However, with a simple 2-liter engine and perhaps less than the
current 19-inch wheels in front and 20s at the rear, a new MX-3 could come in at or below the MX-5's $20K window sticker, a great price point for a car that Mazda envisions for first-time buyers, which is perhaps their reasoning behind its name.
Kabura is a Japanese term for an arrow, that, when fired, made a unique sound signaling the start of a battle. Perhaps Mazda is ready to take on more foes than the roadster field can offer against its MX-5.
And what innovations does the Kabura offer in terms of design? The interior, as with most Mazda concepts, is a fanciful blend of lighthearted colors and forms arranged in an original and practical configuration. In the case of the Kabura, they call the configuration 3+1, because the passenger sits several inches farther forward than the driver, allowing the rear passenger more access to conversation and the driver's attention. In a pinch, the +1 seat behind the driver provides equal accommodation for a fourth because it is staggered farther to the back.
Nonetheless,
this arrangement conforms to a Volvo study that found that those interested in coupes and small vehicles often weren't interested in the fourth and even third seating position (see concept car or prototype archives for Volvo C30 Concept review). Two is often enough for most activities worth pursuing. All seats can also fold flat for a capacious storage area able to accommodate large objects, if you prefer large objects to passengers. Another notable aspect of the interior is that all seat coverings are composed of recycled leather donated from Nike's waste pile, with an eye to their future ad campaign wherein they will claim that "it fits like an old, worn-in sneaker". That's not very fair, so I will also compliment them on the use of perfectly good materials and in encouraging the further use of what would otherwise be waste.
The exterior, to my eye, was a very well-resolved study, almost to the point of being conventional, for a Mazda (although once again, that's only because the two predecessors in the trilogy were so far off the charts). The typical Mazda grille is filled in black and flanked by two air intakes for brake cooling, no doubt. Right above the intakes are L-shaped light clusters that wrap over top of the massive fenders that bulge out to fit the 19-inch wheels and tires. Meanwhile, the hood sports a glass panel to view the engine and the windshield extends all the way back over the front passengers for a well-lit environment in the cabin.
The windows are a bit larger than many concepts, and even
production cars have been getting away with lately, but they are extremely practical for good visibility, and there is a neat stepped kink at the door's shut line, basically a mini-B-pillar, that leads up to the tiny rear quarter window. Rear wheel arches are clearly defined, emphasizing how well the 20-inch wheels in the back fill the space, with little to no room to spare.
While the front has more going on detail-wise, the rear bumper runs smoothly across with the lower fascia sporting diffuser-type openings to either side of the twin exhaust tips. The rear window is split into an upper hatch and an additional lower screen to aid visibility, and this lower window shape dips into the bumper, mirroring the signature shape of the Mazda grille up front.
How
much of the styling might we see on a future Mazda product is the subject of much speculation, but little information is coming from the people at Mazda. Perhaps they are waiting to gauge public response, but their years of dominance in the affordable roadster market with the Miata, the huge popularity of the Mustang and its attainable sporty good looks, and Mazda's tradition of bringing radical concepts to life (the RX-8 and its rear suicide doors come to mind), all lead me to believe that this is the next segment the zoom-zoom marketers will want to take on. Does anything scream zoom-zoom more than a compact sports coupe? Of course, the Kabura is just the first arrow into the field, and surely there are more to follow.
Specifications:
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| Simple, bold, and full of spunk, the Kabura's interior is executed in excellent form. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, American Auto Press) |
Kabura is a Japanese term for an arrow, that, when fired, made a unique sound signaling the start of a battle. Perhaps Mazda is ready to take on more foes than the roadster field can offer against its MX-5.
And what innovations does the Kabura offer in terms of design? The interior, as with most Mazda concepts, is a fanciful blend of lighthearted colors and forms arranged in an original and practical configuration. In the case of the Kabura, they call the configuration 3+1, because the passenger sits several inches farther forward than the driver, allowing the rear passenger more access to conversation and the driver's attention. In a pinch, the +1 seat behind the driver provides equal accommodation for a fourth because it is staggered farther to the back.
Nonetheless,
 |
| Larger than an MX-5, but smaller than an RX-8, could the Kabura signal the rebirth of the MX-3 or RX-3? (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
The exterior, to my eye, was a very well-resolved study, almost to the point of being conventional, for a Mazda (although once again, that's only because the two predecessors in the trilogy were so far off the charts). The typical Mazda grille is filled in black and flanked by two air intakes for brake cooling, no doubt. Right above the intakes are L-shaped light clusters that wrap over top of the massive fenders that bulge out to fit the 19-inch wheels and tires. Meanwhile, the hood sports a glass panel to view the engine and the windshield extends all the way back over the front passengers for a well-lit environment in the cabin.
The windows are a bit larger than many concepts, and even
 |
| Like a junior RX-8, Kabura features rear-hinged 'suicide' doors for easy access to the +1, rear seat. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, American Auto Press) |
While the front has more going on detail-wise, the rear bumper runs smoothly across with the lower fascia sporting diffuser-type openings to either side of the twin exhaust tips. The rear window is split into an upper hatch and an additional lower screen to aid visibility, and this lower window shape dips into the bumper, mirroring the signature shape of the Mazda grille up front.
How
 |
| Franz von Holzhauzen, stylist of the Kabura, pictured with his creation. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, American Auto Press) |
Specifications:
- Body Type: 3-door coupe
- Layout: front engine, RWD
- Engine (est.): 180-hp, 2.0-L DOHC I-4
- Transmission: 6-spd manual
- Suspension (front/rear): Double Wishbone / Multi-Link
- Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 159.4 / 70.1 / 50.4 / 100.4 in
- Wheels & Tires (front / rear): 245/35 R 19 / 245/35 R 20
- Seating Capacity: 4 (3+1)
- Website: www.mazdausa.com
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