As you might already know, the next-generation Isuzu D-Max is already out in Thailand and in other car markets around the world. It’s much more aggressive-looking, and it’s got a lot of new things going for it. Things that we really want here in the Philippines.
The front end looks like the one on the CX-series. [Source: Kleber Silva]
Why are we talking about the D-Max? Well, according to an Australian car news site called CarExpert.com.au, the Mazda BT-50, which is based on the Ford Ranger since its first generation, is getting a next-generation model that’s now based on the new Isuzu D-Max.
The said news site also reported that Mazda will be revealing the new D-Max based BT-50 next month.
What will it look like? Well, here are some fan renderings by Kleber Silva, the same guy who made the next-gen Ford EcoSport rendering.
New Mazda BT-50: Specs?
With the production of the new new Isuzu D-Max scheduled to begin at the Port Elizabeth factory in 2021, the new BT-50 will likely follow suit as it will share the new D-Max’s 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine and the same chassis.
The said engine has been upgraded and it can now make a maximum of 188 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. We can also expect the same automatic transmissions and the six-speed manual found on the new D-Max to come on this new version of the Mazda BT-50.
Apart from the new engine, the new BT-50 will also be getting the D-Max’s new infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a tilt and telescopic steering column, and a rear locking differential.
And yes, Mazda does have its own multimedia infotainment system but for some reason, it opted to use the one from the new D-Max instead, according to CarExpert.
From the rear though, the Isuzu D-Max genes is more prevalent [Source: Kleber Silva]
According to another report in 2019, an Isuzu official said that Mazda was not involved in the development of the third-generation Isuzu D-Max.
Mazda, however, will be able to input their own design language into the new Mazda BT-50, as such, we’re expecting that the new pickup truck will have a look that’s more in line with the current iteration of the Kodo design language.
For the Philippines, remember that the Isuzu Philippines Corporation has an assembly plant located in Laguna. We still don’t have the new D-Max as of yet, but if the said plant starts churning it out, perhaps the new Mazda BT-50 will also follow soon. Take this with a healthy dose of salt, though – at least for now.
For more automotive news, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.
Know more about Mazda BT-50 2024
The third-generation Mazda BT-50 2024 is the latest pickup truck offering from the Japanese marque. It still remains to be a body-on-frame model, and it is based on the third-generation Isuzu D-max.
For the Philippine market, the Mazda BT-50 for 2024 is available in three variants. These come with a price ranging from Php 1,390,000 to Php 1,908,000, with the BT-50 4x4 MT as the entry-level variant, and the BT-50 Pangolin Edition 2 4x4 AT as the top-spec variant.
Under the hood of the BT-50 is a 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX inline-4 turbodiesel engine. At maximum, it can produce up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Available transmissions include a six-speed automatic and a five-speed manual. For drivetrains, only the top-spec variant comes with 4x4.
Size-wise, the new BT-50 2024 Philipines is 5,280mm long, 1,870mm wide, and 1,800mm in height. It also has a wheelbase of 3,125mm.
Competing against the Mazda BT-50 in the Philippine market are the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Strada, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Maxus T60, etc.
Mazda BT-50 Launch
The newest Mazda BT-50 was launched for the Philippine market in November 2021. It replaces the older BT-50 which has been around locally since 2013. Other markets however received by new BT-50 earlier in 2019.
The new version of the BT-50 shares a platform with the Isuzu D-Max. And like the said model, the new BT-50 comes with a handful of improvements for its on-board tech, as well as its mechanical components.
Mazda BT-50 Exterior
While its roots are apparent in its general body shape, the third-gen BT-50 was provided with characteristics that are uniquely Mazda. For instance, it gets the hexagonal front grille, as well as a pair of sharp-looking LED headlamp clusters. These of course are also found on other Mazda models like the CX series of crossovers.
Exterior features include rain-sensing wipers, a set of 18-inch wheels, power-adjustable side mirrors with power fold, and roof rails for the top-spec 4x4 variant.
Size-wise, the BT-50 2024 Philippines comes with a length of 5,280mm, a width of 1,870mm, a height of 1,800mm, and a wheelbase length of 3,125mm.
Mazda BT-50 Interior
Like most trucks in the market today, the new BT-50 can comfortably seat up to five occupants. Its interior space, however, was designed to be more premium in look and feel. Furthermore, it also comes standard with a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system, electronically adjustable front seats, leather seats, and many other niceties.
Technology & Safety Features
Safety-wise, the top-spec BT-50 4x4 comes with the Mazda I-Activsense suite of driver-assist technologies. This includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert, among others. It also gets 7 airbags at most, as well as the usual safety features like stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, among others.
For entertainment, the top-spec 4x4 variant gets a 9-inch touchscreen headunit. Its connectivity options include Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is then linked to an 8-piece speaker system. The other trims then have a seven-inch headunit with the same connectivity options, but it is linked to a six-piece speaker system.
Platform & Chassis
The BT-50 shares a platform with the Isuzu D-Max. As such, it also uses a ladder-frame chassis. For suspensions, the Mazda-branded truck uses a double-wishbone for the front and a leaf spring suspension for the rear. It then uses a ventilated front disc brake and a rear drum brake.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the 2024 Mazda BT-50 is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine. At maximum, it can make up to 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. For transmissions, it either gets a five-speed manual gearbox, or a six-speed automatic tranny with sequential shift.
The entry-level and mid-spec trims of the BT-50 use a 4x2 drivetrain. Only the top-spec variant comes with a 4x4 and a locking rear differential.
Mazda BT-50 Q&A
1. How much is the Mazda pickup BT-50 in the Philippines?
The price of Mazda BT-50 2024 in the Philippines ranges from P1,390,000 to P1,908,000.
2. Is the Mazda BT-50 reliable?
The Mazda BT-50 is generally considered a reliable pickup truck. It is built with high-quality materials, has a solid construction, and is equipped with durable components that can withstand tough driving conditions.
3. Is the Mazda BT-50 fuel efficient?
The Mazda BT-50 is generally considered to be a fuel-efficient pickup truck, especially compared to other similarly-sized vehicles in its class.
4. What engine is in the BT-50?
The Mazda BT-50 is available with either a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine or a 3.2-liter 5-cylinder turbo diesel engine.
5. Is the Mazda BT-50 automatic?
Yes, the Mazda BT-50 is available with an automatic transmission.
₱ 1,390,000 - ₱ 1,858,000
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