What Is It?
Mazda MX-Flexa
What's Special About It?
Knowing that small yet space-efficient and sporty station wagons are a flourishing new segment, Mazda saw fit to create this "space wagon." The MX-Flexa maximizes passenger and cargo room within its relatively short length by being built on a generous 108-inch wheelbase. Seating is comprised of three rows of bucket seats, and all the seats are similar in size, meaning third-row passengers don't get second-class accommodations. Minivan-style sliding doors on both sides ease ingress and egress and Mazda boasts that four bicycles can be carried — two inside by folding the second- and third-row seats down and two in the more conventional location atop the roof.
For propulsion, the MX-Flexa uses the 2.3-liter inline four that sees duty in both the Mazda 6 and Mazda 3, sending its 160 horsepower to the front wheels through a four-speed automanual gearbox. In the interest of maintaining Mazda's fun-to-drive reputation, the MX-Flexa incorporates sporty suspension tuning along with aggressive 235/50/18 rubber and four-wheel disc brakes.
What's Edmunds' Take?
After losing its way for a time in the 1990s, Mazda rediscovered its roots as the Japanese carmaker that places high priority on fun driving dynamics and recent efforts, such as the 6 and the 3, confirm this solid sense of direction. With the younger generation demanding not only an enjoyable drive but plenty of space for their friends and sporting equipment, Mazda would be wise to enter this segment. Although the MX-Flexa is a concept, the lack of show-car gizmos and the employment of existing components may indicate future production plans for something very similar. — John DiPietro
Mazda MX-Flexa
What's Special About It?
Knowing that small yet space-efficient and sporty station wagons are a flourishing new segment, Mazda saw fit to create this "space wagon." The MX-Flexa maximizes passenger and cargo room within its relatively short length by being built on a generous 108-inch wheelbase. Seating is comprised of three rows of bucket seats, and all the seats are similar in size, meaning third-row passengers don't get second-class accommodations. Minivan-style sliding doors on both sides ease ingress and egress and Mazda boasts that four bicycles can be carried — two inside by folding the second- and third-row seats down and two in the more conventional location atop the roof.
For propulsion, the MX-Flexa uses the 2.3-liter inline four that sees duty in both the Mazda 6 and Mazda 3, sending its 160 horsepower to the front wheels through a four-speed automanual gearbox. In the interest of maintaining Mazda's fun-to-drive reputation, the MX-Flexa incorporates sporty suspension tuning along with aggressive 235/50/18 rubber and four-wheel disc brakes.
What's Edmunds' Take?
After losing its way for a time in the 1990s, Mazda rediscovered its roots as the Japanese carmaker that places high priority on fun driving dynamics and recent efforts, such as the 6 and the 3, confirm this solid sense of direction. With the younger generation demanding not only an enjoyable drive but plenty of space for their friends and sporting equipment, Mazda would be wise to enter this segment. Although the MX-Flexa is a concept, the lack of show-car gizmos and the employment of existing components may indicate future production plans for something very similar. — John DiPietro
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