Two new Mazda concepts will be rolled out for the first time at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show later this month, including a 2018 Mazda3 preview.
Having recently announced a comprehensive renewal strategy for its lineup that includes a new chassis, revolutionary compression-ignition Skyactiv-X engines and revised Skyactiv-D diesel powerplants, a precursor to the next-generation, 2018 Mazda3 concept appears to be on the horizon. The 2018 Mazda3 is due late next year, which will debut all of these technologies.
From these images we can glean it features a further refinement of the brand’s ‘Kodo’ design language, with sleeker headlights, smoother surfacing and a more pronounced dash-to-axle ratio to emphasise sportiness. A more raked rear end appears visible from the teaser images, but we will have to wait for the car’s unveiling closer to the Tokyo Motor Show’s October 25 date to see more details, including the glasshouse and interior.
The other concept is a four-door sports car, which will inform the design language of Mazda vehicles throughout the next decade. Although the teaser hides quite a lot of details, we can see rear-wheel drive proportions, a pinched shoulder line and six window daylight opening, with a crisply pronounced bootlid. Whether this is a preview to the next-generation Mazda6 or a dedicated four-door GT model is a mystery at this stage.
Mazda’s mantra for this year’s show is ‘Celebrate Driving,’ and the company will also be exhibiting a special edition ND MX-5 with auburn coloured Nappa leather upholstery, as well as the Japanese domestic market CX-8. We will bring you more details about these cars as they come to hand.