Mazda has issued us a glimpse of its future at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show with the introduction of the KAI – a new hatchback concept making use of the firm’s next-generation vehicle architecture and latest SkyActiv-X compression ignition petrol engine technology. It gives us an early look at the next-generation 3, which is expected to make its debut in 2019.
The big news is the unveiling of Mazda’s latest design language – a fresh iteration of the Kodo principles that have guided the company’s designers since 2010.
The overall shape of the concept presents the body and cabin as a single solid lump, resulting in a smoother, sleeker look. Amplifying the car’s imposing stance are wide and flat wheelarches, which house 20-inch alloys. A host of other sporty touches are included, such as the small spoiler on the hatchback lid, the front splitter, flared side skirts and the large rear diffuser which is home to two exhaust pipes.
Even so, the face remains recognisable, making use of Mazda’s large trademark grille, which is flanked by long, thin headlights with round signatures sat as far back as possible. It shows that while Mazda is looking to make its next-generation models appear smoother with simpler, decluttered surfaces, the new design language offers an evolutionary approach rather than a completely new direction.
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Against the tape measure, the KAI is ever so slightly shorter than the current Mazda 3. It’s significantly shorter in height, too, at 1,375mm. The wide appearance is backed up by the on-paper figures, though – it’s 60mm wider (at 1,855mm), while the rear wheels are pushed right up to the bumper thanks to a wheelbase that has been stretched by 50mm.
Inside, the smooth exterior design is reflected by a clean-looking layout, with a horizontal dashboard spanning door to door. A widescreen infotainment system stretches from the passenger door to the steering wheel, but the car foregoes a fully digital instrument display in favour of three evenly spaced dials.
Finally, a thick transmission tunnel separates the driver from the front seat passenger, while bright red trim accents match the exterior paint colour.
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