They're Back: The Sport Wagon Reemerges

(NAPSI)-Remember family vacations with parents, kids, camping gear, and pets piled into the old station wagon? You remember that old wagon, right? Like the one Chevy Chase drove cross-country in National Lampoon's "Vacation," with the fake wood on the sides and the gas-guzzling engine? Well, wagons are back, and judging by what we're seeing at auto shows, in new-car showrooms, and on the road, they bear no resemblance to the "Family Truckster" that the Griswolds drove. According to one car company, Mazda, a new generation of sport wagons is the industry's hottest emerging segment. And in Mazda's case, they're helping put the "Zoom-Zoom" back in road trips.

Replacing the thirsty wagon, with its sloppy handling and ungainly styling, are sleek sport wagons with powerful yet fuel-efficient engines, razor-sharp steering, four-wheel disc brakes and unheard-of practicality and versatility. The old standby family hauler has been transformed into a fun-to-drive, cool-to-be-seen-in, multipurpose vehicle, perfectly suited for an active lifestyle.

"At Mazda, we've noticed an increased demand for utility and performance among young singles and families alike," said Robert Davis, Sr. VP, Marketing and Product Development at Mazda. "We believe we've tapped into that demand with the Mazda6 Sport Wagon, giving customers everything they need and most everything they could want."

With contemporary lines and spacious cargo areas built for hauling everything from mountain bikes and surfboards to child seats and vacation gear, the new sport wagons are a good fit for everyone.

Some of the reasons include:

• Restyled, sporty exteriors that rival the most contemporary sports sedans appeal to a much larger and younger group of drivers.

• Stylish interiors easily convert to handle a multitude of people and cargo-hauling duties.

• Easier egress and ingress coupled with increased fuel efficiency and strong performance make driving a sport wagon an attractive alternative to an SUV.

• The newest sport wagons offer an exceptional driving experience to those who require more flexibility than a sedan can provide.

Driving enthusiasts can find out more about the new breed of sport wagons at www.mazdausa.com.