Mazda’s next generation of cars are pillared by two aspects – SkyActiv technologies and its new Kodo design language. The Hiroshima based carmaker has shown a compact crossover SUV at Geneva that combines the both.
After the Shinari of Paris 2010, Minagi is the second concept to show Mazda’s new Kodo design language. Kodo, which translates to “soul of motion”, is led by new design chief Ikuo Maeda, who replaced Laurens van den Acker, the man who introduced the Nagare design seen on the brand’s current range.
Mazda says that while the Shinari was a pure design concept to express the full potential of Kodo, the Minagi showcases characteristics likely to be seen in its next generation of cars.
To come up with Minagi, Mazda designers looked at different aspects of cheetahs as they hunt. They then set out to capture the moment when the cheetah contracts its muscles, gets ready to sprint and lunge at its prey. “I felt a compact crossover SUV was the perfect vehicle to express agility and focused movement; the flexibility of four limbs moving in unison, and an upright posture,” explains Masashi Nakayama, Chief Designer of the Minagi.
From the front, the chromed ‘signature wing’ that spears the headlamps is shared with the Shinari and is part of the new Mazda identity. Dynamic contours on the front fenders that directs the eyes to the wheels are also Mazda trademarks that can be found here. The flowing sculpted lines on the Minagi’s side are likened to a cheetah’s muscles by the designers.
Take away the obvious showcar flair and you could be looking at Mazda’s upcoming crossover that sits below the CX-7. Rumoured to get the “CX-5” name, this Tiguan rival will come with Mazda’s SkyActiv tech, a collection of improved to engines, transmissions and chassis that will significantly improve efficiency.
Gallery and a video after the jump.
[zenphotopress number=999 album=2003]
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Now, this is what creativity is about. Surely brings in good design work and concept. Should made the owner real proud to drive around. What are the specs they intend to put in? Not much info given here, Paul. If they add in a 6 to 8 speed auto gear with traction control, that would be great. The downside is, the G taxes the car to real ridiculous levels, that is not within reach of the general public.
Hyundai Tucson Alike version ==!!!
I am thinking the same.
CUN !
It looks like Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.
yeap..tucson/sportage combo
no more smiley grille after this.
Mazdas is back!
cool+sporty+no smiley bumper = love it
the blue one….!!!!!CUN!!!!
Finally no more Stupid smiley face!! but Minagi sounds like some sort of sushi…
this is truly a unique car company….the way they go about doing their things without conforming and being ‘in line’ with the others is truly inspiring….i love the fact that they are investing into current technologies and making it more efficient instead of devoting the entire budget to the future…unless there’s an all out war. over oil..internal combustion engines are gonna be the mainstay for at least the next 30 years and its a nice feeling to know that the tech u know and love (at least for me…im too much of a petrol head) is just gonna get better….. and someone’s leading the way….
is it related to Mr Miyagi??
CUN!!!
Head is not as nice as the current one….