Now that we know almost everything about the two biggest bakkie launches heading our way in the next two years, we can start discussing the all-new Mazda BT-50.
At the moment, Mazda isn’t too keen to discuss the all-new BT-50. The most likely scenario is that its unveiling and introduction have been postponed due to the COVID-19 virus.
In case you don’t know about the Haval P Series or the all-new Isuzu D-Max on which the Mazda is based, follow the links below:
HAVAL PROVIDES MORE DETAILS ON THE UPCOMING P SERIES BAKKIE
ALL-NEW ISUZU D-MAX TO ARRIVE LOCALLY IN 2021
A recent article on CarAdvice, reports that the new BT-50 will be equipped with the same 3.0-litre in the all-new D-Max. This makes perfect sense, as Isuzu previously stated that Mazda was pretty much only involved in the styling of its new bakkie. The rest of the development was left to Isuzu. It will share a platform, engines and gearboxes.
The 3.0-litre isn’t all-new, but rather an upgraded version of the now-famous 3.0-litre currently used in the D-Max. Thanks to these upgrades, the new D-Max and BT-50 will have 140kW and 450Nm on tap. Mazda’s current 3.2-litre five-cylinder produces 147kW and 470 is more, but not by much. A recent report in Auto Evolution also suggests the new BT-50 will also be equipped with the 1.9-litre turbocharged four-cylinder as used in the D-Max in European countries.
Since Mazda is only responsible for the styling, we can expect the same underpinnings as the D-Max.
Only time will tell if the South African public will respond to the new BT-50 better than the old one.
For the record, these images of the Mazda BT-50 are only renderings at this points. The sharper design was made by carspiritpk.com, while the second is a design proposal from Kleber Silva. The latest design proposal uses the front-end of the Mazda CX-9 (not sold in South Africa) and the rear of the all-new Isuzu, but with a large Mazda badge placed in the middle.