Mazda releases revised Special Needs vehicle in Japan
March 12, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Mazda has today announced the launch of its redesigned Mazda AZ-Wagon i, a special needs vehicle equipped with a sloping access ramp for wheelchairs.
The new model is based on the fully redesigned AZ-Wagon micro-mini that was launched in Japan in September 2008.
The new AZ-Wagon i has a wide opening at the rear and a spacious cabin with a high roof.
Other enhancements designed for wheelchair users include a new three-point seatbelt and a handrail on both sides of the rear cabin, as standard equipment.
Additionally, user-friendliness is also improved for caregivers by a sloping entry/exit ramp that is gentler than the previous model.
Source: Mazda
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Sorry to be picky but….why the hell do we need to know this? 99% chance we wont get it in Australia and most of us have never heard of this thing.
Slow news day it is.
Perhaps Tim some people who have a family member with a special need might find the information useful and import such a vehicle. It would certainly be cheaper than many conversion options currently on offer.
I’ll guarantee that it would be much cheaper to buy and run than the converted Renault
Kangoo my daughter gets ferried around in.Tim needs to be thankful that it’s of no interest to him.
Tim: With Australia’s low volume import laws, this vehicle would be really cheap to get a hold of for those that transport wheelchair bound folk around in.
Simon, I didnt say anything bad – so dont get offended. My point still stands, we dont get it in Australia – whats the point of posting news about it.
Tim,
just scroll down the latest articles list on a daily basis and you will find most of what is on here doesnt apply to the aussie market.
Did you say the same when the GTR specs for OS got listed????
I actually think its great that Mazda cater for such a small market.
Surely it must nearly cost them more than its worth to them
Amen to that andrew, 100% percent correct.
chances are this is a modified suzuki wagon-r as suzuki is know to produce for mazda cars under a certain size class.
Hisakazu Imaki, Alastair Doak, Philip G. Spender, Takashi Yamanouchi, David E. Friedman, Ms. Mayumi Handa, Daniel T. Morris, Kiyoshi Ozaki, Mr K. Yoshitake, Seita Kanai, Masaharu Yamaki, Masazumi Wakayama, Yuji Harada, Nobuhiro Hayama, James J. O’Sullivan, Akira Marumoto, Keishi Egawa, Toru Oka, Malcolm D. Gough, James M. Muir, Nobuhide Inamoto, Yasuto Tatsuta, Kumar Galhotra, Satoshi Tachikake, Hirotaka Kanazawa, Masamichi Kogai, Koji Kurosawa, Shiro Mikami, Ms. Mayumi Handa, Kozo Kawakami, Noriaki Yamada, Toshinori Kusuhashi, Yuji Nakamine, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Tatsuji Ikeda, Minoru Mitsuda, Masafumi Nakano, Kazuki Imai, John Newell, Tetsuya Fujimoto, Mr K. Yoshitake, Kawada, Takuji, Yoshinobu Kido, Masamitsu Koike, Toshiyuki Kikuchi, Akihiko Nakajima, Naomitsu Morishima, Seo, Nobuhide, Glenn Butler, Lydia Richards.
I am still awaiting a satisfactory answer from an authorized representative ?
Dear Sir / Madam.
Reference: John Newell Mazda Dealership, NSW, Australia.
Please note ATTACHMENT: Authorized Mazda Service Tax Invoice.
SITUATION ONE (1):
Engine mount was rubbing on body metal frame causing shuddering of vehicle at idle.
When serviced, it became apparent one only insulator engine mount required replacement.
As this situation occurred before 50,000 kilometers, the expense should have been accepted by the Mazda Dealership but was not.
SITUATION TWO (2):
Situation one (1) above was presumably under the six (6) year warranty plan i.e. if continuously serviced by an authorized Mazda dealership I was originally informed, warranty extends from three (3) years to six (6) years.
Again the Mazda Dealership did not accept responsibility as it was explained in the contract the extra three (3) year warranty is only with the Mazda Dealership where the vehicle was purchased from.
Said vehicle was purchased and serviced at different authorized Mazda dealerships.
SUMMARY:
Obviously it seems there are different standards for various authorized Mazda Dealerships as they do not have the same warranty plans. I find this rather prejudiced and customer inhibiting, Mazda I thought was one (1) company.
As I mentioned above the insulated engine mount is obviously a part and/or install defect, thus should be the responsibility of Mazda not the loyal customer.
CONCLUSION:
I am not after reimbursement as I am considerate of procedures already instigated but I think a fair answer would be the next service is free of charge.