Page 1 of 1 Scheduled to be shown in public for the first time at the 2005 North America International Auto Show early next month in Detroit, the MX-Crossport design concept represents a new direction Mazda is considering as it works to expand its line-up of successful new-generation products. The MX-Crossport was designed at Mazda's main design studio in Hiroshima; it is a crossover-type vehicle-a very Mazda crossover that combines the strong, sports car styling motif of the company's flagship RX-8 with the more practical packaging of sport-utility vehicle. The powerful, bold, three-dimensional identity of the concept car was created to be both surprising and uniquely eye-catching, but at the same time clearly a Mazda, strong with Mazda family design cues that are noticeable even from a distance. It is also a new frontier for Mazda, leading the company into a new segment, expanding the definition of Zoom-Zoom from both a design and packaging standpoint.
Design is an important element of all Mazda products, and, as such, the MX-Crossport is first-and-foremost a design concept. Chief Designer Koizumi, whose previous works include the successful Mazda6, calls this concept an "advanced frontier" for Mazda, meaning the concept merges the speedy and athletic image of Mazda's best sports car with the toughness and practicality of an SUV. The result is a vehicle that takes Mazda and its Zoom-Zoom image into an area it has never before ventured. The MX-Crossport communicates a sense of motion and speed with its bold exterior design. It represents Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit with its sporty appearance and at the same time provides many innovative elements and a comfortable atmosphere with ample space for four adults.
Viewed from the front, key features of the design include the distinct, flowing lines that run down from the A-pillars at a soft angle along the hood and down into the grille area; these strong lines neatly contrasts with the very prominent front fenders. Additionally, the wide, lower grille opening is a new hallmark being used by Mazda in its sports family, as can be seen on the Mazda RX-8 and the recently introduced high-performance, Turbocharged version of the Mazda6. Likewise, the strong, independent front fender of the RX-8 is now a typical figurative motif for Mazda sports cars and this feature is incorporated into the MX-Crossport to help balance the evolution and the tradition. The MX-Crossport also demonstrates how side windows are becoming an important dynamic pattern for Mazda design. In this case, the flowing roofline is complimented by a stronger beltline that boldly kicks upward as it reaches the rear fender. The strong beltline and the narrowing of the rear windows as they stretch over the rear fenders is a key design element that adds to the concept's overall sporty image. The design also features a cabin that three-dimensionally narrows towards the rear of the vehicle, working in harmony with the narrowing window graphic. In contrast to the narrowing cabin, the rear fenders of the MX-Crossport design reach their volume peak immediately above the rear wheels. The strong rear fenders compliment the aggressive five-spoke wheels, which are based on a design first used by Mazda nearly a decade ago on the Koizumi-designed RX-01, a precursor to the current Mazda RX-8.
The interior of the MX-Crossport design concept was developed to visually present an athletic, Zoom-Zoom theme that is similar to the exterior, with special attention placed on creating an atmosphere of quality and craftsmanship. Like the flagship Mazda RX-8, the MX-Crossport features four buckets seats-it is more sports car than family car. The interior presents an overall environment of comfortable driving pleasure, with an emphasis on driving. When viewed from the exterior, the cabin is small and compact, but special design measures were taken to create an interior space that is both roomy in size and modern in appearance. Key to delivering the feeling of room and space are the "floating" seats; each seat is fastened to the floor with a single, center-mounted post and adjustable via a "monorail" system mounted in the floor. With generous amounts of top-quality, semi-aniline leather, a black mesh highlight line running down the center and integrated safety belts, the seats present a modern and sporty image. Further emphasizing the high tech image, as well as adding an extra visual pleasure for the rear seat passengers, the back of the front seats are aluminium and acrylic, with the well-designed mechanism of the safety belts clearly visible, not unlike the back of a high-class, mechanical wristwatch. Page 1 of 1
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MX-Crossport Concept
Scheduled to be shown in public for the first time at the 2005 North America International Auto Show early next month in Detroit, the MX-Crossport design concept represents a new direction Mazda is considering as it works to expand its line-up of successful new-generation products. The MX-Crossport was designed at Mazda's main design studio in Hiroshima; it is a crossover-type vehicle-a very Mazda crossover that combines the strong, sports car styling motif of the company's flagship RX-8 with the more practical packaging of sport-utility vehicle. The powerful, bold, three-dimensional identity of the concept car was created to be both surprising and uniquely eye-catching, but at the same time clearly a Mazda, strong with Mazda family design cues that are noticeable even from a distance. It is also a new frontier for Mazda, leading the company into a new segment, expanding the definition of Zoom-Zoom from both a design and packaging standpoint.