Signs of samurai in sleek new coupe
MAZDA’S VISION SEDAN A DEVILISHLY HANDSOME RETURN TO FORM
What is it? The Mazda Vision Coupe isn’t actually a coupe at all. Instead, it’s a rakish and devilishly handsome four- door sedan, designed to show the future of Mazda’s Kodo design language. It is marked by a dramatic lack of character lines and ridges in the bodywork.
What it isn’t, however, is the next generation of Mazda’s rotary powertrains. Though it shares many design elements with the RX-Vision concept of 2015, Mazda staunchly denies that a rotary is in the works for the sedan, but it would be awesome.
In fact, there are no details about the powertrain or even which will be the driving wheels. We figure the powertrain could be Mazda’s new Skyactiv-X engine technology, likely in a fourcylinder configuration. Even though the design suggests rear- wheel- drive architecture, it seems unlikely given that the only rear-drive platform Mazda has is for the MX- 5 Miata. What’s more possible is that the Vision will be available with frontor all-wheel drive.
Why does it matter? This car shows Mazda’s future design direction, and moving away from flash and toward minimalism is definitely against the trend in modern car design. Mazda even says that the slow, gradual curve of the car’s waistline mimics the line of a samurai sword.
When is it coming? The Vision Coupe concept is likely what the next- generation Mazda6 may look like. If so, expect to see it by 2019 for the 2020 model year. We hope nothing gets lost in translation between concept and production.
Should you buy it? Well, we won’t be able to buy it for a few years. When it does go on sale, definitely! The amount of time and care that Mazda spends on design and aesthetic is unparalleled in the affordable segment. If those smooth concept lines can survive the drafting process toward production, it’ ll be a real winner.