The Mazda BT-50 has undergone a sophisticated facelift in Thailand, focusing primarily on external design improvements while maintaining its existing turbodiesel powertrains. The timing of its launch in other markets, such as Australia, remains uncertain. Interestingly, Mazda’s midsize pickup will not inherit the technological upgrades brought through the Isuzu D-Max, mechanically, which was reconditioned a few months ago.
The design of the Mazda BT-50 hasn’t changed much, even though it’s been on sale since 2020. The most significant update for 2024 is the adoption of the black grille from the flagship SP on all trims, replacing chrome. Finish noted on the last model. In addition, the front bumper has undergone slight changes, with a physically more physically powerful underbody skid plate on the variants.
Read more: Mazda BT-50 updates its off-road credentials with two new accessory packages
In addition, the new “Black Thunder” accessory package is available for the trim, adding a heavy-duty front skid plate, play bar and fender extensions, all finished in gloss black. The same solution has been implemented on the door handles. , mirror caps and 18-inch alloy wheels.
In terms of frame styles, the Mazda BT-50 offers two options: the Freestyle Cab, with two doors and an extended rear bed, or the Double Cab, with 4 doors and a more spacious five-seat cabin.
Inside, the Mazda BT-50 retains its 9-inch infotainment touchscreen (or 7-inch on base models), and now offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity. However, the Isuzu D-Max, which gained a new 7-inch virtual display tool group, the BT-50 keeps its classic dials with a smaller 4. 2-inch screen between them.
The models feature brown and black leather upholstery, an 8-speaker audio system, and a suite of complex driver assistance systems (ADAS), adding adaptive cruise control with prevention function.
The range of powertrains for the Mazda BT-50 remains unchanged. The base models are supplied with a 1. 9-litre turbodiesel that produces 148 hp (110 kW/150 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. get the toughest 3. 0-liter turbodiesel, making 187 hp (140 kW / 190 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft). Power is transmitted to the rear (2WD) or 4-wheel (4WD) via a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic depending on the version.
Mazda didn’t specify whether the BT-50 will get the “rough terrain mode” that the Isuzu D-Max features. Although the D-Max is expected to be available in an all-electric version from 2025, it seems unlikely that Mazda will have access to the zero-emission powertrain for its own truck.
The 2024 Mazda BT-50 is now available in Thailand, starting at 752,000 Thai baht ($20,515 at the prevailing exchange rate) for the Freestyle Cab and 922,000 Thai baht ($25,158) for the Double Cab. In comparison, the price of the 2024 Isuzu D-Max sibling costs between 540,000 and 1,257,000 Thai baht (between $14,688 and $34,190).
It remains to be seen when the updated truck will be rolled out to other markets around the world, such as Australia. It’s worth noting that the BT-50 was recently dropped from the Mazda lineup in New Zealand and South Africa due to weak sales. Aside from its Isuzu D-Max counterpart, the Mazda BT-50 competes with popular competitors such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, VW Amarok, Mitsubishi Triton, and Nissan Navara.