Official: Mazda releases first pics of BT-50 Freestyle pickup that's still not coming to U.S.

[Rania Elhoseny]

Another day, another heaping scoop of salt in our open mid-sized pickup wound. Mazda has released a few shots of the upcoming BT-50 Freestyle pickup. Essentially an extended-cab version of the standard BT-50, the Freestyle offers a slightly smaller cabin and a marginally larger bed than its brethren. Mazda says that the cargo box has grown in every direction, allowing for a total capacity of 51.3 cubic feet.

The cab features two reverse-hinge half-doors in addition to the two standard front doors. The pilarless design makes for easy ingress and egress to the rear seats.

Mazda's corporate design language is still slathered all over the exterior of the BT-50, but the cab proportions help balance out the sweeping lines, at least in our book. Like its Ford Ranger chassis mate, the BT-50 was designed in Australia, which is expected to be the truck's largest market. While the pickup will likely show its smiling face in numerous other countries, it isn't destined for North America any time soon. Readers outside of the U.S. can expect to see the truck touch down on dealer lots later this year.