As the long-standing relationship between Ford and Mazda come to a close, and Holden and Isuzu now parted ways, some details about what the 2019 Mazda BT-50 will look like are starting to surface. All of these manufacturers are single and ready to mingle, and Mazda and Isuzu are looking to try on something new for future utes.
PerformanceDrive have reported that the 2019 BT-50 will have an Isuzu-sourced engine and gearbox, which will no-doubt be in common with the 2019 Isuzu D-Max. Where Mazda’s own tuning and engineering nous will come in is through interior and exterior styling and spec, and probably a different tune to the suspension.
Mazda’s current BT-5o shared the same chassis and moving parts as the Ford Ranger, but does get dramatically outsold by the close relative. Holden and Isuzu had enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship of platform sharing, giving Australians the successful Rodeo and Jackaroo 4WDs. For the first time in a long time, Holden’s 4WD ute doesn’t use the Isuzu-based Rodeo name, and doesn’t use an Isuzu engine. Instead, they are using a 2.8 VM Motori powerplant.
