2004 Mazda MX-Micro Sport Concept

And, just before the covering was taken off the car, Odell had remarked: "the concept offers local auto show visitors a chance to appreciate the possibilities of a small Mazda in the North American market."

Gotcha! Well, maybe, maybe not.

At 3,980 mm (156.7 inches) in length, the MX-Micro Sport concept is 505 mm (19.9 inches) shorter than the new Mazda 3 5-Door, but it is also nearly as wide and 85 mm (3.3 inches) taller. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

MX Shares Zoom-Zoom with Mazda 2

The MX-Micro Sport shares much of the same architecture as the foreign market Mazda 2, but is longer and wider with 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels while using a totally different exterior style, Odell said.

At 3,980 mm (156.7 inches) in length, the MX-Micro Sport concept is compact in size, and is 505 mm (19.9 inches) shorter than the new Mazda 3 5-Door. At the same time, it is nearly as wide as the Mazda 3 and 85 mm (3.3 inches) taller, so the cabin feels open, spacious, and offers room enough for four adults.

The Mazda 2 was first

The MX-Micro Sport is no doubt headed to the Japanese and European markets first. (Photo: Mazda Canada)

produced in February 2003 and is, basically, a revamped Ford Fusion, a European car, having replaced Mazda's odd-looking Demio that was sold across the "pond." Also, the 2 is built in Japan and at the Ford Valencia Assembly Plant, Spain, alongside the Ford's Fiesta and Fusion, and those vehicles are exported to 65 countries.

So, the MX-Micro Sport may not be coming to North America first--speedometers and other trim components are easy to change. The trade newspaper, Automotive News, opined that the crossover would probably be made for Japan and maybe Europe this year.