Mazda MX-5 Drop-Head Coupe Concept, Mazda 3, CX-5 and CX-8 Custom Style for Tokyo Auto Salon 2019

The 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon is just around the corner, and Mazda is the first carmaker to show its wares ahead of the aftermarket trade show on January 11 to 13. Hiroshima is showcasing the new Mazda 3 for the first time in Japan, where it will adopt the same name as in other markets, ditching the Axela moniker.

But the highlight of the event has got to be the MX-5 Drop-Head Coupé Concept, which will receive a carbon fibre removable hardtop (not to be confused with the MX-5 RF‘s folding targa top). Mazda has yet to produce such a hardtop for the ND MX-5 (or Roadster as it’s called in Japan) as it did for the past three generations, so perhaps this presages an actual production version that owners can go and buy.

Other accessories fitted to the Drop-Head Coupé include a bodykit, front and rear towing hooks and 16-inch Rays forged alloy wheels, while the interior receives Recaro bucket seats and aluminium paddles. As for performance upgrades, the Drop-Head Coupé gets a lightweight flywheel, a performance air filter, limited-slip differential, an uprated clutch set and reinforced bushings.

Mazda is also displaying Custom Style versions of the new Mazda 3, CX-5 and CX-8. The former is equipped with a simple aero package that will likely be offered in the accessories catalogue, plus 18-inch BBS forged alloys, sports pedals and door sill scuff plates.

As for the CX-5, that one gains a bodykit with what appear to be body-coloured inserts, along with aluminium pedals, illuminated scuff plates and “deodorising” luxury floor mats. The same interior upgrades are to be found on the CX-8, which also gains front and rear skid plates and 20-inch alloys from the CX-9.

GALLERY: Mazda MX-5 Drop-Head Coupé Concept

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Learn more: 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon