Mazda HAZUMI (2014)

Mazda HAZUMI

Mazda is focusing on four key areas with its new generation models: KODO — Soul of Motion design, SKYACTIV technology, Mazda Proactive Safety, and a new in-car connectivity system called MZD Connect. The new Mazda HAZUMI unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show brings together all four of these elements and foreshadows Mazda‘s next-generation B-car.

One look at Mazda’s new generation models – the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and all-new Mazda3 – will confirm that the ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme is defined by a dynamic, living expression of motion. In the new Mazda HAZUMI concept the essence of KODO has been captured in a compact body without losing an ounce of impact. The concept is fitted with a newly developed 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine which promises outstanding fuel economy without compromising powerful, linear performance.

In addition to enhancing safety fundamentals such as driving position and field of view, HAZUMI adopts Mazda’s cutting-edge range of i-ACTIVSENSE safety features. Meanwhile, MZD Connect offers drivers the fun and convenience of smartphone connectivity in a format that is safe and appropriate for in-vehicle use. Refusing to bow to the conventions of the B-segment and refusing to compromise in any of the four key areas of Mazda’s vehicle engineering, the Mazda HAZUMI points the way for Mazda’s next-generation B-car.

The concept’s name is a good fit both for the look of the car and its target market. HAZUMI is a Japanese word meaning to ‘bound’ or ‘spring up’ and was chosen to convey an image of a small but vigorous animal, bursting with energy. It also describes potential B-segment buyers: young, dynamic, vibrant and ambitious.

The HAZUMI is yet another example of KODO’s vast potential and how well it can be adapted to different vehicles of different sizes. “Whereas with longer models such as the SHINARI we use long and free lines of motion stretching from front to back to express KODO, with HAZUMI we’ve created a form which suggests explosive motion,” says HAZUMI chief designer Ryo Yanagisawa. “It’s like an animal poised to pounce. Every muscle is held tense as it gathers energy for the chase. Despite being small, KODO gives the concept car a presence that can’t be ignored, and a shape that has driving pleasure written all over it.”

Exterior Design

The KODO design seeks to capture the fleeting tension, beauty and power of living creatures in motion. By packing the powerful and dynamic movements of KODO into a compact five-door hatchback, Mazda has given the HAZUMI distinctive exterior styling and an athletic physique made for the road. This is KODO in its most highly concentrated form so far.

Moving the compact cabin as far to the rear as possible, places the visual centre of gravity near the rear wheels. It creates a wedge shaped body starting from the low and pronounced nose and rising toward the rear to impart a strong sense of forward motion. The sharp, chiseled silhouette is a clear departure from mainstream B-car design where “one-motion form” styles prevail. The short overhangs and powerful fenders that bulge over the imposingly large wheels underline the car’s strong and athletic stance.

Nevertheless, it is not all about looks. As with all its new-generation products, Mazda has put a big focus on aerodynamics, optimising the airflow over the upper body and creating a turbulence-minimising under-floor structure. Tuned specifically for the compactness of the car, these elements deliver superb aerodynamics. 

Front

The headlamps and front grille are positioned as low to the ground as possible, giving the ‘face’ a sharp look reminiscent of a cheetah on the prowl. The car also manages to be appealing at the same time, ensuring onlookers will soon feel a sense of attraction. The LED guiding rings add depth and solidity to the headlamps, evoking the strong-willed eyes of an untamed animal. Another KODO trademark, the aluminium signature wing, underscores the grille before cutting through the headlamps, imparting a deeply sculptured facial expression.

Side

With its short overhangs and pillars that look ready to pierce the centre of the front and rear tyres, the HAZUMI displays the athletic silhouette of a sportscar when viewed from the side. A long line starts from the bonnet, crests over the front wheel and runs all the way to the rear, while an overlapping line peaks over the rear wheel, emulating a rhythm of flexing muscles and adding to the strong sense of forward motion. The surface textures of the body are rich with tension, accentuating the car’s big-boned physique.

Rear

The firmly planted rear wheels support the high hipline and, together with the steeply angled back window, create a strong sense of forward motion. The distinctively oblong rear combination lamps convey speed while possessing a piercing vitality that matches the headlamps.

Wheels

The large diameter alloy wheels feature a dynamic design expressing a powerful force radiating from the centre of each wheel. The contrast between the radiant sheen pro­duced by the aluminium milling process and the dark metallic paint give a taut, three-dimensional quality.

Interior design

The interior of the HAZUMI imparts the same dynamic sense of speed as the SHINARI, MINAGI and TAKERI concept cars which preceded it, maintaining superb functionality as an interface between car and driver. The high-quality feel of the interior exceeds the standards of the B-segment, but also gives a light and youthful impression that befits a B- car.

Cabin Layout

Speed is at the essence of the HAZUMI’s interior shapes, which spread out from above the instrument cluster to the door trim and centre console. The effect, similar to the exterior, is a dynamic sense of forward motion. The passenger space impresses immediately with an instrument panel shaped like the wing of an airplane, creating a comfortable feeling of openness. The centre console is suspended like a bridge, enhancing the feeling of space and creating more room in the foot wells.

The instrument cluster is designed around the driver’s centre axis. It features a single, centrally-positioned gauge with minor displays spreading like wings on either side. The layout of the centre display, Active Driving Display, and commander control, is based on Mazda’s unique human machine interface (HMI) concept called the Heads-Up Cockpit. It is designed to help drivers deal with large amounts of information while keeping their eyes on the road ahead and maintaining a safe and stable body position.

Craftsmanship

In every area of the HAZUMI’s cabin, the high quality forms have a sculptured appearance amplified by reflections of light and shadow. The material for each was crafted to optimise its appearance. Key components of the interior such as controls and displays use a layered combination of hard chiseled metal and deep acrylic material. This produces a light and playful impression befitting a B-car, while maintaining a high-quality ambience.

Colour

The concept’s interior is designed withblack leather as the base and white leather used in certain places such as the instrument panel. A Crimson-coloured leather with a nubuck feel is used on the seats. This modern colour-coordination, which is both bold and charming, makes the interior look youthful and refined at the same time.

SKYACTIV technology newly optimised for a B-car

The Mazda HAZUMI incorporates the full suite of SKYACTIV technology, optimally tuned for a B-car and introduces a new small capacity clean diesel engine. It delivers the agile driving experience expected from a supermini with typically Mazda linear performance that also provides a sense of security.

The SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter clean diesel engine

The Geneva Show marks the world premiere of the new SKYACTIV-D 1.5-litre. This compact and lightweight clean diesel engine is designed to achieve ultra-efficient internal combustion just like the bigger SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre. It offers ample torque and dynamic performance that is linear right up to the redline, as well as excellent CO2 emissions under 90 g/km when powering the Mazda HAZUMI. It will also comply with stringent Euro 6 requirements without after-treatment systems such as a NOx trap or selective catalytic reduction.

i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety

HAZUMI also features i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety technologies based on Mazda Proactive Safety. This is Mazda’s safety philosophy aiming to maximise the range of conditions in which the driver can drive safely and minimise the risks that lead to accidents. These technologies will help drivers enjoy the Mazda HAZUMI safely and with complete peace of mind.

New-generation in-car connectivity

Young people crave stimulating experiences and want to share them with their friends as soon as possible. Mazda addresses the needs of younger drivers – or anyone who wants to stay connected at all times – with MZD Connect, a new connectivity system first introduced with the all-new Mazda3. In combination with the Heads-Up Cockpit, MZD Connect is designed to allow drivers to access the fun and convenience of their smartphones in a safe and easy-to-use format while behind the wheel.

Mazda HAZUMI – main dimensions