2025 Mazda BT-50 facelift launched in Malaysia – 3.0D variant from RM140k; about RM21.5k less than D-Max

The third-generation Mazda BT-50, which is based on the third-generation Isuzu D-Max, officially went on sale in Malaysia in June 2022. In the years since its introduction, the pick-up truck quietly disappeared from the local line-up but it has now returned, this time in facelifted form.

The latest BT-50 launched by Bermaz Motor today celebrated its global debut in October last year and is only offered in a sole variant called the 3.0D High Plus. This double cab option is priced at RM140,418.40 on-the-road without insurance, which is RM3,300 less than its pre-facelift equivalent launched in 2022 alongside four other variants at the time. It’s also about RM21,520 less than its Isuzu equivalent, the D-Max X-Terrain (RM161,938.40).

As part of the facelift, the BT-50 gets an updated front fascia that looks more in line with the brand’s passenger vehicles. New here is the grille with a thick bottom surround and a larger Mazda logo set on a multi-pinned insert in gloss black.

The headlamps have also been redesigned with an L-shaped LED daytime running light signature similar to the latest CX-5 we have here. Below this is a revised front bumper with air curtains and a more robust-looking skid plate.

Moving to the rear, the damper-less tailgate now sports a distinct ridged section along its lower section, while the LED taillights have a new L-shaped signature. As with the front, the Mazda logo, which is positioned just below the tailgate latch and rear-view camera, has been enlarged.

While the exterior is noticeably different, the interior looks similar to the pre-facelift model. The upright dashboard continues to have central air vents sandwiching a touchscreen infotainment system just above the air-conditioning controls. Changes include a ridged trim piece ahead of the front passenger, while the multi-info display in the instrument cluster is more configurable and larger at seven inches.

The new instrument display is accompanied by a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with audio played back through an eight-speaker system. Other interior features are dual-zone climate control with rear vents, an eight-way powered driver’s seat, a four-wheel drive transfer dial, seven airbags (front, side, curtain and driver’s knee) and black leather upholstery.

The kit list also includes 18-inch wheels with 265/60 profile all-terrain tyres, automatic bi-LED headlamps, LED front fog lamps, bulb-type rear fogs, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, roof rails (100 kg limit), side steps and a bedliner. The asking price includes an accessories package with a roller shutter for the bed, wheel arch extensions and a rear-view mirror that doubles as a display for the reverse camera, with an accompanying dashcam.

As for the engine, Isuzu’s 4JJ3-TCX returns to continue providing 188 hp at 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,600 rpm. This is still mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and part-time four-wheel drive system, the latter with selectable modes (2WD, 4WD-High and 4WD-Low), a rough terrain mode and rear differential lock. The latest D-Max gets this setup too, with the base option being a new MaxForce 2.2 litre turbodiesel paired with an eight-speed auto which we’re not getting.

2025 Mazda BT-50 facelift brochure; click to enlarge

In terms of safety, you get the usual systems of ABS, EBD, brake assist and ESC to go along with hill launch assist, hill descent control and multi-collision brake. As before, there’s an ADAS suite with automatic high beam, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, driver attention assist, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

You can order the BT-50 in either Concrete Gray Mica, Vermillion Latosol Mica, True Black Mica, Geode White Pearl or Sailing Blue Mica. A five-year/100,000-km vehicle warranty is included with each purchase.