The “B” pickup family affair
Mazda vehicles have always been top-notch. From its compact hatches, to midsize sedans and compact crossovers, the carmaker has always been legendary. The same also goes when it comes to its pickup trucks, like the BT-50. In fact, in the consumer’s report published for the past five years among all pickup trucks, Mazda has been ranked third overall. Moreover, for a little trivia, the Japanese carmaker even first started with manufacturing pickup trucks in 1931 before eventually venturing to its famed four-wheeled award-winning sedans.
Personally, our family started its love affair with Mazda’s workhorses as early as the mid-90’s. Back then, we had the boxy 4×2 Mazda B-2200 pickup truck from its then local distributor, Francisco Motor Corporation.
In the early 2,000’s, it served as my ever-reliable daily driver from home to school and back. Amid the flood-stricken confines of this university along España Avenue, the pickup was my Panzer, my solid and formidable tank. When it came to wooing the opposite sex that time, it was a handsome conduit to this Casanova. It was a good ten-year run before we decided to sell the vehicle to one eager buyer.
Fast-forward to more than two decades later, Mazda’s lovable pickup (now, in different newer generation models) –again– found its way back to our laps. First, the BT-50 4×4 Pangolin Edition pickup truck model was commissioned for our family’s service amid the challenges during the height of the global health crisis a couple of years ago.
This Mazda pickup was a spruced-up version of that generation’s model. It’s particularly highlighted by 17-inch ROTA alloy wheels, reinforcing its all-terrain 4×4 prowess and further arming its 800-mm water wading depth. Further giving its off-road brutish vibe is its functional and lightweight aluminum Black Matte finish roof rack, not to mention a loading-capacity of 1,086 kilograms on its cargo bed.
Safety-wise, the workhorse meets all global safety standards, including the high standards of Japan Light Wheel Automotive Wheel Testing Council.
Under its hood is the potent 3.2-liter five-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel engine, churning out 199hp and 470 N-m of torque.
The workhorse was perfect for my sister, who migrated to our province in Northern Samar. It was particularly used for her small crop business there. The Pangolin was in its element as it traversed the rough terrains of the rural countryside with a cinch.
Now with Berjaya Auto Philippines serving as its local distributor for several years now, the brand has been flourishing. And with this Pangolin edition, it was a proper send-off of the older generation model and to, this time, give a warm welcome to its latest- generation model.
Speaking of the latest-generation model, our family then acquired the 2022 Mazda BT-50 4×2 just recently. From the outlandish rugged appeal of the Pangolin, this pickup is catered more to be lifestyle-oriented. Palpable is its Kodo design language, evoking style and sophistication. In fact, it dons a familiar front fascia, similar to the classy and voguish crossovers CX-5 and CX-8, while capping 17-inch alloys.
Its elegant exterior features spill over inside, exuding a premium cabin. Occupants then enjoy the comfort of leather seats and an overall cabin design hue of Black with Gray accents. Front and center is a seven-inch LCD with USB, Bluetooth hands-free, together with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, coupled by six speakers.
At its heart is a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, producing 189hp and 450N-m of torque.
This latest-generation pickup truly resonates the modern man–fun and sophisticated–yet is ready to perform under any circumstance.
Overall, Mazda vehicles have indeed lived up to its name as fabled machines throughout generations. And its workhorses are no exception to it. Our family–indeed–can attest to this.
The Mazda BT-50 is being offered for 99K all-in downpayment for the BT-50 4×4 and 49K all-in downpayment promotion for the BT-50 4×2.
