Sharing the stage with the Mazda Vision Coupe is the Mazda Kai Concept, a compact hatchback design that heralds the next-generation of Mazda cars. Unlike the Vision Coupe, the Kai Concept is a more, accurate (if you will) representation of the production model.
Wearing the latest KODO: Soul of Motion design language, the Kai Concept features muscular and solid proportions all round. The body lines were deliberately placed to create a delicate flow of reflections over the body sides, making the Soul Red Crystal Metallic paintjob pop even more.
With the Kai Concept, Mazda aims to further refine every aspect of the car especially in areas of dynamic performance, NVH levels, comfort and driving feel. Underpinning the Kai Concept is Mazda’s SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture and the next-generation SkyActiv-X with HCCI (homogeneous charge compression ignition) technology. The new engine promises 10 to 30 percent increase in torque and 20 to 30 percent better engine efficiency compared to the current SkyActiv-G engines and is said to equal the latest SkyActiv-D Diesel engines in terms of fuel efficiency.
The cabin is unmistakeably Mazda – driver centric design, three-spoke steering wheel and instrument cluster layout. One standout feature on the Kai Concept is the infotainment display built into the dashboard that extends to the passenger side. Although it remains unclear whether this design hints at Mazda’s next-gen MZD Connect system or will remain a design study.
We know that the SkyActiv-X will make its market debut sometime in 2019, which is around the same time an all-new Mazda3 is due. Could this Kai Concept be the next-generation Mazda3? We’ll find out soon enough.
IMAGE GALLERY
