By Scott Newman

Concept cars are a chance for design teams to let their hair down and imagination run wild. Liberated from the constraints of “How?”, instead the question becomes “What if?”, with the added benefit of attracting many column inches in the old days, and likes and shares in today’s social media age.

Mazda loves concept cars but takes a slightly different tack. If you look at the brand’s long history with motor show specials, true flights of fancy are rare – its concepts far more frequently giving the press and public an early preview of a new production model’s styling or technological direction.

2024 – Mazda Arata

Unveiled at the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, the Arata crossover pushes Mazda’s signature KODO-Soul of Motion design language into the electrified era.

The sleek, futuristic mid-size SUV previews a new production model that will be offered in the Chinese market by the end of 2025, alongside the EZ-6 sedan, in cooperation with Changan Automobile.

2023 – Mazda Iconic SP

Mazda’s habit of turning concepts into reality is a mouth-watering prospect for car enthusiasts when it comes to cars like the Iconic SP – continuing the brand’s commitment to rotary. A surprise reveal at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, it proves driving enjoyment isn’t linked to tailpipe emissions.

A range-extender electric vehicle, the wheels are powered by a battery which is fed by a unique, fuel-agnostic two-rotor engine. This alleviates any worries about charging.

2017 – Mazda KAI Concept

A year before the third-generation Mazda3 debuted at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, the KAI CONCEPT previewed the new model at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, which would bring a new level of style and design sophistication to the mainstream hatchback segment.

It also introduced Mazda’s SKYACTIV-X technology, a world-first that used diesel-like compression ignition to offer the power and performance of a 2.5-litre with the economy of a 2.0-litre in the Mazda3.

2017 – Mazda Vision Coupe

At the same Tokyo show the Mazda Vision Coupe wowed onlookers. It was a sleek and distinctive four-door coupe that would preview the next-generation of Mazda vehicle design.

Of most note was the lack of character lines in the body, the designers aiming for a “less is more” aesthetic, and the strongly cab-rearward proportions. While this wasn’t known at the time, these two traits would reach production in the form of Mazda’s latest lineup of premium SUVs: the CX-60; CX-70; CX-80 and CX-90.

2015 – Mazda RX-VISION

“IT’S THE NEW MAZDA RX-7!” proclaimed headlines after the beautiful RX-VISION Concept debuted at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. While this wasn’t the case, it wasn’t difficult to see why the connection was made – a ground-hugging, rear-wheel drive two-seater powered by a rotary engine certainly fit the bill.

The RX-VISION showed Mazda’s commitment both to driver-first sports cars and to rotary engine development, regardless of whether it was currently in production or not.

2015 – Mazda KOERU

With SUV sales booming, Mazda needed a crossover to fill the gap between CX-3 and CX-5. That car would be the CX-30, which was previewed by the KOERU at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Shown at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the KOERU concept was visually arresting. The KOERU name means “exceed” or “go beyond” in Japanese, signifying its desire to defy existing category definitions, including incorporating Mazda’s Jinba Ittai mantra of driver involvement. Much like the CX-30 which takes inspiration from some of the KOERU’s design cues.

2014 – Mazda HAZUMI

The Mazda HAZUMI concept didn’t leave anyone guessing as to what the next-generation Mazda 2 would look like – some smaller wheels and production mirrors and it is essentially what hit showroom floors.

The HAZUMI proved that small car buyers didn’t have to miss out on technology, featuring the super-frugal SKYACTIV-D engine, i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety systems and Mazda Connect infotainment with a head-up display – equipment that’s offered in the 2 as standard to this day.

2011 – Mazda TAKERI

The Mazda TAKERI, revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, is the perfect example of how the brand uses concept cars. The overall design theme first appeared on the Shinari four-door coupe concept (see below), before evolving into a more sedan-like shape to preview the forthcoming third-generation Mazda6.

Under the bonnet was Mazda’s latest SKYACTIV-D diesel engine that achieved greater efficiency thanks to a lower compression ratio and unique stop-start system that could refire the engine in a single compression, eliminating fuel wastage.

2011 – Mazda MINAGI

Sometimes, like in the case of the TAKERI, concepts preview an imminent production model. Other times they look further ahead, as in the case of the Mazda MINAGI, revealed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

The MINAGI showed Mazda’s intention to enter a new market with the Mazda2-based CX-3 subcompact SUV, but the production version wouldn’t appear for more than three years.

2010 – Mazda Shinari

The reveal of the Mazda Shinari in Paris in 2010 was a huge moment for the brand. Not only did it coincide with the 50^th anniversary of the company’s first ever car, the diminutive R360, it introduced the ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design language that continues to evolve to this day.

Shinari is a Japanese word describing the appearance of pent-up energy, such as a very strong material being bent, or a powerful animal coiled ready to pounce. To this effect, the SHINARI four-door coupe was designed to look like it was ready for action, even when static.

2009 – Mazda MX-5 Superlight

At the outset of this story, it was said that concept cars allow designers and engineers to ask “What if?”. As in, what if we made an already light car REALLY light. Thus, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight was born.

The removal of all windows meant the wipers and exterior door handles could also be binned, while on the inside air-con became redundant and carbon fibre was used for the floating centre console and dash panel.

Weight came in at 995kg, but what’s truly impressive is that the fourth-generation MX-5 would almost match this in production guise at 1009kg.  

2008 – Mazda Kiyora

Any New Zealand attendees to the 2008 Paris Motor Show would have found a very welcoming concept on the Mazda stand. The Kiyora – kia ora is a common Maori phrase for hello – was an eco-friendly city car showcasing Mazda’s commitment to reducing vehicle emissions.

It aimed to improve fuel economy by 30 per cent by 2015 (over 2008) through improvements in internal combustion and reducing weight, while still delivering vehicles that are fun to drive, a policy that continues more than 15 years later.

2008 – Mazda Furai

It may be from another era, but this one had to be included. The jaw-dropping Mazda Furai debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show as the ultimate expression of the brand’s previous Nagare design language.

No mere showpiece, the Furai featured an LMP2 prototype chassis and an ethanol-burning triple rotor engine with 336kW. It was a fully functioning racer that, sadly, met a tragic end during a Top Gear photoshoot shortly after its reveal.