Mazda is due to introduce a number of updated models in South Africa in 2023, including a revised BT-50 double-cab bakkie. Across the pond in Australia, a more rugged BT-50 LE has been introduced. Will we get it in South Africa?
Does the Mazda BT-50 lack rugged appeal in South Africa?
The new Mazda BT-50, based on the new locally assembled Isuzu D-Max, has been on sale since 2021.
Current offerings in the double-cab bakkie segment are decisively rugged in appearance and the Mazda BT-50 bucks that trend with a look that’s far more sophisticated and “upmarket”. This facet might very well be a contributing factor to the BT-50’s lacklustre sales performance in South Africa since its arrival on local soil.
Mazda in Australia has made an effort to close this apparent gap in the BT-50’s skill set with the introduction of a new range-topping LE specification that adds a few more functional offroad addenda that afford the Japanese double-cab with a more rugged appearance.
The most prominent modification for the BT-50 LE is the specially-designed, integrated front bull bar as well as a stainless steel sports bar. The BT-50 LE is only offered in Ingot Silver body colour.
Under the bonnet, the familiar 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine does duty with 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque available and comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Will the BT-50 LE be offered in South Africa?
We hope so! However, Mazda South Africa has yet to confirm exactly what updates will be issued for the BT-50 on local soil.
In our big bakkie comparison undertaken in 2021 , the Mazda BT 50’s strong performance took us by surprise and we think that a more offroad-focussed and rugged BT-50 will likely appeal to more buyers looking for a capable offroad double-cab as opposed to an urban bakkie queen.
Time will tell and we will certainly keep you posted as local information becomes available!
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