Mazda Kazamai to Star in Moscow
on 18/07/2008 00:00:00 by
This is a taster of Mazda's new, small "crossover vehicle". The Kazamai concept car will be unveiled at the Moscow motor show in August, previewing a new VW Tiguan/Honda CR-V rival due from Mazda in late 2009. It's based on the Ford Kuga's all-wheel-drive platform but will use Mazda's own direct-injection engine and have a completely unique exterior and cabin. A CO2-busting twin-clutch transmission will also be offered.
Likely to be called CX-3, the new crossover will be coupé-like in appearance but while the Kazamai concept car is a three-door model, the CX-3 will either have five doors or RX-8-style rear 'suicide doors'.
Kazamai means ?swirling crosswinds? in Japanese, which is meant to express the "powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover", hinting that the CX-3 will be fun to drive, like its CX-7 sibling. Expect superb safety specifications, too.
The Kazamai will be joined at the Moscow motor show by the seven-seat Mazda CX-9, a model that was originally intended only for the U.S. market but which should prove popular in Russia's ballooning (and lucrative) SUV market.
