Is this handsome Japanese newcomer set to become the best-looking bakkie in South Africa? The new-generation Mazda BT-50, which shares its underpinnings with the upcoming Isuzu D-Max,blendsbold styling cues with a smarter cabin and advanced safety features.

This BT-50 marks the end of the 48-year relationship between Ford and the Japanese brand, as previous iterations of the BT-50 were basedon the Ford Ranger platform. It nowremains to be seen whether the Thailand-produced Mazda, which will arrive in Australian showroomsaround the end of the year,will debut in South Africa before production of the bakkie on which it is based, the new D-Max, begins in Port Elizabeth in the second half of 2021.

But, fearnot, the new BT-50is coming to South Africa. "We can only confirm actual timing of the new BT-50 closer to our launch time," Mazda Southern Africa brand manager Melané Bezuidenhout said.

Compared with its predecessor's love-it-or-hate-it looks, the new BT-50 is more classically handsome (for a bakkie, anyway).

It's a handsome bakkie in anyone's book. The distinctivefrontal aspectis characterised by a bulgingbonnet (with a pair of broad ridges)and an expansive chromedgrille that underscoresthe sculpted slimLED headlampsand is flanked by 3-dimensional wraparound fenders. The low- and wide-positioned foglamp clusters further broadenthe look.

There are elements of the brand's Kodo design language in the sweeping crease lines that flowfrom the grille tothe sidemirrors, as well asthe pinched waistline (just above the running boards), while the defined shoulder line aligns with the load bed and the tops of the BT-50-specific tail-light clusters thatfeature the brand’s signature circular motif.

The BT-50's tail-light clusters (with Mazda's circular lighting signature) and tailgate are unique to the Japanese bakkie.

There are more similarities with the D-Max on the inside, however. Like the Isuzu, the new BT-50 features a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features, inter alia, satnav and wireless(!) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and its steering wheel design, heating and ventilation controls are the same as those of the D-Max.

However, the sweeping soft-touch dash, instrument cluster (with digital speedo) and air-ventdesigns are unique to the Mazda. In some markets, top-spec BT-50 derivatives featureelectrically-adjustable (including lumbar) and heated front seats, leather trim,dual-zone climate control, keyless entry/start, autoheadlights and -wipers, and parking sensors both front and rear.The rear seats are said to offer decent legroom and are fitted with ISOfixchild seat anchors, and aft passengers are availed separate air vents.

Mazda was determined to make the BT-50's cabin as plush and passenger-car like as possible. The switchgear is shared, however.

Meanwhile, Mazda says the BT-50 "offer(s) the renowned capability and reliability the Isuzu brand enjoys in the light commercial segment, with the striking design and leading safety credentials available on the rest of the Mazda range".

The Ford-sourced 3.2-litre 5-cylinder turbodiesel (147 kW and 470 Nm) has been replaced by a slightly-less potent Isuzu3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor that produces peak outputs of140kW and 450 Nm, in combinationwith either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, in 2- and 4-wheel-drive guises, the latter with a locking rear diff. Thanks to the new-generation bakkie's "reduced body weight and more frugal engine", the BT-50 "willoffer a significant improvement in fuel economy", the firm says.

Mazda South Africa has not confirmed when the new BT-50 will be made available in South Africa.

In keeping with the BT-50's leisure activityorientation, the newcomer is claimed to have a3 500 kg towing capacity (braked) and a payload in excess of 1 000 kg.

Next Mazda BT-50 vs New Isuzu D-Max: What's the Difference?

Mazda has further incorporated new features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert in its double cab in some markets.

We'll bring you updates on the BT-50's local arrival date, as well as the range's line-up and specifications, as soon as more information becomes available.

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Next Mazda BT-50 vs New Isuzu D-Max: What's the Difference?