Updated 2024 Mazda BT-50 shown in Thailand

A facelifted 2024 Mazda BT-50 has been quietly revealed in Thailand – where it’s built – but whereas the related Isuzu D-MAX ute has undergone an extensive mid-life update, its Mazda twin seems to have been left wanting.

The 2024 Mazda BT-50 has scored new bumpers, exterior trim and an infotainment upgrade but misses out on the full suite of upgrades gifted to the new D-MAX, including things like a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, USB-C ports (instead of USB-A), reverse auto-braking (rear AEB), infotainment dials and haptic controls (instead of buttons).

One key feature that has been applied to the BT-50, however, is Isuzu’s ‘rough terrain’ off-road drive mode, which first debuted on the MU-X off-road SUV, but it’s unclear whether the new D-MAX’s overhauled traction control system – which now remains active on the front axle when the rear differential is locked – has also been transplanted to the BT-50, though we’d expect so.

The subtle cosmetic changes extend to new bumpers front and rear, black grille treatments and black exterior trim, while the interior changes are led by a new 7.0-inch infotainment system for the lower grades and the addition of wireless Android Auto for the familiar 9.0-inch system.

Selected high-end variants also score paddle shifters.

No changes have been made to the 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines, which continue to output 110kW/350Nm and 140kW/450Nm respectively, each still paired to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

With the updated MY24 D-MAX due to arrive in Australia this month, odds are the facelifted BT-50 will be released sometime in the second half of this year – likely with some moderate price increases on account of the extra tech and, theoretically, capability.

Mazda Australia refused to give any indication of the new model’s timeline, citing its policy of not commenting on future product plans, though a third- or fourth-quarter release would largely explain the significant discounts being applied the current model, which is in plentiful stock nationally.

The local arm of the popular Japanese brand has reiterated its faith in its cloned workhorse and assured fans the BT-50 is safe in Australia despite its struggles on sales chart, which have seen it axed from both the South African and New Zealand markets in recent months.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au