Mazda unveiling all-new pickup

Mazda Motor Corporation is planning to unveil an all-new Mazda BT-50 compact pickup truck at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show on Friday, October 15, 2010. This will be the world debut of the new truck, which Mazda is calling an "active lifestyle vehicle." They are promising nothing less than a revolution in our conventional image of a compact pickup truck with modern and refined styling.

The new model was developed from the ground up as a brand new type of vehicle. Rugged and dependable are two words we expect to hear about but pickup trucks, but Mazda says the all-new BT-50 promises to be beautiful as well. Hoping to get buyers to think outside the box, Mazda is calling the BT-50 the perfect solution for customers who lead active lifestyles – including families, workers, and pleasure seekers.

This being a Mazda, the company also promises a level of performance and handling unseen in this market segment before. Mazda recognizes the occasional need for an open bed truck, but understands there is usually a heavy price to pay in routine driving with a pickup truck. For most customers, a full-size pickup is too cumbersome for every day driving needs, but when it's time to haul a large load, the need for an open bed becomes evident. The BT-50 promises to be a good compromise between daily commuting car and weekend work – or play – truck.

Mazda 6 2.2 driven

Bit of a forgotten hero the Mazda6. It's always been one of our favourite cars in the Schlepping Up The M1 Every Waking Hour With Suit Jacket Hung In The Rear Window And Many Boxes In The Boot Repmobile class, along with the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia, because it combines sharp looks with sporty handling. Now it's even better thanks to this worthwhile upgrade.

New headlights and tail-lights brighten up the looks a smidge, and inside, the dials have silver rings and the centre console layout is less cluttered. A new finish on the dash and piano-black trim feel more ‘premium', too. It's not exactly Audi in here, but it's beautifully made and is a comfortable place to be.

The engines - three petrol and three diesel - have been tweaked to emit less gas and drink less as well. Emissions and economy are improved by 4.8 and 4.1 per cent respectively across the diesel range. The pick of the engines is the 163bhp 2.2 turbo-diesel: not quite as punchy as the 180bhp version, but not as expensive either. It's torquey, smooth and refined.