Toyota Verso

Toyota Verso

The new Toyota Verso is a no-compromise choice for compact MPV customers. It is true to what the term MPV stands for - a multi-purpose vehicle - but doesn't ask the motorist to make sacrifices where style, comfort, quality and driving pleasure are concerned. Combining practicality and safety with desirability, new Toyota Verso will appeal to customers who want and expect more than just a functional car.

New Toyota Verso builds on the strong visual appeal of the model it replaces with a more dynamic design. It also benefits from greater levels of comfort, superior standard safety features, more interior space for passengers and their luggage, and, thanks to an engine range that features Toyota Optimal Drive technology across the board, it gives a more dynamic driving experience while maintaining class-leading emissions levels.

Masato Katsumata, Chief Engineer of new Toyota Verso, explained the objectives of the product development: "In developing new Verso we gave it an exterior design that expresses sportiness and stability, and a fresh new interior with excellent convenience and attention to detail. We also pursued a high level of comfort and usefulness that we believe will be appreciated by European owners.

"New Verso has a wide range of interior storage points and user-friendly flexibility that allow it to respond easily to the varying needs of different owners. Handling performance has been enhanced and, with support from our European engineering teams, the vehicle has been fine-tuned to ensure it gives stable and smooth performance on every type of European road."

New Toyota Verso combines modern styling inside and out with space, comfort, practicality and flexibility. Class-leading safety provisions, ride quality, acoustic comfort and dynamic abilities match those of a conventional passenger car.

The interior is all new, with more space, comfort and an improved Easy Flat-7 folding system for the five rear seats that is easier to operate. Special attention has been paid to improving accommodation for all rear seat passengers, while there is significantly more room behind the third row of seats for load carrying.

Toyota Optimal Drive technology has been introduced throughout the range, increasing engine power by up to 20 per cent, while at the same time achieving reductions in emissions and fuel economy of up to 12 per cent. In the UK Toyota Verso will be offered with new 1.6 and 1.8 Valvematic petrol engines which will have a class-leading combination of power and CO2 emissions. These will be offered with a new six-speed manual transmission as standard, with the option of Toyota's new Multidrive S continuously variable transmission on the 1.8 unit. A revised version of the 2.0-litre D-4D diesel will also be available, with a 2.2 D-CAT engine with new six-speed automatic transmission due to join the line-up later in the year.

New Toyota Verso is designed to achieve a maximum, five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test programme, thanks to upgraded active, passive and pedestrian impact safety features and a highly rigid, impact absorbing body shell that makes greater use of high tensile steel. Notably all Toyota Verso models will be equipped with curtain shield airbag protection for passengers in the third row of seats and with intelligent steering assist Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+).

Capitalising on an investment of more than €1 billion and reinforcing the Adapazari plant's reputation for exceptional build quality, the car will be built by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey.

The DESIGN
Toyota's 'Dynamic Lounge' concept for new Toyota Verso focuses on all the key attributes of a C-segment MPV to ensure the car combines contemporary exterior and interior styling with the ultimate in space, comfort, practicality and flexibility, class leading occupant and pedestrian safety features, and the ride quality, acoustic comfort and dynamic abilities of a conventional passenger car.

The 'lounge' element of the concept can be witnessed in the comfort, quality, convenience, atmosphere and roominess of the all-new interior, while Toyota Verso's 'Dynamic' content is expressed through powerful external and interior design elements and strong driving dynamics.

The Exterior
Building on the dynamic character of the current model, new Toyota Verso takes Toyota's design language a stage forward with new Dual-Zone exterior styling.

This approach is expressed in the car's profile view, with a strong character line flowing from the edge of the front bumper, rising through the lower edge of the doors and sweeping up through the C-pillar to the roof-mounted spoiler. On one side of this line Zone I takes in the bonnet and cabin, and on the other Zone II embraces the chassis and boot space.

From the front, new Toyota Verso is characterised by forward-flowing lines and a powerful stance, emphasised by the horizontal lines of the twin-bar grille, headlamps that are pulled tightly back into the wings, a deep air dam and a prominent, central Toyota emblem.

In profile view, the sharply delineated front wheelarches complement the dual-zone character line, blending into the upper wings and generating a second character line that runs through the aerodynamic door handles along the vehicle's waistline.

The Interior

The Toyota designers describe the interior theme as Smart Wave Dynamism, expressed most strongly in the wave-like form of the upper instrument panel, which distinguishes the functional character of the driver's zone from the more relaxed ambience of the passenger zone. The two zones are linked by a crisp wave line that runs the full width of the fascia.

The speedometer and tachometer are set into individual cylinder housings, angled towards the driver and slightly offset so as not to interfere with the driver's view of the road ahead. The gear lever is mounted close to the steering wheel on a centre console that provides a strong vertical definition of the driver's zone.

New puddle lights are integrated in the door mirrors, which illuminate as you approach and unlock the vehicle with the key fob, with soft orange LED lighting activated in the front footwells as the doors are opened.

Titanium-look inserts are featured on the door handles, steering wheel and centre console and there is a blend of soft-touch technical grain plastic for the upper dashboard, with leather grain effect on the darker, lower section, accentuating the sense of space inside the cabin.

A large panoramic glass sunroof with integrated electric blind is also available, increasing the open and airy cabin atmosphere. It extends from the head of the windscreen to beyond the B-pillars, measuring 1,160mm long and 1,180mm wide. It is the largest one-piece roof of its kind in new Toyota Verso's class. The blind can be opened to any point along the length of the sunroof.

Toyota Easy Flat-7
New Toyota Verso offers all the versatility MPV buyers demand, in a more user-friendly way than ever before thanks to improvements to the Toyota Easy Flat-7 system.

Toyota Easy Flat-7 allows the five rear seats to be individually folded to carry extra passengers or increase load space as the occasion demands; in all 32 different seating permutations are possible.

In new Toyota Verso Easy Flat-7 has an improved mechanism that returns the second row seatbacks to their original position after being folded to give access to the third row. The headrests on the second and third row seats have a new low-profile L-shape to make the seat folding operation easier and improve rearward visibility from the driver's seat.

The third row seats can now be stowed or erected in one easy action, using just one hand with a pull-strap that can be reached from the tailgate. The third row seatbacks also gain a recline adjustment.

The height-adjustable front seats have better shoulder support and a seat base extended by 20mm to improve comfort, particularly on long journeys, while an increase of 40mm in the height of the front seat cushion gives the driver a better view from the wheel.

Support and cushioning have also been improved for second row passengers and a 30mm increase in the seats' sliding adjustment makes access to the third row of seats easier. The couple distance between the front and second row hip points has been increased by 50mm to a maximum 975mm, creating more rear legroom, and the height of the second row seats has been reduced by 35mm to give more headroom and make it easier for passengers to get in and out of the car.

