In an interview with BFM radio a couple of months ago, the CEO of Bermaz Auto, Dato’ Francis Lee has confirmed that Bermaz is looking to introduce the all-new 2021 Mazda BT-50 some time in the first quarter of 2021.

1. So what’s new about this Mazda BT-50?

Barring the familiar nameplate, the rest of the Mazda BT-50 is completely new.

While the previous-generation model shared its platform with the Ford Ranger, the all-new model is based on the equally-new Isuzu D-Max.

2. Where is it built?

The older Mazda BT-50 was manufactured at Mazda’s AAT plant in Thailand, which also manufactures the Ford Ranger.

In the case of the all-new Mazda BT-50, it is manufactured alongside the Isuzu D-Max in Samut Prakan.

Come Q1 2021, we believe that Bermaz will offer the Mazda BT-50 as a fully-imported (CBU) model.

3. How powerful is the new Mazda BT-50?

At launch, the all-new Mazda BT-50 only gets one engine choice: a 3.0-litre Ddi BluePower commonrail turbodiesel that churns out 190 PS and 450 Nm - identical to the D-Max.

By comparison, the outgoing Mazda BT-50 is offered with two Ford-sourced turbodiesel engines, with the larger 3.2-litre unit churning out 200 PS and 470 Nm.

While power figures are down compared to the model it replaces, don’t let that fool you. All Isuzu D-Maxes (and new-generation BT-50s) are tuned for high fuel efficiency and durability in the toughest operating conditions. Its low power output is deliberate, taking into account varying levels of fuel quality the car is likely to run on.

The fuel-sipping 1.9-litre turbodiesel was not mentioned during the debut of the all-new Mazda BT-50, but we believe it could be offered at a later stage.

4. Will it be expensive?

The outgoing Mazda BT-50 is priced from RM 102k to RM 120k.

When the new model arrives, we expect prices to increase across the board, owing to the fact that the all-new Mazda BT-50 has gone more upmarket than before.

In fact, the with the (possible) increase in safety equipment, a price increase is all but unexpected.

5. What about safety?

Considering that the all-new Mazda BT-50 is based on the Isuzu D-Max, safety equipment should mirror that of the new Isuzu.

As such, it should be receiving a slew of active and passive safety equipment, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, as well as 6 airbags.

The outgoing BT-50 only offers dual airbags and stability control, making it one of the poorest-equipped pick-up trucks on sale today.

6. Is the Mazda BT-50 a better buy than the Isuzu D-Max?

It depends on the individual, really.

For the urban dwellers, the Kodo design Mazda BT-50 is a better choice, while the Isuzu D-Max has a solid reputation for being reliable and offering the lower running costs. Buyers of the Isuzu D-Max are less concerned about whether the D-Max is the latest model or not, as long as it gets the job done fast at the lowest possible cost.

7. So about that D-Max..

Sorry to burst your bubble, but the all-new Isuzu D-Max won’t arrive in Malaysia until at least 2022.

When Isuzu Malaysia introduced the updated D-Max and its new 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine, the company’s CEO confirmed that the all-new D-Max is at least two years away.

That and the fact that the Isuzu D-Max will be locally-assembled (CKD), don't expect the model to be introduced here so soon.

8. I want an SUV version of this

Hold your horses.

While Isuzu recently unveiled the all-new MU-X, an SUV derivative of the D-Max, there’s no concrete evidence that Mazda will do the same for the BT-50.