Mazda BT-50 construction: another restyling

In previous years, the Mazda BT-50 pick-up truck was related to the Ford Ranger model, but from 2020 it was produced under the BT-50 symbol a completely different carcombined with the Isuzu D-Max truck. A year ago the original D-Max subject to major upgrade planned, but Mazda went further and prepared two retrofit options for its pickup truck. First was presented in Thailand back in the spring and it turned out to be very light. And now the Mazda BT-50 is shown for Australia, which is still the main market for the model. And there are many more variations on this pickup truck.

The pickup truck has a completely redesigned front end with new headlights and bumper, as well as a modified radiator grille, which features a large corporate logo. The appearance was rethought in line with the evolution of Kodo’s body style, which made the truck more similar to modern Mazda cars. The wheel arch extension became larger, and the rear received modified lights and a bumper. The corporate logo here has also become bigger. In addition, three new body colors have been added and the alloy wheel design has been redesigned. However, so far only images of the top version with a double-row cabin have been released, while the BT-50 will hold simpler versions with one-row and one-and-a-half cabins.

The main update on the interior is a new dashboard with a seven-inch color screen in the middle and dials on the sides, like the sister Isuzu D-Max. A media system with a 7.0- or 9.0-inch screen (depending on the configuration) and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless protocols appeared this spring. Added USB-C connections. The rear view camera now has a lens with a waterproof coating, and dynamic marker lines above the picture.

The manufacturer promises a better finish quality of the front panel and the doors, and in rich trim levels there is a choice between black and brown leather trim. Finally, the truck has an expanded set of electronic driver aids.

The update did not bring technical changes to the Mazda BT-50 pickup truck. As before, it is offered with a choice of two Isuzu turbodiesels. The 1.9 liter unit (150 hp, 350 Nm) is still the base one, but for Australia it is only installed on the simplest rear wheel drive versions. The second option is a 3.0-liter four-cylinder truck engine (190 hp, 450 Nm). Both engines are paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission from Aisin. All-wheel drive system – with rigid connection to the front axle, reduction gear and rear differential lock.

The updated Mazda BT-50 will arrive at Australian dealerships in the first quarter of 2025. However, the company has yet to announce this refresh for other markets. And this is strange, because all BT-50s are made at the same Isuzu plant in Thailand.