All Stories
Follow
Subscribe to Mazda

Mazda

Spectacular Kusabi Concept Car celebrates World Premier at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt

Spectacular Kusabi Concept Car celebrates World Premier at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt
  • Photo Info
  • Download

Leverkusen/Frankfurt, Germany (ots)

Cross-reference: picture is available at:   
   http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?firmaid=33972&dpmlist=bild  
   abrufbar -
At the 60th International Motor Show in Frankfurt (11 to 21
September 2003) Mazda is presenting a sensational concept car based
on the Mazda2. A sporty compact with four seats, the car combines
dynamic styling with a high level of functionality. Particularly
striking is the new and revolutionary split tailgate. The Mazda
Kusabi design concept is powered by a spirited 1.6 litre common rail
diesel engine and offers a high measure of driving dynamics.
The Japanese word "Kusabi" means a fetter or link firmly binding
two things: a suitable name for Mazda's new concept for a sporty
compact, as it interconnects features to offer customers something
extraordinary by comparison with the conventional cars of this
segment. The Kusabi embodies the unique concept of a "sports car for
everyday use" and offers the customer the typical advantages of a
compact: smallness, agility, economy and environmental friendliness -
together with extraordinary design and impressive performance. The
Kusabi is another innovative example of Mazda's zoom-zoom philosophy.
The Mazda Kusabi is distinguished by an overall length of only
3800 mm, a body width of 1750 mm and yet a long wheelbase of 2490 mm.
The extremely short overhang and the 17 inch wheels, the low and
dipped position superbly position the car on the road. Its
proportions yield a compact form with clear contours immediately
creating an aggressive sports car look and an exceptional appearance.
"Kusabi" also means wedge, as in the wedge-like design of the
roof. Indeed, the roof has sharp edges and slants down to the rear,
creating together with the side windows and the rear window an
X-shaped C-pillar in the form of two wedges. The result is a simple
and yet extraordinary design, and an aggressive, impressive sports
car that rises above the crowd.
With its 2+2  design of the passenger compartment, the new Mazda
Kusabi offers a high level of functionality for everyday use. The
sporty compact has a revolutionary new tailgate mechanism allowing
fast and convenient access to the luggage compartment.
The split tailgate has two entirely different opening options. Two
flaps can be individually opened by means of a longitudinal hinge
running through the middle of the roof. This version is especially
practical for accommodating smaller items. Of course, the tailgate
can also be fully opened if larger objects have to be stowed.
The rear part of the passenger compartment of the new Mazda Kusabi
offers a level of flexibility unique for this segment. The rear seats
have room for passengers, but can also be folded down to provide
extremely practical stowage space. For creating even more luggage
space, the aluminium struts behind the rear seats can be removed.
The backrests of the front seats in the Mazda Kusabi concept car
can be swivelled to allow easy access to the rear seats. A hinge
mechanism between the driver and front passenger seats swivels the
backrests inwards, like a door, to afford passengers easy entry.
ots original text: Mazda Motors Europe
Please address queries to:
Mazda Motors (Germany) GmbH
Peter Thul
Press / Publicity Relations Manager
Hitdorfer Strasse 73
51371 Leverkusen
Germany
Telephone: 02173/943220
Fax:     02173/943468
e-mail:  pthul@mazda.de
Mazda Motors Europe
Franz Danner
Vice-President / PR
Hitdorfer Strasse 73
51371 Leverkusen
Germany
Telephone: 02173/943805
Fax:     02173/943468
e-mail:  Fdanner@mazda.de

Original content of: Mazda, transmitted by news aktuell