The all-new Mazda BT-50 set to launch with Isuzu D-Max underpinnings

July 11 of 2016 marked the start of the partnership between Mazda Motor Corporation and Isuzu Motors Limited. Together both automotive brands were supposed to develop a new pickup for both companies. A couple of years down the line and Isuzu launched the all-new D-max, however, there was still no new version of the BT-50 insight. That has changed as Mazda is officially launching the new version of the BT-50 on June 17, 2020. It will hit officially hit the market first in Australia, then go on sale for the rest of the world.

To put everything into perspective, the BT-50 prior had the underpinnings of the Ford Ranger, but this next-generation model could see even more improvements over the Ford-based collaboration. 

The all-new Mazda pickup will be coming with three chassis options: a single cab, a freestyle cab, and a double cab with 4 doors. The latter will likely be the option making its way to the Philippines once the vehicle officially makes its debut. The new Mazda BT-50 is reportedly going to be made in Thailand alongside its Isuzu D-Max counterpart.

The all-new Mazda BT-50 will share in the same suspension components as its twin. This means the Mazda pickup will be able to make use of the new independent double-wishbone suspension found in its Isuzu twin along with a new set of leaf springs. The shocks and springs on the Mazda BT-50 will, however, have a different tuning setup compared to the D-Max. It also will make use of the new Dynamic Drive Platform, the new body structure made from reinforced high tensile steel, and the improved wading depth over prior generations. 

Under the hood, the new Mazda BT-50 may also share in the same motors that its Isuzu twin has access to. This means that it will either come with a 1.9-liter or a 3.0-liter engine that is currently found in the D-Max. Transmission wise it will probably have the same 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission as its twin. However, it is still unknown if Mazda may tweak these engines to make more power to help separate the BT-50 from its similarly built counterpart the D-Max.