Mazda 6 2020 previewed by Vision Coupe concept in Tokyo

Mazda has unveiled its sleek, minimalist Vision Coupe concept at this week's Tokyo Motor Show as a preview of the next-generation Mazda6 sedan expected to be launched by 2020.

The concept, which is an evolution of Mazda's current Kodo design theme, is a four-door coupe-styled car that retains the long bonnet and short boot lines of the Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6 models.

Mazda Motor Corporation managing executive officer in charge of design and brand style Ikuo Maeda confirmed this week that the Vision Coupe would form the next Mazda6.

At the back, the minimalist theme continues with slim tail-lights, a simple bumper and quad exhaust outlets.

Mr Maeda said even though the production version will take on some necessary changes, it was important that the concept carries its design language through to the upcoming Mazda6.

The design builds of the RX-Vision concept of 2015, now adding two rear doors and a reshaped boot while removing extraneous features and reducing the door mirrors to basics, revealing a sedan not unlike the Aston Martin Rapide.

Following the Kodo theme, the cabin of the Vision Concept is pushed back to place the occupants closet to the centre of the car's wheelbase.

It retains the RX-Vision's long bonnet, steeply-raked windscreen and abrupt tail to give a silhouette similar to a sports coupe and what Mazda terms as "supple steel".

The coupe style is enforced by a thin B-pillar that almost makes the rear doors invisible, while the lower-body strake lines give it a sense of motion.

Inside, the Vision Coupe concept is displayed at the motor show with leather upholstery and woodgrain trim.

In its statement about the concept, Mazda said it "embodies a minimalist Japanese aesthetic, achieving a simple 'one motion' form that exudes a sense of speed".

The nose is dominated by Mazda's signature octagonal grille, slim headlights and pronounced lower spoiler.

At the back, the minimalist theme continues with slim tail-lights, a simple bumper and quad exhaust outlets.

Inside, the Vision Coupe concept is displayed at the motor show with leather upholstery and woodgrain trim. The high waistline creates narrow windows for an intimate cabin.

The Vision concept retains the RX-Vision’s long bonnet, steeply-raked windscreen and abrupt tail to give a silhouette similar to a sports coupe.

Instrumentation consists of three large dials behind a leather-clad steering wheel. The multimedia system is made up of three screens integrated into the dashboard that shows information only when required.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said that the next Mazda6 would be built on the same SkyActiv vehicle architecture as the new Mazda3, and that some versions would use the upcoming SkyActiv-X compression-ignition engine.

Upgraded versions of the current Mazda6's 2.5-litre petrol and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engines will also be carried over to the new-gen car.

Mazda has not revealed when the new Mazda 6 will be launched. However, it said the next-gen Mazda3 - which was previewed at this week's motor show in Tokyo by the Kai concept - is expected to be available in 2019.

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