The 88th Geneva International Motor Show will see also a fair amount of Mazda news. Indeed, the new Mazda6 Wagon (see photo here above) will make its world debut, and there is also the European debut of the new Mazda6 Sedan, alongside with two stunning concept vehicles -the Mazda VISION COUPE and Mazda KAI CONCEPT.

For the technology buffs, it is good to know that Mazda will show its SKYACTIV-X next-generation gasoline engine. Just read on…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The latest update of the Mazda6 is the most comprehensive so far. The flagship model is further refined and honed externally, and the cabin now offers completely new seating. The SKYACTIV powertrain is beefed up, driving dynamics have been enhanced, there is greater aerodynamic efficiency, reduced NVH and an even broader range of i-ACTIVSENSE safety features, such as a 360° view monitor and an intelligent speed assist system.

The Mazda VISION COUPE (shown here) is recently crowned ‘Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year’, has the basic form of a flowing four-door coupe. It abandons the rhythmical motion that prior iterations of KODO design emphasised in body styling, opting instead for a simple form that strips away all non-essential elements to follow the principle of ‘Less is More’.

The Mazda stylists focused on the play of light across the bodywork surfaces.

Its name Kai meaning ‘Pioneer’, the Mazda KAI CONCEPT compact hatchback sets the stage for the future of the Mazda brand, showcasing the company’s breakthrough technologies and the latest evolution of its KODO design.

Within next-generation SKYACTIV-VEHICLE  ARCHITECTURE which maximises the human body’s inherent abilities to effect the ultimate connection between driver and car, it adopts Mazda’s SKYACTIV-X powertrain.

A SKYACTIV-X engine…

This engine introduces an innovative combustion method called “Spark Controlled Compression Ignition” (SPCCI). Set to become the world’s first commercial gasoline engine to use compression ignition,  SKYACTIV-X combines the benefits of a spark-ignition petrol engine -expansiveness at high rpm and cleaner emissions- with those of a compression diesel engine -superior initial response and fuel economy- to produce a crossover engine that delivers the best of both worlds. Quite interesting, and not only did our association of Belgian Motor Journalists give this design an award on the latest Brussels Motor Show, we will present soon this engine more in detail… stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel