Mazda has unveiled its second concept vehicle, the Kai hatchback, at the Tokyo motor show today.
Last night, the brand showed the Vision Coupe, a model that will be the focus of the new design strategy of “less is more”.
The Kai compact hatchback, that is predicted to be the new Mazda3, has minimalistic looks and the concave side panels that are found in the Vision Coupe.
The Kai concept will have the company’s new powertrain, the SkyActiv-X, which introduces an innovative combustion method called Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI).
The Kai concept and the Vision Coupe join Mazda’s RX-Vision coupe as the lead for “Kodo 2.0” focus.
The original Kodo design is described as ‘Soul in Motion’ while the analogy of “Horse and Rider as one’ and the use of a pouncing cheetah, instead the company has aimed for a “simplistic and elegant” design of “Art of Light”.
Mazda’s global head of design, Ikuo Maeda, said “people worldwide love hatchbacks for the great value they offer, including features such as highly practical packaging”.
“Mazda set its sights on bringing the brand’s unique value to the universal presence and tradition of the hatchback (with the Kai concept).
“Specifically, Mazda decided to take on a new hatchback challenge through the application of evolved Kodo design,” he said.
“The goal was to create an alluring hatchback that differs from all that have come before … and represents the ideal hatchback form in its simplicity and beauty.
