KEY POINTS:
Mazda has evolved its Nagare design philosophy (employed on a series of concept cars) into a new car called the Kazamai ("swirling crosswinds" in Japanese).
It's a compact crossover with a clean powertrain claimed to use 30 per cent less fuel than a comparable conventional vehicle.
With a width of 1930mm and a length of 4520mm, it's slightly larger than the Mazda3. However, it's also only 1500mm high, giving a coupe-like look.
The panel lines on the sides represent crosswinds. The bonnet is lower in the centre than on the sides, which emphasises the shape of the front guards. Aluminium is used for the bonnet, chassis and engine block.
The designers aimed to make it 100kg lighter than similar models by employing plastics for the panels, wheelarches and the engine cover. The proposed 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine for the Kazamai is a development of the unit used in the CX-7.
An efficient six-speed transmission and a lightweight and highly aerodynamic body shape contribute to improved fuel economy.
Also onboard the Kazamai is a personal security system that monitors the area around and inside the car.
