Mazda has updated its Scrum Van and Scrum Wagon in Japan, making them the brand's most affordable new cars. The base Scrum Van starts at 1,354,100 yen (about $8,500 or 611,000 rubles at current exchange rates), and it offers a rare combination today: rear-wheel drive and a five-speed manual.
The low price is no secret. The Scrum Van is a rebadged Suzuki Every, while the Scrum Wagon is related to the Nissan Clipper Van. In Japan's kei-car class, such badge engineering has long been standard: manufacturers share platforms to keep costs down and meet new safety requirements more quickly.
The main exterior changes are up front. The Scrum Van gets a cleaner grille and a new intake in the bumper, while higher-end Buster versions add a chrome trim piece. The Scrum Wagon looks noticeably richer, with a honeycomb grille, darkened headlights, a different bumper, sporty body kit elements, and alloy wheels instead of simple steelies with hubcaps.
Inside, there's darker trim, a new three-spoke steering wheel available with heating, and a digital instrument cluster. But there's no infotainment screen; a large plastic blank remains on the center console. For a cheap work van, it's an honest compromise, but it looks surprising against modern cars where screens are nearly ubiquitous.
At just 3,395 mm long, the Scrum tries to maximize every centimeter. With the rear seats folded, the Wagon offers 1,123 liters of cargo space. Higher trims include power sliding doors with retractable steps, and the glass provides better heat insulation for the cabin.
The most significant update is safety. Standard equipment now includes Dual Sensor Brake Support II with improved intersection collision avoidance. Also added are low-speed braking, parking sensors, lane keeping, traffic sign recognition, and a start reminder at traffic lights. The Scrum Wagon additionally gets adaptive cruise control.
The engines remain Suzuki-sourced. The naturally aspirated 660cc three-cylinder produces 48 hp and pairs with a manual or a new CVT. The turbo version develops 63 hp but is only available with the CVT. Drive is rear-wheel or part-time all-wheel.
The flagship Scrum Van Buster Turbo 4WD costs 1,940,400 yen (about $12,200 and 876,000 rubles). The Scrum Wagon is pricier: from 2,048,200 to 2,275,900 yen (approximately $12,900–$14,300 and 925,000–1.03 million rubles). Mazda's Scrum doesn't try to be premium, and that's its strength: a small work car where price, space, and simple mechanicals matter more than a big screen.