[FenwickHockey65]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/26/details-on-mazda1-revealed/

High energy costs and growth in emerging markets have automakers scrambling to downsize their product plans, and ultra-small transportation like the VW up! is bound to bring low-cost city cars to the masses. Mazda intends to be a serious player in this burgeoning segment and will unveil the Mazda1 concept in Paris this fall, expected to look like the sketch above and influenced by the Nagare design language.

Mazda promises that the production vehicle will be more "radical" in production trim, though it likely won't carry fuel cells and batteries like the concept. The automaker does plan on offering amenities like navigation, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and the micro will have sliding doors and seats to make getting in and out easier. Mazda engineers are also working hard to make sure the Mazda1 is environmentally friendly, which means low emissions, small powertrains, and low weight. Fortunately, those very same attributes will also help keep costs down, which should help Mazda offer the vehicle everywhere from India and China to more developed regions like Europe and the US.

 

[toronadoGT]

Small car? Sliding doors?

 

[PA Dweller]

I really like the sliding door idea on a vehicle like this, wonder how much a Mazda 1 would cost fully loaded?

 

[johnstarnes]

I love the looks of that sketch as I love the entire Nagare series of concepts and hope that they soon heavily influence production Mazdas.

 

[chickenkicker]

That sketch reminds me of that spy shot of the Fiesta that was posted a few days ago.

 

[2b2]

I really like the sliding door idea on a vehicle like this...

I'd *love* to see sliding doors on ALL vehicles!!!

esp. if they can make a cool 'pssssht' sound

 

[gaffo]

looks familiar

http://www.toyota-europe.com/cars/new_cars/index.aspx

 

[PA Dweller]

I'd *love* to see sliding doors on ALL vehicles!!!

esp. if they can make a cool 'pssssht' sound

I would like to see it optional, power sliding would be really cool. Sliding doors are especially good in the city when you need to enter and exit your vehicle in tight spots.

 

[Bravada]

Oh no - looks like the Mazda edition of the shopping trolley. I am very happy to see the revival of the city car in Europe, but Mazda seems to just be bringing more generic Japanese stuff to the kettle. I was hoping for a revival of the likes of Autozam Revue (aka Mazda 121) or Carol:

Revue - straight-up sides for ultra-efficient space utilization, a sedan trunk, optional canvas top, cute looks -> the only small Japanese car to actually make a splash in Europe in the 1990s, and still fondly remembered and cherished by the lucky who own (quite well) surviving examples.

The original Carol - one of the world's smallest sedans

Last independent-design Carol (later ones are just badge-engineered bland Suzuki Altos)

 

[Stéphane Dumas]

For the Carol, maybe Mazda should use a bit to modify the Fiat 500/Ford Ka platform to create a all-new Carol (or Mazda 121)

 

[Bravada]

Mmm... I think Fiat is comfortable in lending their platform to Ford only, I guess rather working with Suzuki and using their keicar platform would be more plausible, but this time around build a keicar that could actually be sold worldwide. Mazda is known for making their cars "a bit smaller", and they are currently championing fuel economy, so I guess a keicar Mazda 1 with funky styling such as the Carol's or Revue's could fit the bill.

 

[Stéphane Dumas]

Mmm... I think Fiat is comfortable in lending their platform to Ford only, I guess rather working with Suzuki and using their keicar platform would be more plausible, but this time around build a keicar that could actually be sold worldwide. Mazda is known for making their cars "a bit smaller", and they are currently championing fuel economy, so I guess a keicar Mazda 1 with funky styling such as the Carol's or Revue's could fit the bill.

since Fiat also work with Suzuki (Fiat Sedici/Suzuki SX4), it could come in full circle

 

[BrickTamland]

I'm just kidding, but I bet it handles like a rollerskate.