Mazda’s New BT-50: It’s also an Isuzu now

With the move for Mazda and there BT-50 bakkie away from the Ford Ranger base of old, The Move to fellow Japanese brethren Isuzu could revitalise the demand that made the Toyota Hilux and the now VW Amarok competition question their sales leadership positions.

2021 Mazda BT-50 Drivetrain

With the new Isuzu D-max underpinning, the new BT-50 will benefit from the revised version of the 3.0Litre 4-Cylinder Turbo Diesel, into states of tune, a lower output 130kw/430nm or a 140kW/450Nm higher output will likely be the range-topper. Transmission choices are either a 6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Automatic transmission, linked to either 4×2 or 4×4 with a rear locking differential. The new engine and transmission pairing linked to the new re-designed platform should return lowered fuel consumption over the 2.2 and 3.2Litre Ford engines it replaces. The new BT-50 Passes the current braked towing and payload capacity with the 3500 and 1000kg haulage capacity it provides.

2021 Mazda BT-50 Styling and Design

The Signate ‘Soul of Motion’ Kido Philosophy is evident in the frontal design, with the Large Mazda Family grill and softer cues more fitting of the CX5 Family cross-over translating well onto the new melded face. The Bakkie lines and proportions remain faithful to the feelings of power and beauty wish conceptualised Kido and fitting and completes ‘understated brut’ look. The rear tailgate section makes use of a set of taillights which incorporate the Mazda Circular design and revised tailgate. 

2021 Mazda BT-50 Interior and Spec

Along with the Mazda specific revisions to the exterior, the cabin gains the same treatment with additional safety and specification not familiar to most bakkie markets. Winning a Touch of D-Max influence the 9-Inch Touchscreen infotainment features the wireless variation of Carplay and Andriod Auto and in-built SAT-NAV. Dash surfaces are soft-touch, and the instrument cluster gains digital functionality. Internally the available specification is plentiful, offering electrically adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start., auto headlights and wipers and finally Full PDC and reverse camera. The rear importantly gains ISOfix and rear air vents. In terms of safety, the addition of Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Sport Monitoring and Rear Cross- Traffic Alert linked to Auto Emergency braking completes the standard safety list.

2021 Mazda BT-50 in South Africa

With the local confirmation still pending its difficult to tell is the BT-50 will return to the South African market, with the arguments of pricing likely leading the decision. It’s highly likely to be profoundly affected by the new car market slump even in its 2021 projected arrival but should offer good value to the Toyota Hilux & VW Amarok- read about our review here – https://themotoristold.co.za/we-drive-volkswagens-amarok-canyon-v6-its-fast/

We’ll keep you updated on the happenings of the BT-50, and if South Africans scream loud enough, Mazda may head to the cries of bakkie lovers.