Bigger Isn't Always Better
What is it about Mazda and multi-purpose concept vehicles? Most automakers use the opportunity to design and build a new
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| Forget high powered sports cars, when it comes to concept vehicles Mazda likes to tease customers with futuristic minivan cum crossovers. (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
In 1999 it was the Nextourer, then the innovative Washu in 2003, and now the MX-Flexa. As configured for the auto show circuit, the Flexa debuted in New York at its annual auto show in April featuring a flexible 6-occupant interior. Mazda says that the Flexa "demonstrates a possible direction Mazda can take for future wagon designs."
OK? So what's an MPV? Wasn't Mazda's minivan once a future direction for the brand's station wagon? To be totally clear, minivans have grown larger over the last decade or so when compared to the mid-'80s designs that
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| The MX-Flexa poses an interesting formula for a smaller, more fuel efficient minivan. (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
Of course, Mazda doesn't refer to the MX-Flexa as a minivan at all, but a "Space Wagon." Call it what you want, but it's a minivan to me. And, of course, there's nothing wrong with that. Compared to Mazda's current MPV, however, the MX-Flexa is somewhat smaller. Its overall length reaches only 4,470 mm (176.0 inches), quite a bit shorter than the 4,809 mm (189.3 inch) MPV. The newcomer is also narrower, at 1,745 mm (68.7 inches) compared to the MPV's 1,832 mm (72.1 inch) width, and shorter at 1,651 mm (65.0 inches) compared to 1,745 mm (68.7 inches). What about the Flexa's wheelbase? Again at 2,743 mm (108.0 inches) it's more compact, with the MPV spanning 2,840 mm (111.8 inches).