Next Mazda BT-50 ute to ditch 'smiley face'

Mazda’s next-generation, Isuzu D-MAX based BT-50 ute will be more "assertive", but it won’t arrive until after 2020 and there are no upgrades in sight for the ‘smiley faced’ current model.

That's the word from one of Mazda's most senior vehicle designers, who told Aussie journalists at the Los Angeles motor show that the existing BT-50’s “smile” will be retired when the new model arrives.

"We gave up the smile … it won't be coming back," said Mazda North America design director Julien Montousse.

"We want front face vehicles that are more assertive and therefore even if it’s a pick-up we're not going to remain with a big smiley front face."

Mazda designs have been evolving along smooth, curvaceous lines, such as those seen on the latest Mazda6, CX-5 and CX-9, and although Montousse wouldn't be drawn on what we can expect from the next BT-50, it's fair to say it will be more aggressive.

That's the good news. The bad news? Customers may have to wait another four years to get one.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi told motoring.com.au the next-generation BT-50 is still in the "early days of development".

Ditching the Ford Ranger platform that underpins the current model, the next-generation Mazda BT-50 ute will share its architecture with the Isuzu D-MAX.

As we've previously reported, sources suggest the next Mazda ute will arrive in 2020, but that seems to have been pushed back even further, leaving the current model -- which was introduced in 2011 — to soldier on for up to 10 years.

"More likely post-2020," stated the Mazda Australia chief in response to the new ute's release timing. "The current BT-50 is here to stay until we're ready to launch the next-generation," he added.

Bhindi confirmed the BT-50 will miss out on any upgrades bequeathed to its current donor vehicle, the award-winning Ford Ranger, which was upgraded last year and will be replaced in 2018.

"No we don't have any plans for updates at this stage," said the Mazda Australia chief.

Despite the long wait for the new ute and dramatically lower sales than the Ranger, which is Ford Australia's top-selling vehicle, the Mazda boss said he wasn't disappointed with sales volumes.

"No that's not how we look at it. Our business focus is private buyers … while Ford Ranger and to a certain extent [Toyota HiLux] fight it out with fleets and government. Our numbers don't reflect that.”

He said the BT-50 was "absolutely" meeting the company's sales expectations, but added "We'd always love more [sales], but this is more for mums and dads".

As new entrants like Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Hyundai and Kia get set to enter Australia’s booming ute market, Australia’s second biggest selling vehicle brand will be hoping the wait for its next-gen, new-look BT-50 will be worth it.