Reiterating comments made at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, Ikuo Maeda told Australia’s drive.com.au at the Los Angeles Auto Show that the automaker had “learnt a lesson” from trying to apply its previous styling language to the BT-50, saying that the next generation, which will swap the current Ford Ranger T6 platform for that of the next Isuzu D-Max, will be more “butch” in spite of the inherent difficulty it once again faces looks-wise.

“I think our image is that we should be able to cover [this new Kodo design language] from SUV to passenger cars, but [with the] pick-up truck the rear tray has to be very flat so trying to deploy this [in the same way] is going to be very, very difficult. It is also going to be very difficult to showcase this light texture because of the sheer size of the vehicle. And also with a pick-up truck you want to have an appearance that has more strength, is butch and masculine. That’s what I hope [for]," Maeda said.

While expressing confidence that the Kodo design language could possibly add more masculinity to the BT-50 if applied correctly, Maeda however said that the biggest concern is whether the interior fit-and-finish will match that of other models, such as the new 3, in keeping with the brand’s premium push.

“Design quality we will take care of, but fit and finish I am not quite sure. The commercial vehicle has a significant importance within our line-up, so we will definitely be looking to improve that. I presume interior will be pretty difficult as the cost does not allow us to do anything... probably,” he said.

Along with its new platform, the BT-50 will also drop the Ranger’s current assortment of engines for Isuzu sourced units when it reportedly debuts in 2020, a year after the all-new D-Max.

IMAGE from motoring.com.au