Mazda reveals the brand new Mazda BT-50
Now, this came as a bit of a shocker to some when Mazda announced that there would be a new Mazda BT-50. Especially since Mazda and Ford had broken up their 30-year relationship. But clearly that was not enough to stop Mazda, as they have teamed up with Isuzu to bring us the all-new Mazda BT-50 bakkie. The BT-50 has seen a whole new redesign, and I cannot help to think that it is long overdue as it has been nine years since its last redesign.
The BT-50 will share a platform with Isuzu’s top-selling, D-MAX bakkie. The new Mazda BT-50 model combines Mazda’s Kodo-Soul of Motion design language and premium interior. The Kodo design language can be seen straight away with the front grille. The headlights have also been redesigned, making it appear sharper and more distinctive. The chrome parts of the grille have also been extended right through to the mirror and door handles. It comes with a massive loading bay that can handle a payload of over one ton.
The Mazda BT-50 also comes a brand-new engine, which is shared with the Isuzu D-MAX and that is a 3.0 litre 4-cylinder Turbo-diesel engine. It produces an impressive max output of 140kw with a max torque of 450 Nm. Now it is less torque than its predecessor, but Mazda promises that this model will be faster as it will weigh less.
The interior of the new BT-50 has had a whole new redesign. Mazda really going out of there way as they have redesigned everything from the dashboard, steering wheel, seats to even the center console.
Mazda has ensured that the BT-50 will have a stronger presence on the road, and with all these outstanding changes, we are sure that it will be more than impressive. The Mazda BT-50 is set to be released in 2021.
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FAQ
Q: What does the new Mazda BT-50 cost in South Africa?
The new Mazda BT-50 is expected to start from around R580,000 for the base model, with higher-spec variants likely reaching R680,000 to R750,000, making it competitive with the Isuzu D-MAX and Toyota Hilux in the premium bakkie segment.
Q: Is the new Mazda BT-50 worth buying over the Toyota Hilux?
The BT-50 offers excellent value with its 3.0-litre turbo-diesel producing 140kW and 450Nm, plus Mazda's premium Kodo design language, but the Hilux still has better resale value and wider service network coverage across South Africa.
Q: What engine does the 2021 Mazda BT-50 have?
The new BT-50 comes with a 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine shared with the Isuzu D-MAX, producing 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque, which is actually less torque than the previous model but in a lighter package.
Q: How much can the new Mazda BT-50 carry in its loading bay?
The BT-50 can handle a payload of over one ton in its loading bay, making it suitable for serious work duties while maintaining Mazda's premium interior and exterior styling.
Q: When will the new Mazda BT-50 be available in South Africa?
The new Mazda BT-50 was set to be released in 2021, marking the end of a nine-year gap since the last major redesign and the beginning of Mazda's new partnership with Isuzu after ending their Ford relationship.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the new Mazda BT-50 is worth buying if you want a premium bakkie with distinctive styling under R750,000. The best value premium bakkie under R700,000 in South Africa is the new BT-50 Double Cab, which combines Isuzu's proven D-MAX reliability with Mazda's superior Kodo design language and upmarket interior. While the 450Nm torque figure is lower than some competitors, the lighter weight and 140kW power output should deliver impressive real-world performance. The BT-50 offers a compelling alternative to the ubiquitous Hilux and Ranger, especially for buyers who want something that stands out in the bakkie park while still delivering serious one-ton payload capability.
