Mazda Nextourer Concept

What's special about it?
First seen last fall in Tokyo, this crossover concept follows hot on the heels of the 2001 Tribute compact SUV that debuted in Los Angeles in January. Built on an all-new platform, the Nextourer blends the style, luxury appointments and techno-wizardry of a touring sedan with the versatility and functionality of an SUV. A 3.0-liter DOHC V6 with sequential valve timing is mated to a Toroidal continuously variable transmission (CVT). Mazda touts this powertrain to get 20 percent better fuel economy than a similar powerplant and automatic transmission setup. The CVT offers a choice of manual or automatic shifting duties, with Formula One-like paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. Similar to the Toyota Echo, the only control directly in front of the driver is the steering wheel -- all of the gauges and switches, as well as a 7-inch pop-up multifunction display, have been moved to the center of the instrument panel. That makes it easy to convert to left hand-drive ... and quicker to develop for the U.S. market. Roughly the size of a 626 Sedan, the Nextourer's taller greenhouse offers much more interior space and additional cargo-carrying ability. The concept employs a number of advanced technologies, including a driver ID card that activates the starter switch and moves the six-way power driver's seat to pre-set positions. It also has an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) that uses sensors and a navigation system to alert the driver if the vehicle strays out of its lane, approaches a corner too fast or if there is another vehicle in the driver's blind spot. The top brass at Mazda says that --depending on how this concept is received by Chicago showgoers -- the Nextourer could see U.S. production within the next few years.

Why should I care?
Albeit in concept form, Mazda is sitting on a potential segment-buster, drawing consumers who long for a performance family sedan with the versatility of an SUV. Loaded with a bunch of techno-gadgetry and sporting cool looks to boot, we'd be surprised if the Nextourer doesn't hit the U.S. shores in the next few years.