We’ve been loving the Mazda Koda-based and Rapide-lookin’ Shinari concept sedan since we first saw it. Now the automaker wants you to meet the Minagi (pronounced like Mr. Miyagi), the first Mazda to feature both the new Koda corporate design language and their new Sky Active technologies.
The Minagi draws on that same language and the result is a sharp, crisp, athletic looking truckette. Is there a touch of Kia Sportage in the overall form, and Infiniti in the grille? Perhaps, but both cars are such a huge step forward from Mazda’s previous smiley-face format (Nagare) that metaphors escape us. Let’s just say Mazda wins the Most Improved award.
Sky Active technologies also get us excited. In essence, Mazda claims that Sky Active engines are more powerful and efficient, the transmissions are better at better at interpreting the driver’s intentions while being much more efficient, and the body structure and chassis are lighter yet stronger and more rigid. All of that sounds absolutely fantastic to us. And the Minagi? Look for the production version to show up at Frankfurt (with door handles!) and be called the CX-5.
via Automobile Magazine Staff
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