Autoblog

Mazda made it clear at the beginning of this auto show season that each of the three concepts it debuted would be more production ready than the last. First there was the Nagare concept that debuted at the LA Auto Show, and then came the Ryuga concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show. The final concept, called the Hakaze, debuted this month in Geneva, and according to a report from Auto Express is destined to inspire the design of a production CUV called the CX-5.

The naming convention used here is apt, as the new ute will combine the utility of the CX-7 with the fun-to-drive nature of the MX-5. What's more, it appears the CX-5 will be the second vehicle in Mazda's lineup after the RX-8 to sport a pair of rear-hinged "suicide" doors that provide easier access to vehicle's second row of seats.

The rendering shown on Auto Express reveals the CX-5 will share a basic shape with the Hakaze concept, but many cues will be toned down on the production version. Considering that Mazda used an interesting ripple effect on the exterior sheetmetal of all three concepts, we were surpised to see the CX-5's sheetmetal is as smooth as a baby's butt. Regardless, the CX-5 could reach showrooms as early as 2010.

[Source: Auto Express]

click above image to view all the new Hakaze photos

Mazda has had a successful auto show season so far thanks to the warm reception of its first two concepts, the Nagare and Ryuga. Unveiled at the L.A. and Detroit auto shows respectively, those two concepts were admittedly as far from production ready as you can get. Mazda's third and final concept for this show season, the Hakaze, is said to be the only one of the three that could be made production ready in a relatively short amount of time. Well, we brought you a large gallery of images showing the development and design team behind the Hakaze concept already, but there were only two exterior shots of the vehicle and no interior shots in that batch of snaps. KickingTires.com has come across almost a dozen additinal shots that show the Hakaze in real world situations, as well as the interior.

[Source: KickingTires.com]

Mazda just dropped all the information on its newest concept car, which shares inspiration from the Nagare, Ryuga and Kabura designs we've seen over the past year. It's name, Hakaze (Hah-kah-zay), finds its identity with a flying leaf, which is apropos, since Mazda is pushing the active lifestyle niche by making a strong connection to "kite-surfing."

The compact crossover concept has the same fluidity of its predecessors, along with all the typical show car trappings: no door handles, exterior cameras in place of the mirrors, crazy lighting effects, etc. Mazda contends that even though this C-segment vehicle is a CUV/SUV, it will have the dynamics of a roadster, with taut handling and a partially removable roof.

The surface is reminiscent of the aforementioned concepts, gaining inspiration from flowing sand dunes, which Mazda's design team is calling the "flop" technique of color manipulation.

Occupants can enter the concept via one of its two, large, coupe-inspired doors and find four bucket seats mounted on the spine that runs through the center of the concept. The pilot is greeted with a wrap-around console, complete with futuristic sliding dials and doodads, that also includes a system that recognizes the driver via a Bluetooth card that, in turn, adjusts everything to the operator's specs.

Power is provided by a turbocharged 2.3-liter DISI inline-four or a diesel mill, mated to a six-speed sport transmission which then sends power to all four wheels. MacPherson struts are in the front, while a multi-link rear suspension lives up to Mazda's Zoom-Zoom credentials.

We're looking forward to seeing this in person, but in the meantime, feel free to gorge yourself on all the details by reading the press release after the jump. And be sure to check out the gallery, with plenty of CG images, live shots and "making of" pics.

[Source: Mazda]