What Is It?
Mazda Kusabi
What's Special About It?
In Japanese, Kusabi means "a bond or connection which ties two things together." Mazda says its new Kusabi concept car is a combination of two desirable transportation traits — a real sports car that doubles as a functional family vehicle.
The Kusabi is a four-seat (in 2 + 2 configuration) sports subcompact car powered by a 1.6-liter common-rail diesel engine mated to a six-speed automanual transmission. Its modest 110 horsepower delivers just enough punch to propel the Kusabi easily around town. At just 152 inches long, it's simple to maneuver in traffic or crowded parking lots, while its 70-inch width provides a relatively spacious seating area. The Kusabi's 17-inch wheels add to the aggressive stance of its small body, giving it a sports car demeanor. Kusabi also means "wedge" in Japanese, which accurately describes the car's low, angular lines.
To encourage its use as a multipassenger vehicle, the Kusabi introduces a Twin-Lift Hatchback design that allows the rear hatch to open two different ways — with both sides lifting up like wings or with the entire door opening from the rear like a traditional hatch. The back seating area can also be folded flat to augment storage space. In another innovative turn, the front seats are hinged so they can be turned inward, like when opening a door, to aid in rear-seat access.
Why Should You Care?
As automakers continue to introduce cars that are more environmentally friendly than the SUVs drivers have piloted of late, low emissions, low fuel consumption cars like the Kusabi will increase in demand. If this Mazda concept design finds its way into production, its interesting and functional features could help lure new buyers into the subcompact arena. — Kelly Stennick
Mazda Kusabi
What's Special About It?
In Japanese, Kusabi means "a bond or connection which ties two things together." Mazda says its new Kusabi concept car is a combination of two desirable transportation traits — a real sports car that doubles as a functional family vehicle.
The Kusabi is a four-seat (in 2 + 2 configuration) sports subcompact car powered by a 1.6-liter common-rail diesel engine mated to a six-speed automanual transmission. Its modest 110 horsepower delivers just enough punch to propel the Kusabi easily around town. At just 152 inches long, it's simple to maneuver in traffic or crowded parking lots, while its 70-inch width provides a relatively spacious seating area. The Kusabi's 17-inch wheels add to the aggressive stance of its small body, giving it a sports car demeanor. Kusabi also means "wedge" in Japanese, which accurately describes the car's low, angular lines.
To encourage its use as a multipassenger vehicle, the Kusabi introduces a Twin-Lift Hatchback design that allows the rear hatch to open two different ways — with both sides lifting up like wings or with the entire door opening from the rear like a traditional hatch. The back seating area can also be folded flat to augment storage space. In another innovative turn, the front seats are hinged so they can be turned inward, like when opening a door, to aid in rear-seat access.
Why Should You Care?
As automakers continue to introduce cars that are more environmentally friendly than the SUVs drivers have piloted of late, low emissions, low fuel consumption cars like the Kusabi will increase in demand. If this Mazda concept design finds its way into production, its interesting and functional features could help lure new buyers into the subcompact arena. — Kelly Stennick
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