JAPAN’S NEXT SPORTY CROSSOVERS
After successfully launching familyoriented SUVs, Mazda and Nissan are now pondering racy variations
Are they running out of ideas?
SUVs are all over the place these days, and many car manufacturers have now covered nearly all segments. Rather than running out of ideas, some brands find it imperative in extending the business case for existing platforms and powertrains.
Which is why Mazda and Nissan have each used this month’s Frankfurt Motor Show to showcase a concept car pointing to a future sporty SUV, or crossover as how many people now like to refer to these vehicles.
Nissan, for one, now has models ranging from the Juke up to the Murano in world markets. Mazda, on the other hand, sells those like the CX-9 all the way down to the CX-3.
While the Mazda Koeru embodies a fivedoor package with a raked roofline, the Nissan Gripz expresses a three-door variation with a design language from the brand’s iconic Z sports cars.
Wouldn’t the Gripz preview an all-new Zed, then?
It could be one of those interpretations. The silhouette and raised body of the Gripz pay their respect to the 240Z rally car of the 70s. And, of course, there’s the “z” letter in the name.
But there’s more to that. The Gripz bears similar exterior dimensions to today’s B-segment Juke SUV. And coupled with those boomerang-shaped rear lights, the Gripz could be pointing to the next-gen Juke, which might also include a three-door variation for the first time.
Possibly. Is the Koeru the all-new CX-4?
As we once reported earlier this month, the Koeru is pointing to a new sporty SUV that’s most likely to be called CX-4. The Koeru has a traditional five-door package but with sportier design cues than in the CX-3 and CX-5.
And since you might be wondering, both the Gripz and Koeru have simplified interior designs in which the central console running the length of the cabin gives some clues to a 2+2 layout — something neither maker has discussed about.
The fascia layouts in both concept cars are reflecting the new norm in cars these days: less buttons and more use of digital instrument panels and touchscreen monitors.
That’s the way. Is the Gripz an EV?
Basically, yes. As Nissan is currently selling the Leaf with an all-electric powertrain, it might extend silent motoring to another kind of vehicle in the future which, in this case, is an SUV.
Mazda, meanwhile, hasn’t mentioned what’s lurking under the bonnet of the Koeru. But as we once discussed earlier, Mazda is in the process of taking its SkyActiv technologies to the next level with even more efficient petrol and diesel engines, as well as moving from today’s six-speed automatic to a nine-speeder.
Are these ideas really within reach?
Oh yes. Our moles at Mazda have indicated that the CX-4 should hit showrooms by 2019 at the latest and maybe earlier due to the fine reception the Koeru has received at the German auto show.
Since the Juke is about to turn six years old, the next-generation model could be on the forecourts in less than two years. And the Gripz should have some design implications on it.