by pencil » Thu Dec 08, 2016 7:32 am
This is good for Isuzu. As for Mazda I think it's interesting given the success of the Ranger in Aus was pretty good but the BT50 seemed to struggle due to styling even though it was almost identical beneath the skin and was cheaper. Both have a good reputation for producing reliable vehicles.
My only concern is that both are pretty spartan when it comes to creature comforts compared to the competition although my experience is pretty much limited to owning a Mazda 3 driving a Mazda 6 for a short period on loan (massive step up from the 3), owning a 98 Rodeo and test driving a current model D Max so it might be a little limited.
I'm hoping that Isuzu ups the displacement and moves towards a 5 cylinder or V6 diesel in the next version. Hopefully the 5 cylinder that Mazda currently has will force this move as a step back would leave it well behind the competition that's coming through, although Toyota seems to have reduced to a 2.8 4 pot oiler.