Mazda has launched an updated version of the Flair Crossover that has all the ingredients to become a fun little car capable of going nearly anywhere, thanks to its lightweight design and four-wheel-drive system.
Even better, the Flair Crossover costs just under $10,000, a price segment that would likely sell out in no time.
Although it is the 2WD XG trim that starts at roughly $9,950, the price gap to the higher variants is not vast.
However, the catch is that Mazda has not announced U.S. sales for the crossover, despite it being an ideal car for city commuting.
While many may find the Flair Crossover to be extremely small, that is because it is classified as a kei car in Japan.
The Flair Crossover Comes With a 660cc Engine
For drivers used to traveling in large SUVs and pickup trucks equipped with big engines, the Flair Crossover may come across as a toy. But toys often make people smile.
Meant to comply with Japan’s kei car regulations, the Flair Crossover spans around 11 feet in length and is nearly two feet shorter than Mazda’s MX-5 Miata, Autoblog reports.
An 8.075-foot wheelbase means there is sufficient cabin space to seat four adults comfortably, but that is subject to real-world testing.
Because it is a kei car, the crossover comes with a 660cc three-cylinder mild-hybrid setup that is offered with two options: a naturally aspirated motor that produces 48 horsepower, and a turbocharged version that bumps the power to 63 horsepower.
Both engine options are paired with a CVT automatic gearbox, and power is sent to all four wheels. To add some extra pop, higher trims feature a bolder grille and rugged paint options like Woodland Khaki Metallic.
It Comes Packed With Safety Tech
Despite a compact body and a small engine, the Flair Crossover comes with modern safety features that should tick all the boxes, especially for tech-savvy customers.
The car comes equipped with a millimeter-wave radar and monocular camera system that supports pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist.
The top-of-the-line variant, the turbocharged 4WD ZT, costs just a little over $14,050. For a small car that punches well above its weight in terms of features, the price tag seems like a bargain.
Given the 4WD system, it could be a great off-roader for areas where a gas-guzzling pickup can’t get through. Sometimes, a light, agile vehicle does the trick instead of a heavy off-roader with lockable diffs.
However, because kei cars like the Flair Crossover aren’t certified to meet U.S. federal safety and emissions regulations, Mazda can’t sell them in the United States.
Would you have bought the Flair Crossover if it were offered in the USA?