The boot floor is completely flat when the second and third row seats are folded and is longer by 185mm at 1,830mm, making it easier to load long items. The cargo space is also wider by 240mm at 1,585mm, increasing storage capacity from 63 to 178 litres when all rear seats are in the upright position, compared to the current model. The result is a seven-seat MPV that can carry all passengers in comfort, with ample space for luggage, too.

A new boot management system is located under the rear loadspace, handy for keeping valuable items out of sight or stowing the tonneau cover. Its capacity varies according to how many rear seats are in use, and whether a full-size or space-saver rear wheel is specified.

Generous storage throughout the car also includes a large double-deck glovebox, an overhead console, generously proportioned door pockets, fold-out seatback tables with cupholders, a spacious centre console box, a drawer beneath the front passenger seat, second row underfloor storage and driver and passenger pockets for holding mobile phones or music players.

Noise, Vibration and Harshness
Special attention has been paid to reducing NVH levels in new Toyota Verso to best-in-class levels for a C-segment MPV, comparable to those for many D-segment passenger cars.

As well as using traditional acoustic damping techniques, Toyota Verso marks the world-first application of a two-piece upper and lower liner on the cabin side of the bulkhead. Density of the liner is optimised only at the most critical points to avoid any necessary weight gain. A second acoustic liner on the engine side of the bulkhead combines with under-bonnet insulation to further reduce engine noise intrusion.

Tuned floor silencing panels are installed beneath the seats and in the spare wheel well, and a new acoustic material is used for the first time in a Toyota to insulate and absorb noise in the footwells.

Cruciform bracing that ties the instrument panel structure to the A-pillar, crossbeam and floor helps minimise dashboard vibrations. A second beam, bracketed to the floor, runs across the car beneath the rear seats. Wheelarch liners and resin rocker mouldings help reduce stone chip clatter and an insulator between the A-pillar and inner wing further isolates the cabin from noise intrusion.

These measures combine with an aerodynamics package that gives a class-leading drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.295 to reduce cabin noise significantly (by 2.5dBa) compared to the current model.

TOYOTA OPTIMAL DRIVE POWERTRAINS
New Toyota Verso benefits from Toyota Optimal Drive, adopting innovative technologies to minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, increase power and maximise driving pleasure.

These diverse core technologies focus on three aspects of powertrain development:

* The reduction of powertrain weight through the use of super-lightweight and highly compact engine components and transmissions.
* The minimisation of mechanical losses through the adoption of Valvematic (a further development of VVT-i), new roller rocker technology, smaller and lighter pistons, low viscosity oil and new six-speed manual and Multidrive transmissions.
* The maximisation of combustion efficiency, achieved by adopting high compression ratios, refinement of intake port and combustion chamber design and the introduction of oil jet piston cooling. All Toyota Verso diesel engines benefit from an upgraded fuel injection system.

Three engines will be available in new Toyota Verso at launch in the UK: two petrol engines, 1.6 and 1.8-litre Valvematic units, which give a best-in-segment combination of power and CO2 emissions; and a revised 2.0-litre D-4D 130 diesel. A 2.2-litre D-4D 150 D-CAT diesel will join the range later in 2009 with a new six-speed automatic transmission.

The new 1.6-litre Valvematic is matched to a new six-speed manual transmission. Compared to the 1.6 VVT-i engine featured in the previous generation Toyota Verso, power has been increased by 22bhp (22 DIN hp) to 131bhp (132 DIN hp), and maximum torque by 10Nm to 160Nm at 4,400rpm. Provisional figures show CO2 emissions down by 17g/km to 161g/km and combined cycle fuel consumption improved from 37.7 to 41.5mpg.

The 1.8-litre Valvematic engine offers the choice of the new six-speed manual gearbox or Multidrive S, Toyota's latest continuously variable transmission technology. It marks significant improvements in power, torque, emissions and fuel economy over Toyota Verso's previous 1.8 VVT-i unit: power is up by 18bhp (18 DIN hp) to 145bhp (147 DIN hp), torque increases by 10Nm to 180Nm at 4,600rpm; CO2 emissions are down 19g/km to 165 g/km (manual), and combined cycle fuel consumption improves from 36.7 to 40.4mpg (provisional CO2 and mpg figures).
With the Multidrive S transmission, CO2 emissions are expected to be 164g/km and combined fuel consumption 40.4mpg, figures which represent the system's advantages over conventional automatic transmissions.

Toyota Verso also gains a revised 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine that develops a maximum 125bhp (126 DIN hp) and 310Nm from 1,800 to 2,400rpm, with 140g/km CO2 emissions, a best-in-class figure for the core 110-140bhp power range in the seven-seat MPV C-segment.

The 2.2-litre diesel engine featured in the current Toyota Verso range is carried forward for the new model and will be available to UK customers later in 2009. Output is increased to 148bhp (150 DIN hp), and maximum torque up to 340Nm, available from 2,000 to 2,800rpm. Equipped with Toyota D-CAT clean diesel technology, it produces 178g/km of CO2 and returns 41.5mpg in combined cycle driving (provisional figures). This engine will be matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission.

Ride and Handling
New Toyota Verso has been designed to give the agile handling, body control, stability and ride comfort of a conventional passenger car with its all-new high-rigidity body shell, longer wheelbase, wider front and rear tracks and extensively revised suspension geometry.

Aerodynamics
New Toyota Verso has a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.295 thanks to a carefully judged design that is fundamental to the car's body control, high speed stability and reduction of wind noise.

Particular attention has been paid to the flow of air beneath the car, with a smooth underfloor, wheel spats and wing-shaped vertical fins contributing to the control of vertical body movement and optimisation of front and rear lift coefficients. The result is a flatter straight-line ride, more controlled yaw response and better rear stability, notably in cross-winds.

The Suspension
The MacPherson-type front suspension has a new set-up with dual top mounts: a stiffer, outer mount locating the spring and a softer inner mount locating the damper. With increases in the caster angle and roll rigidity, the new format gives optimum handling with low noise transmission and excellent ride comfort.

The compact, lightweight rear torsion beam with integrated anti-roll bar has also been revised with adjustment to trailing arm angle to improve steering response. The spring and damper mounts have been separated to improve packaging efficiency, ride comfort and handling.

The Electric Power Steering
For the first time in Europe, Toyota has added active steering force compensation to its variable assistance Electric Power Steering in new Toyota Verso. If the system detects a steering input speed that is too high for the required vehicle response, it will automatically reduce power assistance delivery to limit the input and so promote smoother driving.

When the steering column torque sensor detects vibration from the wheels, an active vibration control programme with the ECU can produce a compensating signal to reduce the vibration before it reaches the steering wheel.

Brake and Tyres
New Toyota Verso is equipped with the latest ABS and VSC+ braking and stability systems, incorporating electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) to give much shorter stopping distances.

SAFETY

New Toyota Verso benefits from upgraded active, passive and pedestrian impact safety features and has a highly rigid, impact-absorbing body shell with a higher proportion of high tensile steel. These elements are designed to earn it a top five-star rating in the new, more stringent Euro NCAP crash test programme.

