The Mazda BT-50 might not be as popular as its Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger rivals, but it remains an important model for the Japanese automaker. The increased competition in the midsize pickup segment has prompted Mazda to consider a new generation, set to arrive over the next couple of years.

The third generation of the Mazda BT-50 was introduced in 2020, with a mid-lifecycle update following in late 2024. The model is based on the ladder-frame underpinnings of the Isuzu D-Max, with Mazda-specific styling inside-out and is currently offered with non-electrified turbodiesel powertrain options.

More: Mazda Pickup Gets Its Thunder Back, As A New Boss Steps In

Our colleagues at CarsGuide spoke to Vinesh Bhindi, Mazda Australia’s managing director, who confirmed that a new generation of the BT-50 is under development. The high-ranking official didn’t get into details about the specifications, but confirmed it will likely hit the road around 2028.

The same publication spoke to Eiji Kimoto, Mazda’s chief designer, who was responsible for the styling of the current BT-50. When asked about the upcoming pickup, Kimoto said: “I am not allowed to speak much about the future product, but I can tell you, please look forward to it”.

More: Bare-Bones Mazda BT-50 Grows Stronger And More Capable

Since Mazda doesn’t have enough R&D resources to develop a pickup on its own, the next BT-50 will likely be the result of a partnership. After all, the first two generations were paired with the Ford Ranger, while the third one migrated to the Isuzu platform.

Collaborative Effort

Illustrations: Thanos Pappas / CarScoops

Mazda could continue the partnership with Isuzu, developing the new model alongside the new generation of the D-Max. Another option would be to broaden its collaboration with Chinese automaker Changan, following the 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV projects.

More: Mazda Poised To Build More Chinese-Based EVs

Changan already offers a pickup in the form of the Hunter K50 with a revolutionary range-extender powertrain. However, this one is based on the ladder-frame chassis of the diesel-powered Changan Hunter which has already spawned several siblings from Stellantis brands in South America including the Peugeot Landtrek, the Fiat Titano, the Ram 1200, and Ram Dakota.

Sharp Looks And Upmarket Interior

Illustrations: Thanos Pappas / CarScoops

In any case, the next Mazda BT-50 is expected to adopt the brand’s updated styling language with sharp LEDs and sculpted details. In our speculative rendering we used the proportions of the Isuzu D-Max as a base, infusing elements from the Mazda CX-6e alongside wide fender extensions and a rear canopy.

We also expect Mazda to give its truck a more premium interior, in line with the upmarket move of its entire lineup. This could help the next BT-50 stand out in a crowded segment, targeting a specific kind of buyer. As with most midsize pickups in Australia, the model could continue offering rugged trims like the Thunder alongside a selection of optional accessories for off-road enthusiasts.

What About The Powertrain?

Back in 2025, the Mazda Australia boss said there won’t be a fully electric variant of the BT-50 in the foreseeable future, despite the availability of the closely-related Isuzu D-Max EV. He also didn’t perceive PHEV pickups as a threat, adding that diesel powertrains will probably stick around. Still, the local Managing Director admitted they will let the market pinpoint if there’s demand for electrified trucks and consider the options.

Reading between the lines, Mazda could offer some sort of electrified powertrain options for the next BT-50. If it sticks to the partnership with Isuzu they will likely use a mild-hybrid diesel, while the Changan route would probably result in a range-extender option. That would allow the pickup to fulfil market demand while complying with tightening emission regulations and potentially expanding its scope to markets outside Australia.

Peugeot is cooking up something special for the small hatchback segment in Europe. A new generation of the 208 will be introduced next year, armed with the latest technology Stellantis has to offer. The inherently fully electric supermini will be completely redesigned inside-out, as one of the first production models to ride on the new STLA One architecture.

Our spy photographers caught a camouflaged prototype of the Peugeot E-208 successor during development testing in Spain. This gives us our first look at its design ahead of its market launch which is expected in the second half of 2027.

More: Peugeot’s Pledge To Drop Gas By 2030 No Longer Holds, Confirms Seven New Models

Naturally, the exterior has been significantly toned down compared to the Peugeot Polygon design study from 2025. The production model trades the massive gullwing doors and futuristic greenhouse of the concept for a more conventional five-door hatchback silhouette, similar to its predecessor.

Fresh Styling Language For The Small Lion

SH Proshots

The front end adopts a split headlight arrangement and a fully covered grille. The model will most likely feature three horizontal lines of LEDs resembling the signature claws of the lion, although the camouflage wrap is hiding the middle section making it look like a Lancia Ypsilon.

More: Stellantis Swears Its Rebadges Won’t Be Lazy, But Only Four Brands Get 70% Of The Cash

The profile has a slightly boxier greenhouse inspired by the classic Peugeot 205, leading to a more upright tail with a shorter rear overhang. The boxy taillights also adopt the triple horizonal LED graphics while the roof spoiler extends to the sides of the rear windshield improving aerodynamics.

SH Proshots

The panel gaps of the rear doors hint at the presence of plastic cladding around the wheel arches, a feature that’s optional in the current generation of the 208 and E-208. The prototype has conventional door handles and rides on a set of black steel wheels, that will most likely be covered by aero-friendly hub caps in entry-level trims.

