Mazda’s cheapest crossover is just $9,950 — but it’s shorter than a Miata

Mazda has refreshed its Flair Crossover for the Japanese market with subtle styling updates and a raft of new safety tech, keeping it in lockstep with its Suzuki Hustler twin.

The kei-based crossover remains Japan-exclusive, where it outsells the Mazda-badged version of the Suzuki Hustler by a wide margin.

At 3,395 mm (133.7 in) long, the Flair Crossover is nearly two feet shorter than the Mazda MX-5 Miata (3,915 mm / 154.1 in), measuring 1,475 mm (58.1 in) wide, 1,680 mm (66.1 in) tall, and riding a 2,460 mm (96.9 in) wheelbase—all dictated by Japan’s kei car regulations.

The front-end redesign is the most obvious change: the XG, XS, and XT trims now feature a much larger grille and Mazda emblem between the unchanged round headlights, plus a new bumper intake that stretches to the fog light garnish and plastic fender extensions.

The rugged ZS and ZT variants keep the slimmer grille and unpainted plastic bumpers with aluminum-style inserts from the outgoing model, mirroring the Suzuki Hustler Tough Wild, but they receive a smaller Mazda emblem to clear new ADAS sensors.

New paint options include Woodland Khaki Metallic and two-tone schemes that pair Woodland Khaki or Soft Beige with a brown roof on the XG, XS, and XT trims, or a black roof on the ZS and ZT grades. Inside, Mazda focused on mandated safety upgrades rather than a full cabin overhaul.

Standard kit now includes Suzuki’s Dual Sensor Brake Support II—combining a monocular camera with millimeter-wave radar for improved pedestrian and motorcycle detection in busy intersections—plus low-speed forward braking support, front parking sensors, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop-hold for stop-and-go traffic, standard folding mirrors with LED indicators, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and USB-C ports. All trims except the entry-level XG get a 9-inch infotainment display with navigation.

Power still comes from carry-over 660cc three-cylinder mild-hybrid mills: a 48 HP (36 kW / 49 PS) naturally aspirated unit and a turbocharged version rated at 63 HP (47 kW / 64 PS), both mated exclusively to a CVT sending power to the front or all four wheels.

The Flair Crossover is now on sale in Japan, with prices starting at ¥1,610,400 (around $9,950) for the 2WD XG and topping out at ¥2,275,900 ($14,050) for the turbocharged 4WD ZT, making it Mazda’s cheapest crossover or SUV and one of the most affordable new cars in the country.

It sits slightly above its Suzuki Hustler sibling, which ranges from ¥1,599,400 to ¥2,097,700 ($9,850 to $12,950).