Since it is a four-wheel drive vehicle, the engine and transmission are hooked up to a Ford electronic transfer case that allows the driver to go from rear-wheel drive to four-wheel drive by simple turning a knob on the dashboard. Without shock or any effort, the Mazda B4000 becomes a 4 x 4. It is almost indispensable for that truck in winter. And fortunately, Mazda's Montreal regional office had the great idea to equip my B4000 tester with Nokian Hakkapeliita 10 LT winter tires that are more at ease on the snow or on ice than the original rubbers. More later.
The interior of the B4000 is almost identical to that of the Ranger except for the choice of materials and colors and, obviously the ornamentation and identification. The instrument panel is practically unchanged and it is as useful as before. Most of its controls are easily reached (and that of the windshield washer was much used that week as we thanked the manufacturer for the liquid reservoir that has a great capacity). The gearshift lever is still column mounted and let's mention once again the rotary knob for the 4 x 4 capabilities (Hi2-Hi4-Lo4) on the dashboard. Once again, the passenger side airbag can be deactivated if a child must ride in the passenger seat. By the way, the heater was really efficient during the cold winter days we used the B4000. The extended cab comes with two rear doors that open only after the main doors are opened. In the back, there are two small seats that can be retracted from the backwall. They can come in handy to accept two children or small adults for a short trip. When stored again, the space can be used to carry luggage or tool boxes. The bed is good enough for carrying objects of all sizes but it still cannot accept a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood flat between its wheelwells. My tester had a Duraliner bed protector so I could load sharp objects without damaging the paint.