Active Safety
A full range of active safety systems are available for new Toyota Verso, including the latest-generation ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

The intelligent steering assist VSC+ system, fitted as standard, counteracts under or oversteer by independently applying braking force to any of the four wheels, while simultaneously generating counter-steering torque to help the driver bring the car under control. Traction Control (TRC) contains wheelspin and Steering Torque Assist counters vehicle yaw moments under braking or acceleration.
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) provides extra control when pulling away on a gradient, preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards.

Passive Safety
Seven airbags are fitted as standard: driver front passenger front and side airbags, front passenger knee airbag; and curtain shield airbags that extend the full length of the cabin to protect occupants in both rows of rear seats - a feature that is rare in the compact MPV segment.

The front seats have active anti-whiplash headrests and all seats are linked to a seatbelt reminder system on the instrument panel. Further protection against leg injuries is provided for driver and front passenger by energy-absorbing pads built into the front footwells.

Side impact forces are channelled across the floorpan and through roof strengthening members and, in a first for a Toyota vehicle, energy absorbing pads are located on the door belt line and rear passenger hip point to reduce injuries.
A high-resistance seat rod is positioned beneath the rear seats and secured on each side of the cabin, further helping to absorb side impacts.

Pedestrian Impact Safety
New Toyota Verso's bonnet has an energy-absorbing structure and a crushable cowl at its rear edge. The wiper motor and linkage have been relocated lower down on the firewall, further away from the point of impact should a pedestrian be hit.

The bonnet lock is set well down from the upper bonnet surface and the construction of the front end of the car incorporates upper and lower leg impact absorbers, with additional absorbers located where the rear edge of the bonnet meets the upper part of the fender.

Hyundai ix35

Hyundai ix35

The Hyundai ix35 development team moved away from the two-box off-roader look in favor of a sleeker, more reformed profile while aiming for a roomier cabin, extra storage capacity and fuel economy leadership.

Hyundai's new "fluidic" design language finds confident expression in the sweeping, gently curved lines of the Hyundai ix35. The hexagonal grille previewed on the Hyundai ix-onic concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show moves into mass production on the Hyundai ix35, a defining look that will serve to unify the family of future Hyundai products. To achieve the desired dynamic and sporty image, Hyundai ix35 gets an aggressive belt line coupled with a low-to-the-ground feel which is enhanced by the optional 225/55 R18 wheels.

The interior lines echo the dynamic flow of the sheet metal. For improved comfort, the designers have carved out extra legroom and headroom (whilst lowering the overall height of the vehicle). The feeling of spaciousness in the cabin is further enhanced by the new dual-panel panoramic sunroof, benefitting front and rear passengers. The center panel can either tilt open or can open completely by sliding up and over the rear panel.

The gauge cluster - with blue backlight - borrows Supervision technology from the Genesis sedan to display key information with crystal-clear clarity and minimal eye stress.

The Hyundai ix35 rides on a 2640mm wheelbase which is 10mm longer than the outgoing Hyundai Tucson. At 4410mm and 1820mm, it is also longer and wider than its predecessor (by 85mm and 20mm, respectively) greatly improving the interior cabin space but the overall height of 1660mm has been lowered by 20mm without affecting headroom.
Hyundai ix35

Greater travel in the front seat adjustment gives more legroom and headroom for taller drivers. The centre console box has been enlarged to 6.2 liters for more storage. In addition, the height of the rear cargo screen has been raised for extra capacity and a small storage binnacle has been added in the rear cargo area.

To further broaden its appeal, Hyundai ix35 will get the newest fuel-efficient engines and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Western European customers will be offered a choice of two thrifty and clean-burning petrol engines: the Theta-II 2.0 rated at 166ps and 20.1kg.m of torque which emits just 178g/km (2WD MT) of CO2 and the Gamma 1.6 GDI delivering 140ps and 17kg.m of torque, available from November 2010, which delivers only 158g/km of CO2. This 1.6 GDI engine will be available with ISG stop-start technology, further reducing CO2 to just 149 g/km.

The European diesel lineup includes two all-new engines: the R 2.0 and the U-II 1.7, which will be available from November 2010. The R 2.0 will come in a choice of two outputs: high (184ps/40kg.m) and low (136ps/32kg.m) producing CO2 emissions of just 165g/km (2WD MT) and 158g/km (4WD MT), respectively. The U-II will have a rated output of 115ps with 26.0kg.m and will have class-leading CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km (2WD MT) when equipped with ISG. To achieve Euro-5 emission compliance, the R is fitted with a close-coupled diesel particulate filter plus highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation with by-pass valve.

Six-speed manuals are standard with both diesels while the R will come with the option of a six-speed automatic. Hyundai's all-new six-speed automatic transaxle helps the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of sporty-type, manual shifting through the Shiftronic which is also new to the Hyundai ix35.

The new fuel-efficient engines and transmissions, the Hyundai ix35 features a number of other innovations which contribute to lower operational costs. Nestled between the speedometer and tachometer, the "ECO" coach is a new feature designed to promote fuel-saving driving habits. In the manual transmission version, an icon on the LCD trip-ometer screen begins to flash when the optimum gear shift point is reached. The automatic uses an "ECO" icon backlit by LEDs with either the red, white or green LED lighting up in accordance with driving behavior. Fuel savings in the range of 15 to 17 percent are attainable with the automatic "ECO" coach and 7 to 9 percent with the manual.

The multi-link rear suspension was adopted not only for its superior ride and handling characteristics but also because of its compact design which minimizes intrusion into the cabin creating extra space for passengers and cargo. Tried and true Macpherson struts are employed for the front suspension set-up.

Extensive work was done to isolate sounds and eliminate vibrations. Hyundai ix35 is discernibly quieter both at highway speeds and at engine idle. Booming noise is reduced thanks to a sub-frame dynamic damper while the rear luggage area gets extra soundproofing to isolate exhaust sounds. Road noise has been minimized by improving stiffness in the front and rear struts, rear trailing arm and the spring sheet.

The body shell structure is engineered to the very highest standards of safety: In crash safety tests conducted in-house Hyundai ix35 scores a five-star rating in Euro NCAP testing for both frontal and side impacts. The entire body shell has been made stiffer and lighter thanks to its more extensive use of ultra-high tensile strength steel.

In a panic braking situation, the emergency flash signals are automatically triggered thus reducing the risk of rear-end crashes. Active headrests are triggered by the pressure of the seat occupant's weight on the backrest, the headrests automatically moving upwards and forwards to help prevent injuries to head, neck and upper body.

The 4WD capability, Hyundai ix35's CUV credentials are strengthened with two new safety features: Hill start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control which promote safer travel up and down steep slopes.

