New Mazda mid-size in Japan

29 June 2004: Mazda has launched in Japan a new mid-range car, the Verisa, which was previewed in concept form at recent motor shows. The company describes it as a 'station wagon' rather than a hatchback.

With looks that are in many ways similar to the BMW Mini, Mazda expects to sell 2,500 units a month inb the domestic market.

The '30-something' target buyers will be wooed by options such as a music hard disk drive system that can store approximately 3,000 music files.

The car is powered with the latest 110bhp Mazda MZR 1.5-litre engine. An unusual option is the e-4WD model is equipped with a motor to drive rear wheels. This model returns better fuel economy in the four-wheel-drive mode than a comparable model with a mechanical 4WD system.

©2004 irishcar.com