Mazda AZ-Wagon Facelift Breaks Cover

Japanese manufacturer Mazda released today information and a few photos presenting the facelifted AZ-Wagon for the Japanese market, a model which is already available on Mazda's home market. The model will be offered in two grades, XS/XG and Custom Style XS/XT.

The XS/XG brings a Mazda face onto the model, who up until now was using a Suzuki sourced front grille. The XG is available with a new exterior body color, Aqua Veil Blue Pearl Metallic. The improvements brought to the Custom Style XS/XT are more performance-oriented, meaning the model received a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an auxiliary gearbox to improve fuel efficiency.

The improvements brought to the car's mechanics means the AZ-Wagon is capable of meeting the Japanese requirements for a 75 percent tax reduction (until now, they only qualified for a 50 percent reduction). The FWD Custom Style XT with turbocharger is now eligible for a 50 percent tax reduction.

The AZ-Wagon eats an average of 4.2l/100 km (56 mpg) for the front wheel drive models - an average of 4.4l/100 km (53 mpg) for the all wheels drive versions. For the CVT and 4AT models, Mazda fitted an eco drive indicator which, after analyzing real-time fuel usage and force on the accelerator pedal, tells the driver when the car is running efficiently.

Also for the Custom Style XT, Mazda decided to offer 15-inch aluminum wheels and audio-less specification. The XG and XS special models come in navy blue on the interior, while the Custom Style series features higher quality fabrics.

Prices for the new interpretation of the AZ-Wagon have not been yet announced.