Mazda has now fully revealed the Hazumi concept it teased pre-Geneva, showing us what its future B-segment car - or Mazda2 - could look like. The Hazumi also coalesces all four of Mazda's Geneva show ideas into one package: 'Kodo' exterior design; SkyActiv technology under the bonnet; the company's Proactive Safety ethos; and new in-car connectivity branded MZD Connect.
Exterior
Kodo means 'soul of motion' and we've already seen it on the CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 models already on sale. The Hazumi, itself meaning 'bound' or 'spring up', expresses Kodo further and shows Mazda's future design language, the company's head designer Ryo Yanagisawa saying the concept has a form that "suggests explosive motion". The chief aims here were moving the cabin as far back as possible, giving it short overhangs and strong wings, while fitting large, 18-inch wheels to emphasise the car's athleticism.
As form follows function, aerodynamics played a big part in the Hazumi's appearance and so the airflow over the upper body is said to be optimised, while the underfloor is as smooth as possible to prevent needless drag. In terms of detailing, there are LED front lights, a prominent grille, defining swage lines and oblong rear lamps underneath a steeply raked window, designed to convey a sense of forward motion.
Interior
Following on from the Shinari, Minagi and Takeri concept cars, the Hazumi's striking interior shapes spread out from the instrument cluster to the doors and centre console; itself suspended like a bridge to enhance the feeling of space. There's one central gauge with all the ancillaries spreading off it in front of the driver, featuring Active Driving Display, designed to keep the driver's eyes on the road, not on the control panels.
Meanwhile, the black leather basis with white leather contrast panels here and there, plus crimson seats, is described as a 'bold and charming' combination, but might be a bit much for the more conservative.
Mechanicals
The Hazumi features a 1.5-litre SkyActiv diesel engine and a six-speed automatic gearbox, with the drivetrain said to be EU6 compliant and claimed to emit less than 90g/km CO2. The car also features i-Activsense safety technologies, based on Proactive Safety, which features the usual driver assist systems designed to prevent accidents.
Anything else?
MZD Connect was first seen on the Mazda3 and - in combination with the Heads-Up Cockpit arrangement - allows full smartphone interactivity for the driver, without compromising on safety. This is Mazda's way of targeting younger buyers.