First showcased at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mazda Kusabi concept appeared as a 4-seater, compact sports car, capable of delivering both performance and functionality. The word “Kusabi” originally means “a bond or connection that ties two things together”, and this is exactly what Mazda were trying to achieve with this concept, bringing together the excitement of a sports car with the practicality, adaptability and economy of a compact model.
Its rigid structure, compact size and low weight endow the Kusabi with the superb handling and manoeuvrability normally associated with sports car models. It sits proudly on 17-inch wheels, boasting an elongated wheelbase and wide, low stance, engendering a confident and aggressive character. Highly responsive braking is supported by the aluminium frame design. It is fitted with a 1.6-litre diesel engine, controlled via 6-speed, automatic shift, manual transmission.
The Kusabi’s front end is equipped with a widened version of the Mazda brand’s five-point front grille signature, with the headlights embedded in slit openings to create a style reminiscent of facial features. Interestingly, the word “Kusabi” can also mean “wedge”, reflecting the overall shape of the model. The pronounced edges of the car’s roof slope downwards to its rear and, where the side and rear meet, an X-shape is formed to give the car even more individuality and personality.
The uniqueness of the Kusabi’s design not only gives it its character, but also its functionality. It features a Twin-Lift Hatchback, boasting two split-hatch doors which can be opened individually from a vertical hinge in the middle of the roof. The system can also function like a regular hatchback, with both sets of doors opening simultaneously for storing larger items.
Further functionality is provided by the rear seats, which fold down to increase load volume. The front seats have swing seat backs, and are hinged on a mechanism between the driver and passenger seats to allow them to be turned inwards.
The Kusabi’s interior design is characterised by its use of aluminium as a major element. Some of the aluminium accents include built-in lighting which illuminates automatically when the door is opened, to provide a soft, welcoming ambience. The cabin design is brought together by the simple, geometric use of metallic elements and soft materials, giving the Kusabi a warm, contemporary feel.
The Kusabi was designed based on the platform from the Mazda 2, and indicated the brand’s efforts to move into the compact vehicle sector whilst retaining its reputation for performance and design excellence. This model represented the latest evolution in the Mazda “stylish, insightful and spirited” design direction.
© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Gary Tsang for www.sport-cars.org
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