Mazda's Minagi concept is Geneva bound.
Mazda is set to debut their Minagi concept at March’s Geneva Auto Show, and that’s significant for two main reasons: it’s the first use of Mazda’s latest Kodo design language, and it’s the first baby SUV under the Mazda brand that isn’t simply a warmed over Ford. It’s significant for reasons beyond this as well, but make no mistake: the Minagi is Mazda’s way of telling the world they’ll be just fine without Ford. Given disappointing sales of the Mazda 2 and all but nonexistant sales of their current compact SUV, the Tribute, Mazda badly needs to generate some excitement over upcoming products, and the compact crossover segment is a great place to start.
The Minagi will also benefit from Mazda’s Skyactiv engine, transmission and platform technology. The Skyactiv engine features direct injection and high compression for maximum performance, fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and will be built in both gas and diesel variants (although it’s unclear if we’ll see the oil-burning version on this side of the pond). The Skyactiv transmission will come in both manual and automatic versions, and both are designed to be lightweight and promote fuel efficiency. The Skyactiv platform promises to reduce weight while enhancing overall vehicle safety.
There’s no word on if the Minagi will be built or what platform it will use. My guess is that it will see production as soon as Mazda can finalize the design, and I’m also guessing that it will use Ford’s C-platform architecture. Ford may have distanced themselves from Mazda, but they’re not averse to making money by selling their former partner components. I may be ambitious with my timeline, but I suspect the Minagi (or whatever the name will ultimately become) will hit in late 2012 as a 2013 model.
Source: Autoblog
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
