The all-new 2021 Mazda BT-50 has been revealed today boasting a new look and an interior that offers passenger car levels of design and finish.
The Mazda BT-50 is no longer just a Ranger wearing different clothes it’s now, er, an Isuzu D-Max in different clothes. Yep, they’re both now twins under the skin with the Isuzu only weeks away from going on-sale here while the BT-50 won’t be available until later in the year.
At that time, though, Mazda is promising a long list of accessories which will include gear like factory snorkels, bars, side steps, canopies and more. Indeed, the current BT-50 offers one of the best range of factory accessories in the segment.
Mazda said it had taken years of experience and customer feedback into account to come up with the look, the accessories and safety features of the new BT-50.
Indeed Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi went so far as to suggest the brand-new BT-50 sets a new benchmark in the segment. “Brand-New Mazda BT-50 will bring unrivalled design, comfort and capability to the popular ute segment, raising the bar for what these customers can expect from their ute,”he said.
“A more rugged, muscular application of Mazda’s successful Kodo design gives Brand-New Mazda BT-50 unmistakable road presence, while the high-tech safety features provide drivers and fleet manager with peace of mind.
“Ownership experience remains key to Mazda customers and Brand-New Mazda BT-50 will take it a step further with a long list of accessories and customer programs to launch as we get closer to going on sale later in the year.”
The design of the BT-50 has always been a bit of an acquired taste. And this new one certainly looks better than the old car, but it’s an evolution of the theme rather than a revolution. The front end is now squarer and more muscular looking than before with a grille that stretches across from headlight to headlight.
On the inside, the BT-50’s cabin will clearly be one of the nicest in the segment with soft touch materials used and seats that look nice and supportive. The dashboard design has clearly borrowed from Mazda’s SUV range. The steering wheel offers reach and rake adjustment and the infotainment system offers wireless Apple and Android connectivity which is unique in the segment.
Under the bonnet is Isuzu’s 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine making 140kW power and 450Nm torque. Mazda’s suggesting the new BT-50 will be lighter than the old car and so will be more fuel efficient. It’ll still offer a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg with a payload of 1000kg, and a rear diff lock will be standard.
In terms of safety, Mazda is claiming the new BT-50 will be the safest and most advanced in its class. BT-50 will offer Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as standard equipment across the range.
Pricing and final specifications haven’t been released yet.
While you’re here subscribe to the MotoFomo Newsletter
Sign Up for the latest news, reviews, advice, buying guides and more delivered to your inbox every week