First look: Mazda sketches next BT-50

MAZDA has revealed a sketch of its next-generation BT-50 utility, which has now also been confirmed will make its global public debut at the Sydney motor show on October 15.

Riding on the same new ‘T6’ small-truck platform that was designed and engineered by Ford Australia for its all-new Ranger one-tonner, which will also make its world premiere at Sydney, the redesigned BT-50 will play an integral role in Mazda Australia’s goal to achieve 100,000 annual sales and a 10 per cent market share by 2013.

Mazda says it will present the larger new BT-50, which will emerge first in dual-cab guise, as an “active lifestyle vehicle that overturns the conventional image of a utility, with modern and refined styling”.

The BT-50's Sydney world debut underlines the fact Australia is one of the world’s largest markets for one-tonne utes.

Toyota’s HiLux remains the top-selling pick-up and one of the most popular vehicles overall here, but its dominant market share may soon be eroded by new entries from Ford, Mazda, Volkswagen, Holden and, eventually, Hyundai.

The Ranger and BT-50 currently hold respective 8.4 and 7.2 per cent shares of the 4x2 ute market behind the HiLux, Holden Commodore Ute, Ford Falcon Ute and Mitsubishi Triton.

HiLux also leads the way in the 4x4 ute segment, this time ahead of the Nisan Navara, Holden Colorado, Triton, Ranger, Toyota LandCruiser and BT-50.

Mazda claims its all-new global ute - which appears to have retained the BT-50 nameplate - was developed from the ground up as a brand-new type of vehicle.

“As well as strength and dependability, the all-new BT-50 presents universally recognisable beauty and provides the perfect solution for a wide range of customers who lead active lifestyles, including families, workers and pleasure-seekers,” said Mazda in its global preview release today.

“The exterior design features crisp lines that owners will look on with pride an imposing presence that indicates reliability sculptured beauty like an athlete’s finely muscled body and sporty and dynamic forms. By balancing all these elements, the athletic and individual design gives the all-new BT-50 an overwhelming presence that will turn heads and make it instantly recognisable.

“The styling of the all-new Mazda BT-50 increases anticipation of the driving pleasure to come and represents a new direction in the utility market.” The new BT-50 will be produced alongside the new Ranger at the same joint-venture plant that produces both current models, following a $384 investment from both companies in the Auto Alliance Thailand plant, which will commence production of both new models in mid-2011.

Apart from presenting the global unveiling of its redesigned workhorse, Mazda will use the first Sydney show for two years to stage the Australian debut of its next-generation ‘Sky’ engine family, which is expected to debut in next year’s facelifted Mazda3.

Comprising Sky-G petrol and Sky-D diesel engines, and a Sky-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, the Sky powertrain strategy will be combined with lighter next-generation platforms as Mazda strives to meet its self-imposed target to reduce the fuel consumption of its new-model fleet by 30 per cent between 2008 and 2015.