The new 2021
Mazda BT-50 has been confirmed will go on sale
in Australia this coming October. Unlike the previous-generation BT-50 that
shared its underpinnings with the Ford Ranger, this new one shares parts with
the Isuzu D-Max. However, that doesn’t mean the BT-50 looks like the Isuzu.
Quite the opposite, in fact, as it features the Japanese carmaker’s Kodo design
language.
Up front, the new BT-50 has a prominent
chrome grille and a set of familiar Mazda headlights. It’s not the most
‘rugged’ looking front fascia on the market but it is certainly classy and
brings a sense of style and sophistication to the mid-size pickup truck
segment. As for the rear, it is more traditional and includes a set of vertical
taillights that eschew the curvaceous design of the current BT-50’s lights.
Mazda has also made significant
improvements in the BT-50’s cabin. For example, there is a sporty four-spoke
steering wheel and a large infotainment screen housing Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto. There are also a host of soft-touch leather components found
throughout, giving the pickup a premium and luxurious feel, not something that
can be said about some of its rivals.
A single powertrain will be sold in
Australia in the form of a 3.0-liter diesel producing 188 hp and 450
Nm of torque. The pickup has an impressive towing capacity of 3,500
kg and a payload capacity of over 1,000 kg. Australian pricing
details have yet to be announced, but should be revealed in the coming weeks.
