BACK IN THE MIND OF BUYERS

DESPITE the learnings and effort that went into the BT-50’S new front bumper, Mazda Australia says similar changes are unlikely for future Mazdas.

“This was a unique set of circumstances and we can’t see that every happening again,” said Doak, referencing the shorter model cycles of passenger cars and SUVS.

The BT-50 is relatively old – having first arrived in 2011 – and in line with other commercial vehicles has a longer shelf life than all other Mazdas. It also didn’t benefit from the same level of design tweaks to its similar-under-the-skin Ford Ranger. Mazda was facing the prospect of selling an ageing car in a market segment that’s more active and dynamic than ever.

Of course, beneath the minor cosmetic update there’s not a whole lot different to before; same 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel, same basic suspension architecture and same body panels.

To many, though, a revised look is all it takes to pop the car back on the consideration list.