For safer maneuvering in reverse gear, a rear-view camera has been added, which operates in conjunction with a 3.5-inch color LCD built into the rear-view mirror. Smart-Parking Assist uses the rear-view camera to provide a graphical grid overlay to safely guide the driver into the parking spot.

Other new features:
= Push button start with smart-key proximity sensor
= Manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel
= Steering wheel-mounted audio remote control
= Air-conditioned, cooled glove box
= Low rolling resistance tires for 16" wheels

Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept

Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept

The Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept is an answer to the world of automobiles and individual mobility moving towards energy efficiency, environmental compatibility and uncompromised safety - along with dynamic attributes and driving fun. In its efforts to offer pure driving enjoyment, while meeting its ecological and social responsibilities, Mazda has been focusing on weight reduction as a core base technology. For 20 years, reducing weight has been a tradition with the Mazda MX-5. It provided the inspiration for the radical design of Mazda's latest show car and its radical interpretation of the cult roadster.

This year Mazda celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first Mazda MX-5 roadster, which laid the cornerstone for its Zoom-Zoom brand philosophy - reason enough for Mazda designers to create a fully-drivable show car, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept. There are no plans to build this car, but it demonstrates how individual mobility can be maintained in a way that uses fewer natural resources.

Mazda's European R+D centre in Oberursel has created a show car that represents the essence of Mazda's fun-to-drive aspect. Based on the brand icon Mazda MX-5 Roadster, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept is a pure, uncompromising two-seat sports car meant to be affordable to just about anyone. The main challenge for the design team in creating this roadster was "to evolve the MX-5, developed to perfection during the last 20 years, to a higher and extreme level," says Project Lead Designer Hasip Girgin. The result of their efforts is a roadster show car with an exciting design that is especially lightweight and distilled down to the very basics of sporty driving, that still manages to provide modern safety technologies. In an increasingly digitalized world, it creates a linear, direct bond between man and machine. Its conceptual purity means even better driving dynamics and fuel efficiency, which is accomplished by keeping the vehicle below the 1000 kg threshold. As a show car for lightweight construction and driving enjoyment, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept is the ideal ambassador for Mazda's brand values.

Exterior Design

The Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept was to strengthen these bonds even further. By doing this without a windshield, the retractable top and its frame, designers achieved an important step in this direction. As the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept, the allweather production roadster has mutated into a driving machine that lets sports car enthusiasts enjoy the natural surroundings unfiltered and tangible. Not only does the wind blow unimpeded during driving, pilot and co-pilot can also experience the sounds, smells and temperature changes of their immediate surroundings. And finally, the show car's intense bond between the driver and the technology of the vehicle gives it a unique closeness that can only be found in stronger form in the cockpit of a race car.

Mazda designers created special roll-over bars, not only because they are very sporty-looking, but also to contribute to aerodynamic efficiency. These also make it clear that roll-over protection is important in this concept. And they prevent wind turbulence around the heads of the passengers, from whom the law would require the wearing of helmets while driving.

By removing equipment not vital to driving, and by replacing vital things with components that support the unique concept of the vehicle, designers sharpened the character of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept.

Because there is no windshield, for instance, there is obviously no need for wipers. The roadster show car's completely open design makes the need for outer door handles, side windows and their openers unnecessary. A single, filigree aluminium, wide-angle mirror gives a good view of the road behind. It's placed inside an extension of the bonnet. Front and rear lights are the same as those of the production model with additional LED lamps at the front, and brake lights at the back of each roll-over bar, which contribute to the roadster's sporty look.

The lack of a windshield required an extension of the original aluminium bonnet into the cabin. The attached sheet here is made of lightweight carbon fibre and provides a hood for the dashboard frame.

This also changed the proportions of the body's design, making the front of the car longer and the passengers seem like they are sitting further back towards the rear-drive axle, all of which is enhanced by the massive roll-over bars and their aerodynamic cladding. The Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept translates the dramatic proportions of historical race cars into a very modern form.

Interior Design

The purity in design of the exterior also characterizes the interior design, which does not have aesthetics as ultimate goal, but was conceived to contribute to reducing vehicle weight. Driver and passenger of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept are greeted by racing bucket seats made of ultra-lightweight carbon fibre. They are slide adjustable and upholstered with the same saddle coloured leather as the armrests, the steering wheel, and the lightweight aluminium shift lever and hand brake. Colour-coordinated four-point seatbelts hold the driver and passenger firmly in their seats.

The bonnet extension into the passenger cell provides a canopy for the dashboard, which makes the dashboard look smaller than the production Mazda MX-5. Made of lightweight plastic reinforced with fibreglass, it contains the same instruments as the production Mazda MX-5. These are held in place by a dashboard frame made of lightweight carbon fibre. Like a purebred race car, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept has an ignition button in the centre of the dashboard, along with two emergency kill buttons for immediate fuel and electricity cut-off.

Supplying air and climate control to the open passenger compartment is only possible in limited form, so the show car has no air conditioning and no fans. Air-flow is increased when the roadster accelerates, and only small air vents are needed. The interior is made without any trim. Sound insulation mats and rugs do not meet the requirements of a purist roadster like this and are not used at all.

Made of ultra-lightweight carbon fibre is the "floating-design" centre console with iPod adaptor and the triangular reinforcements in the trimless doors. Driver and passenger can rest their arms here while driving.

Driving Dynamics

The Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept is fully-drivable, but there are no plans to produce it in the near future. Under the bonnet is the cultivated and frugal MZR 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine paired to the production roadster's five-speed manual transmission. It develops 93 kW/126 PS of maximum power at 6,500 rpm. For an appealing engine sound, there's a Mazdaspeed cold-air intake made of polished and powder-coated aluminium and a Mazdaspeed exhaust system, both of them specific to the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept. These systems deliver more intake air-flow, and less exhaust-gas back pressure.

The engine sound is designed to suggest an engine with much higher displacement than the concept actually has. During charge cycles, a high-resonance bubbling sound in the muffler delivers the exciting sporty sound you expect from a very powerful engine.

The show car is designed to provide improved driving dynamics as well, and uses a four-piston, fixedcalliper brake system with perforated discs that, because of their size required an increase in track of 50 mm. A specially tuned chassis with a Bilstein B16 coil-over suspension and Eibach estabilisers give the body of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept a ground clearance that is 30 mm lower than the production Mazda MX-5. Its sporty hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion steering system is the same as that of the regular roadster. Its linear steering, coupled to a precise-shifting five-speed manual transmission with short shift travel, have contributed to the character of the world's most successful roadster for years.

