The 6-foot-long cargo bed can carry an average-sized ATV, if you figure out a way to clear the wheel wells that cut in on available width. The B4000 is also adept at towing, as it can pull up to 5,460 lbs (2,477 kg) with the automatic transmission; if you choose the 5-speed manual, though, maximum towing capacity drops to only 3,000 lbs.
The old-tech V6 engine may be competent for hauling and towing, but it guzzles down fuel at an impressive rate. Our average of 13.8 L/100 km deserves two thumbs down, as full-size pickups with small-block V8s can do about as well or better. On the drag strip, the B4000 huffs and puffs its way to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds, which actually is quicker than we thought.
Alas, the B-Series drives like pickups did 20 years ago. The jittery ride makes you realize how hard manufacturers have worked over the years to improve the ride quality in their recent trucks. According to Mazda Canada’s website, the B-Series is built “to deliver performance and handling more in line with the Mazda sports car DNA”. Yeah, right.
Since the B-Series and the Ford Ranger are near-identical twins, the interior design and assembly also reflects what Ford cockpits looked like when Reagan was still President of the United States. Industrial medium-gray plastic is found everywhere you look, and panel fit is suggestive at best. Still, the switchgear layout is simple and easy to use.
The SE Plus option package swaps the bench seat for two sport bucket seats and a center armrest. These buckets prove comfortable, supportive and wouldn’t look out of place in a CX-7. This $2,080 package also includes body-coloured fender flares, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, a tilt steering column, cruise control, a leather-wrapped wheel, a 6-CD changer and SIRIUS satellite radio.
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| The 4.0-litre V6 develops 207 horsepower and 238 pound-feet of torque. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The old-tech V6 engine may be competent for hauling and towing, but it guzzles down fuel at an impressive rate. Our average of 13.8 L/100 km deserves two thumbs down, as full-size pickups with small-block V8s can do about as well or better. On the drag strip, the B4000 huffs and puffs its way to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds, which actually is quicker than we thought.
Alas, the B-Series drives like pickups did 20 years ago. The jittery ride makes you realize how hard manufacturers have worked over the years to improve the ride quality in their recent trucks. According to Mazda Canada’s website, the B-Series is built “to deliver performance and handling more in line with the Mazda sports car DNA”. Yeah, right.
Since the B-Series and the Ford Ranger are near-identical twins, the interior design and assembly also reflects what Ford cockpits looked like when Reagan was still President of the United States. Industrial medium-gray plastic is found everywhere you look, and panel fit is suggestive at best. Still, the switchgear layout is simple and easy to use.
The SE Plus option package swaps the bench seat for two sport bucket seats and a center armrest. These buckets prove comfortable, supportive and wouldn’t look out of place in a CX-7. This $2,080 package also includes body-coloured fender flares, power windows and mirrors, keyless entry, a tilt steering column, cruise control, a leather-wrapped wheel, a 6-CD changer and SIRIUS satellite radio.
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| Inside, the switchgear layout is simple and easy to use. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |