2024 Mazda BT-50 update unveiled in Thailand without Isuzu D-Max’s biggest changes
The Mazda BT-50 has been given the most minor of visual updates in Thailand – as it hangs onto life after its axing in other key global markets, and CO2 emissions rules loom in Australia.
An updated 2024 Mazda BT-50 ute has been revealed in Thailand – where it is produced – six months after a mid-life facelift for its Isuzu D-Max twin under the skin.
Whereas the facelifted Isuzu D-Max represents a comprehensive update – with an all-new front end, new wheels and lights, and an overhauled interior – the changes to the BT-50 are subtle.
It comes after the Mazda BT-50 was axed from two key right-hand-drive markets – New Zealand and South Africa – in two weeks earlier this year, and the Australian Government prepares to impose emissions rules targeting high-CO2 vehicles.
A Mazda Australia spokesperson told Drive "we can’t comment on future product plans yet", but said it is committed to the BT-50 in Australia, with the ute its top seller locally last year.
Unless a more comprehensive facelift is in the pipeline, it appears the latest BT-50 is poised to follow the path of its Ford Ranger-based predecessor in receiving only minor updates over its life cycle, and missing out on most of the significant changes applied to its twin.
Exterior changes are limited to a black finish for the grille and its surround now standard across the range, a new Rock Grey exterior colour, and on top-of-the-range 'Hi-Racer', a new black lower front bumper insert.
Inside, shift paddles are now fitted behind the steering wheel on some variants, while Android Auto is now wireless, rather than wired-only, joining carry-over wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Four-wheel-drive models gain the D-Max's Rough Terrain Mode, which is claimed to work with the electronic differential lock to improve the ute's off-road capabilities.
There are no other changes listed for the Mazda BT-50 in Thailand, and it misses out on the vast majority of updates introduced for the Isuzu D-Max, which include:
- New headlights, tail-light signatures, front bumper, wheel-arch flares and alloy wheels
- 7.0-inch digital instrument display, replacing 4.2-inch
- Dials for volume and radio tuning, replacing buttons
- Touch-sensitive controls for infotainment functions (home, phone controls, back buttons), replacing physical buttons
- USB-C ports, replacing USB-A sockets
- Braking capability for the rear cross-traffic alert system
It is possible these improvements may be carried across to the Mazda BT-50 at a later date.
However it would be unusual for Mazda to introduce some of the upgrades for the first update to the BT-50 after the unveiling of the facelifted Isuzu D-Max in Thailand last year – and reserve the rest for another update later on.
Powering the updated BT-50 in Thailand is the same choice of 1.9-litre and 3.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engines as the current model there and in Australia.
Drive has contacted Mazda Australia for comment on local plans for the 2024 Mazda BT-50.
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