Not so long ago in happier times, the buying public couldn't get enough of pick-ups, particularly in glossy double-cab form, with sales records continually broken month on month.

However, as is the way, the pretty things are the first to go when a recession kicks in, and sales of such extravagances have dropped off significantly in the last year.

Perfect timing for Mazda's revised BT-50 then, which gets a face lifted front and rear, along with one or two adjustments to the interior.

More significantly is the arrival of a 3.0-litre engine that boosts power and torque to 156hp and 380Nm respectively (the existing 2.5-litre unit offers 141hp and 330Nm).

Mated to a five-speed automatic, ala Ford's Ranger Wildtrak, (with which it shares its DNA) this top-of-the-range double-cab version, badged Intrepid, comes with all the bells-and-whistles that once-upon-a-time made this type of vehicle so popular.

Standard equipment includes ABS, air-con, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking and alarm, six CD autochanger, leather trim, scuff plates and numerous cosmetic body adornments.

However, see through the chrome kick plates and leather trim, and the Mazda BT-50 provides a sound overall package, wrapped up in an impressive level of build quality.

Whether you actually need the 3.0-litre engine is a moot point, with the 2.5-litre offering just 13hp less and a significant reduction in price (over £4,000 on the equivalent basic spec model).

And you can add to that the fitment of a standard manual transmission on the smaller engine, which is far more agreeable in everyday driving.

It's by no means without fault, however. The interior is dull for a premium price vehicle, while the induction roar is a little overpowering, particularly when the engine is cold, furthermore we're not completely won over by the automatic transmission.

But what the Mazda offers is a one of the best on/off-road combinations on the market, and for that it deserves praise.