It may not be the top of mind choice in the pickup class, but one can say that the Mazda BT-50 is a solid pick for those looking for a workhorse. Given that the current model is based on the Isuzu D-Max, predicted reliability is promising, too.
The updated version was launched in Thailand a couple of months ago. It took a while but it’s finally coming here and launching a lot sooner than you think.
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Mazda Philippines showed a teaser of the new pickup about a week ago. Of course, details weren’t shared, but there are a couple of things we can expect from it. There’s the new front fascia, for instance, and it follows the form of the company’s CX models.
Less noticeable are the tweaks to the rear end. The tail light clusters have been mildly reshaped, and the same goes for the tailgate. Bed dimensions remain the same. Like before, we’re expecting the cabin to be a more upmarket version of the D-Max interior with richer materials and details.
What’s still up in the air are the powertrain options. Since this new generation was introduced, it has stuck with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel unit. We reckon it will be the same with the latest version and the 2.2-liter MaxForce will not be offered in the Philippines. Power ratings are expected to be the same as before at 189hp and 450Nm.
It’s worth pointing out that the Mazda BT-50 undercuts its mechanical twin by a fair amount. Factor in the free five-year service and it serves up an interesting value proposition. We’re hoping that the new version will still hover around the P1.4-M to sub-P1.9-M range.
