2021 Mazda BT-50 gets official for Mzansi, pricing in tow

For the first time in almost 10 years, the 2021 Mazda BT-50 is brandishing an all-new face. It’s also riding on a new Isuzu-based platform motivated by an Isuzu diesel engine. So, is the new Mazda BT-50 still a Mazda? With an expressive fascia lifted from its CX-9 sibling, it’s not hard to discern the BT-50 as a proper Mazda.

The new BT-50 was launched online by Mazda South Africa this morning. Right off the bat, we were intrigued by the non-availability of Mazda’s excellent Skyaktiv-D engine in the BT-50 line-up.

We reckon this could be that Mazda’s efficient diesel is not powerful or torquey enough to handle the BT-50’s 3,500 kg towing capacity. Instead, Mazda went to Isuzu for a solution. The answer came in the form of the latter’s 1.9 and 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel mills from the Isuzu D-Max bakkie.

If you can remember, all previous models of the Mazda BT-50 were based on the Ford Ranger. As such, it also came with a slew of Ford powerplants. But in the new BT-50, the 3.0-litre Isuzu diesel mill is pumping out 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque while the entry 1.9l is good for 110kW and 350Nm. The BT-50 may not look as tough or utilitarian as the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max, but this bakkie is ripe for some serious hauling.

The new diesel engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox while an automatic is optional. Meanwhile, both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains are available across the line-up. We also know the new BT-50 is equipped with a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen along with a refined cabin similar to other Mazda vehicles. Android Auto and Apple Carplay are standard.

The 2021 Mazda BT-50 is available in 6 colours: Gun Blue, Rock Grey, Red Volcano, Ice White, Ignot Silver and Concrete Grey. The bakkie will be produced in Thailand in conjunction with the latest-gen Isuzu D-Max. Pricing starts at R611 900.

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Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.