A Mazda executive in Australia is confident the new BT-50 bakkie won’t suffer the same fate as the Mercedes-Benz X-Class.

Production of the X-Class, which was based on the Nissan Navara but positioned at the very top of the premium double-cab segment, ended earlier in 2020.

Speaking to CarsGuide, Mazda Australia marketing chief Alastair Doak explained why he thought the new BT-50 would not suffer the same fate.

“The X-Class was coming in cold in that segment. We’ve been a player for decades … forever,” Doak said.

“That gives you a certain familiarity; a different position in the market. We understand where the market is with BT-50, and we’ll be competitive on value,” he added.

While the outgoing BT-50 shares much with the Ford Ranger, this third-generation model is based on Isuzu’s new D-Max. Mazda officially says the “all-new BT-50 is supplied by Isuzu Motor Limited on an OEM basis”.

Like the D-Max on which it’s based, the flagship double-cab variant of the new BT-50 is powered by Isuzu’s 3,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which delivers 140 kW at 3 600 r/min and 450 N.m from 1 600 to 2 600 r/min (that’s a little down on the outgoing 3,2-litre five-pot’s 147 kW and 470 N.m).

Fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission, this 4×4 range-topper boasts a maximum payload of 1 065 kg and a braked towing capacity of 3 500 kg.

Original article from Car