More: Peugeot’s Production 208 GTi Is Here, And It’s Electric

Our spies even got a glimpse inside the cabin, revealing a large digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, part of the new STLA Smart Cockpit alongside a new infotainment display. We can also see bits of the new steering wheel with a rectangular shape. The “Hypersquare”, as Peugeot calls it, debuted in earlier concept cars with four round holes and integrated controls. It will be combined with steer-by-wire technology, allowing more sophisticated autonomous capabilities.

The new E-208 will also be a software-defined-vehicle (SDV) thanks to the use of the STLA Brain, merging all electronics and software in a single unit for greater performance and efficiency.

New Platform

Peugeot has officially confirmed that the upcoming small hatchback will ride on the new STLA One architecture, sharing it with the next generation of the Opel Corsa Electric twin. At launch, it will be exclusively available with fully electric powertrain options, bringing an increased range and faster charging capabilities compared to the outgoing E-208.

More: Stellantis Confirms The Next Astra And Corsa Land Before 2030

The current Peugeot 208 will remain on sale alongside the new generation serving as an ICE-powered alternative with the existing gasoline and mild hybrid options. The model was introduced in 2019 and received a facelift in 2023, meaning it will be 8 years old in 2027. The automaker will also keep selling the E-208 GTi hot hatchback which was introduced earlier in 2026 as the performance flagship of the range.

Rivals And Siblings

When it hits the roads next year, the French supermini will face several European and Chinese rivals in the subcompact EV segment. Notable competitors include the Renault 5 E-Tech, Nissan Micra, Volkswagen ID. Polo, Cupra Raval, BYD Dolphin, Geely EX2, Aion UT and more.

As with its predecessor, the new Peugeot will share its underpinnings with a large number of small hatchbacks and SUVs from various Stellantis brands. Besides the closely-related Opel Corsa Electric that will be manufactured in the same factory in Spain, we expect the same technical base to be gradually applied across the successors of the Peugeot 2008, Opel Mokka, Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600, Alfa Romeo Junior, and Lancia Ypsilon over the next decade.

The E-208 will be one of the seven new models set to be launched by Peugeot until 2030. The company has announced two concept debuts for the Paris Motor Show next week, although information on their bodystyle and future role within the lineup remains limited.

Range Rover is preparing to push the envelope with an all-new addition to the lineup called the GT. It’s an all-electric, off-road tourer that brings a sedan top with SUV pretences, making it the automaker’s fifth model behind the Evoque, Sport, Velar and Range Rover. It won’t cause the sort of uproar that greeted JLR’s upcoming Jaguar Type 01, but nobody at Gaydon is expecting a unanimous verdict on this one either.

Future Cars: Our Mazdaspeed 6 Revival Ditches The Turbo Four For 536 HP Of Electric Power

Its near sedan-coupe format leans into the more opulent, soft-road side of the brand, yet isn’t a direct replacement for the Velar, as some reports had previously suggested. Curious? Read on as we table all there is to know in the lead-up to its official reveal.

Party Up Top, Business Below

We’ve seen JLR’s official camouflaged prototype images, and now we have stripped back the covers to reveal something that’s halfway between a crossover and a fastback sedan. Up front, it sports a broad, shallow interpretation of Range Rover’s familiar grille, flanked by ultra-slim LED headlamps, while vertical outer intakes enforce a performance-orientated stance.

Future Cars: Hyundai’s IONIQ V Has Lambo Looks And 225 HP, So We Imagined The N

In profile, it retains the lower visual bulk of other models in the lineup yet livens things up with a swept-back glasshouse, frameless windows, and a contrasting roof. Side surfacing is clean and simple with flush door handles and little in the way of excessive creases. At the rear, slim taillights merge with a gloss-black panel featuring spaced Range Rover lettering, and the dynamic look is finished off with a steeply raked tailgate.

A Minimalist Outlook

Range Rover has already provided a glimpse inside, revealing a minimalist 2+2 cabin with class-leading rear occupant space. The aesthetic is very much in the Polestar playbook, with horizontal lines and a heavy use of woven textures, which could upset those used to the usual swaths of leather, wood, and chrome. 

Front-seat occupants are greeted by a single central OLED touchscreen and a slim driver’s instrument cluster. Interestingly, its two-spoke steering wheel and stripped-back architecture echoes that of Jaguar’s all-new Type 01, although Range Rover takes a less radical approach. Expect expansive digital functionality with AI assistance, terrain-response off-road goodies, and augmented-reality navigation.

Electric Performance

Underpinned by the automaker’s new Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform, the GT will be an all-electric affair from launch, although, curiously, it could come in a hybrid format later.  

Future Cars: BMW’s i3 Sedan Divided The Internet, So We Drew The i4 Coupe Instead

Questions remain over powertrain specifications, yet we have a good idea of driving range based on shared prototype images, with 288 miles (463 km) at 80 per cent charge, which roughly translates to 360 miles to a full charge. Expect an 800-volt system with a 100-120 kWh battery and peak DC charging up to 350 kW.

Review: China’s $26,000 ‘Temu Range Rover’ Is A Bargain Until You Actually Live With It

Dual-motor, all-wheel drive is expected to be standard fare. Jaguar’s Type 01 could offer some pointers to performance potential, but don’t expect a tri-motor setup with that full 1000 hp. 

Rivals And Reveal

Positioning should put the GT into unexplored territory, facing everything from the Porsche Cayenne Electric, Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo and Lotus Eletre, to potentially overlapping with the Jaguar Type 01.

Final testing is already underway, with production commencing later this year at JLR’s Halewood factory in Merseyside, England. An official reveal will take place in the coming months.