Here's The $10,000 Mazda America Isn't Allowed To Have

While American roads are dominated by big three-row SUVs and heavy electric behemoths, Mazda is proving that sometimes, less truly is more. The Japanese automaker has just refreshed its most reasonably priced model, the Mazda Flair Crossover, and it costs under $10,000. For stateside buyers, though, it’s forbidden fruit.

The Anatomy Of A $10,000 Crossover

Built specifically to comply with Japan’s strict kei automobile regulations, the Flair Crossover is basically a rebadged Suzuki Hustler. The size are staggering when viewed through an American lens. At just 133.7 inches long, this four-door crossover is sort of two feet shorter than Mazda’s own MX-5 Miata (154.1 inches). Yet, due to a 96.9-inch wheelbase and a boxy, tall-boy roofline, it manages to comfortably seat 4 adults.

For the recent update, Mazda overhauled the lively safety tech. The tiny crossover now comes standard with a millimeter-wave radar and monocular camera system, bringing pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist to a vehicle that costs lower than a used side-by-side. Higher trims also profit from a bolder grille and rugged paint options like Woodland Khaki Metallic.

Micro Engineering, Maximum Efficiency

Under the hood, you discover kei automobile innovation slightly than an enormous displacement block. The Flair Crossover utilizes a 660cc three-cylinder mild-hybrid setup. The naturally aspirated base model churns out a modest 48 horsepower, while the turbocharged variant hits the legal kei automobile ceiling of 63 horsepower. Each are mated to a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT), with power routed to either the front or all 4 wheels.

Closing Thoughts

Pricing for the bottom 2WD XG trim starts at roughly $9,950 at current exchange rates. The fully loaded, turbocharged 4WD ZT tops out around $14,050. We’ll never see the Flair Crossover in america. Our highway crash standards and relentless appetite for high-speed cruising effectively lock it out. But as the typical recent automobile price in America continues to hover dangerously near the $50,000 mark, Mazda’s sub-$10,000 urban runabout is a stark reminder of the sensible packaging and affordability we’re missing out on.

This Article First Appeared At www.autoblog.com