To make the all-new Mazda BT-50 an unprecedented kind of active lifestyle vehicle, Mazda adopted brand-new architecture from the platform up. All body types in terms of overall length, overall width, and overall height have been increased and enabled packaging that permits more space in the cabins and more cargo-carrying capacity in the cargo boxes.

In Dual Cad models front occupants benefit from 16mm more head room and 30mm more shoulder room. Rear-seat passengers also feel the difference with 55mm more leg room while a wider cabin means more space between passengers.

With the overall length and width of the new model increasing by 204mm and 43mm respectively over the current equivalent 4x4 model, cargo space is the other big winner.

The cargo tray now measures 1,549mm by 1,560mm and the amount that can be packed into the All-New BT-50 is even greater than ever before.

The all-new design incorporates higher sides to the cargo tray which not only add to the striking looks of the All-New BT-50 but vastly increase the maximum cargo volume to 1,214 litres, an increase of 178 litres over the current dual cab model.

To deliver more passenger-car-like interior comfort and convenience newly designed seats, new equipment, and handy storage spaces for small items have been adopted. The interior amenities are characterized by functionality and high quality.

Body Types

The all-new BT-50 is available in a choice of three body styles: Dual Cab (in both utility and cab-chassis) Freestyle Cab (in both utility and cab-chassis) Single Cab (in cab-chassis)

Freestyle Door System

The Freestyle Cab features Mazda's unique Freestyle Door System, first introduced on the RX-8. On each side of the cabin, a front-hinged front door and a rear-hinged rear access panel realize a 1,408mm-wide opening that allows people to get in and out of the front and rear seats with ease. The rear access panels open to an angle of about 90°, so it's not only easy for passengers to get in and out of the rear seat but also easy to lift cargo in and out of the rear seating area. For safety, the handle for opening and closing each rear access panel can't be operated unless the front door on that side of the body is open.

Seats

To help realize a Mazda Zoom-Zoom experience in the all-new BT-50, seat structures were developed in pursuit of excellent support, excellent hold, and a level of comfort that ensures low fatigue even on long journeys.

XTR models feature a driver's seat with an adjustable lumbar support that reduces driver fatigue.

On Single Cab models the current three person bench seat has been replaced with a newly designed arrangement. Driver comfort has been prioritized by dividing the width 40:60 between the driver and passengers, giving the driver a separate bucket seat.

The Dual Cab has a three-person rear seat with a comfort-oriented design like that of the front seats. The seatback height has been increased by 65.6mm and the seat-cushion length optimized. Rear-seat headrests have been changed from the current built-in type to a new height adjustable type.

Audio System

Every vehicle in the new Mazda BT-50 lineup has an AM/FM radio, an MP3-capable CD player, and an AUX socket as standard equipment. All models have a modular system, which works with a multi function display situated in an easy-to-see position near the top of the centre stack. The display is a 3.5-inch monochrome super-twisted nematic (STN) display for XT models and a 5-inch colour liquid crystal display (LCD) with Satellite Navigation for XTR and GT models. All models feature functions typically seen in passenger cars (for example, USB connectivity for portable audio players, Bluetooth® connectivity for mobile telephones, and voice control)

All Dual Cab models feature 6 speakers.

Trip Computer

The standard trip computer is between the speedometer and tachometer in the meter cluster.

It gives the driver easy-to-read digital indications of the following information:

• average fuel consumption

• instantaneous fuel consumption

• distance to empty

• average speed

• outside temperature (optional)

Climate-Control System

A manual air conditioning system features on XT models and a new dual-zone climate control air conditioning has been added to XTR and GT models.

The control panel is in an easy-to-reach position in the centre console. It has three dial-type controls: left-hand temperature, blower speed, and right-hand temperature.

With the climate control air conditioning, each temperature setting is shown by an easy-to-read digital display on the dial. The in-dial displays allow easy operation since the user doesn't need to look at a display in a separate place while turning the dials.

Air-conditioning performance with both systems is significantly improved compared with the outgoing model. The condenser capacity has been increased by 80% and the compressor capacity reduced from 150cc to 130cc, thereby improving air-conditioning performance and fuel economy. Maximum airflow has also been increased from 96 litres per second to 135 litres per second.

Measurements taken in a range of conditions show that the new BT-50's systems can cool the cabin to temperatures 3-5°C lower than the current BT-50's system can.

Cargo Box

The cargo box has been made significantly bigger in line with the increased overall length and overall width of the body. The box panels have also been made taller, thereby achieving class-topping cargo capacity with every body type.

With every cab type, the floor width of the cargo box has been increased by 104mm and the height of the cargo box by 48mm. The floor length of the cargo box by has been increased by 19-94mm depending on cab type. As a result, the maximum cargo volume has been increased by 178 litres to 1,214 litres with the Dual Cab and by 226 litres to 1,453 litres with the Freestyle Cab.

Towing Capacity

The current BT-50 has impressive towing capabilities but the all-new BT-50 has even greater towing capacity owing to increased strength in the frame member to which a towing bar can be attached.

Models powered by the MZ-CD 3.2 engine can tow up to a maximum of 3,350kg and those powered by the 2.2 litre engine have a maximum towing capacity of 2,500kg. Both have 10% maximum allowable downball weight of 335kg and 250kg respectively.