Mazda B-Truck...Continued

Washington is pick-up country, and we had to field many questions about the changes. I tried hard to find rattles and push the truck into bad situations. Iêm amazed how stable and comfortable it is compared to previous compact trucks. Indicative of the clever features is a tailgate which Mazda assures me can be removed without tools,if needed.

B-Trucks come in two grades, the base SX and upscale SE, Regular Cab and SuperCab body styles. Regular Cab models are available in a choice of short or long wheelbase, and all are available in 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations.

This is an interim model. Already Mazda is collaborating on the next version which is likely to have a four-door version -- a format that is popular in other parts of the world. Ford, in turn, might solicit help from Mazda in laying out their engine compartments. U.S. designers often are haphazard with component placement. This results in cluttered layouts with longer than necessary wires, cables and hoses.

In order to show younger people some of Mazdaês new flair, Deborah Wahl, B-series product manager, rolled out a Troy Lee special edition Dual Sport model. This youthful helmet artist ties the street rod spirit with the active lifestyle outdoor-oriented features that fit the tastes of the young at heart. Currently it is only scheduled for the show circuit, but look for many of the items to show up as accessories, as the B-Truck takes off among the younger set.