Technical Specifications

* Body Type : Roadster Monocoque
* Seating capacity: 2
* External Dimensions
o Overall length: 4,020 mm
o Overall width: 1,720 mm
o Overall height (unloaded): 1,110 mm
o Wheelbase: 2,330 mm
o Track (front/rear): 1,540/1,545 mm
o Ground clearance: 106 mm
* Engine: MZR 1.8-litre petrol
* Max. power: 126 PS (93 kW) at 6,500 rpm
* Max. torque: 167 Nm at 4,500 rpm
* Transmission: 5-speed manual
* Front/rear suspension: Double wishbone/Multi-link
* Damper (front/rear): Bilstein® monotube
* Tyre size: 205/45 R17
* Brake type (front/rear): Ventilated discs/Solid discs
* Brake diameter (front/rear): 300/280 mm
* Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8,9 s
* Fuel consumption (combined): 6,3 l/100km
* CO2 emissions (combined): 150 g/km
* Min. kerb weight (without driver): 995 kg

Daewoo Matiz Creative

Daewoo Matiz Creative

Based on GM's global mini-vehicle architecture, it took 27 months to develop the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative. KRW 295 billion has been invested in the vehicle's development. Following its launch in Korea, the global mini will be sold in over 150 markets around the world including those in Europe, Asia and North America.

Aimed at meeting the highest quality and performance standards in the most sophisticated markets, the global vehicle was put through over 1 million kilometers of intensive durability tests, extreme weather tests, and crash tests both at home and abroad.

With roof-rail curtain air bags and high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel over a majority of its body, the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative ensures segment-leading occupant protection.

With a revolutionary design, advanced technology, segment-leading features and benchmark safety, the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative offers much more than a mini.

Segment-Leading Size and a Dynamic Exterior

The GM Daewoo Matiz Creative is a car that is ideal for those with an urban lifestyle. With the styling of a sporty hatchback, it showcases the new direction of GM Daewoo design and a new trend in the design of mini-cars.

The GM Daewoo Matiz Creative's roomy proportions and dynamic styling are courtesy of its segment-leading length of 3,595 mm, height of 1,520 mm, wheelbase of 2,375 mm, and width of 1,595 mm combined with its "body-in/wheels-out" stance. Dramatically sized headlamps that literally stretch from the front fascia to the back of the hood, with clear polycarbonate lenses and chrome-coated bezels, resemble diamonds, adding an upscale appearance and glamour.

A window line that is slanted dynamically upward, an arching roofline and sharp sidelines bring a sporty yet edgy look, a rarity in the segment. Secret vertical rear door handles located in the C-pillar are another unusual feature. They give the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative a unique, sporty three-door coupe appearance without sacrificing five-door utility.

A first-in-segment offering of an integrated rear spoiler as standard equipment essentially extends the rear roofline, for enhanced aerodynamic performance and provides a stable stance in high-speed driving as well as increased fuel efficiency. Round taillamps with clear polycarbonate lenses add to the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative's strong rear impression.

A chrome-coated radiator grille and fog lamps, outside mirrors with two-tone color, and a refined-looking roof rack are other design cues that transport the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative's styling beyond that of a mini.

The Unique Interior Defined By Fun, Fashion and Functionality

The design revolution continues inside the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative. While pursuing a harmonious theme with the dynamic exterior, the interior is more about functionality.

With its wider track and longer wheelbase, the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative provides best-in-segment front legroom, rear legroom, front headroom and rear hiproom, resulting in generous space and comfortable accommodation for five adults.

The flowing interior weaves together the instrument panel, front seats and door trims, creating an environment that is harmonious, uninterrupted and inviting to the senses. An exterior-color-matched instrument panel and door trim appliqués offered in red, blue or silver enhance the unified design of the interior and exterior.

The most striking design element in the interior is a motorcycle-inspired dynamic meter cluster. The first-in-segment steering column-mounted instrument cluster combines analog and digital systems, contributing fun and unique styling as well as enhanced visibility and convenience. A trip computer in the dynamic meter cluster is another first-in-segment feature.

Adding to the refined look is an integrated center stack design that eliminates the traditional "picture framing" layout and results in a contemporary, stylish relationship. LED-lit ice blue illumination adds to the urban, edgy styling.

Pattern-printed semi-bucket seats provide a stable feeling when cornering. With high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship, they also enhance the luxurious interior atmosphere.

The new 1,000-cc DOHC Engine Delivers Power and Fuel Economy

Newly developed for the next-generation global mini at GM Daewoo, the S-TEC II engine - a 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine with a displacement of 1,000 cc - delivers great performance and fuel economy.

The S-TEC II engine includes a series of advanced features that enhance performance. The first-in-segment application of the PDA (Port De-Activation) system ensures high exhaust gas recirculation, resulting in combustion stability at low speeds and optimal performance at high speeds together with improved fuel efficiency. In addition, the PDA system contributes to a reduction in emissions, making the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative a truly eco-friendly vehicle that meets the stringent KULEV (Korea Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle) standard.

Another first-in-segment application is an automatic temperature controller inside the engine, which helps improve fuel efficiency by reducing unnecessary heat loss. A dome-type long-skirt cylinder block narrows the space between intake valves while the application of four resonators reduces engine noise.

Mated with the efficient S-TEC-II engine is a 4-speed automatic transmission tuned to GM's global standards that provides enhanced shifts for an outstanding ride.

The Solid Structure and Advanced Chassis Ensure Pleasurable Ride and Handling

The ride and handling of the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative also set it apart from any other vehicle in its segment. Adopting the body-frame integral (BFI) system, the upper body structure and frame are engineered as a single unit, resulting in better feel of the road along with a heightened sense of firmness and stability, and enhanced connectivity between the driver and vehicle.

A McPherson strut front suspension combined with a four-point mounted long engine cradle and a width power reduction spring enhances the solidity of the entire chassis, for improved crash safety and driving performance. A rear compound crank torsion beam incorporates a tubular V-beam for more effective tuning and dynamic performance.

A first-in-segment triple acoustic absorbent structure and special underbody structure prevent noise inflow from outside, for optimal quietness. Wind noise is minimized through the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative's aerodynamic body line and detailed door sealing structure.

Benchmark Safety: Class-Transcending Use of High-Strength Steel

A host of structural enhancements combined with a full offering of active and passive safety systems makes the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative a segment leader in its class.

Its body is the stiffest in the mini segment; 66.5 percent of its body is constructed of high-strength steel or over 16 percent is comprised of ultra-high-strength steel. This ensures the highest level of protection in the segment.

Ultra-high-strength steel applied to the side structure minimizes the chance of the structure deforming in the event of a crash. High-strength steel is also used in the rear body structure to protect passengers as well as the fuel tank, minimizing the possibility of fuel leakage during a collision.

The four-point mounted long engine cradle protects passengers in the event of a head-on collision by optimally dispersing crash loads. The steering column features an extended impact protection zone to enhance protection of the driver's torso.

The use of H-spider type ultra-high-strength steel bars in the underbody prevents severe deformation caused by a side crash. The tailor-welded blanking method used in the B-pillar ensures maximum protection of passengers' upper bodies. High-strength steel in the rear and first-in-segment rear crash boxes minimize the impact of whiplash.

