2009 Mazda AZ-Wagon i Special Needs Vehicle

Mazda has just announced the introduction of the AZ-Wagon i, a model based on the standard facelifted AZ-Wagon but incorporating multiple features aimed at people with special needs. In essence, the AZ-Wagon i comes with a special sloping access ramp for wheelchairs plus a wider opening at the back for the same purpose. More importantly, the guys over at Carscoop wrote that the new model features a new three-point seatbelt for wheelchairs and a handrail on both sides of the cabin as standard.

Just to refresh your memory, the 2009 Mazda AZ-Wagon was officially rolled out in Japan last September and came in two flavors, the standard model plus a sportier variant featuring both exterior and engineering upgrades.

Only available to Japanese buyers, the new AZ-Wagon offered a choice of two engine types, naturally-aspirated and turbocharged 660cc units, and three transmission configurations, as it follows: a 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual and a CTV transmission, also offering a 7-speed manual mode. The vehicle was available in either AWD or FWD.

Mazda did not unveil pricing details for the new i model but, taking into account that it brings some new features over the standard AZ-Wagon, a slightly higher price would pretty much make sense. To give you a glimpse into the i's price tags, the standard model was priced between $8,700 and $14,000 in Japan, while the sportier model could be purchased for about $12,000.

Just like the base model, AZ-Wagon i will be only available to Japanese consumers, with no plans to bring it into overseas markets for the time being.