As I touched on last paragraph, driving the B4000 around town and on the highway was quite nice. Although I felt all the divots and cracks in the road, I was comfortable. The SE model comes with standard premium cloth upholstery and sport bucket seats up front with an armrest cum storage bin in between - plus two cupholders in the center console lest I forget. Visibility is good in all directions, with the sliding rear window offering a little fresh air. The door map pockets were handy to store my CDs in, an easy reach when swapping discs into the standard 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system. The sound quality is good but being that this is the top-of-the-line Mazda truck I expected a multi-disc CD changer. Oh well, better than no CD player at all.

The B4000 SE features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, tilt steering, power locks and windows, and a handy keyless entry remote. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

Other standard B4000 SE features that I particularly liked were its leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, tilt steering, power locks and windows, and a handy keyless entry remote. Exterior features that made the truck look sharp and refined were its chrome grille and front bumper, plus the flush mounted halogen headlights. And adding to the 4X4 feel were two front tow hooks as well as a removable tailgate.

The Mazda B4000 SE is a stylish, comfortable and practical truck, suitable for city living. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

I noticed that there is a lot of storage space behind the front seats, but not a lot of people space. Although the 4X4 SE is suppose to be a 4-seater, I don't think that stuffing two additional passengers into the back would be a good idea for an extended trip. The driver and passenger seats are roomy mind you, roomy enough to fit... oh say my 6'4" boyfriend, but the flip-down rear seats are really for children only.

Nevertheless, whether transporting boxes, furniture, myself, or a friend throughout the city, or mastering the potholes of an empty parking lot, the B4000 SE is a stylish, comfortable and practical truck to do it in.

Specifications (Cab Plus SE 4WD):

• Price Range (MSRP): $28,495 - $29,980 (base B4000 starts at $17,395)
• Body Type: 2-door pick-up, ladder frame
• Layout: Front engine, RWD (opt 4WD)
• Engine: 207 hp, 238 lb-ft, 4.0-L, 12-valve, SOHC V6
• Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 5-spd auto)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum, ABS
• Curb Weight: 1,667 kg (3,704 lbs)
• Ground Clearance: 185 - 201 mm (7.3 - 7.9 in)
• Seating Capacity: 4
• Towing Capacity: 2,531 kg (5,580 lbs)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 15.4 / 11.4 L/100 km (15 / 21 mpg)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/80,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Chevy Colorado, Dodge Dakota, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma
• Web Site: www.mazda.ca