Conventional isn’t how one would describe the way things are done in Hiroshima, especially with regards to the cars it makes. Mazda’s always done things a little differently than its competitors, taking a “quality over quantity” approach, and that’s no different in its Mazda BT-50 pick-up truck.

The modern pick-up itself has undergone a paradigm shift that’s seen it having to not just shoulder heavy loads but also seamlessly blend in with the VIP valet parking at the entrance of a fancy hotel.

In other words, it’s got to wear many hats; from safety hardtops to a velvet top hat, and look the part every single time. Under the skin, most trucks get the workhorse part right. It’s the bit about mingling with high society that sees most of them drop the ball.

Not the Mazda BT-50 though. The dark horse of pick-ups is one of the most versatile in its segment as it has the capability to do it all, especially the latter bit.

The current BT-50 is based on the Isuzu D-Max, itself an established player in the segment. However, Mazda has infused its signature Kodo design language on the front façade that’s elevated its visual appeal with a large dose of suaveness.

Also Read: Pros and Cons: 2022 Mazda BT-50 3.0 High Plus - More than just a pretty face

Most pick-ups tend to prioritise the brawny, muscular look before attempting to polish the rough edges like an afterthought. Nonetheless, the brute in a suit look can be too brazen for some.

Instead, they desire a little understated elegance… classy but under the radar. The Kodo design achieves this with every other body style so it’s unsurprising that it works its magic to garner the same visual appeal, even on a bulkier pick-up.

It trades the angular, straightedge lines for curves and arcs with a softer colour palate that’s more at home in an urban environment but never out of place away from it.

Furthermore, if it’s the utility of space and having power to all four wheels, its CX-5 SUV sibling with AWD starts at a steep RM 183,000 whereas even the flagship BT-50 3.0 High Plus trim tops out at RM 142,000. Of course, it can send power to all wheels via the shift-on-the-fly know to alternate between 2H, 4L and 4H. With 191 PS and 450 Nm of torque on tap, some situations will warrant all wheels taming it.

Also Read: Pros and Cons: 2022 Mazda BT-50 1.9 High - It's no 'Hailak', but that's OK too

Looks alone though will only get you so far in life. You’ll still need some substance. That’s not in short supply from the BT-50 as well.

The aforementioned 3.0 High Plus packs all the bells and whistles that’s come to be expected from regular passenger cars. Drivers will enjoy the leather steering wheel, leather seats ( 8-way power-adjustment for driver) and remote engine start while passengers won’t be hot under the collar courtesy of the rear air-conditioning vents.

That aside, it’s the full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that elevates its appeal. The entire suite comprises the following:

• Auto high-beam (AHB)
• Blind spot monitoring (BSM)
• Rear-cross traffic alert (RCTA)
• Lane departure warning (LDW)
• Forward collision warning (FCW)
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise control (ACC)

While that list might be perfect for an urban jungle, which is where most new pick-ups spend the majority of their lives, the BT-50 is well and truly adept in actual jungles as well.

A real feather in its Kodo cap comes in the form of its 800 mm water wading depth that puts it on part with the class-leading Ford Ranger Wildtrak. Its chief competition, the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton, both top out at 700 mm.

If things get sticky, the flagship High Plus packs the necessary locking rear differential that keeps it on par with the segment standard. This can be attributed to the proven Isuzu underpinnings that is just at home off the beaten path.

Further down the BT-50 spectrum resides the smaller but extremely economical 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine with 150 PS and 350 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic, for reference sake.

Don’t sneer at this gem of a mill though. Displacement aside, it’s been proven time and again to be an extremely economical mill… even by diesel standards. Additionally, your wallet will be grateful when it’s time to renew the road tax. That’s quite some savings against the 2.2-, 2.4- and 2.8-litre engines powering its rivals.

During our time with the 1.9-litre BT-50, internal fuel testing returned 8.3-litres/100 km. To put it in perspective, that’s on par with the Hyundai Kona Active. Rivals such as the Mitsubishi Triton are a thirstier bunch, quenching in with 9.5-litres/100 km.

Lastly, the thought of, “Why not just get a D-Max instead?” is probably playing around in the back of your mind.

While there’s no right or wrong answer to that query, there are easier solutions that lead to a clearer picture.

Mazda’s very much a passenger-centric marque and as such, its service network caters to such a more privately-owned clientele. Outlets in more urban locations make aftersales a much simpler proposition.

Owning a pick-up as your only car isn’t such a daunting proposition anymore. The domestication of the segment has made them easier to live with on a daily basis and the practicality of it means a ride that can truly do it all; on and off the road.

Some pick-ups though do it a little better, and the BT-50 is definitely a up there in that respect with style and substance.