An update for the 2024 Mazda BT-50 ute has debuted in Thailand with a handful of minor differences.
While its Isuzu D-Max donor car has received a comprehensive mid-life facelift, revisions applied to the BT-50 in its Thai domestic market are far more subtle, with no significant changes inside or out.
All versions of the BT-50 sold in Thailand are now fitted with a gloss-black grille – like the blacked-out SP flagship – and a revised lower front bumper, while four-wheel-drive models receive the same ‘rough terrain mode’ as the Isuzu D-Max and MU-X.
The rough terrain mode sharpens the brakes and transfers torque to the wheels with the most traction when rock-climbing. It also automatically engages the rear differential lock.
Certain variants are also now fitted with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and wireless Android Auto connectivity, joining wireless Apple CarPlay.
The Thai-market 2024 Mazda BT-50 does not receive any further upgrades that have been applied to the D-Max, such as a larger 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster display, more active safety equipment, front and rear USB-C ports, volume and tuning dials replacing hard buttons, and new alloy wheel designs.
There is precedent for the BT-50 to miss out on features added to its donor car later.
For instance, the previous-generation BT-50 – based on the ‘T6’ Ford Ranger and built on the same production line – did not receive any significant upgrades, while the Ford was treated to almost annual revisions and two separate facelifts over its 11-year lifecycle.
However, there is a possibility that Australian versions of the BT-50 could receive further upgrades to better rival the facelifted D-Max, which is due to arrive in local showrooms imminently.
In January, Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi told 4X4 Australia “you'll have to wait and see on that one” when asked if the BT-50 would soon mirror updates applied to its D-Max donor car.
4X4 Australia reached out to Mazda Australia to ask whether the updates applied to the BT-50 in Thailand would reach local showrooms, but a spokesperson said the brand “can’t comment on future product plans”.
The BT-50 was recently axed in New Zealand and South Africa, though it will remain available in Australia, where it has a more substantial market share and importance to the Mazda brand.
BT-50 was Mazda's second best-selling model in Australia in 2023, behind the CX-5 but ahead of the CX-3, CX-30 and Mazda 3.
“The Mazda BT-50 remains in production and on-sale in a number of global markets including Australia,” said a Mazda Australia spokesperson.
”2023 was a sales record for BT-50 in Australia of 17,526 units and its popularity continues to grow with customers across the country.”
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