By Khulekani Dumisa

Mazda has finally confirmed the local launch date of its all-new Mazda BT-50. The new bakkie will be fully releveled on 15 July 2021. The new BT-50 units sold in South Africa will be produced in Thailand unlike the D-Max that will be made locally.

The Design

Fully-redesigned for the first time in nine years, the Japanese car manufacturer used its Kodo-soul of Motion design language for the new BT-50. The new BT-50 ditched Ford’s T6 platform in favour of Isuzu’s new D-Max platform. Up-front we have a prominent grille with horizontal slats surrounded by slim LED headlights, a look we have seen before on Mazda’s CX SUVs.

The new BT-50 has a traditional looking side-profile with pronounced haunches. Mazda ditched its old unique rear-lights design for something that looks more conventional.

The interior

Mazda has adopted the premium looking interior design of the new Isuzu D-Max for its BT-50. Everything from dashboard, steering wheel, seats and center console has been redesigned. As with all Mazda models, the All-New BT-50 comes standard with a generous level of features, including MZD Connect Infotainment System with a 7 or 9 inch display screen, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, reverse camera, parking sensors

Safety

Key safety systems include LED headlamps, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Mitigation, 7 airbags, Cruise Control to name a few.

Line-up and engines

The model line-up consists of three derivatives: Active, Dynamic and Individual, and has been aligned with that of the passenger car range. The Active model features a new 1.9L diesel engine with automatic or manual gearbox, producing 121kW of power and 213Nm of torque. The Dynamic and Individual models feature the new 3.0L 6-speed automatic gearbox that produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. The Individual model is available with the 4×4 drivetrain, whereas all other models are available in the 4×2 drivetrain.

Pricing

Pricing is yet to be announced.