First look: Mazda's new rear-drive Kabura coupe

MAZDA will unveil a compact rear-drive coupe concept dubbed the Kabura at the Detroit auto show next month.

To be shown alongside the production version of the CX-7 off-roader set for a 2007 Australian release, the Californian-designed Kabura gets its name from the Japanese term "Kabura-ya" – translated as the "first arrow into battle".

Kabura follows Mazda's Sassou (designed at Mazda’s European Design Center) and Senku (designed at Mazda’s Yokohama R&D Center) concepts.

The resurgent Japanese company says the compact Kabura sports coupe features a rear-drive layout and dynamic styling to attract "first new car buyers who love to drive".

Meantime, CX-7 is powered by a version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-litre four-cylinder direct-injection engine (dubbed MZR 2.3L DISI TURBO) that powers the Mazda6 MPS and will produce 180kW at 5000rpm in North American tune.