Australia’s 2021 Mazda BT-50 That America Won’t Get Poses For The Camera

Mazda has unveiled all-new BT-50 pickup in June, but only markets like Australia, South Africa and southeast Asia will get it.

The first country where the third-generation Mazda BT-50 will arrive is Australia, where deliveries start this month. To mark the occasion, the automaker has released a big photo gallery of its new midsize pickup.

The new BT-50 migrates from a Ford Ranger platform to a Isuzu D-Max architecture for the first time, and it does so while adopting the brand’s ‘Kodo’ design language at the same time. Compared to the third-generation D-Max, the BT-50 looks quite different, especially at the front where it gets a signature Mazda grille and sleek horizontal headlights.

Watch Also: Explore The All-New 2021 Mazda BT-50 Pickup Truck In Great Detail

The BT-50 also features distinct taillights compared to the donor vehicle, as well as more prominent bulges in the rear fenders for a more muscular appearance. Arguably, the biggest changes take place inside, though, where the Mazda offers a more upscale ambience. While many switches and dials are carried over from the D-Max, the BT-50’s cabin adds more soft-touch materials and a higher perceived quality.

After all, Mazda says the BT-50 is not just a work horse, as it can also be used as a family vehicle or an off-road explorer. The dual-cab body ensures space for five passengers, with the rear seats benefitting from air-conditioning vents and a USB port. Furthermore, parents can also fit two baby seats in the back.

The option of a 4WD system with a rear differential lock, along with the capability to transport almost everything from a camping gear to a kayak, makes the BT-50 a viable choice for adventure seekers as well. For those who want to tackle difficult terrains, genuine accessories such as a snorkel and a bullbar can enhance the truck’s off-road capability.

As for customers looking for a simple work truck, the BT-50 can pack a payload of just over a tonne (2,204 lbs) into the bed and tow 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs).

Making this possible is a 3.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel making 188 HP (140 kW / 190 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. Available with a choice of six-speed auto or manual transmissions, the engine is using as little as 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 mpg US) on the combined cycle, according to Mazda.

On the tech front, the 2021 Mazda BT-50 comes equipped with standard Hill Ascent and Hill Descent control, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, and remote engine start. Standard driver-assistance systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.