pedal is pressed and throughout its stroke, and with plenty of braking power.

Body built for toughness and a quiet ride

The Mazda BT-50 inherits the unique overlapped, cross-braced design of Mazda’s traditional rugged ladder frame, providing the tough durability to perform well fully laden off the road and under harsh conditions.Improved performance of window seals and a change to a closed-section design for the weather stripping helps prevent wind noise from entering the cabin when driving at highway speeds.

Aerodynamic performance that denies its pickup roots

Despite the larger size of the new body, the BT-50 achieves a low drag coefficient that improves fuel economy and acceleration when passing at highway speeds, while also reducing wind noise.

A new chin spoiler integrated into the front bumper improves front/rear lift balance and the grip of the front tyres for better line-tracing ability at highway speed, improved straight-line stability, and a great reduction in the amount of lateral pull felt when passing large vehicles. In addition, redesigned front pillars and door mirrors contribute to achieving class-leading aerodynamic efficiency.

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Design
Page 3: Craftmanship
Page 4: Driving Performance
Page 5: Utility
Page 6: Safety

Utility

Unique features provide versatile utility for every scene

Versatile utility and unique features designed for maximum ease of use make the Mazda BT-50 a highly reliable partner for work or private use.

Making cabin access easy

A major feature of the Mazda BT-50 is its intelligent approach to making cabin access as effortless as possible.

Freestyle Cab models adopt Mazda's unique Freestyle Door System to maximize the ease of ingress/egress to and from the rear of the cabin, as well as the loading and unloading of cargo. The front doors and rear access panels open from the centre in a design that uses no centre pillar to create an unobstructed opening of a broad 1,500mm in width.

Large side steps on the 4WD versions of Double Cab or Freestyle Cab models feature a ribbed finish on the top surface that prevents slipping for a solid foothold.

The keyless entry system on high-grade packages makes it easy to lock or unlock the doors, even when both of your hands are encumbered with boxes or bags.

Storage spaces that provide flexible convenience

As befits the new sports pickup built to satisfy a wide range of business and family applications, the Mazda BT-50 sports a variety of convenient storage spaces dispersed throughout the cabin for stowing and organizing small items.

A large new slide-out tray mounted on the passenger side of the instrument panel can serve as a handy table when parked for a rest, or as a stand a clipboard can be leaned against for easy viewing, and with space enough to accommodate items such as CD discs or the owner's manual.

The front of the new integrated floor console unit hosts a pair of cupholders along with a handy storage compartment, while the rear adopts a large armrest on the top of the console lid that opens to reveal a 1.7-litre upper box and 5.09-litre lower box in a double-decker layout. Double Cab models also include a pair of cupholders at the back of the console for the rear seat passengers.

The door trim inside each front door houses a cupholder and large door pocket. Freestyle Cab models also include pockets on each of the rear access panels that are large enough to accommodate a 500ml beverage bottle.

Convenient features for a more satisfying driving experience

Placing themselves in the customer's shoes throughout the project, the Mazda BT-50 development team fitted the cabin with a variety of the same convenient features found in passenger cars.

For starters, the Mazda BT-50 offers the latest in advanced audio systems. The base configuration of the new modular system includes an AM/FM radio with either an MP3-compatible CD player or the new MP3-compatible in-dash 6-disc CD auto changer. High-grade packages also offer the richer sound option of a 6-speaker system.

Refinements to the full air mix climate-control system greatly reduce fan noise while also increasing air flow when the air conditioner is operating, a combination that realizes a more comfortable cabin environment.

A 12V DC accessory socket serves as a convenient power source for recharging a cellular phone or running a laptop computer. Power door mirrors can be adjusted or stowed via a remote switch, while the power window switch on the driver's side features one-touch operation to raise or lower the windows. The fuel lid opener makes it possible to refuel without leaving the cabin.

Advanced security features include an immobilizer system and burglar alarm system that help protect against theft.

Cargo box designed for optimum usability and practicality

As a one-ton pickup truck intended for a wide variety of applications, special attention was given to ensuring that the Mazda BT-50 delivers excellent load characteristics.

The cargo box for all body types is 60mm deeper than the box on the previous B Series, a practical new design that not only increases efficiency for business use, but also expands the possibilities for leisure and family purposes.

The inner walls feature a new design that makes it possible to arrange the space within the cargo box to suit most any task. Grooves (shelf brackets) that run parallel to the floor about halfway up each wall can accommodate crosspieces. Rope hooks on both inner walls are placed closer to the floor where they make it easier to firmly secure a load. A strong bar and the rope hooks mounted along the outside of the cargo box walls can be used to firmly secure larger loads. A single-action tailgate lever makes opening and closing the tailgate sure and quick.

Some models are equipped with retractable load rest stoppers, which can be raised to firmly secure ladders or other long items, and conveniently folded out of the way when not in use.

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Design
Page 3: Craftmanship
Page 4: Driving Performance
Page 5: Utility
Page 6: Safety

Safety

Every measure taken to make Mazda BT-50 a safe bet

The Mazda BT-50 delivers to customers the full pleasure of Zoom-Zoom driving experience with true peace of mind by offering the highest level of safety among pickup trucks.

Active safety to help avoid potential danger

The Mazda BT-50 combines positive visibility with responsive handling and sure braking for avoid dangerous situations to achieve top-in-class active safety performance.

Large door mirrors expand the field of view towards the rear of the vehicle, and their aerodynamically efficient design helps ensure clear visibility when driving in the rain by suppressing the amount of moisture that adheres to the mirror's surface. The 60mm height increase of the cargo box's walls brings the tail of the cargo box into view through the rear window of Double Cab models, as well as in the room mirror, allowing the driver to easily confirm where the rear of the body lies. High-grade 4WD models include fog lamps as standard equipment. Models not fitted with load rests sport high mount stop lamps on the back of the cab, which clearly and quickly notify following vehicles when braking or stopping.

The Mazda BT-50 is also equipped with 4W-ABS and EBD systems, which help keep the vehicle under control at all times, regardless of the road or load conditions.

Passive safety for reassuring occupant protection

Passive safety measures intended to protect occupants from injury in the event of a collision achieve a high level of safety performance that satisfies the strictest standards in each market.

The highly rigid ladder frame, highly rigid cabin and doors with built-in impact bars combine to satisfy the strict European collision-safety standards. The Freestyle Cab satisfies European collision-safety standards despite its wide, easy-access doorway that is free of central pillars.

In addition to dual front airbags, some models are available with new side airbags for head and chest protection (marking a first for this class outside of Europe). On models equipped with airbags, each front seatbelt adopts a pretensioner and load limiter.

Height adjusters newly added to the shoulder anchors on Double Cab models help set the seatbelt in optimal position for a wider variety of body types and builds. Some models are also equipped with ISOFIX child-seat anchors that make securing a child seat a quick and sure action.