But driving a larger vehicle makes the gas bill grow in size too. Being that I drive smaller cars most of the time, the B4000's 15.4 / 11.4 L/100 km (15 / 21 mpg) city/highway fuel consumption took a chunk out of my budget. Again, this isn't too bad compared to a full-size pickup, but compared to an economy sedan or hatchback, ugh!

The B4000 has the biggest engine of Mazda's B-Series trucks, with a 4.0-liter SOHC V6 producing 207-hp and 238 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

Out of the B-Series trucks by Mazda, the B4000 has the biggest engine with a 4.0-liter SOHC V6 producing 207 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 238 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. In addition to the compact truck's more-than-adequate powerplant, my test truck came with the optional 5-speed electronic automatic transmission with overdrive - a 5-speed manual is standard. The transmission downshifted quickly when passing, moving through the gears smoothly overall. I have no complaints.

While it handles pavement well, the 4WD equipped B4000 was made to be driven off-road. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

But while it handles pavement well, this 4WD equipped B4000 was made to be driven off-road. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to take into the wild blue yonder as no one was able to join me - and I remember from this summer's Jeep Jamboree that the 4x4 credo is to never off-road alone. I did, however, go urban off-roading. What? No really, I found an exceptionally potholed gravel parking lot, slipped it into 4WD (as if it needed it) and had some fun. C'mon, stop laughing tough guy. It gave me the opportunity to test out the 4-wheel drive. I first went through the "rough stuff" in its standard 2WD high gear ratio, then switched it to 4-high. Even through relatively light duty mud holes this made a world of difference. The truck was more stable and gave me more control. I can't say the ride was smooth because there is no such thing as a smooth ride through potholes, but I came out to the other side with my fillings attached! In addition, I dropped it into 4-low to climb a few parking barriers and was very impressed with its crawling capabilities.