Sweeping beauty has great connections
New tech under hood offers lots of thrills
What is it? As a part of its Sustainable Zoom- Zoom 2030 mandate, Mazda unveiled the Kai concept, a preview of the next- generation Mazda3. The hatch’s sweeping Soul of Motion ( Kodo) style is accentuated by the 2,750- millimetre wheelbase and oversized P245/ 35R20 tires. Put simply, it takes the current Mazda3 and amps up every facet.
Why does it matter? The Kai concept features all of Mazda’s next- gen Skyactiv technology. The new platform is designed to bring a better connection between driver and car, and the fact it’s 30 per cent stiffer certainly helps. The key feature, however, is Mazda’s all- new Spark Controlled Compression Ignition ( SPCCI) gasoline- powered en- gine, called Skyactiv- X. In simple terms, it operates as a compression ignition engine (like a diesel) whenever possible.
The Skyactiv- X’s advantages are a dramatic i ncrease in fuel economy and a rapid ramp- up in torque, providing up to 30 per cent more low- end grunt than the current Skyactiv- G en- gine. Having tested the Skyactiv-X engine, it managed a 17.8 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the current Mazda3; the key was it operated in its CI ( compression ignition) mode for the entire test.
When is i t coming? Mazda says the Kai concept is planned for production. This means it will likely hit Canadian roads late 2018 as the 2019 Mazda3.
Should you buy it? The current Mazda3 is one of the top contenders in the compact market. The Kai concept — and all of the technology it showcases — promises to take the nextgen Mazda3 to an unprecedented level for the class.