Who says you have to look good while on an adventure?
After lingering in the market for quite some time, Mazda finally gives BT-50 pickup trucks a complete overhaul for its third generation. Mazda Australia revealed the Japanese ute via a live stream. The 2021 Mazda BT-50 carries Mazda’s Kodo design language. This makes it look like its crossover sibling the Mazda CX-9. The BT-50 combines utility and luxury in a stylish package. It is available initially in dual-cab body design for its global unveiling.
The BT-50’s biggest change is its underpinnings. It now sits atop the Isuzu platform, specifically Isuzu D-Max. It replaces the Ford engine with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine of 188 horsepower and 450 Newton-meters (140 kilowatts). A six-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission sends power to the wheels. These are available in both 4×4 as well as 4×2 versions. The engine options for lower trims will be enhanced with a smaller and less powerful engine before the product goes on sale in Australia at the end of the year.
The 2021 Mazda BT-50 shares its engine and underpinnings with the new Isuzu D-Max, which was launched last year in Thailand. It also shares its 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment screen and climate controls. This pickup truck is designed to be a utilitarian, but the cabin design is all Mazda.Mazda has not yet announced the price of the 2021 BT-50 or its availability in other markets. However, it is believed that it will be built in tandem with the D-Max in Thailand. For more information about the third-generation Mazda BT-50, please see the press release.