The roof is especially stiff, for maximum rollover protection. The GM Daewoo Matiz Creative has been developed to withstand up to four times its weight - which goes far beyond industry regulations. As a result, GM Daewoo expects the Matiz Creative to receive the highest ratings in IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) crash testing in the U.S.

GM Daewoo engineers also factored in pedestrian safety. Ample space between the engine and hood reduces the chance of a secondary collision, meeting European safety regulations for the protection of pedestrians.

The first-in-segment application of front-end crash boxes for greater passenger protection adds an economical factor as customers will need to change only the crash boxes instead of repairing the entire vehicle in the case of a low-speed crash. As a result, the vehicle is expected to receive a good grade in the RCAR (Research Council for Automobile Repairs) test for determining customer insurance fees.

Besides driver, front passenger and side air bags, the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative also offers first-in-segment curtain air bags mounted on the roof rails to protect both front and back seat occupants. A 4-channel/4-sensor EBD-ABS system reduces braking distance and helps prevent skidding and rollover. Other safety highlights include seatbelt pre-tensioners, shock-sensitive door locks and rear parking assist sensors with a broad range.

Premium Convenience Features Go "Beyond Mini"

The GM Daewoo Matiz Creative features an array of premium comfort and convenience amenities that one would expect in more expensive vehicles, including:

* Heated windshield wipers
* Roof rack
* Heated automatic outside mirror
* Speed-sensitive automatic door locks
* Tilt steering and a driver's seat armrest
* A particle filter for a pleasant dust-free interior
* 6:4 folding seats
* A wireless remote start key
* Various storage places
* A tire sealant compressor kit

The GM Daewoo Matiz Creative comes in three trim levels: Pop, Jazz, and Groove. It is priced from KRW 9.06 million for the entry-level Pop, from 9.44 million for the Jazz and from KRW 10.09 million for the Groove. (All prices include a 4-speed automatic transmission.) A manual transmission will be available starting early next year, giving consumers in Korea and overseas markets another option.

Technical Specifications

* Length: 3,595 mm
* Height: 1,520 mm
* Width: 1,595 mm
* Wheelbase: 2,375 mm
* Tread
o Front: 1,410 mm
o Rear: 1,417 mm
* Engine
o Valve Train: DOHC
o Displacement: 995 cc
o Max. Power: 70 PS at 6,400 rpm
o Max. Torque: 9.4 kg.m at 4,800 rpm
o Fuel Efficiency: 17 km / l
* Curb Weight: 910 kg

Honda Skydeck Concept

Honda Skydeck Concept

The 2009 Tokyo Motor Show will mark the debut of the Honda Skydeck Concept, an innovative 6-seater hybrid MPV.
This is still a design study, but is a great example of how Honda's IMA technology can be placed in a range of different cars for different needs.
To give the Honda Skydeck Concept the practicality of a conventional MPV, many of the hybrid system components - including the high power battery - are housed in the car's centre tunnel (rather than behind the rear seats or under the floor, as with previous production hybrids). This allows for greater cabin space, and the room for three rows of two seats.
It also gives a lower centre of gravity.

Nissan Land Glider Concept

Nissan Land Glider Concept

The Nissan Land Glider concept, planners and designers of Nissan have conceived a totally new form of personal zero emission mobility that combines clever, new driving experiences, all in the one compact, 4-wheeled package.

The thrills and freedom of bikes inspired the designers and engineers, an extra spice was added to the mix. Tandem architecture became the obvious choice. A unique two-seater, cocoon-like structure sitting on a zero emission powertrain. With four-wheel stability and a sense of safety that originates from a tilting cabin, the Nissan Land Glider Concept will appeal to both two- and four-wheel driving enthusiasts.

Targeted at city dwellers of all generations, the Nissan Land Glider Concept is a serious motoring statement of the new era of mobility that Nissan intends to lead.

Cocoon in the shell

The exterior incorporates a soft, sleek-looking body that appears to be protected by a special armor, The four-wheeler boasts a dynamic body design that almost seems alive. As part of Nissan's expanding zero emission family, the Nissan Land Glider Concept exudes a clean, friendly attitude."

The vehicle's two-seater tandem layout is enveloped in what seems like the canopy of a glider, while its unique `tilt' setup employs a special leaning function that holds occupants firmly in place even when the vehicle is cornering at angles. In developing the Land Glider, Nissan designers have created a two-seater that offers the sense of security of a cocoon, but delivers real driving pleasure.

Corner and lean

Described as a `personal city commuter,' the Nissan Land Glider Concept features steering-by-wire and a lean capability when cornering ? like a motorcycle ? that enables the vehicle and its tires to lean by up to 17 degrees. Able to turn sharply at nearly any speed, the Nissan Land Glider employs sensors for vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate to instantly calculate the level of lean required to negotiate a corner. All the driver must do is turn and the cabin will lean accordingly. By enabling the car to lean, designers have succeeded in minimizing vehicle width and tire tread width, thus achieving a sleek, futuristic look.

Driven by rear electric motors

Two electric motors in the rear powered by lithium-ion batteries mounted beneath the floor, the zero-emissions Nissan Land Glider Concept is quick off the mark. The car also features a non-contact charging system that can be charged whilst shopping at a supermarket or stopping at a motorway service station. This system enables vehicles to be charged cable-less at locations where the infrastructure exists.

Collision Avoidance

To ensure maximum safety whilst driving, engineers have fitted a car-robotics style crash avoidance system in which sensors mounted in the body detect other vehicles in the same way as fish swim in schools without colliding. This system directs the vehicle's path away from any obstacles.

Technical Specifications
* Overall Length: 3,100 mm
* Overall Width: 1,100 mm
* Overall Height: 1,415 mm
* Wheelbase: 2,180 mm
* Seating Capacity: 2

Toyota FT-86 Concept

Toyota FT-86 Concept

The Toyota FT-86 Concept is 4,160mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 1,260mm high with a wheelbase of 2,570mm, giving it a compact feeling that is easy for the driver to handle while able to accommodate four occupants.
Toyota FT-86 Concept boasts the handling of a racing car as well as a 6-speed manual transmission and ADVICS brakes.

The stylish concept captures the heart with the "functional utility" of its highly-refined body. It is the creation of Toyota Europe Design Development known as ED2, which has established body lines that take into consideration a low center of gravity and aerodynamics.
The interior is distinctive, featuring an instrument panel with a gray and white base, gauges with red neon lights and digital displays, and a navigation system. A zipper that evokes an image of interior lapping with minimal covering of a highly-refined body presents a striking display.

The Toyota FT-86 Concept is neither an electric vehicle nor a hybrid vehicle, but is a sports model with a gasoline engine developed to convey the essential appeal of automobiles in a new era.
It is a must-see concept car that expresses TMC's desire to once again create a Toyota sports car.

