By Staff Reporter

After releasing teaser images a few days ago, Mazda has finally taken the wraps off its all-new Mazda BT-50.

The Design

Fully-redesigned for the first time in nine years, the Japanese car manufacturer used its Kodo-soul of Motion design language for the new BT-50. The new BT-50 ditched Ford’s T6 platform in favor of Isuzu’s new D-Max platform. Up-front we have a prominent grille with horizontal slats surrounded by slim LED headlights, a look we have seen before on Mazda’s CX SUVs.

The new BT-50 has a traditional looking side-profile with pronounced haunches. Mazda ditched its old unique rear-lights design for something that looks more conventional.

The interior

Mazda has adopted the premium looking interior design of the new Isuzu D-Max for its BT-50. Fitted to the center console is a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple car Play and a 4.2-inch screen in the instrument cluster displays important vehicle information. The new BT-50 will have optional perforated leather seats.

The engine

Powering the 5,28 meter long double-cab is a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 140 kW and 450 Nm and is likely to be mated to a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission.  Compared to the old 3.2-litre turbo-diesel five-cylinder engine, the new engine is underpowered by 7 kW and 20 Nm, but because it weighs less that should make up for the less power and torque, Mazda said. In their press release, Mazda said it is committing themselves “to preserve our beautiful earth”, perhaps that indicates the possibility of a D-Max sourced 1.9L engine in the future.

The new BT-50 has a towing capacity of 3,500 kg and maximum payload of 1,065 kg.

Local availability

Mazda South Africa is yet to confirm local availability. The new BT-50 will go on sale late 2020 in Australia.202