Mazda showed off its MX Micro Sport concept vehicle at the Detroit auto show. Its squared-off looks and upright windshield share the current style with other boxy Japanese designs like the Scion xB.
Mazda has hinted that the MX will be headed for production, and indeed that appears to be true as evidenced by the prototype recently caught undergoing severe cold-weather testing.
Disguises front and rear obscure both ends, but the overall body shape, the door handles, and the shape of the doors and side windows closely match that of the MX Micro Sport concept vehicle. It also appears that the giant-sized fender flares of the concept vehicle are toned down substantially on the prototype.
Mazda is expected to introduce the new car to the U.S. market in mid-2005 as a 2006 model. It should compete well against the Scion xB, since the Mazda will have a more powerful 2.0-liter engine, as compared to the Scion's 1.5-liter engine.
© Hans G. Lehmann/ Hidden Image
http://www.thecarconnection.com/inde...8&article=6920