Mazda has proved that there is definitely life after its ute sector breakup with Ford, creating an impressive all-new BT-50 based on Isuzu’s latest D-Max.

When motor industry behemoths Ford and Volkswagen announced that they would be working together on building their next-generation Ranger and Amarok models it looked like Ford’s previous long-term light commercial partner, Mazda, was going to be left out in the cold.
However, on the strength of having now driven both Mazda’s all-new Isuzu D-Max based BT-50 and the D-Max itself I can say with some confidence that not only is that not the case, but by pairing up with a truck and light commercial specialist, Isuzu, Mazda could be the winner.
At least it could be until the new Ford and VW models arrive here – which will probably be not until early 2022.
Of course I will reserve my final judgment until I have driven at least two of the models in my own time and had the opportunity to latch up a trailer, etc.
On the evidence of a brief road and off-road launch programme in south-east Auckland before Christmas though, my guess is that Mazda dealers – like their Isuzu counterparts – will already be doing good business with their new ‘brothers-from-the-same-mother’ models.
For Mazda dealers that business will – by necessity look a little different – with a leaner, wellside/auto-only line-up of three x 2WD and three x 4WD models, there won’t be any more of those price/volume cab/chassis deals going down.
But with the RRP of a 2WD six-speed auto wellside BT-50 starting at just $47,490 – and that of the 4WD equivalent at just $54,490 I can see plenty of opportunity both for trade-in and conquest sales.
In fact, the very limitation of the deal Mazda struck with Isuzu (basically all Mazda wanted to do was design its own, unique body ‘look’) could work in the company’s favour.
As Mazda NZ Managing Director David Hodge said at the media launch function;
“The exterior of the Mazda BT-50 quietly states class and quality that surpasses others in the segment and one that buyers will be proud to own. We are extremely excited to have the All-New Mazda BT-50 as part of the Mazda range and believe Kiwi motorists, who want the versatility a truck offers combined with car-like comfort and refinement, will find it hard to ignore.”
Mazda, of course, is big on design, with Hodge saying that in the case of the new BT-50 the designers were working to a concept of “built for dress and jeans” which delivers a vehicle which shines equally in all situations – from formal through to rough off-road situations – and on the inside as well as from the outside.
As such Hodge concluded that the interiors were also key to the unique appeal of the new Mazda line.
“Because the new BT-50 has to meet the needs of trades people, active life-stylers and families, it was important that the interior design catered for all of them. Through their focus on detail and quality finish, our designers have successfully blended the sophisticated look seen in all Mazda passenger vehicles with the tough powerful look of a truck, and created a comfortable spacious cabin of quality that is also highly functional.
There is increased front and rear shoulder room over the superseded Ranger-based model, as well as greater rear knee clearance. Other features include Remote Engine Start on the Limited model, coming/leaving home lighting, rear vents and USB charger for rear seat passengers, plus a new audio system with the Limited models getting two additional ceiling mounted speakers.
The seven-inch (GSX models) and nine-inch (GTX & Limited) touch screen infotainment systems both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 4.2-inch multi-information display (MID) across all models provides key driving information such as Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).  
Finally the latest Mazdacare programme means all new BT-50 buyers get a five years/150,000 km comprehensive new vehicle factory warranty with a $250 (inc. GST) Fixed Price Servicing Programme for the same period and free Mazda On-Call Roadside Assistance for 5 Years/unlimited km.
The All-New Mazda BT-50 features the Double Cab Wellside body style and will be available in three grades: GSX, GTX and Limited. All models and will be available in 2WD and 4WD variants with pricing starting at $47,490 for the GSX 2WD.

Model    RRP*
2WD Double Cab
BT-50 Double Cab 2WD GSX Wellside
6-Speed Automatic    $47,490
BT-50 Double Cab 2WD GTX Wellside
6-Speed Automatic    $51,490
BT-50 Double Cab 2WD Limited Wellside 6-Speed Automatic    $53,990
4WD Double Cab
BT-50 Double Cab 4WD GSX Wellside
6-Speed Automatic    $54,490
BT-50 Double Cab 4WD GTX Wellside
6-Speed Automatic    $58,490
BT-50 Double Cab 4WD Limited Wellside 6-Speed Automatic    $60,990
*Recommended Retail Pricing inclusive of GST, excluding on-road costs.
For more information visit www.mazda.co.nz