Get social with me on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @DanielCalbacho

Collaborations is the new form of sharing. In business, collaborations bridge the financial gap between two or more companies so each can experiment with certain brand propositions – for the purposes of growth and cash rewards.

Let us take the new Mazda BT-50 bakkie/truck as an example, which is based on the same platform as the new Isuzu D-Max that launches later in 2022 and shares that vehicle's renowned turbo diesel engine.

Nissan shared their Navara platform with Mercedes-Benz to create the X-Class. This unfortunately failed. VW and Ford are collaborating on the new Amarok and Ranger model due for launch this year. These are now commonplace and part of business in the future.

As part of the collaboration with Isuzu, the new Mazda BT-50 is fully redesigned from the ground up. Launched internationally in June 2020, we saw the BT-50 arrive in South Africa a year later due to the Covid pandemic as the vehicle is made in Thailand and shipped to our side of the world.

Mazda’s Kodo – Soul of Motion design language is immediately evident right from the front of the vehicle, with the prominent front grille and the 3-dimensional signature wing that extends out towards the side. The design of the headlights is distinct and sharp, taking in cues from Mazda’s SUV range.

From the first glance, the All-New BT-50 expresses unique power, toughness and utilitarian functionality, ready for adventure and built for working purposes – all while appealing to lifestyle customers with hybrid design. Where the Ranger and Hilux offer a rugged and robust look, the BT-50 serves up clean and sophisticated lines.

The new Mazda BT-50 is not all about utility, but also bold evolution, designed with the goal of being a vehicle that customers can take pride in owning.

The interior cabin space has been crafted to express Mazda’s commitment to human centric design. Everything from the dashboard to the steering wheel, seats and centre console have been redesigned to ensure that drivers feel connected to their vehicle and as comfortable as they can be. Despite these enhancements, the BT-50 is not all Mazda, which one can see when sliding out of a CX SUV product and into the new BT-50. As mentioned, this is a collaboration and therefore a hybrid of the two brands.

Its interior aims for a level of comfort on par with a luxury SUV, by combining modern elegance with strong functionality. As with all Mazda models, the BT-50 comes standard with a generous level of features, including MZD Connect Infotainment System with a 7- or 9-inch display screen, Apple Carplay™ and Android Auto™, reverse camera, parking sensors, LED headlamps, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Mitigation, 7 airbags, Cruise Control to name a few.

The model lineup consists of three derivatives – Active, Dynamic and Individual – and has been aligned with the rest of the Mazda range. The Active model features a new 1.9L diesel engine with an automatic or manual gearbox, producing 110kW of power and 350Nm of torque. The Dynamic and Individual models feature the new 3.0L 6-speed automatic gearbox that produces 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. An interesting fun fact: the BT-50 when fitted with this engine is currently the second-fastest double-cab bakkie in South Africa. The Individual model is available with the 4x4 drivetrain, whereas all other models are available in the 4x2 drivetrain.

The new BT-50 offers a solid proposition in an understated package. The category has been dominated by the Hilux for years with a considerable number of new sales now going to the Ranger and Amarok, both of which are now long-in-the-tooth, with replacements being imminent. So it is good to have some equally good products on the road as an alternative to the mainstream.

The Competition

Fiat Fullback, Ford Ranger, GMW P Series, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Amarok and Peugeot Landtrek.

The Pricing

BT-50 1.9 Active 2x4 Manual R611 900

BT-50 1.9 Active 2x4  Auto R647 900

BT-50 3.0 Dynamic 2x4 Auto R759 400

BT-50 3.0 Individual 4x4 Auto R794 400

Service and warranty

Mazda is proud to announce that the All-New BT-50 received a 5 Star ANCAP Safety rating in 2020, issued by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program. The All-New BT-50 will come standard with a 3-Year Unlimited Kilometre Mazda Service Plan, 3-Year Unlimited Kilometre Mazda Warranty and a 3-Year Unlimited Roadside Assistance.

www.mazda.co.za