Isuzu to make next BT50

[KingBilly]

http://www.caradvice.com.au/460833/mazda-and-isuzu-announce-ute-deal/

Mazda has announced that its next-generation BT-50 ute will be based on the next Isuzu D-Max, signalling a shift away from a long-running arrangement with Ford.

The two Japanese companies today announced a "basic agreement" that will see Isuzu produce the next generation of Mazda utes, based on Isuzu's pickup model.

The newly minted (tentative) deal between Mazda and Isuzu will "allow... Isuzu to enhance its product competitiveness and Mazda to strengthen its product line-up and maintain own-brand market coverage".

KB

[KingBilly]

And another interesting bit of speculation from the same article

The deal also continues the trend of big car-makers sharing platforms. As we know, Renault and Mercedes-Benz are making utes spun off the Nissan NP300 Navara, a model which is also tipped to be the platform source for the next Mitsubishi Triton.

KB

[tracker]

Interesting

[paceman]

so, D-Max engine, chassis and drivetrain with BT50 styling?

an interesting combo...

[Moggy]

Probably a good mix. I'll hold off replacing mine for a while longer

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[Ben.Archer]

so, D-Max engine, chassis and drivetrain with BT50 styling?

an interesting combo...

Exactly, I have always loved the Isuzu engineering - it is usually simple, robust and appear to have been built to be thrashed.  Exactly what you want from a vehicle, however their styling is utilitarian if not dull.  SO mix that with mazda styling and you should be onto a winner..

[paceman]

Exactly, I have always loved the Isuzu engineering - it is usually simple, robust and appear to have been built to be thrashed.  Exactly what you want from a vehicle, however their styling is utilitarian if not dull.  SO mix that with mazda styling and you should be onto a winner..

the price was the only thing stopping me from getting a DMax in the first place when i got my bt50...

i do love the bt50 engine, though...

will be very curious to see how this partnership ends up...

[Mitch92]

the price was the only thing stopping me from getting a DMax in the first place when i got my bt50...

i do love the bt50 engine, though...

will be very curious to see how this partnership ends up...

Interesting. For me the dmax was heaps cheaper.

[kylarama]

Where to for Holden?  Weren't they looking to realign with Izuzu for the next Gen Colorado?

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[paceman]

Interesting. For me the dmax was heaps cheaper.

in mackay, DMax was $10000 dearer for similar-ish spec at time of purchase (2012)...

[mrdenn1s]

Isuzu make the best diesel engines. Don't get sucked into the torque battles, these things pull like buggery. They also don't have stupid oil refill times. They also have a B10 rating of 500,000kms. They also build trucks properly with things like proper bash plates and diff breathers as standard. If I could have afforded one, I would have bought one.

[tk421]

And another interesting bit of speculation from the same article

The deal also continues the trend of big car-makers sharing platforms. As we know, Renault and Mercedes-Benz are making utes spun off the Nissan NP300 Navara, a model which is also tipped to be the platform source for the next Mitsubishi Triton.

KB

Yeah with R&D costs approaching $500mil per vehicle its the way of the future I think - share costs and aim for broad customer base. Sadly this means more generic, 'same same but different' vehicles designed for mass market appeal. The days of the specialist cars are fast disappearing.

[GeoffA]

.... I'll hold off replacing mine for a while longer

Think I will too......

[loanrangie]

Hope the styling isnt done by mazda, bt50 is one of the ugliest designs. Ford got the ranger right though.

[IanS]

Hope the styling isnt done by mazda, bt50 is one of the ugliest designs. Ford got the ranger right though.

Thats interesting I chose the Mazda because it was distinctive whereas I think the Ranger is bland, each to his own I quess

[paceman]

Thats interesting I chose the Mazda because it was distinctive whereas I think the Ranger is bland, each to his own I quess

agreed... i don't mind the design... the ford looks a bit too american for me...

but, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say...

[chester ver2.0]

I do hope it lifts the styling a bit
Test drove a new ranger on the weekend
Got back in the Dmax and while she has been a faithful steed it felt agricultural in comparison

[Footy Shorts Shane]

Isuzu make the best Japanese diesel engines.

That I'll agree with, and I don't even like diesel engines 
Isuzu have done since the 80's.

[Gizmo67]

Had a Ranger, best thing I did was buy a Dmax, pulls hard, drives well and $$$ cheaper than both Ranger/BT50, all over a better 4wd IMHO. Each to there own but the $$$ difference cannot be justified.

[ab56452001]

agreed... i don't mind the design... the ford looks a bit too american for me...

but, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say...

Both basically the same , Ford kills the BT in sales , the market decided eh !

[Wukkers]

Does the Colorado have the Isuzu motor?  I was told by a dealer the Colorado now has a Fiat diesel but we know what dealers will say.

[MattMu]

Colorado is running a VMotori diesel the same as the Jeep Wrangler diesel, so its not a Fiat motor but fiat get to use it due to the automotive partnerships. Wish they both came out with V6 version of that motor that you see in the current Grand Cherokees...there are absolute gems of motor!
Matt.

[Foo]

Both basically the same , Ford kills the BT in sales , the market decided eh !

It has a down graded suspension to the BT.

Foo

[Joff]

It has a down graded suspension to the BT.

Foo

?? Really, what's the difference?

[paceman]

?? Really, what's the difference?

speaking from the BT50 side of the fence, it has a much stiffer suspension setup than the ranger... IMO...