The Small FR Sports Concept Vehicle that Combines Environmental Performance and the Joy of Driving

TMC seeks to develop the ultimate earth-conscious environmentally-considerate vehicle with a focus on hybrid technologies without losing sight of the appeal of cars themselves or the joy of driving.

Over the past several years, the need has been rising for motor vehicles that take into consideration global warming and other environmental issues, while there has also been concern that there have been too few new sports cars that make the heart beat faster and that the time is right for a new generation of sports cars.
In response to these needs, TMC has developed the Toyota FT-86 Concept, a sports car equipped with a 2,000cc, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated gasoline engine that evokes the joy of driving a car and the pleasure of vehicle ownership.
It is a compact, rear-wheel drive sports concept car that embodies speed and the excitement of driving that give cars their appeal as well as environmental performance.

Honda Accord Crosstour

The Honda Accord Crosstour evolves the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) concept by integrating a sleek and aerodynamic shape that blends sporty, low-profile contours with versatile CUV functionality.

The concept is to broaden the appeal of the Honda Accord line-up by leveraging traditional Accord strengths of fun-to-drive performance and handling while also adapting to dramatic shifts in the light truck. The Honda Accord Crosstour accomplishes that by offering a modern interpretation of a CUV while integrating the refinement and efficiency of a premium sedan."

The Honda Accord Crosstour maximizes car-like ride and refinement, yet maintains capabilities consistent with a CUV's increased ride height and all-weather potential. The Honda Accord Crosstour's styling builds on the Accord's familiar character lines and adds a bolder front grille complemented by a durable lower-body appearance, wedge-shaped C-pillars and an aggressive rear stance. The flowing roofline narrows smoothly into the rear of the vehicle to create an aggressive-looking design, which conceals a unique cargo area that can adapt to large objects that exceed the capacity of a sedan.

Hyundai ix35

Design cues seen on Hyundai ix35 will be carried over to other new Hyundai models, most notably the pronounced hexagonal grille which will become a recognisable family attribute.

The Hyundai ix35 also has a smaller footprint than C-segment hatchbacks and MPVs, meaning it will also appeal to buyers who are seeking a more stylish alternative to conventional cars.

The sleeker styling contributes to enhanced aerodynamics. This, combined with more refined powertrain technology, enables Hyundai ix35 to deliver markedly better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions than rival SUVs and compete head on in terms of running costs with mainstream hatchbacks.

Kia Venga

A Kia's stylish and uniquely spacious new premium.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the 4,068 mm long Kia Venga features an unusually long wheelbase for its class of 2,615 mm - and a 1600 mm high roofline to maximise cabin space.

Skilful packaging will ensure that the Kia Venga redefines the category by offering levels of interior space typical of a larger C-segment vehicle, but within a B-segment footprint.

Every engine in the Kia Venga line-up will be available with Kia's fuel-stretching Intelligent Stop and Go technology and will comply with Euro 5 emission standards.

The Kia Venga will be equipped with a sliding 60/40 split rear seat that also folds flat into the floor to create a spacious cargo bay and, a twin-level boot floor and depending on model a tilt-and-slide all-glass panoramic roof.

"This is exactly the kind of vehicle UK motorists are looking for as we emerge from the recent economic turmoil - a fantastically flexible package providing big-car comfort and space within a compact package. It will offer our customers style, sophistication and refinement coupled with environmental economy," he added.

Mazda 3 MPS

The next-generation Mazda 3 MPS is one of the world's most powerful front-wheel drive compact cars. It takes the all-new Mazda 3 hatchback as its base and raises it to new levels of driving excitement with an updated MZR 2.3-litre DISI turbo petrol engine, increased body shell rigidity and an evolved suspension. To this it adds exclusive design cues and materials to deliver a next-generation compact flagship that is even more fun to own and drive than the current model.

On top of its high performance level - one of the best in the category - the all-new Mazda 3 MPS was developed according to Mazda's long-term vision for technology development. Advanced Mazda engine and catalytic converter technologies mean the new model has an optimized power delivery, uses less fuel, and has cleaner emissions than the previous Mazda 3 MPS model.

Design - A More Expressive and Dynamic Design

The design theme for the all-new Mazda 3 called on the development team to evolve the model's visual identity to create a sportier, more aggressive appearance. The end result is a more emotionally appealing design that takes the sporty, agile compact nature of the all-new Mazda 3 hatchback to a new level of sporty refinement.

Exterior Design

A new air intake for the intercooler is introduced to the centre of the all-new Mazda 3 MPS bonnet, hinting at the power underneath. The front fender and front bumper designs are exclusive to the MPS, while subtle intonation added to the surface and character lines give the exterior an expressive and dynamic flair. The front grille and lower bumper sections share the same black metallic paint finish. These are framed by cylindrical bi-xenon headlamps and round fog lamps, to underscore the car's premium character.

Mazda 3 MPS
Silhouette and rear end

At the sides, subtle wedge-shaped and curving side character lines, along with a side under spoiler, accentuate the car's sporty, low centre of gravity. The view from the rear features a large floating rear spoiler (depending on market) that balances out the tight look begun by the new front end and adds to the compact's aggressive image. LED tail lamps have an inner lens that adds a sense of greater transparency when the lamps are not lit.

One the segment's best for aerodynamic performance

Beginning with the all-new Mazda 3 5-door hatchback, which has one of the segment's lowest coefficients of drag, MPS developers added a number of exterior features optimised for aerodynamic efficiency. These include the large front and rear bumpers, a large floating rear roof spoiler and front under spoiler. The result is aerodynamic performance that provides stability and easy control when travelling straight, changing lanes, or overtaking other vehicles at high speeds. The shape of the A-pillars and door mirrors were also designed keeping aerodynamic efficiency in mind, while increased rigidity around the door sashes, delivers improved sealing of the doors to reduce wind noise.

The Wheels and tyres

Mazda introduces all-new 18-inch (18 x 7.5J) aluminium alloy wheels designed exclusively for the Mazda 3 MPS using the same design theme as the Mazda RX-8 wheels. These have a strong, three-dimensional form that helps the car look nimble and aggressive when seen from the side.

The Interior design

Front seat area
The dashboard of the new Mazda 3 MPS is designed to give a roomy feel at the front. This is combined with a large centre console and a driver-orientated, wrap-around cockpit with just the right feeling of snugness. Exacting calculation was applied to designing the slant of the centre console and in positioning the gearshift lever closer to the driver.

New turbo boost gauge
The hoodless independent blackout speedometer and tachometer express sportiness through their design. The tachometer features a red MPS logo and a needle that travels 260 degrees as opposed to the 190-degree rotation on other Mazda 3 models. The instrument cluster for the all-new MPS also includes an LED turbo boost gauge positioned between the meters, which heightens the car's high-performance feel.

Semi-bucket front seats
The all-new MPS provides semi-bucket front seats for a great fit and exceptional torso and thigh support, a real must in a car this sporty. The front edge of the seat cushions is enlarged to improve the fit under the thighs, and the seatback length is extended to provide greater support. The MPS upholstery features an exclusive black base colour with a red graphic design and red stitching.

