2021 MAZDA BT-50 UNMASKED

ISUZU-BASED BT-50 PROMISES TO LIFT MAZDA’S LIGHT TRUCK PRESENCE.

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MAZDA has pulled the covers off its all-new contender in the hotly contested one-tonne 4x4 ute segment. The 2021 Mazda BT-50 won’t go on sale in Australia until Q4 this year, but the brand has given us a look at what to expect.

It’s no secret the new BT-50 shares its platform and drivetrain with the new 2020 Isuzu D-Max, which is expected to beat the Mazda to market sometime in July. The switch to the collaboration with Isuzu comes after Mazda and Ford had shared their pickup platforms for past decades. Interestingly, the next-gen Ford Ranger which is due in 2021 will share its engineering with the next Volkswagen Amarok, in what is a very incestuous segment.

The 2021 BT-50 is essentially a reskin and refit on the Isuzu architecture, as Mazda gives the ute its own look, style and features both inside and out. The Japanese brand has applied its current ‘Kodo’ design language to the ute, giving it a broad grille and slimline headlights that is reminiscent of the company’s current passenger car and SUV range.

Fog and marker lamp clusters low in the front bumper emphasise that broad appearance, while heavy castellated ridges running up the bonnet give a muscular look.