FiestaST
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Drive.com.au review of the updated BT-50
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The Mazda BT-50 Thread
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FiestaST
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FiestaST
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FiestaST
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The Right Car? review of the updated BT-50
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Nissan Navara vs Ford Ranger vs Mazda BT-50 off-road challenge - Drive.com.au
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FiestaST
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CarExpert review of the updated BT-50
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New Mazda BT-50 bakkie to make global return in 2028
Mazda maintains its commitment to the BT-50 bakkie, hinting at the possibility of a new-generation model that will impress when it launches globally sometime in 2028…
A spokesperson for Mazda hints that a new BT-50 bakkie is on the cards for a global release. According to reports by CarsGuide, Mazda chief designer Eiji Kimoto advises enthusiasts to look forward to a new-generation model in 2028. As designer of the current BT-50, Kimoto forms part of the team developing its replacement, though he confirms he cannot disclose details regarding design direction.
Mazda Southern Africa discontinued the BT-50 locally in March 2024, four years after introducing the third-generation model. The brand made this decision due to poor market reception, shortly before key updates were applied to the range globally. The TF-generation Mazda BT-50 marked a departure from Ford’s ladder-frame chassis in favour of the current Isuzu D-Max platform.
Rather than engaging in joint development, Mazda sourced the complete Isuzu platform and applied its own Kodo design language. While no longer available in South Africa, the BT-50 maintains a presence in global markets. The Thai-produced model offers three turbodiesel engine options, including a 1,9-litre, 2,2-litre, and 3,0-litre four-cylinder unit. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic sourced from Aisin. Body styles consist of single-cab, extended-cab, and double-cab configurations.
www.carmag.co.za
Mazda maintains its commitment to the BT-50 bakkie, hinting at the possibility of a new-generation model that will impress when it launches globally sometime in 2028…
A spokesperson for Mazda hints that a new BT-50 bakkie is on the cards for a global release. According to reports by CarsGuide, Mazda chief designer Eiji Kimoto advises enthusiasts to look forward to a new-generation model in 2028. As designer of the current BT-50, Kimoto forms part of the team developing its replacement, though he confirms he cannot disclose details regarding design direction.
Mazda Southern Africa discontinued the BT-50 locally in March 2024, four years after introducing the third-generation model. The brand made this decision due to poor market reception, shortly before key updates were applied to the range globally. The TF-generation Mazda BT-50 marked a departure from Ford’s ladder-frame chassis in favour of the current Isuzu D-Max platform.
Rather than engaging in joint development, Mazda sourced the complete Isuzu platform and applied its own Kodo design language. While no longer available in South Africa, the BT-50 maintains a presence in global markets. The Thai-produced model offers three turbodiesel engine options, including a 1,9-litre, 2,2-litre, and 3,0-litre four-cylinder unit. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic sourced from Aisin. Body styles consist of single-cab, extended-cab, and double-cab configurations.
New Mazda BT-50 bakkie to make global return in 2028
Mazda's BT-50 is not dead, as the Japanese automaker could bring a new iteration that could potentially arrive globally in 2028...
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Mazda SA boss hasn’t shut door on BT-50 return
The head of Mazda in South Africa says the Japanese brand’s local division is “continually looking at” the feasibility of bringing the BT-50 bakkie back to Mzansi…
- BT-50 was axed in South Africa in 2024
- Mazda SA boss hasn’t ruled out return
- Next-gen model tipped for 2028 release
The head of Mazda Southern Africa has left the door open for a BT-50 return, revealing that the Japanese brand’s local division is “continually looking at” the feasibility of re-introducing the bakkie to Mzansi.
As a reminder, the 3rd-generation BT-50 – which was unveiled back in mid-2020, is based on the current Isuzu D-Max and continues to be produced in Thailand – was discontinued in South Africa in March 2024, ending the nameplate’s 18-year run (and even longer B-Series heritage) in the country.
However, Bonite van der Merwe, Managing Director at Mazda Southern Africa, suggested there was a possibility the BT-50 might one day make a comeback to the local market. She made the comments during an interview in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s SA Auto Week 2026 event in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in October.
“We still have the BT-50 globally. It’s a phenomenal product and bakkies [are] extremely important in South Africa. The light-commercial vehicle segment is important for [our market],” Van der Merwe told us.
The head of Mazda in South Africa says the Japanese brand’s local division is “continually looking at” the feasibility of bringing the BT-50 bakkie back to Mzansi…
- BT-50 was axed in South Africa in 2024
- Mazda SA boss hasn’t ruled out return
- Next-gen model tipped for 2028 release
The head of Mazda Southern Africa has left the door open for a BT-50 return, revealing that the Japanese brand’s local division is “continually looking at” the feasibility of re-introducing the bakkie to Mzansi.
As a reminder, the 3rd-generation BT-50 – which was unveiled back in mid-2020, is based on the current Isuzu D-Max and continues to be produced in Thailand – was discontinued in South Africa in March 2024, ending the nameplate’s 18-year run (and even longer B-Series heritage) in the country.
However, Bonite van der Merwe, Managing Director at Mazda Southern Africa, suggested there was a possibility the BT-50 might one day make a comeback to the local market. She made the comments during an interview in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s SA Auto Week 2026 event in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in October.
“We still have the BT-50 globally. It’s a phenomenal product and bakkies [are] extremely important in South Africa. The light-commercial vehicle segment is important for [our market],” Van der Merwe told us.