Photo: Mazda
While kei cars are extremely popular in Japan, Westerners have been struggling to understand their appeal for years. Apparently, they are so successful in Japan (and India) that Mazda has rebadged a Suzuki Palette and relaunched it under the name ‘Flairwagon’.
Yes, Flairwagon. Sadly, its extremely boxy shape and unimaginative overall design leave us wondering if this is not another ironically-named car, like Suzuki’s old Swift of the 1990s. Anyway, the Flairwagon is powered by a tiny 660cc engine which can be fitted with an optional turbocharger which raises the power output from 54 to 64 hp. From the options list, worth mentioning are the four-wheel drive system, keyless go, pushbutton start, Hill Hold Assist and electrically powered sliding left door.
So, if you live in Japan and don’t mind the slab-sided look of the Flairlesswagon, buy one as it is actually quite practical and with its standard CVT gearbox and small size, it’s a very easy to drive and park.
So, if you live in Japan and don’t mind the slab-sided look of the Flair
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