Mazda Scrum Embraces Simple Boxy Manual Design and That Works Fine
Mazda Scrum embraces simple boxy manual design with 50 horsepower and 658cc three-cylinder engine that feels intentional, existing as kei truck for Japan-only markets repeating practicality over speed. Owning one means getting five-speed manual or four-speed automatic that softens modern complexity, ladder-frame chassis carrying 350 kilograms through narrow alleys where bigger pickups struggle. It sits there tough like rugby scrum namesake, fuel economy 16 to 19 km/L repeating work purpose, uncertainty about if slowness matters when the job gets done anyway. The 2026 refresh adds Dual Sensor Brake Support II and parking sensors, contradicting simplicity slightly, value starting around $8,000 with manual rear-wheel drive.
Suzuki Carry
Suzuki Carry feels identical twin basically, owned same delivery routes and farms. Repeats boxy cabover design, manual transmission softening modern. Uncertainty which brand better. Mild contradiction rebadged same.
Nissan NV100 Clipper
Nissan NV100 Clipper sits related cousin, owned commercial fleets mostly. Repeats kei truck formula, manual available softening options. Not sure Nissan different. Trails unsure.
Honda Acty
Honda Acty exists compact hauler alternative, owned small business types. Repeats similar engine displacement, simple design softening tech. Uncertainty performance matches. Weaker.
Daihatsu Hijet
Daihatsu Hijet hangs reliable kei option, owned rural areas. Manual repeats control feel, boxy form practical. Softens modern dash. Not resolved versus Scrum.
Mitsubishi Minicab
Mitsubishi Minicab feels fleet favorite, owned commercial. Repeats same 658cc engine almost, simplicity softening ownership. Uncertainty brand loyalty. Mild.
Subaru Sambar
Subaru Sambar sits all-wheel standard always, owned snow regions maybe. Repeats boxer engine, manual available. Softens boxy somehow. Contradiction premium brand kei.
Toyota Pixis Van
Toyota Pixis Van exists Toyota reliability badge, owned trust seekers. Repeats kei formula, simplicity softening. Uncertainty versus Scrum matters. Weak.
Ford Transit Connect
Ford Transit Connect hangs US market workhorse, owned contractors here. Repeats utility over speed, manual option gone mostly. Softens simplicity. Contradiction size bigger.
Chevrolet N300
Chevrolet N300 feels budget new offering, owned value conscious. Repeats basic design, simplicity repeating. Softens modern. Uncertainty manual.
Ram ProMaster City
Ram ProMaster City sits compact utility, owned delivery maybe. Repeats cargo focus, simplicity softening. Not sure manual available. Trails.
