Mazda Flair Wagon

2013 Mazda Flair Wagon

2013 Mazda Flair Wagon interior

2013 Mazda Flair Wagon interior

Back in January 2008, Suzuki launched a tall kei minivan that is said to be a competitor to the Daihatsu Tanto, the Palette. Then in December 2009, Nissan wants its own version of the Suzuki Palette called the Nissan Roox. Now, in June 2012, Mazda joins the Palette bandwagon with their debutante, the 2013 Mazda Flair Wagon.

Unlike the Palette and the Roox which has their stylish versions such as the Palette SW and the Roox Highway Star, the new Mazda Flair Wagon doesn't have that one. Too bad, no such thing as Mazda Flair Wagon Custom Style until further notice.

Anyway, you still expect the same thing you have on the Palette. You still have...the K6A engine which, in natural aspiration state, gets you through 20.8km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle while in turbo state, gets you through 18.8km/L of JC08-rated fuel economy. They are all mated with CVT and the available 4WD feature gets you through the roads during the rainy days.

There's even a limited edition "IS LIMITED" model which is similar to the Suzuki Palette's IS SELECTION limited edition model and comes with idling stop that shuts off the engine when stopped at the red light and then start again when your foot is in the pedal, getting you through 22.2km/L of JC08 fuel economy.

Available colors are; Silky Silver Metallic, Bloom Pink Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl 3, Aqua Bell Blue Pearl Metallic, and Pearl White.

My comment:
Sure it may be the same as the Palette and the Roox but sadly, unlike the Palette and the Roox, the Flair Wagon didn't have the "Custom Style" variant like the Palette SW and the Roox Highway Star. Too bad...

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

2013MY Suzuki Palette and Solio has improved fuel consumption

Suzuki Palette

Suzuki Solio

 

For the 2013 model year, the Suzuki Palette range and the Suzuki Solio got their fuel consumption data improved.

Variants of the Palette and the Palette SW that comes with FF layout and natural aspiration 660cc engine get an improved CVT, resulting a 20.8km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode scale. The Solio, on the other hand, also got an improved CVT, resulting a fuel economy of 20.6km/L on the JC08 Mode scale. Those CVT were upgraded to lower friction.

Prices for the 2013 Palette range starts at 1,207,500 Yen up to 1,499,400 Yen while the 2013 Solio costs about 1,382,850 up to 1,683,150 Yen.

Scoop: http://www.carview.co.jp/news/0/161671/

Nissan Roox

The cousin of the Suzuki Palette that was premiered at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show is known as the Nissan Roox, a newest addition of the Nissan Kei Car line-up consisting of the Mitsubishi eK Wagon-based Otti, Suzuki MR Wagon-based Moco, Mitsubishi Pajero Mini-based Kix, and the Mitsubishi Town Box-based Clipper Rio.

There are two distinctive styles to choose from the Nissan Roox; the base variant (E & G) offers a simple taste for budget-conscious customers, while the flagship Highway Star variant offers an extreme taste of style just like the Suzuki Palette SW.

On the inside, the Roox has an interior tall enough to fit in four passengers, and it is arrangeable to suit your luggage needs.On the base variant, it offers both bright and dark colors, while the Highway Star variant offers the darkest interior color you will ever see.

Under the hood, the Roox comes with either a 660cc or a 660cc turbo engine (HIghway Star only) that comes with the Suzuki-sourced CVT for improved fuel efficiency. Most Roox variants may come with an optional 4WD for all-round fun on the go.

My thoughts about the Roox:

The Roox name combines the word "room" and "max", which means this kei car has a maximum interior room to fit in because of its tall shape. As an OEM of the Suzuki Palette/Palette SW, the Roox truly stands out the crowd of kei-car fanatics. Its turbo engine makes a cool addition for the Roox.

Suzuki Palette & Palette SW

With the caliber of the kei car and known as the rival of the Daihatsu Tanto, the Suzuki Palette is truly a small wonder, combining the degrees of the family van and the compact car to give this Japanese compact some amusement and excitement average Japanese families want to acclaim.



For the outer view of the Palette, it resembles the design quality that is somewhat similar to other Suzuki cars such as the Swift and the Cervo, but the body sizing is similar to its rival, the Daihatsu Tanto. With the cuteness of a small car and the family-oriented habit of a family van combined, the Palette stands out among the rest of people carriers sold in the market thanks to its pricing.



The spacing plays a big role for the Palette and it is great for accommodating owners everywhere. With this key role, the seating arrangement cannot be difficult and it’s perfect as a luggage carrier or something for a siesta among people.



The Palette's performance is handy capable for the driver who has a lot of options regarding this mini-kei-van; it was powered by the 660cc DOHC VVT engine capable of releasing 54PS at the fuel economy of 18.8-21.5km/L. Available transmissions are 4-speed automatic transmission and the world's first fully upgraded Continuously Variable Transmission. The Palette also comes with the optional four-wheel drive for all round amusement.

Palette SW



New to the Palette line-up is the exceptionally combative Palette SW variant. Like how it looks to be, the Palette SW is the main opponent of Daihatsu's Tanto Custom variant. Not only that, the new Palette SW is also used as Nissan's newest small van called the Roox. What to determine on the SW is the same Palette body size and this time, the front view for the SW is similar to the Stingray variant of the best-selling Wagon R. With the regular Palette having beige interior, the Palette SW is rigged with a dark interior to add coolness to this super-cool mini-kei-van. And available only for the SW variant is the turbo engine that delivers 64PS at the fuel economy of 19-20km/L. Best of all, both the Palette and the SW also comes with the optional CD Player with the back-view monitor for added parking safety and it comes with SRS air bags, ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution, and TECT (Total Effective Control Technology).

HOW WAS IT? IS IT GOOD?

The regular Palette variant is cute enough for families to take advantage of it, while the Palette SW is an extreme between young drivers and those who are looking for thrills on the road. No matter which Palette will you drive, this small van provides the respect made from Suzuki.