CONCEPTCAR: Mazda's Saloon Future
- Has the Takeri been inspired by the Shinari?
Ah, you've got a good memory. You could say so, because last year's Shinari concept car pointed to a brand new design language for Mazda's future cars by embodying the so-called Kodo theme filled with wavy lines and sleek cues.
The Takeri concept car you see here will be the highlight of Mazda's stand at next month's Tokyo motor show and will, according to its maker, preview the looks of the all-new 6 mid-sized family car (saloon, hatchback and estate).
Note the slim front and rear lights, the accentuated front wheel arches and imposing front grille, which can already be found in the all-new CX-5 crossover.
- Could the next 3 also be inspired by the Takeri?
That's highly likely _ if Mazda decides that there must be a common family look to all of its passenger cars. The first two generations of the 3 compact (C-segment) car are so similar that Mazda should give the third-gen model, due in 2013, that Kodo treatment.
But whether the Takeri's interior details will make it to the 6 or 3 remains to be seen, although we at Life certainly think they should.
The streamlined function button on the centre console looks to be a very practical feature (just don't make it too complicated, like in earlier BMWs), while the rev counter now takes the more prominent role over the speedo.
- Bet the Takeri is filled with Skyactiv tech ...
Streamlined function button is on centre console.
You bet, since Skyactiv is Mazda's ongoing crusade in making bodies lighter, engines more frugal and transmissions more efficient by employing conventional methods.
The Takeri has a downsized 2.0-litre diesel engine, although no further technical details have been released. The current 2.2-litre diesel-turbo produces a healthy 175hp and 420Nm with a six-speed automatic, good enough for 18.6kpl. That new 2.0 should even up the record (and attract Thai product planners due to the 2,000cc tax barrier in the country).
Also at the Japanese motor show, Mazda will show the 155hp/196Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine that yields 17.6kpl in CX-5 application.
- Will that petrol head come to the 3?
It already has, but not in Thai-spec models yet. You see, today's second-gen 3 made a belated entry into the Thai market and, according to our moles, the Skyactive-G petrol unit will come in the third-gen iteration instead. This means that Thai fans of the 3 will have to live with the older 147hp 2.0-litre/five-speed automatic combination until 2013. Sure, Mazda Sales (Thailand) could fast-track the technology if it wants to.
- Hope they will. BTW, will the 6 ever make it to Thailand?
The marketing people at the Thai Mazda office have been talking about the 6 for ages, but it never came because its competition is tough and attracts only a selective clientele.
The 6 had always been about sportiness and compactness. The Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Teana are the complete opposite: comfortable and roomy. But that could change because there is one new word in the press released about the Takeri: comfort.
Takeri previews shapes of new 6 and possibly 3.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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