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Behold Mazda's new kei car, the AZ-Wagon. Like its predecessors, the new AZ is simply a rebadged Suzuki Wagon R. In this case, the donor vehicle is the just-introduced Wagon R Stingray, which eschews the standard Wagon R face in favor of a more squared-off ,Toyota bB/Scion xB-like (last-gen, that is) appearance.
Since the AZ-Wagon is a straight rebadge, all the features of the Stingray can be found here, including HID headlamps, black cloth interior, premium audio system (for the turbocharged, direct-injected Custom Style DI model), and keyless entry and start. Unlike its Suzuki twin, the Mazda gets only two kei-spec engines. The Custom Style DI gets the top-end 64 horsepower direct-injected 4-banger, while the Custom Style X receives a normally-aspirated 54-horse 3-cylinder with VVT. (Suzuki buyers get the added choice of a non-direct-injected turbo engine.)
As is always the case, 2WD and AWD are available for both trim levels. The only available transmission is a 4-speed auto. Complete details and pricing can be found after the jump.
[Source: Mazda]
PRESS RELEASE
Mazda AZ-Wagon Custom Style Now On Sale in Japan
Mazda's new AZ-Wagon series combines bold exterior design with a high quality interior styled in black
HIROSHIMA, Japan--Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the addition of the new Custom Style series to the Mazda AZ-Wagon micro-mini range. Sales commence today at all Mazda Autozam, Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers throughout Japan.
The Custom Style series unites the excellent packaging and functionality of current AZ Wagons with brazen and stylish exterior design and a high quality interior finished with a black motif.
The two grades offered are the Custom Style DI, with a direct injection (DI) turbo-charged engine, and the Custom Style X, with a variable valve timing (VVT) engine. Manufacturer's suggested retail prices range from 1,197,000 to 1,608,600 yen, including consumption tax. The target sales volume for the entire AZ-Wagon range is 2,200 units a month.
Main features of the AZ-Wagon Custom Style series
A bolder, stylish exterior
- A premium quality chrome grille with xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights set in a row on both sides gives the front fascia a distinct presence. Additionally, an exclusively-designed bonnet and a front wraparound bumper have been added to create a bolder appearance.
- Clear combination taillights help the rear styling stand out on the Custom Style models.
- Exclusively designed 14-inch alloy wheels.
- Turn indicator lights affixed to the door mirror covers (exclusive to the Custom Style DI).
- The deep purple body color, Mysterious Violet Pearl, is available for the first time. Pearl White, Silky Silver Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl 3 and Azure Grey Pearl Metallic complete the choice of five body colors that accentuate the attractive styling.
High quality interior with a black motif
- Exclusive black fabric on the seats and door trim produces an interior with a high quality feel.
- Light reflecting particles within the sand black design create a glittering effect on the instrument panel center stack garnish and door armrests to enhance the AZ-Wagon's presence. The interior also features black metallic airvent bezel rings and meter dial bezel rings.
Superior comfort though enhanced features
- Advanced Keyless Entry & Start system is standard on all grades.
- The Custom Style DI model grade includes a high-grade sound system. The system features an exclusive audio tuning unit with a seven-speaker setup, comprised of front and rear door speakers, front tweeters and a sub-woofer, to create a stimulating audio environment inside the cabin space.
- Fully automatic air conditioning (with a catechin air filter) maintains a comfortable cabin temperature and comes as standard on all model grades.
| MSRP | (*Price of the model shown) |
| Grade | Engine | Drive | Transmission | Price (yen) | |
| Tax included | Tax not included | ||||
| Custom Style X | 660 DOHC VVT |
FWD | 4-speed automatic |
1,197,000 | 1,140,000 |
| 4WD | 1,314,600 | 1,252,000 | |||
| Custom Style DI | 660 DOHC Direct Injection Turbo |
FWD | 1,491,000* | 1,420,000 | |
| 4WD | 1,608,600 | 1,532,000 | |||
| - | If the special body color Mysterious Violet Pearl or Pearl White is chosen, the price increases by 21,000 yen (tax included). |
| - | A separate recycling fee of 9,370 yen is necessary in addition to the manufacturer's suggested retail prices listed above (tax included). |
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Adam @ Feb 23rd 2007 10:28AM
I wonder if this is related to the Mercedes G-Wagon!
mj @ Feb 23rd 2007 11:14AM
Look at that Bling-Bling! That's how we ride in Hiroshima, listen to the roar of 3 pistons pumpin'!
Wait, Hiroshima? Is that really safe? Does that explain the color?
Tony @ Feb 23rd 2007 11:38AM
#2 your an ass, 140,000 had died in Hiroshima by the bomb and its associated effects. I don't think it's something to joke about.
WolfgangNC @ Feb 23rd 2007 11:48AM
Mazda's version of a Scion xB
Sean Clearwater @ Feb 23rd 2007 12:16PM
Love the interior. Looks nice and roomy. Ohhh, and the front bench.. I love it. I wish more cars offered a bench or split bench seat option.
Opposite Lock @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:08PM
Is 4wd really necessary when you have a maximum of 64 bhp? I can't imagine that wheelspin is much of a problem especially with it working through an automatic. I always just wonder what the advantage is when I see all these kei cars with awd. I would think that you would want to save the weight and driveline loss.
BOB @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:57PM
#3 -- APOLOGIZE TO #2 FOR YOUR IGNORANCE!
"Hiroshima" refers to Mazda in the same way Dearborn refers to Ford, or Stuttgart to Porsche. (As in, "Dearborn messed up with the Ford 500")
Uncool to bring up dead people when you don't know what you are talking about.
BOB @ Feb 23rd 2007 3:02PM
Mysterious Violet Pearl ...............
Would be nice if Mazda could bring it in -- but the article does not mention a left-hand version.
I wonder if Suzuki is still tied to GM, so could not make cars for Ford/Mazda?
Tony @ Feb 23rd 2007 3:29PM
#7 I'll apologize when #2 explains what he meant by "Wait, Hiroshima? Is that really safe? Does that explain the color?"
aman @ Feb 23rd 2007 3:40PM
Break it up, break it up now. hiroshima is a reference to mazda, that's it. i don't undederstand no. 2 comment either, but it's no reason to bring all this up. just talk about the car. speaking of which, honda Element, anyone
DRC @ Feb 23rd 2007 4:35PM
What an ugly car...its just as bad as that Scion xB.
Howard Kerr @ Feb 23rd 2007 5:17PM
Re Opposite Lock,
My guess is that the AZ Wagon is available with AWD for the simple reason that it does snow in Japan (northern Japan gets as much snow as upstate N.Y.) and there are plenty of unpaved tracks in Japan just as there are in the U.S. Not every car uses AWD to quell wheelspin and/or torque.
No one else thinks this name is a bit off-putting?
AZ-Wagon? Why not Butt-Buggy? Can you imagine parking this somewhere and asking the parking attendant to "...please bring around my AZ-Wagon" ?
chris @ Feb 23rd 2007 6:11PM
BOB, GM sold almost all of the stock a little while ago, Suzuki are more in partnership with Nissan now.
toast2042 @ Feb 23rd 2007 7:48PM
#6 - 4WD is great if you live any place with weather. I love my car but I would love to get an economical (read: less than a $22,000 SUV), stylish and capable-in-the-snow Mazda.