However, on closer inspection the BT50 provides a number of tough workhorse surprises, not least in what’s under the bonnet and as to its versatility.

To start with there’s no centre pillar, the smartly styled bakkie seeming to be a two-door until the front doors are opened, and then with a bit of ingenuity one pulls a handle positioned within the lock recess of the rear door, and hey presto, the BT50 is transformed into a four-door vehicle.

All this allows for easy stowage and unpacking within the cab, while two removable utility boxes situated behind the front seats allow for a high degree of flexibility when required.

All this together with a 265mm deep load box makes the new Mazda BT50 Freestyle Cab an attraction for the small business operator who would also like to use his workhorse for pleasure time over the weekend.

After all, the BT50 has the looks to move in the best circles.

Towing jet-skis, quads or a caravan to remote coastal areas should prove to be simple when behind the wheel of the Freestyle Cab.

Exterior cosmetics include multi-spoke chrome wheels, front bull bar, sturdy cab protector complete with a raised brake light, tonneau cover, large mudguard flarings, polished side-sills and a rear step-up bumper.

Very much like a passenger car out on the open road, the BT50 affords a smooth ride, with the powerful 3.0-litre 115kW advanced common-rail direct injection engine just ticking over at 120kph.

Being a big bakkie it is important that when it comes to negotiating a scenario of muddy steep inclines, that there is plenty of engine torque on hand, and here the BT50 comes into its own, developing a whopping 380Nm at 1 800rpm and making the vehicle capable of conquering the harshest of terrain.

Quoted as being one of the safest vehicles in it category, the Mazda BT50 Freestyle Cab comes with ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution, as well as boasting dual front and side airbags.

The new Mazda BT50 Freestyle Cab 3000CRDi SLX 4X2 comes standard with a 4-year / 120 000km Warranty and 5 year / 90 000km Service Plan and retails for R258 200.