TOKYO, Japan, October 22, 2003 -- The Mazda Ibuki concept, Roadster Turbo and
RX-8 Hydrogen RE aren't the only show-stoppers in Tokyo this year. Rounding out
the Mazda display are two concept vehicles, a production vehicle and two
state-of-the art engines _ all of which signal an aggressive new direction for Mazda.
Mazda3
The new Mazda3, sold as Axela in
Japan, takes the small car to new
and exciting levels. With a sporty
look defined by aggressively
flared fenders and sleek curves,
Mazda3 epitomizes the stylish,
insightful and spirited experience
that marks Mazda's design DNA.
"The 3 improves on its
predecessor in every respect, from
its structure, performance, comfort,
looks and safety to that spirited
Mazda je ne c'est quoi the
company calls zoom-zoom," writes
Stacey Morrison in The Globe and
Mail.
The Mazda3 is available as a
four-door sedan or five-door
hatchback. Globally, the Mazda3
will feature a selection of five
different four-cylinder low-emission
engines. In North America, the
Mazda3 will come with one of two engines: a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter or a
160-horsepower, 2.3-liter engine. Coupled with an electronically controlled,
four-speed automatic transmission with manual mode or Mazda's redesigned,
five-speed manual transmission, the Mazda3 delivers linear, predictable and
responsive driving dynamics.
Take one look inside the Mazda3 and you'll realize that small cars don't have to be
boring. The speedometer sits in a large circular gauge directly in front of the driver
with the tachometer to the left and ancillary gauges to the right. At night, the
dashboard is lit in a cool red and blue combination that not only pleases the eye,
but also foreshadows the sophisticated technology inspiring those red needles on
the speedometer and tachometer to dance.
Mazda Motor Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Hisakazu Imaki
says the Mazda3 will redefine the personality of its entire segment and set elevated
standards for design and functionality. Expected to be the company's most widely
produced vehicle worldwide, the new subcompact will go on sale in Japan and
Europe this fall and reach key global markets shortly thereafter.
To be sold globally, the Mazda3 will replace current Protegé and Protegé5 models
in North American markets.
Mazda Washu Concept
In Japanese, Washu means
"eagle's wing." In Mazda-speak, it
means an innovative six-seat
concept model that offers values
not found in today's typical
minivans. First unveiled at the 2003
North American International Auto
Show in Detroit, the Washu
concept is low, sleek and well
proportioned. The inside was
designed as an experiment on how
people interact with a vehicle's
interior space.
"The Washu presents a dynamic
message through the proportions
of the vehicle," says Moray Callum,
chief of Mazda's design division.
"A six-seater that sends such a
strong visual message is really
unprecedented. The innovative
sliding doors, which are key
aspects of this concept car, make getting in and out easier and contribute an
element of excitement not seen in previous designs."
Compared to a contemporary minivan, the Washu's height of 61.8 inches is low,
giving the van a sporty look and the driver a clear and unobstructed view of the
road. Narrow light-emitting diode (LED) headlights and a fresh interpretation of
Mazda's well-recognized, five-point grille help the Washu achieve improved
aerodynamics.
The Washu's doors are inspired by the doors of an airplane. With the sliding side
door fully extended, passengers have an opening 43.3 inches across and 15.7
inches into the roof, allowing ingress in an almost upright position. The front doors
open nearly 90 degrees, swinging completely out of the way of the driver and
front-seat passenger.
The tailgate is equally innovative. The rear half of the back of the Washu slides
down parallel to the vehicle. The top half of the back of Washu, as well as the
portion of the roof reaching above the third row of seats, lifts up, creating a huge
opening to load lumber, boxes, a bike and other odd-shaped cargo.
Mazda Washu is not simply offering a means of transportation. Rather, it is a new
genre six-seat concept that promises fun, versatility and driving excitement.
Mazda Kusabi
The Kusabi concept made its
world debut at the Frankfurt Motor
Show earlier this year. The Tokyo
show marks the first time Mazda
has shown the Kusabi in Japan.
Kusabi is Japanese for "a bond or
connection that ties two things
together." Living true to its name,
the Kusabi combines the
sportiness and excitement of a
sports car with the practicality and
roominess of a compact sedan.
"Although the Mazda Kusabi
concept is a genuine sports car, it's
a sports car you can use for
shopping," says Tohru Furusawa
of Mazda's product innovation
department. "And look at what it
offers the commuter. It could
certainly brighten up those early
morning drives to work."
