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2015 Mazda BT-50 revealed

2015 Mazda BT-50

Mazda unveils relatively minor changes to BT-50 as production kicks off.

Mazda has given us our first look at the upcoming BT-50 update, releasing a single image of a high-spec dual cab in line with the commencement of production in Thailand.

Whan the new BT-50 lands on our shores later this year, it will be at least the third refreshed or new ute to launch this year. The Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton are already in showrooms, ahead of the updated Ford Ranger due in September and the all-new version of Toyota's top-selling HiLux in October.

Compared to some of the other makeovers so far in what could be remembered as the Year of the Ute, the Mazda BT-50 is only scoring a relatively minor facelift.

On the outside the BT-50 gets restyled headlights and grille, along with tail lights within the same body apertures and new wheels. On the other hand, its Ranger mechanical cousin gets all-new front sheetmetal, headlights, bumper and grille.

Powertrain and bodystyle lineups will be unchanged, which means a continuation of the existing 110kW/375Nm 2.2-litre and 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre turbodiesel engines along with the six-speed manual or auto transmissions.

Mazda has confirmed the new BT-50 will have a reversing camera added to its safety features list

It's worth noting, however, this makes the BT-50 the sole recent Mazda in the lineup not to feature their SkyActiv efficiency tech. Only the ageing CX-9 also sits in that boat.

Mazda has confirmed the new BT-50 will have a reversing camera added to its safety features list.

Aside from that, not a great deal has been confirmed about the new BT-50, including whether or not it will feature the excellent MZD Connect multimedia system found in most Mazda passenger models.

When the PX MkII Ford Ranger arrives in September, it scores an eight-inch touchscreen and a 240V power outlet in the cabin, along with all-new bodywork from the windscreen forward.

On the technology front the Ranger also scores safety tech more often seen on high-spec family cars - radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision alert, lane keep assist and reversing camera on some models.

Pricing and the full spec rundown of the new Mazda BT-50 will be confirmed closer to the local arrival date.