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2016 Mazda BT-50 Facelift Starts Production in Thailand

After 4 years of continuous production in Thailand and South Africa, the Ford Ranger-based Mazda BT-50 pickup truck is now showing off its updates. Already in production, the 2016 Mazda BT-50 facelift will be introduced in Australia, NZ, and Thailand late this fall, with other markets to follow soon after.
2016 Mazda BT-50 Facelift 14 photos
Photo: Mazda
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Months after the Blue Oval refreshed the T6-gen Ranger, it was bound for Mazda to apply the same visual treatment to the BT-50 mid-size pickup truck. Only one image of the ute has been released so far, with information kept secret from the public at the time of writing this story. Still, we now have a clear visual confirmation for all of the previous spy photos.

Defined as an “active lifestyle vehicle,” the Japanese-Thai-American ute boasts a little bit of KODO - Soul of Motion design cues. Compared to the somewhat dated look of the pre-facelift Mazda BT-50, the updated model sees its face botoxed in such a way we’d call the refreshed BT-50 pretty.

The more dynamic front grille is flanked by clear headlamps and a muscular front bumper design. Moving on to the sides, the muscular line that starts from the fender flares continues the doors and finishes with the rear fender flares. Fluidic is what comes to mind when we look at the restyled BT-50.

Unfortunately, we can’t confirm if designers performed any changes to the taillamps and tailgate, rear bumper or cabin. The Japanese manufacturer mentions new styling for the “rear combination lamps” and an interior with a “higher-quality feel” compared to yesteryear’s Mazda BT-50. To boot, we’re told that a rearview parking camera has been added as an available feature on the 2016 Mazda BT-50 mid-size truck.

Last but not least, Mazda says that the powertrain and body-type lineup is the same as before. As such, expect a MZ-CD 2.2-liter turbo diesel with 118 kW/160 horsepower and 385 Nm/284 lb-ft on tap. For the top-of-the-range engine, a 3.2-liter five-cylinder turbo diesel will have to do with 147 kW or 200 horsepower and 470 Nm or 346 lb-ft of torque. The MZD infotainment system should appear in the options list as well.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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