Tokyo show: Mazda teases two concepts

MAZDA will reveal two concept vehicles at the Tokyo motor show later this month, previewing a next-generation hatchback – thought to be the all-new Mazda3 due in 2019 – and a lift-back sedan design study that hints at the company’s future design direction.

The Japanese manufacturer confirmed concept will be equipped with Mazda’s ground-breaking SkyActiv-X compression-ignition petrol engine, which will also feature in its own technology exhibit at the Tokyo show that opens on to the media on October 25.

Teased in two shaded images – one of the car’s hindquarters and another of it in profile – the hatchback concept for a future production model has design similarities with the current Mazda3 that is Mazda’s top-seller in Australia.

The next-generation Mazda3 is set to feature Mazda’s SkyActiv vehicle architecture and interior technologies that the Japanese car-maker says apply a “human-centred design philosophy for optimal functionality”.

Only a single shaded rear-three-quarter image has been shown of the other Mazda concept to appear at the show. The image reveals a four-door liftback-style coupe with a low-slung, sleek stance, long bonnet, cameras in place of door mirrors and large alloy wheels.

The concept has a resemblance to the rotary-powered RX-Vision coupe revealed at the 2015 Tokyo show, and could be seen as a four-door sibling to the show-stopper from two years ago.

No other details have been provided of the design vision concept, other than it embodies the next generation of Mazda’s Kodo design language first seen on the CX-5 SUV in 2012.

The upcoming CX-8 seven-seat crossover, which will serve as the flagship vehicle for the Japanese market, will also be shown at Tokyo.

Powered exclusively by Mazda’s 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, the three-row SUV goes on sale in Japan in December.

Speaking to GoAuto last month, Mazda Australia public relations senior manager Sonia Singh said the CX-8 was still under evaluation for Australia.

“This car is now available for the Australian market, we will be reviewing whether or not we will be taking this up over the coming months,” she said.

Mazda will also be showing a more colourful edition of its MX-5 roadster, called the Red Top, featuring a dark cherry red canopy and auburn Nappa leather upholstery.

The Tokyo motor show opens to the public on October 27 and runs until November 5.