mazda hazumi concept press release
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Mazda HAZUMI Concept Press ReleaseTRANSCRIPT
Mazda HAZUMI
A glimpse at Mazda’s ideal for a nextgeneration subcompact
Mazda is focusing on four key areas with its new generation models: KODO — Soul of Motiondesign, SKYACTIV Technology, Mazda Proactive Safety, and a new incar connectivity systemcalled MZD Connect*. The Mazda HAZUMI unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show bringstogether all four of these elements and foreshadows Mazda‘s nextgeneration subcompact.
One look at Mazda’s new generation models the Mazda CX5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 willconfirm that the KODO design is defined by a dynamic, living expression of motion. In the MazdaHAZUMI the essence of KODO has been captured in a compact body without losing an ounce ofimpact. A newly developed 1.5litre SKYACTIVD clean diesel engine promises outstanding fueleconomy without compromising powerful, linear performance. In addition to enhancing safetyfundamentals such as driving position and field of view, HAZUMI adopts Mazda’s cuttingedgerange of iACTIVSENSE safety features. Meanwhile, MZD Connect offers drivers the fun andconvenience of smartphone connectivity in a format that is safe and appropriate for invehicleuse. Refusing to bow to the conventions of the subcompact class and refusing to compromise inany of the four key areas of Mazda’s vehicle engineering, the Mazda HAZUMI points the way forMazda’s nextgeneration subcompact.
The concept’s name is a good fit both for the look of the car and its target market. HAZUMI is aJapanese word meaning to “bound” or “spring up” and was chosen to convey an image of asmall but vigorous animal, bursting with energy. It also describes potentialBsegment buyers: young, dynamic, vibrant and ambitious.
The HAZUMI is yet another example of KODO’s vast potential and how well it adapts to differentvehicles of different sizes. “Whereas with longer models such as the SHINARI we use long andfree lines of motion stretching from front to back to express KODO, with HAZUMI we’ve createda form which suggests explosive motion,” says HAZUMI chief designer Ryo Yanagisawa. “It’s likean animal poised to pounce.Every muscle is held tense as it gathers energy for the chase. Despite being small, KODO givesthe car a presence that can’t be ignored, and a shape that has driving pleasure written all over it.
KODO – Soul of Motion: DYNAMIC & CONCENTRATED
Exterior design
The KODO design seeks to capture the fleeting tension, beauty and power of living creatures inmotion. By packing the powerful and dynamic movements of KODO into a compact fivedoorhatchback, Mazda has given the HAZUMI distinctive exterior styling and an athletic physiquemade for the road. This is KODO in its most highly concentrated form yet.Drawing the compact cabin as far to the rear as possible places the centre of
gravity near the rear wheels. It creates a wedge shaped body starting from the low andpronounced nose and rising toward the rear to impart a strong sense of forward motion. Thesharp, chiseled silhouette is a clear departure from mainstream subcompact design where“onemotion form” styles prevail. The short overhangs and powerful fenders that bulge over theimposingly large wheels underline the car’s strong and athletic stance.
But it is not all about looks. As with all its newgeneration products, Mazda has put a big focus onaerodynamics, optimising the airflow over the upper body and creating a turbulencerectifyingunderfloor structure. Tuned specifically for the compactness of the car, these elements deliversuperb aerodynamics.
Front
The headlamps and grille are positioned low to the ground as possible, giving the front face asharp look reminiscent of a cheetah on the prowl. Yet the car somehow manages to be cute atthe same time, ensuring onlookers will soon feel a sense of affection. The LED guiding rings adddepth and solidity to the headlamps, evoking the strongwilled eyes of an untamed animal.Another KODO trademark, the aluminium signature wing, underscores the grille before cuttingthrough the headlamps, imparting a deeply sculptured facial expression.
Side
With its short overhangs and pillars that look ready to pierce the centre of the front and rear tires,the HAZUMI displays the athletic silhouette of a sports car when viewed from the side. A long linestarts from the bonnet, crests over the front wheel and runs all the way to the rear, while anoverlapping line peaks over the rear wheel, emulating a rhythm of flexing muscles and adding tothe strong sense of forward motion. The surface textures of the body are rich with tension,accentuating the car’s bigboned physique.
