On a practical front, the rear seats fold completely flat, forming a
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| On a practical front, the rear seats fold completely flat, forming a significant cargo area. (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
significant cargo area, although this isn't too much of a shocker as the rear seatbacks resemble nothing more substantial than an ironing board. Despite appearing uncomfortable, they're filled with compressed air and are designed to "morph" to a person sitting alone in the middle for maximum "spreadage", or if two people are sitting side by side in close quarters, to separate them.
Aside from trying to bludgeon us into a state of catatonic withdrawal by using the phrase "zoom-zoom" to describe every aspect of the car's design, functionality and performance, Mazda's early press release reveals nothing else significant about this possible direction for it's B-segment entrant. Chances of North Americans
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| Mazda officials have previously hinted that at the very least Canada may be a target for the Veriso (Japanese market only), the production rendition of last year's MX-Microsport Concept. (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
seeing anything like are slim to none, as Mazda official have previously hinted that at the very least Canada may be a target for the Veriso (Japanese market only), the production rendition of last year's MX-Microsport Concept.
However, with the subcompact segment finally getting some attention in North America, look out for a lot of tried and tested performers from Europe to tackle these shores. After Toyota's Scion brand paved the way for major stakes in the subcompact market (not to mention the Echo Hatchback being a huge success in Canada and the next generation version going to the States next year), while GM has seen success with its Aveo in the U.S. and Canada, and here at home with Pontiac Wave and Suzuki Swift versions of the same car, Hyundai its Accent, and Kia its Rio and Rio5, others are sure to follow and round out the segment. Honda is promising its Fit, Nissan is hinting that we may see a B-sized version of the Sport Concept, and even Mercedes and Audi are bringing over small (though not tiny) offerings in the premium segment, so why shouldn't Mazda get in the game?
