Mazda Takes a Cool Look at the Future

Mazda has combined cool with concern by targeting their Kiyora concept at young urban drivers who care about the environment.

A fun car for young urbanities, the Kiyora Concept features new technology being developed for the near future as the company moves towards its target of achieving a 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption by 2015 with a corresponding lowering of CO2 emissions.

The concept features the next-generation 1.3-liter direct injection spark ignition (DISI) engine, automatic transmission with manual shift control and a rigid and lightweight body shell for very high fuel efficiency and low emissions. It also features Smart Idle Stop System (SISS) to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Kiyora is a continuation of Mazda's Negare design series. The concept's design is based on a water theme and is shaped like a water droplet on its side, with the shape mirrored by the two back windows. The aerodynamic Kiyora includes a detailed underbody design that controls wind swirl, a rear roof spoiler and specially sculptured body lines that result in a coefficient of drag 10 percent lower than that of Mazda's sub-compact Mazda2.

Continuing on the water theme, Kiyora channels rainwater through an activated carbon filter and then in to a drink bottle located between the front seats. The Nagare flow lines at the front of the car direct outside air into the cabin through the right side of the dash which is a large, single piece of activated carbon that filters the air. The transparent roof gives the interior an open-air feel but contains photovoltaic solar cells which provide electricity for interior systems.

The Nagare design language is reflected in the interior with shapes that look as if they are sitting on water and moving from front to back. The instrument panel flows around the driver, the front seats seem to float and the door structure protects the occupants.

Rear hidden seats consist of a seat frame that is part of the body structure and covered with a strong but flexible fabric. The fabric allows a person to sit down and supports the passenger but springs back to its original shape when the person leaves the seat.

Mazda's popular MX-5 Miata roadster receives updates incorporating elements of the newest design themes while retaining the instant recognition of the original car. The front grille has been changed from an oval shape to the five-point design familiar on other Mazda models.

A new headlight design and restyled front bumper create a more aggressive look. The rear bumper is more integrated into the body design and new side sills deflect air in front of the rear wheels. The engine has been updated to give more flexible performance, while suspension and steering changes improve handling.