The Mazda BT-50 is a bit of an underrated pickup. Sure, it’s mechanically the same as the Isuzu D-Max, but there a couple of perks for those who choose the Mazda. For starters, it gets a different cabin that livens up the interior ambiance.
This being a Mazda, the BT-50 offers something of a solid deal in terms of ownership. Every model sold locally comes with a five-year service plan. That’s right, ‘free’ servicing for the next five years.
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A few months ago, the facelifted version of the Mazda BT-50 was unveiled in Thailand. There, it received a new 2.2-liter turbodiesel care if Isuzu, and a few upgrades to the familiar 3.0-liter mill. Fast forward to February 2025, and it has been confirmed that the new pickup is on its way here.
With that, those interested in a pickup that offers free five-year servicing have until April to save up for it. The question now is if the local model will also benefit from the updates seen in the Thai model.
It’s unlikely that we’ll get the new 2.2-liter engine here. This particular generation of BT-50 in the country only comes with the 3.0-liter, not that we’re complaining. That said, we’d like to see the said efficiency enhancements applied to that diesel be available here. For reference, power output is still the same at 189hp and 450Nm with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The four-wheel drive model only comes with the latter.
As for the pickup itself, it gets a new front fascia. It gets a new pair of headlights that resemble the brand’s ‘CX’ models, along with new bumpers, tail lights, and wheel designs. We can also expect a larger infotainment system and a redesigned multi-information display.
