The new Mazda BT-50 is drifting towards South African showrooms to replace the ageing Mazda Drifter series.
The new Mazda BT-50 bakkie will soon be launched in South Africa. Known previously as the Drifter and first unveiled at the 2006 Bangkok Motor Show alongside the eagerly awaited Ford Ranger, this model will adopt the BT-50 nomenclature, paying homage to the brand’s B-Series Truck heritage.
The BT-50 will feature more rounded, contemporary styling inside and out that the company hopes will appeal to buyers in the 1 tonne segment who are looking for a more sporty, athletic looking successor to the current Drifter.
The current model’s 2,6-litre petrol and 2,5-litre diesel powerplants will continue to do service in the new model, but will be joined by the newly developed MZR-CD 3.0-litre direct-injection common-rail turbo diesel engine for the range-topping 3000D model. The new unit will deliver 115k W at 3 200 r/min and offer a torque peak of 380 Nm at just 1 800 r/min. Where the established powerplants will continue to feature their five-speed manual transmissions, MZR-CD unit will sport a new five-speed manual gearbox that has been developed to better utilise the power on offer.
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The BT-50 will be offered with safety features such as four-wheel ABS and EBD systems, and dual front airbags as standard. Some models will be available with side airbags for head and chest protection.
“The Mazda BT-50 is set to be the most powerful, comfortable sports activity vehicle Mazda has ever introduced,” said Mazda marketing manager Doreen Mashinini.
The BT-50 will be officially launched in July 2007 and will be assembled in South Africa for the local market.
