The Mazda BT-50’s imminent arrival has everyone wondering where its biggest market will be, and according to industry sources, it’s Down Under.

The upcoming model, which is set to be produced in Thailand from June next year onwards, is reportedly bigger and better than ever. The BT-50 could certainly give the market-leading Toyota Hilux a run for its money, given it is aimed at males aged 30-49, and its longer, wider, has a deeper rear tub and is capaciously roomy.

Although many of its specs, pricing, and ratings have not yet been revealed, the brand has promised an all-new drivetrain, accompanied by an all-new body and chassis. Mazda spokespeople have also publicly confirmed that the brand will continue its diesel strategy and maintain its commitment to keen pricing.

In a recent interview, Mazda Managing Director Doug Dickson recently disclosed that the “dual cab will have the same equipment levels as our passenger cars and we are expecting to start getting them soon after production.”

The new design has been described by Chief Designer, Ryo Yanagisawa as “athletic”. The changed design is admittedly an attempt to bridge the gap between the current model and the company’s ‘zoom-zoom’ philosophy. In keeping with this idea, the new model takes on a wedge-like shape and sports audacious RX-8 fenders, while up front we find a five point grille, rounded bonnet and high door sills. Horizontal taillights at the rear mark a deviation from the industry standard vertical lights, however cab chassis models will feature different taillights.

The feel of the car is also augmented – the suspension setup combines live rear axle and leaf springs with coil-over front springs.

The sporty aesthetic is carried over to the interior, which the designer describes as “truck like”. Throw in a swooping dashboard, protruding centre stack, wrapped driver’s cockpit, and all the necessary comfort and navigation features, and we see a stark move away from the previous interior setup. The awkward stick handbrake seen on the current model has been substituted with a conventional handbrake residing at the centre console – this is a warmly welcomed change.