The next-generation Mazda BT-50 has been previewed once more ahead of its global reveal later this week.
Posted to the Japanese brand’s Australian Twitter account, the image shows part of the new ute’s front end – namely the headlight and LED daytime-running light design as well as the outer edges of the grille.
There’s a strong resemblance to the CX-9 SUV from the image, though the shape of the headlight isn’t too far off that of the new Isuzu D-Max which the BT-50 will share its DNA.
“Tune in on Wednesday at 11am AEST for our biggest global reveal for the year. Set your reminder now,” Mazda Australia says in its tweet.
It’s unclear exactly when the new-generation BT-50 will arrive in local showrooms, but given the vehicle is being revealed locally for a global audience, it’s likely Mazda is prioritising the Australian market and its thirst for dual-cab utes.
Last month, CarExpert exclusively reported the all-new Mazda ute’s reveal would occur in June, as well as what to expect from the new model’s engine and technology suite.
Given its close ties with the Isuzu D-Max, the 2021 BT-50 will likely be powered by the same 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel as the Isuzu, which packs 140kW at 3600rpm and 450Nm from 1600rpm to 2600rpm – slightly down on the 147kW and 470Nm offered by the current version’s 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine shared with the Ford Ranger.
Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions should be offered like the D-Max, as well as the option of two- and selectable four-wheel drive.
The BT-50 should also get a major technological overhaul, bringing Mazda’s latest infotainment interface as well as a host of active safety and assistance technologies like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
The new BT-50 is one of several new and updated utes headed to Australia in 2020, including the related D-Max, the new Jeep Gladiator, the facelifted Toyota HiLux, the FordPass Connect-enabled Ford Ranger, as well as the anticipated Nissan Navara facelift.
An all-new Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok are also due to be revealed in the next 12-18 months or so, both sharing common underpinnings, while China’s LDV is due to reveal an all-new dual-cab ute in the second half of 2020.
Utes continue to dominate the Australian new car market, despite two years of consistent decline,
The Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger are consistently the top two sellers across the country, while the 4×4 ute segment accounts for 18 per cent of the overall market – second only to medium SUVs with 19 per cent share.
However, the Mazda BT-50 is a bit player compared to its competitors. For some perspective, the BT-50 shifted 587 4×4 units in May’s tough climate, while the HiLux managed 2800 registrations and the related Ford Ranger saw 2499 sales.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our coverage of the BT-50’s reveal on June 17.
