TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Next Mazda3 previewed

Mazda has revealed the look and feel of its next-generation small hatch 18 months before its Australian release.

Revealed in Tokyo today, the striking KAI concept is an accurate indication of what the all-new Mazda3 hatchback will look like when it’s released in Japan next year.

However, the replacement for the current Mazda3 – the Japanese brand’s top-selling model globally and in Australia, where it’s among our most popular new vehicles – won’t arrive Down Under until early 2019.

Mazda says the compact KAI hatchback concept “heralds a new generation of Mazda cars” and that’s because it’s based on the company’s next-generation SKYACTIV vehicle architecture and will also debut its world-first SKYACTIV-X petrol engine.

The KAI’s new-generation chassis structure is claimed to bring improvements in all areas of dynamic performance, including “a dramatically quieter, more comfortable ride and an enhanced performance feel”.

Key to this is the smooth control of energy transfer to the unsprung mass via intersecting chassis components, optimised NVH performance “based on vibration energy characteristics and the mechanisms by which humans perceive sound”, a body with “multi-directional ring structures to transmit inputs without delay” and redesigned seats which keep the pelvis upright to maintain the spine’s natural ‘S’ curve.

The four-seat, front-engine, front-wheel drive Kai concept doesn’t differ greatly from the current Mazda3 hatch in terms of key dimensions, which include a 2750mm wheelbase, 4420mm length, 1855mm width and 1375mm height.

That said, the production version is expected to be taller and will eschew the concept’s 20-inch wheels and super-slim side mirrors.

As we’ve reported, Mazda says its patented spark controlled compression ignition (SPCCI) system overcomes the long-standing issue of maximising the engine speed zone in which compression ignition is possible and realises a seamless transition between compression ignition and spark ignition.

The revolutionary 2.0-litre four-cylinder SPCCI engine is claimed to combine the high-revving character and performance of a 2.5-litre petrol engine with the efficiency and torque of a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel.

According to Mazda, compared to the equivalent SKYACTIV-G engine, it increases torque and engine efficiency by up to 30 per cent and delivers unprecedented engine response.

“High efficiency across a wide range of rpms and engine loads means the engine also allows much more latitude in the selection of gear ratios,” said Mazda. “This provides the two seemingly contradictory benefits of superior fuel economy and driving performance, both at a high level.”

However, SPCCI engines won’t come cheap and will therefore be positioned – at least initially - at or near the top of the new Mazda3 line-up, although the diesel-style compression-ignition technology will eventually be applied to all Mazda petrol engines.

The advanced petrol engine tech is a key part of Mazda’s commitment to reduce the well-to-wheel CO2 emissions of its new vehicle fleet by 50 per cent between 2010 and 2030. Also key to this is its first battery-electric and rotary range-extender vehicles in 2019 and 2021 respectively.

All this is wrapped in a “more mature” expression of Mazda’s KODO design language, described as “new elegance”, with more muscular proportions, more reflective body side surfacing and a more three-dimensional front-end.

Mazda says the new “less is more” styling ethos “features deeply honed beauty created by shaving away all unnecessary elements to produce a hatchback that presents itself as a strong, solid mass.

“People worldwide love hatchbacks for the great value they offer, including features such as highly practical packaging. Mazda set its sights on bringing the brand’s unique value to the universal presence and tradition of the hatchback.

“Specifically, Mazda decided to take on a new hatchback challenge through the application of evolved KODO design. The goal was to create an alluring hatchback that differs from all that have come before to win hearts and stir people’s instincts.

“The Mazda KAI CONCEPT is born of this wish as a model that, standing unfettered by conventional concepts or stereotypes, represents the ideal hatchback form in its simplicity and beauty.”

Inside, the Kai is claimed to strengthen Mazda’s ‘Jinba-ittai’ connection between car and driver with an interior that “gently embraces cabin occupants without feeling overly restrictive” by leaving open spaces between the instrument panel, door trims and centre console, all of which feature perfect horizontal symmetry.

Mazda Motor Corporation president and CEO, Masamichi Kogai said the KAI, which means ‘the pioneer’ in Japanese, represents an entire new family of models to come from Mazda.

“The Mazda KAI concept, which makes its world premiere at the Tokyo motor show, symbolizes Mazda’s vision of the future and can be considered the forerunner to a whole new generation of models,” he said.

“Designed as our ideal combustion engine-powered car, it features Mazda’s SKYACTIV-X, an engine that turns decades of conventional industry wisdom on its head, next-generation styling and next-generation SKYACTIV-VEHICLE ARCHITECTURE. This compact hatchback concept embodies everything Mazda is aiming for in its next generation of models.”

>> <a href="/tokyo-motor-show/">Read more Tokyo motor show news<br> </a>>> Check out 2017 Tokyo motor show photos