This is the new Mazda BT-50 2021

It sports the classic Kodo design, but now on an Isuzu platform and with a three-liter turbo diesel engine.

After nine years of waiting, Mazda finally has a brand new BT-50. And this time it really is “totally new”, since the signing of Hiroshima ends forever ends with the collaboration with Ford and the Ranger dating from 2006, to start a new era with Isuzu and the D-Max.


This third generation of the Mazda BT-50 is produced in Thailand, at the Isuzu facility, but was unveiled worldwide in Australia, perhaps the largest global market for midsize pickups (or one of the top three). For now, it is exclusively with double cabin bodywork, but it is not ruled out that a single cabin variant will appear in the future.

As we have already explained before, the BT-50 is based on the new generation of the Isuzu D-Max launched just in 2019, and which from now on will not be marketed under the Chevrolet logo. It measures 5,280 mm long, 1,870 mm wide, 1,790 mm high and has 3,125 mm between the axles. If we compare it with the old BT-50, it is 9 cm shorter, 2 cm wider, 3 cm higher and has a 9 cm shorter wheelbase.

Mazda reports a load capacity of 1,065 kilos and the option of towing up to 3,500 kilos, figures similar to those of the second generation BT-50. It also has 1,114 liters of cargo volume in the pick-up.

The engine is new to the brand. For now it is offered with a four-cylinder three-liter turbodiesel, which delivers 190 Hp at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,600 rpm, a block that is associated with manual and automatic gearboxes of six, and with rear-wheel drive or 4×4.

If we compare it with the current offer of Mazda, this propeller falls a little short of the 3.2-liter, which delivers 197 Hp and the same 450 Nm. The brand indicates that this new engine is much more efficient in fuel consumption.

Later should be added the second engine that Isuzu has for the D-Max: a 1.9-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel that delivers 150 Hp and 350 Nm, aligned with the current 2.2-liter 147 Hp.


Kodo style

The most striking thing about the new BT-50 is the way Mazda incorporated the Kodo design, which can be seen on all its models, with the muscular proportions of a pick-up.

The front end sports the familiar look of the entire Mazda family, with the same combination of a heptagonal grille and sculpted headlights we’ve seen on multiple SUVs, joined by thick chrome three-dimensional wings underneath. It is a clean aesthetic that reminds us of the CX-9.

The profile is more traditional in a pick-up, and of course, there is little that can be done here. Mazda incorporated 18-rim tires and side treads, keeping the lines simple but with chiseled pleats marking high shoulders. In the rear it is even more traditional, with the Mazda logo placed under the door handle and three-level spotlights arranged vertically.

Following the path traced by Mazda in its vehicles, the interior of the BT-50 is possibly one of the most luxurious you will find in a mid-size pick-up. The photos show us a dark, minimalist look, good-touch materials and a driver-centered layout.

The steering wheel is familiar to the brand, but not the large touch screen, which is placed in the center of the dash and not cantilevered, as we are used to in its new models. As is standard, it has bluetooth connectivity, and applications via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

At least in Australia it will be offered with abundant equipment: dual zone climate control, keyless system with ignition button, proximity sensors with reverse camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency brake, lane keeping assistant, blind spot sensor, warning of cross traffic.

The new BT-50 will go on sale in Australia in the coming months, then starting internationalization towards other Asian and Latin American markets.

Author: Nabeel K
Email: nabeel@wheelsjoint.com



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