Mazda Minagi Compact SUV Concept Officially Revealed

While it has been reported by several sources as a “leak”, we eventually found the official release and photos of the new Mazda Minagi Concept. Planned teaser or not, it’s certain that the design study will make its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March, providing us a preview of the firm's upcoming compact SUV model, rumored to carry the CX-5 moniker.

The Minagi Concept will also showcase Mazda's next-generation of fuel-efficient powertrain and chassis technologies, branded under the [new] SKYACTIV name.

The Japanese firm didn’t reveal any details on the concept's specifications, simply stating that the Minagi "is equipped with a SKYACTIV engine and SKYACTIV transmission fitted to a SKYACTIV-Body and chassis that merge comprehensive weight reduction with the assurance of ample safety features."

Aside from the Minagi, the Japanese automaker’s stand will also feature separate technology exhibits as well as the Mazda Shinari sports saloon study.

Main Exhibits at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Reference exhibits

Mazda MINAGI (world premiere)

Mazda SHINARI (European premiere)

Technology exhibits

New Mazda SKYACTIV-G direct injection gasoline engine

New Mazda SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine

New Mazda SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission

New Mazda SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission

Vehicles currently on sale

Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6, Mazda MX-5, Mazda CX-7, Mazda BT-50

201 Mazda Previews New Compact SUV with Minagi Concept

Mazda lifted the wraps off its new Minagi concept SUV today at the Geneva Motor Show. The compact SUV study builds on the Japanese brand's new Kodo design identity first seen on the Shinari concept last year. However, unlike the Shinari, the Minagi, which previews Mazda's forthcoming VW Tiguan rival, looks to be more production ready.

“I wanted to convey something different from the Mazda SHINARI. I felt a compact crossover SUV was the perfect vehicle to express agility and focused movement the flexibility of four limbs moving in unison, and an upright posture,” said Masashi Nakayama, the designer of the crossover concept.

The front uses the same large grille as the Shinari, outlined by a chromed “signature wing” that extends all the way through the headlights, giving the car a sharp and aggressive look. The Minagi sports the same sculpted forms dictated by the Kodo design language, with the contours of the front and rear fenders emphasizing the wheels. The car has a sleek and dynamic profile, which ends at the back with a powerful and muscular look. Both the headlamps and the taillights have similar shapes and a hi-tech appearance, with Mazda's press release comparing the design of the headlights to a “wild animal's gaze”.

Inside, the Minagi features a driver-orientated cockpit with four upright satin chrome struts appearing to support the dashboard. The design of the instrument panel has sporty touches, such as the round chronograph-like clocks or the three-spoke steering wheel.

As for the technical side, the company only said that the concept incorporates the next-generation of powertrain and chassis technologies, reunited under the SKYACTIV name.

Although this has not been confirmed, Mazda's new compact SUV model could be developed together with partner Ford, whose 2012 Escape/Kuga production model was previewed in Detroit by the Vertrek Concept.