Based on the platform of the
Mazda2, the show concept features a supercharged 1.3-liter MZR engine with a
six-speed transmission for superb driving characteristics. The car's proportions _
short length, long wheelbase and extremely short front and rear overhangs _ give
the Kusabi a strong road presence. The form instantly communicates an
aggressive, sports-car look.
The concept also has a unique new tailgate. The Kusabi's Twin-Lift Hatchback
features two split hatch doors that can be opened individually on a vertically
mounted hinge in the center of the roof, or like a regular hatchback for easier
stowage and removal of large items. The rear seats also fold down to allow more
cargo space.
Mazda MZR 2.0 PZEV Engine
Mazda's all-new MZR 2.0-liter
PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions
Vehicle) engine provides
outstanding environmental
performance with instantaneous
response.
PZEV engine standards are the
cleanest for exhaust gas emissions
of vehicles equipped with gasoline
engines. In order to earn a PZEV
label from the U.S. government, the
MZR 2.0-liter engine features a
reversed intake exhaust layout, double-skin stainless steel exhaust manifold, a
high-performance catalytic converter, a linear oxygen sensor, 12-hole fuel injectors,
a tumble swirl control valve and lightweight piston rings that reduce friction and
improve economy.
The MZR engines are all four-cylinder units that will power Mazda's new-generation
of cars including the Mazda6, Mazda2 and the new Mazda3. The Mazda3 will be
equipped with the MZR 2.0 PZEV engine in California, New York, Massachusetts,
Maine and Vermont.
Mazda MZR-CD Engine
Mazda's new-generation engine
lineup also includes the MZR-CD,
an advanced diesel engine that
features good power, high
fuel-economy, low emissions and
low noise, vibration and harshness
(NVH) levels. The MZR-CD engine
clears the Euro 4 standard by more
than 25 percent for nitrogen oxide
and 75 percent for particulate
matter emissions, thanks to a
catalysed diesel particulate filter
and an ultra-high-pressure
common rail fuel injection system. What's even more impressive is the
stereotypical diesel black smoke is reduced to almost zero.
An improved combustion system and turbocharger help to boost power and torque
by 10 percent to 15 percent more than the previous version. Fuel economy is 10
percent better, and combustion noise is reduced, making an all-around improved
diesel engine.
RX-8 Hydrogen RE aren't the only show-stoppers in Tokyo this year. Rounding out
the Mazda display are two concept vehicles, a production vehicle and two
state-of-the art engines _ all of which signal an aggressive new direction for Mazda.
Mazda3
The new Mazda3, sold as Axela in
Japan, takes the small car to new
and exciting levels. With a sporty
look defined by aggressively
flared fenders and sleek curves,
Mazda3 epitomizes the stylish,
insightful and spirited experience
that marks Mazda's design DNA.
"The 3 improves on its
predecessor in every respect, from
its structure, performance, comfort,
looks and safety to that spirited
Mazda je ne c'est quoi the
company calls zoom-zoom," writes
Stacey Morrison in The Globe and
Mail.
The Mazda3 is available as a
four-door sedan or five-door
hatchback. Globally, the Mazda3
will feature a selection of five
different four-cylinder low-emission
engines. In North America, the
Mazda3 will come with one of two engines: a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter or a
160-horsepower, 2.3-liter engine. Coupled with an electronically controlled,
four-speed automatic transmission with manual mode or Mazda's redesigned,
five-speed manual transmission, the Mazda3 delivers linear, predictable and
responsive driving dynamics.
Take one look inside the Mazda3 and you'll realize that small cars don't have to be
boring. The speedometer sits in a large circular gauge directly in front of the driver
with the tachometer to the left and ancillary gauges to the right. At night, the
dashboard is lit in a cool red and blue combination that not only pleases the eye,
but also foreshadows the sophisticated technology inspiring those red needles on
the speedometer and tachometer to dance.
Mazda Motor Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Hisakazu Imaki
says the Mazda3 will redefine the personality of its entire segment and set elevated
standards for design and functionality. Expected to be the company's most widely
produced vehicle worldwide, the new subcompact will go on sale in Japan and
Europe this fall and reach key global markets shortly thereafter.
To be sold globally, the Mazda3 will replace current Protegé and Protegé5 models
in North American markets.
