There's a definite market for this vehicle - especially at the moment with so many people (myself included) trading their SUVs for performance-oriented, but practical cars that get decent gas mileage.
I'd have bought an MS6 wagon in a heartbeat, if for no other reason than the AWD. Personally, I'd rather have a naturally-aspirated V6, but the AWD would have sealed the deal for me.
This is the last year for the wagon, since more of the US segment is into the SUV crossovers, CX-7 and the CX-9. It is sad that this vehicle will not be sold here, as it would be in my driveway right this minute, Europe gets all of the goodies.
This is the last year for the wagon, since more of the US segment is into the SUV crossovers, CX-7 and the CX-9. It is sad that this vehicle will not be sold here, as it would be in my driveway right this minute, Europe gets all of the goodies.
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That's a real shame. I probably would have wound up settling for a Legacy Wagon had Mazda not sold the wagon in '06 (although knowing now what I didn't know then, I probably would have opted for the hatch). Yes, the crossovers have attracted a lot of people looking for more fuel-efficient SUVs, but a lot of people realize that the lower center of gravity and better aerodynamics of a wagon make for a more satisfying and fuel efficient vehicle - with all the cargo-carrying ability of a small SUV.
I have a feeling that once gas prices go back to $3-4/gallon (probably next summer), the wagons will be in demand once again. The availability of a wagon is a huge competitive advantage for Mazda compared to its primary competition (the Accord/Camry).
This is just about the perfect alternative to the growing number of crossovers, including the CX-7. This ia also the reason why it won't ever be sold in the US, because of the CX-7.
Making an automatic an option would be great for those of us who prefer not to have a broken leg from dealing with traffic. I would settle for the auto option and not even the wagon body style.