The Mazda Vision Coupe is one of two concepts that are making their debut at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. The other is this – the Kai Concept – a hatchback that integrates Mazda’s next-generation technologies and design, which reportedly previews the upcoming, fourth-generation Mazda 3.
Measuring 4,420 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,375 mm tall, the Kai Concept also features a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. These figures, when compared to the current Mazda 3 (4,580 mm long, 1,795 mm wide, 1,450 mm tall and 2,700 mm wheelbase), certainly makes for a convincing case.
In terms of its design, the concept draws upon many of the ideas put forth by the Vision Coupe. Unnecessary elements are omitted in this instance, while new cues make their appearance here.
The bold front end gets the new grille design with protruding “wings” that lead into small, rounded headlights. Meanwhile, the sculpted lower apron manipulates light and shadow to simulate a layered look, accentuated by a pseudo-carbon-fibre lip.
Progressing towards the rear, simple lines create a point of separation between the bonnet and muscular front fenders. Just like the Vision Coupe, they end at the A-pillars in close proximity to the side cameras.
The body panels along the sides are also shaped to finely control transitions between light and shadow, without the need for a distinctive character line. Other highlights include flushed door handles, a set of sizeable five twin-spoke wheels, and thin chrome trim in the lower section.
As for the dynamic rear end, there are taillights that appear to be inspired by the RX-Vision, with a LED light strip running through the two rounded elements on each cluster. High-rising C-pillars further accentuate the hatchback look, which are accompanied by a black-painted boot spoiler and a two-section panoramic roof.
Between the two rounded exhaust outlets, you’ll find a cavity that is covered by a mesh with a slim lighting strip in the middle. This, together with the one on the spoiler, function as additional brake lights.
Moving inside, the Kai Concept certainly appears to feature more items when compared to the Vision Coupe. For starters, there’s an actual air vent, albeit just one, beside the instrument cluster.
Furthermore, there’s switchgear to control the car’s climate control system both on the dashboard as well as the raised centre console. The latter also hosts a pretty normal-looking gear lever and an all-new iteration of Mazda’s Commander Control, likely for a next generation of the MZD Connect infotainment system.
Much like the other Mazda concept debuting in Tokyo today, the Kai Concept features a wide touchscreen display on the dashboard that displays a variety of information.
The concept is built on the new SkyActiv-Vehicle Architecture, which is claimed to offer enhanced rigidity and NVH compared to the SkyActiv-Chassis used in its current cars.
Complementing the new platform is the brand’s SkyActiv-X engine, set to become the world’s first commercial petrol engine to use compression ignition. With significant gains in performance and fuel economy, the upcoming powerplant uses spark controlled compression ignition (SPCCI) as its combustion method.
While it is still too early to say if this is indeed what the all-new Mazda 3 might look like, previous experience with other Mazda concepts certainly make it appear promising. The Koeru became the CX-4, the Takeri became the Mazda 6, the Minagi became the CX-5 and the Hazumi became the Mazda 2. Fingers crossed then.
The name “Kai” literally means “the pioneer.” Mazda chose the name in hopes the Kai Concept will set the stage for the next generation of its vehicles.
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Wowww…what a sexy beauty.
Toyota Mazda > all
Pass through Mazda showroom, still parking 2016 old before-facelift version Mazda 3. Consequence of arrogant Mazda management give zero rm0 discount, now 30m msian reject arrogant attitude. As of Sep17, TIV of Isuzu (2 models) selling 8064 units even more than Mazda (14 models) selling 7002 units. This is very bad, bcoz of very shame …
kai or koi… one generation korea now… their avante 1.6 turbo or cerato 1.6 turbo and the proceed i30n all producing above 200hp car at reasonable price… if this kai pond car comes with the weak 2.0 n/a engine just like the current model cx3 or mazda 3 than to those who buys it please keep to you left lane…
MPS version perhaps?
Nice! Wish they did not mess up the cabin size especially the rear seat legroom.
Wow, what a beauty! Mazda, lets bring her in!
THIS is Japanese beauty.
TOYOTA aesthetics in Mazda Japanese beauty.
That will be the next Mazda-3 HB with the latest Skyactive-X engine
this is a yes! gonna wait for this.
Looks very nice now but it’s going to be disappointing when it finally comes out in production.
The rear reminds me of Alfa Romeo Giulietta
alfa of the east.
why nowadays front headlights getting slimmer and slimmer?
one day it will be just a line?
You have problem with that?
The rear is sooo nice
Copy cat of Volvo center arm rest.
Just WOW!!! This is how a modern car should look like with clean sexy lines. Unlike those busy looking Civic and CRV that look like fitted with many cheap accessories.
so cantik oneee….but how to naik bump if like this…”cry”
berjaya mazda now crying how to clear off the old stocks of mazda 3….make sure give good year end discounts yeah
mazda design team done a very good job!! Very impressive look!
Toyota… we know you are trying very best now to change the outdated grand father day car look! But you need to learn that what you did now is still not good enough! Keep on trying!
front looks like a hint from new cx-5, so perhaps the final car will look similar to new cx-5 front grille
but whoa…that huge c pillar at back…bad for rear visibility ^^
I will wait for u… :)
Take my money. Damn you Mazda. I can never run away from you since my childhood.
bye bye Honda Civic.
hahahaha. Bring it on Mazda 3. cant wait!!!!
unfortunately , its damning good looks will be affected by safety regulations worldwide…
Production version will look less striking with number plate holders and thicker bumpers
Nice looker. Good job but the final product would be toned down a bit… Still will look nice tho… Simple, elegant and sexy.
May I know the price selling for Kai in Malaysia n when will be launch?
Alfa is that you?