Mazda’s Mini Vans Now Offer Adaptive Cruise And Heated Steering Wheels

Mazda has refreshed the tiny Scrum Van and Scrum Wagon in Japan, though “Mazda” might be doing some heavy lifting here. The Scrum Van is essentially a rebadged Suzuki Every, while the Wagon borrows heavily from the Nissan Clipper Van. Still, the updates are welcome, especially since kei vans like these quietly keep huge parts of Japan moving.

Most of the visual changes happen at the front. The basic Scrum Van gets a cleaner grille and revised bumper, while higher-spec Buster trims add a chrome accent for a slightly less commercial look.

The Scrum Wagon pushes further with darkened headlights, a sportier body kit, and alloy wheels replacing the steelies. It still looks like a tiny box on wheels, just one trying a little harder.

Inside, practicality remains the priority. The cabin now uses a darker black theme and gains a digital instrument cluster and an available heated steering wheel. Oddly, there is still no infotainment screen, just a large plastic panel where one would normally live. Very kei car energy, honestly.

At just 133.7 inches long, the Scrum twins remain impressively space-efficient. Fold the rear seats, and the Wagon opens up more than 1,100 liters of cargo room. Higher trims add electric sliding doors, retractable side steps, and improved glass insulation to help keep the cabin cooler during summer.

The biggest upgrades happen underneath the skin. Mazda added Suzuki’s latest safety suite across the lineup, bringing improved collision avoidance, parking sensors, lane departure prevention, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control to the Wagon.

Power still comes from familiar 660 cc three-cylinder engines producing either 48 hp or 63 hp in turbocharged form, paired with manual or CVT gearboxes and optional 4WD. Prices start at ¥1,354,100 ($8,500), which is about the closest thing left to a genuinely affordable new car these days.