Mazda Philippines is toying with the idea of introducing a second-generation BT-50 Pangolin Edition for the local market, and they want to know what you think of it.
As a refresher, Mazda launched the BT-50 Pangolin Edition in 2020 as a more off-road centric version of their pickup truck. At the time, the Ranger-based (T6) BT-50 came with various exterior accessories to help refresh it a bit. More importantly, it was designed to help raise awareness for the preservation of the Philippine Pangolin—an endemic and critically endangered species.
It was so successful that in 2021, Mazda Philippines extended the Pangolin Edition to the 4x2 variant as well.
With Mazda Philippines moving to the all-new BT-50 late last year (it’s now based on the Isuzu D-MAX), there were questions on whether they’d be doing another Pangolin Edition since their partnership with the Katala Foundation—the NGO responsible for protecting the Philippine Pangolin was extended.
Now, here’s their answer. At the 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), Mazda Philippines is offering showgoers and off-road enthusiasts alike to see and comment on what they like (and don’t like) about the proposed BT-50 Pangolin Edition II.
As of the moment, the entire truck is still a concept, but the brand says that if put to production, it will serve as the new top-of-the-line trim to the BT-50. Though no pricing has been confirmed yet, it will be “competitive.” And given that Mazda was able to undercut the pricing of its mechanical twin, the Isuzu D-MAX, this will likely do the same.
Anyway, shown at the back part of their sprawling pavilion (and overshadowed by the new CX-8 and MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition) is a Concrete Gray BT-50 4x4 fitted with all sorts of accessories that’ll become part of the Pangolin Edition II.
At each corner are beefy 18-inch alloy wheels with a Pangolin center cap. These bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels were developed exclusively by Rota for Mazda. These are then wrapped with Giti 4x4 AT70 all-terrain tires measuring in at 265/80R18s. Giti was specifically chosen as the tire outfitter given they are the official tire sponsor of the MSCC Miata Spec Series too.
Like the BT-50 4x4, it has black fender flares, a bed liner with cover, and side step boards. Unlike the regular BT-50 4x4 though, the side step boards are now body-colored. Plus, it comes outfitted with a two-tone black/body-colored front scuff plate and sports bar giving that additional dose of sportiness.
Interior-wise, it’s understood that Mazda left everything pretty much stock. This means it gets a black interior with dark brown leather seats, an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, dual zone climate control with rear vents, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Under the hood, it has a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine with 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. It also is capable of crossing floods up to 800 mm deep (maybe even more so given the thicker tires) and traversing terrain with its shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system with a rear locking differential.
Should Mazda Philippines build the BT-50 Pangolin Edition II? Let them know, or drop a note in the comments—they’ll be reading your thoughts for sure.
Pangolin is a flop.
ReplyDeleteI guess not all filipinos are aware of pangolin preservation nor save the pangolins advocacy.
I only see less than a handful of them mazda pangolins on the road..
I barely see BT-50's actually.....
Delete1.9 Million up to 2 Million Pesos for a locally designed Limited Edition BT-50 4X4 pickup truck?Pass!
ReplyDeleteIts best that they turn it into a 4X2 variant but it'll be priced at 1.6 Million Pesos.
Mazda BT-50 pickup truck is one of the best selling products of Mazda Philippines.
yes, please... and could you make a really cool shade of silver variant. 😘
ReplyDelete