It will be able to swap its Ford Ranger underpinnings in favor of an Isuzu platform
While you may not associate Mazda pickup trucks with Mazda , the Zoom-Zoom company has made utes since the launch of the three-wheeler Mazdago in 1930. The Type-CA four-wheeler truck was the first to be launched. Mazda has created a page to celebrate its centenary. It lists all models that Mazda launched over the past 100 years. Some will be shocked to see a number of trucks.
Now, fast forward to 2006 and the first-generation BT-50 was introduced using the Ford Ranger as its underpinnings. The second-generation truck was released five years later. Now, Mazda is preparing to launch the third generation of this workhorse. The all-new BT-50, which will be unveiled ahead of the June 17 premiere, will not use Ford hardware and instead ride on the same platform with the new Isuzu.
The engine will be a turbodiesel four-cylinder of 3.0-liter capacity with 188 horsepower (140kW) and 450 Newton-meters (332 pounds-feet). It will either use a six-speed manual transmission, or an automatic with the same number. A 1.9-liter diesel engine with 148 horsepower and 350 Nm (258lb-ft), could be available, as well.
The underpinnings of Isuzu will continue to be used, but the BT-50 will likely get a new look that is in keeping with Mazda’s design language. It is not yet clear if there are plans to offer multiple body styles that will echo the D-Max. The D-Max comes in four-door extended Cab, four-door single cab and four-door double Cab. There are also options for rear- or all-wheel drive.
Inside, you’ll find the same 4.2-inch driver display and a 9.2-inch touchscreen for the infotainment systems with support for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay that was in the Isuzu D-Max.