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MAZDA HAZUMI Geneva International Motor Show Press Kit

Mazda is focusing on four key areas with its new generation models; KODO—Soul of Motion design language, SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, Mazda Proactive Safety, and a new car connectivity system called Mazda Connect*. The MAZDA HAZUMI unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show brings together all four of these elements and foreshadows Mazda upcoming next-generation subcompact car.

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One look at Mazda’s new generation models such as the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 will confirm that KODO design is defined by a dynamic, living expression of motion. In the Mazda HAZUMI the essence of KODO has been captured in a compact body without losing an ounce of impact. A newly developed 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine promises outstanding fuel economy without compromising on linear and powerful driving performance. In addition to enhancing safety fundamentals such as driving position and field of vision, HAZUMI adopts Mazda’s cutting-edge i-ACTIVSENSE safety features. Meanwhile Mazda Connect offers drivers the fun and convenience of smartphone connectivity in a format that is safe and appropriate for in-vehicle use.

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Refusing to bow to the conventions of the subcompact class and refusing to compromise in any of the four key areas of Mazda’s vehicle engineering, the Mazda HAZUMI indicates the ideal form of Mazda’s next-generation subcompact 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 and bounding into life. It also describes potential B-segment buyers; young, dynamic, vibrant and ambitious.

The HAZUMI is yet another example of the vast potential of KODO design and of how well it adapts to different vehicles of different sizes. Says HAZUMI chief designer Ryo Yanagisawa, “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. It’s like an animal poised to pounce; every muscle is held tense as it gathers energy for the chase. Despite being small, the KODO gives the car a presence that can’t be ignored, and a shape that has driving pleasure written all over it.”

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*The name Mazda Connect is used in Japan, US, Canada and Mexico. The system is referred to as MZD Connect in other markets

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