Rear
The firmly planted rear wheels support the high hipline and, together with the steeplyinclined back window, create a strong sense of forward motion. The distinctive oblong rearcombination lamps convey speed while possessing the piercing vitality of the headlamps.
Wheels
The aluminium wheels feature a dynamic design expressing a powerful force radiating from thecentre of each wheel. The contrast between the radiant sheen produced by the aluminium millingprocess and the dark metallic paint give a taut, threedimensional feel.
Interior design
The interior of the HAZUMI imparts the same dynamic sense of speed as the SHINARI, MINAGIand TAKERI concept cars that preceded it, maintaining superb functionality as an interfacebetween car and driver. The highquality feel of the interior exceeds the standards of thesegment, but also gives a light and youthful impression that befits a subcompact model.
Cabin layout
Speed is at the essence of the interior shapes, which spread out from above the instrumentcluster to the door trim and centre console. The effect, similar to the exterior, is a dynamic senseof forward motion. The passenger space begins immediately with an instrument panel shapedlike the wing of an airplane, creating a comfortable feeling of openness. The centre console issuspended like a bridge, enhancing the feeling of space and creating more room in the footwells.
The instrument cluster is designed around the driver’s centre axis. It features a single,centrallypositioned gauge with displays spreading like wings on either side. The layout of thecentre display, Active Driving Display, and commander control, is based on Mazda’s uniquehuman machine interface (HMI) concept called the HeadsUp Cockpit. It is designed to helpdrivers deal with large amounts of information while keeping their eyes on the road ahead andmaintaining a safe and stable body position.
Craftsmanship
In every area, the high quality forms have a sculptured appearance amplified by reflectionsof light and shadow. The material for each was crafted to optimise its appearance. Keycomponents of the interior such as controls and displays use a layered combination of hardchiseled metal and deep acrylic material. This produces a light and playful impression befitting asubcompact car, while maintaining a highquality atmosphere.
Colour
The interior is designed with black leather as the base and white leather used in certain placessuch as the instrument panel. A Crimsoncoloured material with a nubuck feel is used on theseats. This modern colourcoordination, which is both bold and charming, makes the interiorlook youthful and refined at the same time.
SKYACTIV Technology optimised for a subcompactIntroducing a newly developed smalldisplacement clean diesel
The Mazda HAZUMI offers the full suite of SKYACTIV Technology, optimally tuned for asubcompact car. It delivers the agile driving one would expect from a supermini with linearperformance that provides a sense of security.
The SKYACTIVD 1.5liter clean diesel engine
The Mazda HAZUMI also marks the world premiere of the SKYACTIVD 1.5. This compact andlightweight clean diesel engine is designed for ultraefficient interal combustion just like thebigger SKYACTIVD 2.2. It offers ample torque and dynamic performance that is linear right up tothe redline, as well as excellent CO2 emissions under 90 g/km with the Mazda HAZUMI. It willalso fulfill stringent Euro 6 requirements without after treatment systems like an NOx trap orselective catalytic reduction.
iACTIVSENSE advanced safety
This model features iACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies based on Mazda ProactiveSafety. This is Mazda’s safety philosophy aiming to maximise the range of conditions in whichthe driver can drive safely and minimise the risks that lead to accidents. These technologies willhelp drivers enjoy the Mazda HAZUMI safely and with peace of mind.
Newgeneration incar connectivity
Young people crave stimulating experiences and want to share them with their friends as soonas possible. Mazda addresses the needs of these young drivers – or anyone for that matter whowants to stay connected at all times – with MZD Connect, a newconnectivity system introduced with the allnew Mazda3. In combination with the HeadsUpCockpit, MZD Connect is designed to allow drivers to access the fun and convenience of theirsmartphones in a safe and easytouse format while behind the wheel.
Main Dimensions
Mazda HAZUMI
Body style 5door hatchback
Seating capacity 4
Length x width x height (mm) 4,070 x 1,730 x 1,450
Wheelbase (mm) 2,585
Engine SKYACTIVD 1.5
Transmission SKYACTIVDrive (sixspeed automatic)
Key auxiliary systems istop (idlestop system)iELOOP (brake energy regeneration system)
Tires 215/45 R18
Wheel Size 18x8J