New Flairwagon lacks, yup, flair

The Mazda Flairwagon, a new micro-mini tall wagon, has just been launched in Japan. But judging by the looks of it, flair is the last word that would come to mind to use to describe this thing! Under the tiny bonnet sits a 660cc three-cylinder motor mated to a CVT. The micro-compact’s small engine means it qualifies for tax breaks in Japan. That must be the only good thing about it… Actually that’s not true as its power can be sent from either just the front or to all four wheels via an all-wheel drive system (depending on trim level). The sliding doors make it easy to get in and out of while amenities include a glovebox that can used for cold storage. The top trim level, the IS Limited, even gets a push start button and start-stop system. Looks wise, well, it’s just a box on wheels isn’t it? But, the more you look at it, the better it seems to… no, it doesn’t. It’ll carry four passengers, if you can find four willing to get in…