Six months after Isuzu premiered the new facelift of the Isuzu D-Max in Thailand, Mazda launched the reworked 2024 Mazda BT-50 in the Kingdom. Unlike its Isuzu twin though, the facelift BT-50 is more subtle in appearance.

Two body styles are offered for the BT-50 in Thailand – Freestyle Cab and 4-door Double Cab in 6 variants, a significant cut from the 14 variants introduced at its debut in 2021. Prices range from THB 752,000 to THB 1,272,000 (~RM 98k-167k).

As the pick-up truck market is mainly dominated in Thailand by the Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux, Mazda Thailand stated that it would not compete directly with the BT-50 facelift. Its strategy is to target a group of buyers who want a pick-up truck without looking too much like a workhorse.

Also read: 2023 Thai car sales: Toyota dominates, Isuzu D-Max is most popular model, EVs saw 684% growth

Perhaps this strategy is why the single-cab variants of the BT-50 have been dropped in Thailand.

That form of elegance and premium is seen on the exterior with Mazda’s Kodo design elements largely retained from the pre-facelift BT-50. This subtle styling change is also seen in other Mazda vehicle facelifts which go for minimal changes instead of playing with dramatic differences.

Also read: Review: 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5T facelift - A lesson on affordable premium

The front grille is given a gloss black finish to enhance aggressiveness while the front bumpers are given a slight tweak with a fiercer-looking lower lip. The higher variants of the BT-50 are also equipped with 5-spoke gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the BT-50’s changes are even subtler but it is largely similar to the facelifted D-Max apart from the Mazda badge on the steering wheel. The Freestyle Cab variants are equipped with fabric seats and a 7-inch infotainment unit with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Also read: New 2024 Isuzu D-Max facelift launched in Thailand - Upgraded ADAS, new look

The higher variants of the Double Cab are more catered to the fancier clientele that Mazda Thailand is targeting. It is equipped with two-tone brown and black leather seats as well as a larger 9-inch infotainment unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

One feature omitted on the BT-50 facelift that is available on the higher variants of the refreshed D-Max is the 7-inch multi-info display screen for the driver. The Mazda pick-up is only available with a 4.2-inch TFT colour display as standard across all variants.

The powertrains are also carried over from Isuzu with a choice of a 1.9-litre BluePower turbodiesel (150 PS/350 Nm) or a 3.0-litre BluePower turbodiesel (190 PS/450 Nm). These are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

According to the list of variants, the updated Thai-spec BT-50 is available with 4WD for only the highest-spec Double Cab variant. The rest are only offered with 2WD (rear-wheel drive).

The sole 4WD variant comes with the newly installed Rough Terrain Mode system and an electronic diff-lock system for the rear differential.

Safety equipment offered on the updated BT-50 includes up to 6 airbags and a host of ADAS features including:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise control (ACC) with Stop & Go
• Lane departure warning (LDW)
• Forward collision warning (FCW)
• Auto high beam (AHB)
• Pedal misapplication mitigation (PMM)

The last feature helps to cut engine power when the accelerator is pressed incorrectly.

For now, the BT-50 is available in Malaysia in pre-facelift guise. Fully imported (CBU) from Thailand, these are the prices and variants of the Malaysian-spec BT-50:

• Single Cab 1.9 MT 4X4 – RM 92,000
• Double Cab 1.9 Mid MT 4X4 – RM 104,000
• Double Cab 1.9 Mid AT 4X4 – RM 111,000
• Double Cab 1.9 High AT 4X4 – RM 123,000
• Double Cab 3.0 High Plus AT 4X4 – RM 141,000

Also read: The Mazda BT-50 dances to the beat of its own drum and that tune is music to the ears of Mazda fans