Mazda's Unwavering Strategy

Mazda was the most talked-about car manufacturer at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, thanks entirely to the "RX-Vision." It's an incredibly cool sports coupe, its design a masterful combination of a long hood and a cabin set so far back that the driver sits almost over the rear wheels. The styling is like a perfect embodiment of the golden ratio in traditional sports car design.

Readers will already know what the "RX-Vision" is, but its name evokes Mazda's "RX" series of rotary-engine sports cars. Perhaps because many wondered, "Rotary again? (They're not fuel-efficient)," it certainly generated buzz, and the press conference was a packed, enthusiastic affair. Despite being held early at 8:30 AM on the first press day, the room was filled with the palpable excitement of car enthusiasts. (You can see the scene in the Mazda Official Channel video below.) Interest in this concept model has remained strong ever since.

Mazda RX-Vision

Mazda RX-Vision

"We've equipped the ultimate FR (front-engine, rear-wheel drive) sports car styling with our next-generation rotary engine technology, Skyactiv-R. While there are technical challenges (for mass production), we will continue development." When Mazda President Masamichi Kogai said this at the press conference, the media, realizing it wasn't just a hollow showpiece, was even more astounded.

Mazda's booth featured a visual identity (VI) using a black background, similar to that of its new-generation showrooms such as the Senzoku branch in Ota Ward, Tokyo, and theMeguro Hiyoshi branchbranch in Meguro Ward. Displayed alongside were numerous models painted in Mazda's signature colors. Led by the "RX-Vision," the lineup was dazzling, with models shining in a body color called Soul Red Crystal Metallic.

Mazda's significant presence stems from its ability to present a total brand concept in this manner. Furthermore, from the Demio to the CX-5, all models share the common backbone of "Skyactiv" technology and "Kodo" design. The booth conveyed this sense of unity.

A concept for a sleek, stylish crossover SUV also occupied a prominent space.

Proposing the Sports Car as a Lifestyle Product

The crossover SUV Mazda is proposing is called the "KOERU". It debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany in September. This model also features Mazda's "Kodo" design, with the core concept of expressing vitality and dignity.

At the Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda's booth maintained the "KOERU's" impression of a long, flowing style when viewed from the profile (side). The cabin is deliberately compact, giving it a dynamism that transcends the typical SUV category. This also attracted considerable attention.

Will the "KOERU" eventually lead to a production model? Mazda is not saying, but rumors suggest it could fill the gap between the CX-3 and CX-5. As Mazda sees itself as a sports car maker by its very DNA, we can look forward to what comes next with this model.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda Global MX-5 cup

" Roadster" can be seen as a lifestyle product, which is also evident from Mazda's booth at the Tokyo Motor Show. This was also quite interesting. For a sports car maker like Mazda, "lifestyle" could perhaps be rephrased as a life that enjoys racing.

This year, the Roadster was represented by the "Global MX-5 Cup Car" and the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) certified "Roadster Party Race car with parts installed." Both were displayed side-by-side. It's a perfectly valid assertion for a car manufacturer to claim that owning a sports car enhances one's life. We can only nod in agreement. We hope this value is shared with as many visitors as possible.