Less is more

There was more than a glimpse of the future at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show, with several concept models pointing towards the sort of vehicles we will soon be driving.

Mazda’s concept car, the Vision Coupe, and its Kai hatchback concept (pictured) indicate where that company is heading designwise.

The Vision Coupe will be the focus of the new design strategy of “less is more”.

The Kai compact hatchback, predicted to be the new Mazda3, has minimalistic looks, and the concave side panels found in the Vision Coupe.

“Elegance” and “minimalist aesthetics” are the buzzwords being used to help describe the new design phase.

“We wanted to strip away excessiveness,” a Mazda spokesman said during one of the presentations.

The design focus was on the use of light and shadow to gain the minimalist design.

Driven’s editor at large Liz Dobson says the result is a stunning piece of automotive art with the long coupe the size of the Mazda6 with few visual distractions.

Mazda also revealed new engine technology at the show. And other companies, such as Honda, have been unveiling plans.

● See more pictures and information about the Tokyo Motor Show at Driven.co.nz, and there will be more on Tokyo from Liz, and correspondent Cameron Officer, in upcoming editions of ABOUT US