2024 Mazda BT-50 update revealed in Thailand with subtle differences

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.

4

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.

4

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.

4

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.”