Mazda ute tod-max
Mazda has revealed its new Isuzu-based BT-50 ute. reports.
keeping assist
Crucially, the adaptive cruise control will use twin cameras in the windscreen as opposed to a radar sensor in the grille, so conditioning, push-button start and keyless entry, heated seats, twin glove boxes and a 9-inch touch screen infotainment system with wireless Apple
Carplay andandroid Auto. And, in something sorelymissing from a lot of utes, it will also get a height and reach adjustable steering wheel.
Then, of course, there are the looks. Mazda caught a lot of flack from the last BT-50’S swoopy styling, but has smashed it out of the park this time with the handsome and distinctly Mazdafamily look of the new one.
‘‘The exterior of the new BT50 draws on Mazda’s ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’ design theme and makes it immediately recognisable as part of the Mazda range of vehicles,’’ said Mazda New Zealand managing director, David Hodge.
‘‘Its driving performance, functionality and safety will meet the needs of thewide range of situations where our New Zealand customers will be using the ute.’’
Hodge went on to say that it was ‘‘fantastic to have a completely all-newmazda BT-50 in the New Zealand market for the first time in nine years.’’
Mazda’s move from Ford to Isuzu for a ute partnerwas announced in 2016, following Ford’s sale of its last small shareholding in the Japanese company the previous year.
Similarly, Ford has teamed up with Volkswagen to develop what will be the next-generation Ranger andvwamarok, which is currently rumoured to get a hitech petrol hybrid drivetrain alongside an updated version of the 2.0-litre biturbo diesel and possibly a new 3.0-litre twinturbo diesel V6.