Materials and colour
Developers were careful in selecting materials and surface finishes for the interior that will excite the driver and passengers every time they take a seat in the car. Black is the keynote colour employed throughout the interior, while the seats and trim fabric have an organic red graphic design. This MPS-exclusive design is distributed throughout, with red stitching enhancing the sporty interior character on the steering wheel, seats, door trim, shift lever boot, and centre armrest.

Powertrain - Exhilarating Driving and Euro Stage V Compliance
The power and easy-to-control torque characteristics of the new Mazda 3 MPS turbo petrol engine are combined with an optimised gear ratio that ensures smooth shift operation for sporty driving. This is matched to a stiffer body, a suspension system with greater damping strength, Mazda's electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS), as well as specially tuned brakes. Together, they deliver a high-performance package with precise, controllable handling, and powerful braking that is fun to drive on a daily basis.

The Engine - high-performance DISI technology
The all-new Mazda 3 MPS is powered by Mazda's MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo, a high-power inline 4-cylinder petrol engine. This acclaimed engine has been further refined and now delivers a maximum output of 191 kW/260 PS at 5,500 rpm and the same generous maximum torque of 380 Nm at 3,000 rpm than the current model. This represents one the world's highest level of performance in a front-engine front-wheel drive sports compact.

High-performance compact
Pairing direct-injection with a turbocharger allows the engine to achieve performance that is on par with a larger displacement engine. Realising the right balance between lightweight and high rigidity through the effective use of high-tensile steel sheeting - including 1,480 MPa ultra-high tensile steel - means the new MPS body shell easily supports the top speed of 250 km/h and acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.

Reduced fuel consumption and Euro Stage V
Yet, the new Mazda 3 MPS also delivers surprisingly good environmental performance and fuel efficiency for a car with this kind of power. Optimised aerodynamics helps reduce fuel consumption from 9.7L/100 km on the previous model to 9.2L/100 km on the all-new Mazda 3 MPS. Also newly introduced is the world's first single-nanotechnology, fast-reacting catalytic converter under the floor, which delivers cleaner emissions and Euro Stage V compliance.

High torque from direct-injection
The latent heat of vaporization generated by the MZR 2.3L Turbo when atomized fuel is injected directly into a cylinder at pressures of up to 11.5 MPa reduces the temperature in the combustion chamber (in-cylinder cooling effect) and improves air-fuel mixture charging efficiency. When compared to turbo engines injecting fuel via regular intake ports, this approach increases torque of the new Mazda 3 MPS by up to about 10 percent at around 3,000 rpm. This realizes a smooth flat torque profile with plenty of power that is easy to control using a single-scroll turbo charger. The intercooler is the same size as on the previous model, but the new air intake mounted on the hood delivers a supply of cool air that better ensures stable cooling performance.

The Advanced torque management
The stiffness of the left and right drive shafts is optimized to minimize torque steer. Engine optimizations help to make this powerful, high-torque front-wheel drive vehicle easier to handle when enjoying a sporty drive. These measures include intake volume and boost pressure control that suppresses sudden torque peaks for smoother, more linear torque characteristics and steering angle sensors (all gears).

6-speed manual transmission
The transmission of the new Mazda 3 MPS uses a compact, three-shaft design that keeps the overall length the same as a 5-speed manual transmission. It uses a wide gear ratio setting that can fully exploit the wide torque band of the DISI Turbo engine, with a sixth gear that contributes to a quieter ride and improved fuel economy when driving at high speed. Each gear is set to a higher speed total gear ratio than on the previous model. Of particular note is the natural feel of shifting between first and second gear as the car picks up speed, as well as the smooth feel of successive shifts while accelerating.

Triple-cone synchronizers for first, second and third gears and a double-cone synchronizer for fourth gear optimize the amount of strength required to make shifts and establish the right balance between a short, responsive stroke and pleasing feel to gearshift operation. In addition, the transmission uses low-viscosity fluid, which greatly reduces the effort required for shifting when the engine is cold.

Chassis - Safe and Predictable

High body rigidity and specially tuned suspension

Based on the highly rigid body of the Mazda 3 5-door hatchback, the all-new MPS version adds reinforcements inside the front cowl member gussets to strengthen the joints between the rear suspension towers and rear floorboard, and employs a large tunnel member. These and other local reinforcements effectively increase body rigidity and greatly improve the new model's dynamic robustness.

Suspension system

The coil spring rates for both the MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension are modified exclusively for the MPS. Special tuning to support the high power of the MPS and provide satisfying driving performance also includes the introduction of larger diameter stabilizers than on the new Mazda 3 base model, and an increased span for the stabilizer mounts to achieve greater roll linearity. Special dampers for the MPS increase damping strength and combine with the coil springs and stabilizers to achieve higher roll stiffness than on the base model.

Newly-developed tyres
The Dunlop 225/40R18 tyres for the MPS are wider than on the previous model. By improving the grip of the tyres, the rigidity of their sidewalls and damping strength - along with the systems that bear the input from the tires, including body rigidity, suspension rigidity, and steering support rigidity - the new Mazda 3 MPS delivers response with a more direct feel, and a stronger sense of oneness between the driver and car. The result is a sporty drive that is more precise than on the previous model, even at high speeds. It delivers better response, greater stability and a flatter ride with fewer undulations, even when entering sharp curves or traversing wavy road surfaces. To ensure this, extensive high-speed test drives were conducted at Germany's Nürburgring.

Steering updates and EHPAS
The new Mazda 3 MPS now employs three highly rigid steering gear mount bushings instead of the two used on the previous model. The system also features electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS), which adjusts control in accordance with vehicle speed and steering angle to realize precise, solid response for an outstanding feel to steering wheel operation. Control is set for more accurate response to vehicle speed, providing a lighter feeling at slower speeds and a firmer, confidence-inspiring feeling at higher speeds. Steering is direct and sharp at just 2.7 turns from lock to lock.

Robust brakes and new electronic brake assist
Large diameter 320 mm ventilated disc brakes in the front and 280 mm solid discs in the rear combine with an 8+9 inch tandem brake booster and 1-inch large diameter master cylinder to realize powerful and stable braking. Electronic brake assist replaces the previous mechanical system, and four-wheel ABS and DSC are also standard equipment.

Suzuki Kizashi Concept

The Suzuki Kizashi Concept gives a glimpse of the direction Suzuki will be taking in the third phase of their world strategy.

Though Suzuki is known for excellence in compact cars and full-fledged four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicles, we're now getting ready to expand into full-size passenger cars, and the Suzuki Kizashi Concept highlights this exciting new initiative. In the Suzuki Kizashi Concept, strength and flexibility are combined in a way that makes the car an impressive status symbol for its owner; a car that never fails to stir the spirit.