Fully redesigned for the first time in nine years, the all-new BT-50 is supplied by Isuzu Motor Limited on an OEM basis, and the vehicle will go on sale under the Mazda brand name starting in the Australian market in the latter half of 2020.
Since its debut in 2006, the BT-50 has been sold mainly in regions including Oceania, ASEAN, Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa. Its sporty and powerful design, exceptional driving performance capable of taking on all kinds of driving situations, and functionality have all been highly regarded by drivers who actively drive pickup trucks. The second fully-redesigned model aims to bring customers pleasure and enjoyment. Based on Isuzu pickup trucks, special care went into the vehicle's design, ease of use and into creating peace of mind for the occupants.
The all-new BT-50 design expresses the unique beauty of Mazda's Kodo—Soul of Motion design theme with power, toughness and utilitarian functionality suited to a pickup truck. Mazda developed the BT-50 with the intention of making travel and the time spent inside the vehicle exceptionally pleasant. The vehicle's driving performance, functionality and safety meet the active needs of the wide range of situations in which customers may use pickup trucks. Mazda aims to become a brand that can create strong bonds with customers by focusing on the pure essence of cars — the joy of driving — and committing ourselves to preserve our beautiful earth, enrich people's lives and make a bountiful society that lifts everybody's spirits.
Rather than being developed and made alongside the Ford Ranger, the new BT-50 is now a by-product of the D-Max.
The 3,125mm wheelbase is the same, but the BT-50 is slightly longer and shorter in height than the D-Max. Isuzu will handle production for the BT-50 at its Samut Prakan facility in Thailand with Australia being the first market to get it in the second half of this year. The initial diesel-turbo engine announced is the 190hp 3.0-litre four-cylinder mated to six-speed auto.
Aside this 3.0-litre, Isuzu has a smaller 1.9-litre producing 150hp which should also prove more frugal than 160hp 2.2-litre of the previous BT50 (and today’s Ranger).
In fact, Isuzu has a reputation of fuel good economy and Mazda could make good use of that in sales promotion. The downside is compromised performance, as evidenced in the D-Max. Other attributes Mazda may use in promoting the BT-50 is clean exterior and interior design with some sense of premium when compared to others.
Expect local sales of the new BT-50 to start at the year’s end with prices similar to those of today due to stiff competition.
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