Beaut utes are coming soon

The BT-50 is more refined but keeps its reputation as a workhorse

Ford and Mazda have unveiled their new commercial utility vehicles, both of which will go on sale in New Zealand later this year.

Ford retains the Courier name, but Mazda has dropped the Bounty handle and called its model BT-50, in line with the company's global alphanumeric strategy (MX-5, Mazda3, Mazda6, RX-8 and so on). The BT-50 name applies worldwide. It conveys the B-Series Truck heritage (BT) and the number 50 reflects that the one-tonne vehicle is positioned between smaller payload trucks (half-tonne) and much larger trucks.

The first public airing of the vehicles will be at the Bangkok motor show in Thailand this week.

Both carmakers - Ford owns a majority stake in Mazda - say the Courier and BT-50 have been redesigned to offer more refinement while retaining their "workhorse" reputations.

Ford says the new Courier has a tougher, more muscular look. Its ladder-frame chassis gets increased rigidity, while a more durable suspension contributes to improved ride quality. Ground clearance has been increased for better approach and departure angles off road.

Steering has been improved for better handling and the interior has been given a new look. A noticeable difference is the new seats, bigger and better fitting, says Ford. Mazda says the BT-50 - in essence the same vehicle as the Courier - offers owners more versatility "whether they use it as a passenger car or a tough, reliable commercial truck".

Both carmakers say they will offer two new common-rail diesel engines - a 2.5-litre version putting out about 100Nm more torque that the outgoing model, or a more powerful 3-litre version. It is not known if the 3-litre option will be available here.

The models deepen Ford's and Mazda's commitment to Thailand and Asia, an emerging and important centre of vehicle manufacturing.