Rebadging may be a bit of a sensitive issue in Malaysia, but there’s no denying that it’s a common practice among other carmakers. Latest to take up such a route is this, the 2014 Mazda Flair, which is identical to the Suzuki Hustler (shown in Tokyo 2013 as a concept), save for the badges.
The new Flair is a mini crossover that replaces the old Mazda Spiano Kei car, itself based on the Suzuki Lapin. It’s not uncommon for the two brands to work with each other. There’s the Mazda Flairwagon tallboy, which is a rebadged Suzuki Palette. Hop over to Indonesia and the Avanza-sized Suzuki Ertiga is also sold as the Mazda VX-1.
Back to the mini SUV-like 2014 Flair, it gets a choice of either a naturally-aspirated or turbocharged 660 cc engine, paired to a CVT transmission. You can also choose between front- or all-wheel drive layouts, with the most efficient variant of all promising up to 29.2 km per litre.
It is unlikely to be taken off-road, but Mazda adds that the Flair has a ground clearance of 180 mm and a 28° approach angle. The AWD version has a hill descent control system too. Pretty decent, don’t you think?
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A bachelor’s car. Looks fun though.
People will say why Mazda rebadge no people complain but Proton rebadge people complain.
Mazda rebadge latest model from Suzuki.
Proton rebadge previous generaion model from Honda.
One is selling competitor’s latest car but use own badge.
One is selling competitor’s leftover parts and put together sell as new model.
Inspira?
Inspira still ok, but just few years late. Should see how Skoda rebadge VW.
Perodua?
Perodua are like Skoda, a brand which rebadge it’s owner car to capture the local market.
At least the Inspira is way cheaper than the Lancer and the handling is slightly better than the original car. But still people complain a lot. Know why? Typical Malaysian that’s why.
ooo…nowonder Potong must keep rebadge!!
I understand nao, keep on rebadging yo Potong~
high chance not coming to malaysia
Bring it to Malaysia!!!nice..
I don’t mind owning 1 of this baby, good mileage and practical. Tapi exterior macam badak.
Very cute, and look at the rear legroom! Not too bad.
it seems that the rear seats can be adjusted to and fro.(sliding).
i’m ok if proton rebadged this n priced it cheaper than the boring myvi..
It’s maZda. It’s supposed to be zoom zoom. Where’s the zoom?
The front end’s styling doesn’t get my vote.
It looks like a kid screaming to his mother, “Look ma! I’ve got googly eyes!”.
new mr.bean should use this one..
Honey I shrunk the FJ Cruiser?
Two things:
1. This is not Flair. Flair is Wagon R. This is Flair Crossover.
2. Flair Wagon is Suzuki Spacia. Palette is gone.
Thanks for the article!
Bring it here. This car is useful for business & hobbyists.
When you rebadge the latest model and launch at the same time, we call it collaboration development of the model just like the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. There is nothing wrong with it. In malaysia , the PM is so free to launch a rebadged car that is used by my neighbor for 4 year.
Cla I heard launching In February-March. I called to find out from my regular sa. Got quoted cla200 278k and cla 45 amg 398k. Am very disappointed that mbm aren’t planning to bring in cla 250 yet. So far nonews on that.
CUTE
dashboard ala2 passo hana ler.. =)
I wonder why cars like this n kia soul are not sold here? even the nissan cube must be parallel import