Frugal new DISI engine for lightweight Kazamai

MAZDA last month revealed what its next-generation compact SUV might look via the sleek Kazamai crossover concept, and now it has confirmed it is likely to be powered by a new-generation 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine that consumes 30 per cent less fuel than the current MZR petrol four it will replace.

Equipped with a new Direct-Injection Spark Injection (DISI) engine based onthe CX-7’s current turbo four, the Kazamai is claimed to realise the same fuel economy improvement Mazda has promised for its entire new vehicle fleet by 2015, under its new “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom“ strategy.

Today’s global debut of the Kazamai concept, which Mazda denies is closely related to major shareholder Ford’s upcoming Kuga comapct SUV and is likely to succeed the discontinued Tribute as the CX-5, at the Moscow motor show was also accompanied by detailed dimensions.

The “sustainable crossover concept“ is latest installment of Mazda’s recent Nagare ’flow’ design language and measures 4520mm long, 1930mm wide and 1500mm high, making it slightly larger than the current Mazda3, with which it should share its foundations. It rides on a 2780mm wheelbase.

Mazda said the all-wheel drive Kazamai, which means “swirling crosswinds“ in Japanese, “gives a glimpse at where Mazda is heading with a possible future compact crossover“.

It is said to achieve its sizeable fuel consumption reduction not only via the new DISI engine’s reduced energy losses, “vastly improved“ thermal efficiency and next-generation catalyst (not to mention a new six-speed automatic transmission that “delivers the direct feel of a manual transmission“), but also via significant weight reduction and aerodynamic programs.

An aluminium chassis, bonnet and engine block, plus plastic body panels, are claimed to make the Kazamai 100kg lighter than its key rivals, but whether they make it production is the pivotal question. Mazda says the new lightweight body structure program it is currently developing will also yield high levels of crash safety.

The booming Japanese brand says the Kazamai’s aerodynamic performance is also at least 10 per cent better than that of other compact SUVs, aided by a low roofline, flat floor panel and rear diffuser.

Wacky 22-inch wheels aside, the Kazamai’s super-short rear overhang could easily translate into a small crossover that Mazda already says “accommodates up to four passengers with compact SUV comfort and functionality“.

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First look: Mazda Kazamai previews next-gen SUV