What is it?
Mazda MX Sport Runabout
What's special about it?
Mazda's MX Sport Runabout Concept (MXSRC -- our acronym, not Mazda's) needs only a new name that reflects how innovative and appealing the multi-activity vehicle actually is. The MXSRC displays Mazda's design philosophy and DNA in small-car format and represents a future product that Mazda will build in Valencia, Spain, to succeed the Demio.
As with most concept vehicles, design plays a key role in determining whether the study is considered a success or a failure. We like the MXSRC. Its styling, according to Mazda, is meant to convey emotion and efficiency. The company's trademark five-point grille is prominent, while short overhangs, an airy greenhouse, and large wheels and tires convey solidity and originality, say the designers. Light Yamabuki Orange paint coats the exterior and is complemented inside by beige, chocolate and metallic tones and textures.
Because the MXSRC is a Mazda, responsive handling and performance is a must, so it rides on 215/45ZR17 tires. Seemingly contrary to the mission, however, is the 1.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. This is zoom-zoom?
Thanks to a sophisticated rear suspension design that doesn't intrude upon cargo room and a one-touch folding rear seat design, the MXSRC is spacious inside, enough so that it can carry two mountain bikes with no sweat. And there's plenty of room for five adults on board, thanks to the tall seating positions and long wheelbase.
Just the stylish kind of thing young, active Europeans want these days, eh?
Why should you care?
Hey, Americanos. You've proven time and again that you don't want small, space-efficient, multi-use vehicles like the ones common in Europe and Japan. But if the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe take off, it's possible Mazda might bring the production version of the MX Sport Runabout to the States for a piece of the action. — Christian J. Wardlaw
Mazda MX Sport Runabout
What's special about it?
Mazda's MX Sport Runabout Concept (MXSRC -- our acronym, not Mazda's) needs only a new name that reflects how innovative and appealing the multi-activity vehicle actually is. The MXSRC displays Mazda's design philosophy and DNA in small-car format and represents a future product that Mazda will build in Valencia, Spain, to succeed the Demio.
As with most concept vehicles, design plays a key role in determining whether the study is considered a success or a failure. We like the MXSRC. Its styling, according to Mazda, is meant to convey emotion and efficiency. The company's trademark five-point grille is prominent, while short overhangs, an airy greenhouse, and large wheels and tires convey solidity and originality, say the designers. Light Yamabuki Orange paint coats the exterior and is complemented inside by beige, chocolate and metallic tones and textures.
Because the MXSRC is a Mazda, responsive handling and performance is a must, so it rides on 215/45ZR17 tires. Seemingly contrary to the mission, however, is the 1.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. This is zoom-zoom?
Thanks to a sophisticated rear suspension design that doesn't intrude upon cargo room and a one-touch folding rear seat design, the MXSRC is spacious inside, enough so that it can carry two mountain bikes with no sweat. And there's plenty of room for five adults on board, thanks to the tall seating positions and long wheelbase.
Just the stylish kind of thing young, active Europeans want these days, eh?
Why should you care?
Hey, Americanos. You've proven time and again that you don't want small, space-efficient, multi-use vehicles like the ones common in Europe and Japan. But if the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe take off, it's possible Mazda might bring the production version of the MX Sport Runabout to the States for a piece of the action. — Christian J. Wardlaw
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