The concept vehicle’s new name is ‘Kiyora,’ which in Japanese translates to ‘clean and pure.’ Mazda describes the Kiyora as representing the harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features, and in keeping with this theme has fit the car with an ultra-efficient petrol engine.
The design is an indication of where Mazda could go with a small, eco-friendly city car in the near future. Its body is constructed from carbon-fiber to save weight and despite its small proportions, measuring a total 3,770mm in length, there is still seating for four.
The concept is also formed in the shape of a water droplet on its side, as are its two side windows. Its diminutive size and low roofline give it a small front cross-section. This is combined with a stylized rear roof spoiler and specially sculptured body lines for a highly aerodynamic form with a coefficient of drag that is over 10% lower than that of the current Mazda2.
The concept’s compact powerplant displaces 1.3L and features the carmaker’s next-generation direct-injection technology and new engine stop-start feature. Improved direct injection technology and newly designed combustion chambers enable more precise ignition control. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined with reduced weight and improved aerodynamics, these technologies would result in CO2 emissions of 90g/km or less.
Joining the Kiyora concept car on Mazda’s stand at the Paris Motor Show will be the 2009 MX-5 (Miata) facelift and a diesel version of the Mazda6 complete with a newly-developed 2.2L turbodiesel.
