Minagi ready for production
Mazda's Minagi concept is close to production – and coming Down Under. But will the new compact SUV wear the CX-5 badge...?Geneva International Motor Show
Mazda's Minagi crossover showcar was one of the stars of the Geneva show. And the good news it's coming to a Mazda dealer near you sooner rather than later.
The first production-ready concept to incorporate Mazda's new Kodo design language, Minagi will be translated from its showcar form into a fully fledged model some time in 2012. It is expected to slot into the line-up underneath the existing CX-7 and CX-9 models, though it is not confirmed whether it will wear a CX-5 badge.
Minagi translates as "an object pulsating with energy". Mazda says the name "perfectly reflects the vehicle's speed, agility and spirited character."
Unlike Sinari, the first of Mazda's Kodo concept cars, Minagi will be built. Indeed, Mazda Europe execs told the Carsales Network that showcar detailing aside, the car is very close to the finished product.
"We are very happy with the way we have been able to combine the new design language with the practical aspects of a small crossover," a senior Mazda design exec told the Carsales Network on the condition of anonymity.
"What you see [in Minagi] is very close to what will hit the orad. That';s not always the case with concepts but it is here," he said.
One area where the production car will differ is the interior. Though the new Kodo design theme will see Mazda evolve their interiors, the smaller CX's cabin will by necessity be much simpler than Minagi's showcar.
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