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New Mazda BT-50 teased, debut timing revealed

Mazda Australia has teased what appears to be the first new BT-50 ute in almost a decade, announcing that a "once in a generation" new Mazda model is set to make its debut on June 17, 2020.


"Something huge is coming. Tune in on 17 June, 11am AEST⁠ for the global launch of a once in a generation Mazda. Set⁠ your reminder now," Mazda claimed on social media, posting a shadowy image of what appears to be a dual-cab ute.

While the Japanese carmaker is yet to confirm the teaser is, in fact, for a new BT-50, the tray-back silhouette in the photo serves a dead giveaway the new arrival is likely the updated ute.

 

 

Drive

Something huge is coming. Tune in on 17 June, 11am AEST⁠ for the global launch of a once in a generation Mazda. Set⁠ your reminder now.

A post shared by Mazda Australia (@mazdaaus) on Jun 9, 2020 at 7:01pm PDT

 

Buyers have been waiting more than nine years for an updated BT-50, with the current-generation model first hitting showrooms back in 2011.

The incoming generation of Mazda utes will be the first examples built on the new Isuzu D-Max, marking the end of a 48-year partnership between Mazda and Ford that saw previous generations of the BT-50 based on the popular Ford Ranger ute.

Drive understands there will be no significant under-the-skin differences between the new Isuzu D-Max and the new Mazda BT-50.

Although Isuzu is yet to confirm local pricing and specifications for the D-Max, it's likely both cars will be powered by an updated version of Isuzu’s trusty 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, producing outputs of 140kW/450Nm, paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto.

 

Drive

The updated Isuzu D-Max – the first new-generation D-Max model in eight years – is due to land in July.

Design-wise, the new BT-50 is expected to be more "truck-like" than previous models, sharing plenty of its size and shape with the D-Max, although boasting a unique front end designed by Mazda.

It's likely the BT-50's arrival in showrooms will follow the D-Max's July debut, with buyers possibly able to get their hands on the new generation in late 2020 or early 2021.

Of course, it's entirely possible this mysterious new arrival isn't a BT-50 and is something else entirely. A CX-5 cab-chassis, perhaps? The MX-5 Safari? An RX-7 crossover? Place your bets in the comments section.

Susannah Guthrie

Susannah Guthrie has been a journalist for over a decade, covering everything from world news to fashion, entertainment, health and now cars. Having previously worked across titles like The New Daily, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, People Magazine and Cosmopolitan, Susannah now relishes testing family cars with the help of her husband and two-year-old son.

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