18/03/2014 14:03
The latest small but powerful concept car from Mazda was revealed to motoring enthusiasts and experts at this year's Geneva Motor Show.
Known as the Hazumi, this stylish little box of tricks and power has been created under the manufacturer's 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design theme, as seen in the Mazda CX-5, the Mazda6 and the all-new Mazda3.
It is intended to demonstrate a 'dynamic, living expression of motion' in the car's look. In the Hazumi, this is achieved in a compact body without diminishing the aesthetic and visceral impact of KODO.
Delivered with a newly developed 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine, the car offers excellent performance while keeping an eye on ensuring fuel economy is high and emissions are low.
The Hazumi has enhancements in terms of the driving position and the field of view, in order to increase comfort and improve safety.
It also includes the cutting edge i-ACTIVSENSE safety features, including an adaptive front-lighting system, high-beam control, rear vehicle monitoring, lane departure warning, forward obstruction warning and Mazda radar cruise control.
To try and avoid any crashes, it also features smart city brake support and acceleration control for automatic transmission.
The new technologies don't just extend to safety however, with drivers of the Hazumi expected to benefit from the MZD Connect system.
This allows drivers to connect their smartphone to the car in order to take advantage of apps, text messages and phone calls, without causing any distractions from the road.
It was one of the most exciting and fun cars on display at Geneva and is sure to offer something truly special to the market once it enters full commercial production.
Chief designer of the Hazumi Ryo Yanagisawa says the car has a form that expresses "explosive motion".
“It’s like an animal poised to pounce. Every muscle is held tense as it gathers energy for the chase. Despite being small, KODO gives the concept car a presence that can’t be ignored, and a shape that has driving pleasure written all over it,” the designer added.
Posted by Craig Salter