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.
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