Tokyo 2017: Mazda Vision Coupe – the future of Kodo

Tokyo 2017: Mazda Vision Coupe – the future of Kodo

Mazda’s Kodo – Soul of Motion design language has been a hallmark for the brand ever since the Shinari concept first made its appearance more than half a decade ago. Now, the brand is advancing Kodo design to the next generation with this, the Mazda Vision Coupe, which is making its official debut at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.

The four-door coupe concept serves as a preview of what’s to come from the Japanese marque, showcasing a more minimalistic aesthetic that does away with excess elements for a simpler form.

At the front, the familiar Mazda grille has been reshaped to be wider, with the “wings” at the corners extending further into the round headlights. Those protruding wings house slim LED light bars that function as both DRLs and indicators. Flanking the grille are concave sections that help to accentuate the grille further, while two small “blades” are featured on the lower apron.

With the aim of simplicity, the bonnet and front fenders sport less complex lines than on previous Mazda introductions, including the RX-Vision concept from 2015. Here, the bonnet line is follows a linear line that gradually widens to meet the ultra-narrow cameras that substitute conventional side mirrors.

Tokyo 2017: Mazda Vision Coupe – the future of Kodo

Viewed from the side, the concept’s proportions follow the golden ratio of classic coupe design – long bonnet and a cabin positioned towards the rear of the body. A strong character line is seen originating from the badge on the grille, progressing towards the badge at the rear. Other features include side vents located aft of the front wheels.

The linear transitions in light and shadow create that “vortex effect” you see between the 21-inch front and 22-inch rears. According to Ikuo Maeda, managing executive director and head of design of brand style at Mazda, the subtle concaves to create the look required several clay models to be made, aided by computer simulations to see how the light falls onto the body.

There’s also plenty of glass on show, with a wide panoramic roof that leads towards a steeply raked rear window. The rear is reminiscent of the RX-Vision concept, but with a few tweaks to adhere to the new design direction.

For starters, the taillights are a single round unit at each end, and there are no longer linked by a flat spoiler. Instead, LED light bars (also function as indicators) are put in place, which integrate into a “shadow line” towards the badge. The shape also creates a subtle lip spoiler on the bonnet section.

Moving further down, the rear lower apron is simpler in terms of design, with the quad exhaust pipes (two more than the RX-Vision) neatly nestled within. The diffuser element is another new item, less pronounced than what we saw in Tokyo last time.

Inside the driver-focused cabin, Maeda explained the Vision Coupe follows the traditional Japanese architectural concept of ma – “the meticulous use of space to create atmosphere.”

This notion is showcased by the intentional use of spaces between areas such as the instrument panel, door trim and centre console. This is again representative of the minimalistic aesthetic that the brand is moving towards.

Premium materials adorn nearly every surface of the cabin, which is also devoid of a large number of switchgear. This is because most of the car’s functions are accessed via a wide touchscreen display on the dashboard, which Mazda says enhances the bond between driver and car helps express the Jinba-ittai experience.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Mokmok on Oct 25, 2017 at 7:32 am

    I don’t understand one thing about Mazda, why do they tend to produce cars with longer engine bay/bumper to cockpit lenght? It’s everyday car not supercars which have bigger engine..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 15
  • no…., if touchscreen enhances the relationship between the driver and the machine , then why racecars has so many individual buttons instead….

    forget rotary

    Just plonk an uprated version of the 2.5turbo from the cx-9 longitudinally and we’ll have a party

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • berjaya on Oct 25, 2017 at 9:28 am

    Rise of the Kodo. Thanks to Mazda’s split from 30-year-plus partner Ford in 2013.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
  • 4G63T DSM on Oct 25, 2017 at 9:35 am

    Very Italian lines.

    Wont look out of place on an Alfa, Maserati, or I dare say even a Ferrari (with a different nose obviously)

    I like!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
    • Leonardo on Oct 25, 2017 at 10:24 am

      Probably penned by an Italian designer employed by Mazda? Or by one of the many International designers from the studios all over the world? After all Mazda is a Global car. Not necessarily penned by a Japanese designer.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • davidletterboyz on Oct 25, 2017 at 1:54 pm

        Not sure. But Mazda design has been the best among Japanese cars. Most Jap cars look like Gundam.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
      • Chyan on Oct 26, 2017 at 4:36 pm

        If you check out their website, all their renowned designers are Japanese. I guess it’s a matter of philosophy. Everyone can design a great looking car if the company and talent sticks to a certain philosophy instead of veering off into on their own.

        Who you ask? Toyota.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Anonymous on Oct 25, 2017 at 9:49 am

    NOW THIS is what i call a beautiful car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • Syer1n on Oct 25, 2017 at 10:02 am

    There was a time in the ancient history where coupè mean 2 doors. Now sloping roofline is a coupè so i assume future mpv will have full time 4×4 and be called an electric scooter?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Leonardo on Oct 25, 2017 at 10:28 am

    The Mazda is quite a desirable car in Malaysia. Unfortunately the local franchise holder BERMAZ is doing a poor job by charging very high prices for services and spare parts. Hence buyers tend to look at Honda as an alternative within the same price range and specifications.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 11
  • A better refine Shinari design concept. Looking 4ward for the actual production vehichle. Been supporting 2 gen of Mazda 6 and no doubt, will continue with the next.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • Chyan on Oct 26, 2017 at 4:41 pm

      Overall, after sales and support decent or commendable? In your most honest opinion. Because I am quite fond of the Mazda2 amidst the higher pricetag compared to the rest.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Oct 25, 2017 at 11:27 am

    if it had a vw or audi badge everyone sure praise it like crazy

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Bernard on Oct 25, 2017 at 11:30 am

    Simply stunning!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Vincent on Oct 25, 2017 at 11:51 am

    I see Italian bloodline in the body line! Good Job Mazda!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Hunter Zolomon Hunter Zolomon on Oct 26, 2017 at 12:52 am

    It looks like an arrogant rich woman…in a good way

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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