Mazda Washu Concept
In Japanese, Washu means
"eagle's wing." In Mazda-speak, it
means an innovative six-seat
concept model that offers values
not found in today's typical
minivans. First unveiled at the 2003
North American International Auto
Show in Detroit, the Washu
concept is low, sleek and well
proportioned. The inside was
designed as an experiment on how
people interact with a vehicle's
interior space.
"The Washu presents a dynamic
message through the proportions
of the vehicle," says Moray Callum,
chief of Mazda's design division.
"A six-seater that sends such a
strong visual message is really
unprecedented. The innovative
sliding doors, which are key
aspects of this concept car, make getting in and out easier and contribute an
element of excitement not seen in previous designs."
Compared to a contemporary minivan, the Washu's height of 61.8 inches is low,
giving the van a sporty look and the driver a clear and unobstructed view of the
road. Narrow light-emitting diode (LED) headlights and a fresh interpretation of
Mazda's well-recognized, five-point grille help the Washu achieve improved
aerodynamics.
The Washu's doors are inspired by the doors of an airplane. With the sliding side
door fully extended, passengers have an opening 43.3 inches across and 15.7
inches into the roof, allowing ingress in an almost upright position. The front doors
open nearly 90 degrees, swinging completely out of the way of the driver and
front-seat passenger.
The tailgate is equally innovative. The rear half of the back of the Washu slides
down parallel to the vehicle. The top half of the back of Washu, as well as the
portion of the roof reaching above the third row of seats, lifts up, creating a huge
opening to load lumber, boxes, a bike and other odd-shaped cargo.
Mazda Washu is not simply offering a means of transportation. Rather, it is a new
genre six-seat concept that promises fun, versatility and driving excitement.
Mazda Kusabi
The Kusabi concept made its
world debut at the Frankfurt Motor
Show earlier this year. The Tokyo
show marks the first time Mazda
has shown the Kusabi in Japan.
Kusabi is Japanese for "a bond or
connection that ties two things
together." Living true to its name,
the Kusabi combines the
sportiness and excitement of a
sports car with the practicality and
roominess of a compact sedan.
"Although the Mazda Kusabi
concept is a genuine sports car, it's
a sports car you can use for
shopping," says Tohru Furusawa
of Mazda's product innovation
department. "And look at what it
offers the commuter. It could
certainly brighten up those early
morning drives to work."
Based on the platform of the
Mazda2, the show concept features a supercharged 1.3-liter MZR engine with a
six-speed transmission for superb driving characteristics. The car's proportions _
short length, long wheelbase and extremely short front and rear overhangs _ give
the Kusabi a strong road presence. The form instantly communicates an
aggressive, sports-car look.
The concept also has a unique new tailgate. The Kusabi's Twin-Lift Hatchback
features two split hatch doors that can be opened individually on a vertically
mounted hinge in the center of the roof, or like a regular hatchback for easier
stowage and removal of large items. The rear seats also fold down to allow more
cargo space.
Mazda MZR 2.0 PZEV Engine
Mazda's all-new MZR 2.0-liter
PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions
Vehicle) engine provides
outstanding environmental
performance with instantaneous
response.
PZEV engine standards are the
cleanest for exhaust gas emissions
of vehicles equipped with gasoline
engines. In order to earn a PZEV
label from the U.S. government, the
MZR 2.0-liter engine features a
reversed intake exhaust layout, double-skin stainless steel exhaust manifold, a
high-performance catalytic converter, a linear oxygen sensor, 12-hole fuel injectors,
a tumble swirl control valve and lightweight piston rings that reduce friction and
improve economy.
The MZR engines are all four-cylinder units that will power Mazda's new-generation
of cars including the Mazda6, Mazda2 and the new Mazda3. The Mazda3 will be
equipped with the MZR 2.0 PZEV engine in California, New York, Massachusetts,
Maine and Vermont.
Mazda MZR-CD Engine
Mazda's new-generation engine
lineup also includes the MZR-CD,
an advanced diesel engine that
features good power, high
fuel-economy, low emissions and
low noise, vibration and harshness
(NVH) levels. The MZR-CD engine
clears the Euro 4 standard by more
than 25 percent for nitrogen oxide
and 75 percent for particulate
matter emissions, thanks to a
catalysed diesel particulate filter
and an ultra-high-pressure
common rail fuel injection system. What's even more impressive is the
stereotypical diesel black smoke is reduced to almost zero.
An improved combustion system and turbocharger help to boost power and torque
by 10 percent to 15 percent more than the previous version. Fuel economy is 10
percent better, and combustion noise is reduced, making an all-around improved
diesel engine.