Mazda CX-50 Touring ute imagined in new rendering

Mazda might not have any intention of joining the flourishing 'lifestyle ute' segment, but our latest renderings have imagined what a small pick-up from the brand would look like.

Although us Aussies are accustomed to the mid-size BT-50 that has been a staple of Mazda’s local range for many years, American customers have missed out on a wing-badged utility since 2009, when the then-ageing Ford Ranger-based B-Series truck was phased out.

With the FWD-based light ute sector in the United States going from zero to two in less than twelve months, thanks to the introduction of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, could a small pick-up truck be just what the Japanese manufacturer needs in the important US market?

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As both the Maverick and Santa Cruz are related to the Bronco Sport and Tucson mid-size SUVs, respectively, our illustrations showcase a Mazda truck based on the all-new (sadly US-only) CX-50 medium-sized crossover revealed in mid-November.

Taking most elements from the monocoque CX-50, the coupe utility – which we’ve dubbed CX-50 Touring, based on the brand’s nomenclature and nature of the vehicle – blends the core design of the all-wheel-drive SUV into a two-door unibody with a greater focus on conquering the great outdoors.

Of note, our rendering only sports a two-door frame with two seats, whereas the Maverick and Santa Cruz are more family-friendly, four-door and five seats vehicles – albeit at the expense of space in the tub, especially for the Hyundai.

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The CX-50 Touring looks identical to its donor car at the front, with wide air intakes and Mazda's latest headlight design, while the wide haunches of the CX-50 are showcased by boxy guards and chunky plastic wheel cladding – which also carry over into the Touring ute.

Towards the rear, the addition of a fixed tub (much like a Holden Commodore Ute rather than a Ford Ranger) would allow owners to carry bulky objects, such as a bicycle and construction materials, with ease.

The tail-lights and rear bumper from the CX-50 have also transferred to the Touring, as have the 18-inch alloy wheels and bonnet stripes. Meanwhile, a set of Subaru Outback-like roof rails cater for items such as kayaks, storage units and tents.

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Above: the Mazda CX-50 crossover

Inside, the Mazda 3-inspired cabin seen in the regular CX-50 remains in place for the ute, benefiting from a 10.25-inch widescreen display and 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster – in addition to two front seats embossed in brown leather.

With the CX-50 set to adopt Toyota-sourced hybrid power next year, the Touring would also be electrified – along with naturally-aspirated and turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol options.

Unfortunately, with no plans to build a ute derivative of the CX-50 for the United States – let alone any Mazda pick-up truck other than the BT-50 – our imaginations remain just that for now, although perhaps these images could provide some incentive for the marque to begin development of such a car... (if only it worked that way).

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Above: the Mazda CX-50 crossover

Nevertheless, the CX-50 in its regular-bodied SUV form has been designed for, and is built in, North America, meaning it will not reach Australia.

Instead, we’ll receive the larger rear- or all-wheel-drive CX-60 SUV, with three other SUVs – the CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 – all under consideration for our market.

The local body-on-frame BT-50 line-up was also recently expanded, with the addition of a cheaper 1.9-litre diesel XS variant and a more-luxurious SP range-topper.