2018 Mazda 3 to be previewed in Tokyo
Mazda has confirmed a pair of concept cars for the Tokyo motor show later this month, one likely previewing the next-generation Mazda 3 small car, and the other giving a glimpse of the company’s next instalment of its ‘Kodo’ design language.
The company says its theme for the 2017 event is “Celebrate Driving”, hinting at the company’s plans to continue offering fun-to-drive cars in the wake of the push for autonomous vehicles.
While not officially confirmed as the Mazda 3 concept, the company says the first show car (above) in Tokyo is a “product concept model” in the form of a compact hatchback that “fuses next-generation technology and design”.
The concept will feature Mazda’s next-generation technologies – though all the company has said so far is that these systems will apply a “human-centred design philosophy” – and the upcoming SkyActiv-X compression-ignition petrol engine. With the all-new Mazda 3 expected in the next 12 months, it’s logical to assume this concept will preview the company’s next small car.
Meanwhile, the second show car (above) is pitched as a “design vision model” that will “define the next-generation of Mazda design”.
The shadowy teaser image doesn’t give a lot away, but it does bear a resemblance to the 2015 RX-Vision concept, which was initially thought to preview the rumoured RX-9 rotary sports car.
Other headlining models bound for the Tokyo show include the new Mazda CX-8 SUV (above), along with a special-edition MX-5 with a dark cherry red canopy and auburn nappa leather.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for our coverage of the 2017 Tokyo motor show later this month.
REVIEW: Mazda SkyActiv-X
MORE: Mazda 3 news, reviews, comparisons and video
MORE: Everything Mazda