Geneva motor show 2012: Mazda Takeri

The Mazda Takeri concept car first seen in Tokyo last year has been shown at the Geneva motor show.

The Takeri is the company's vision for the next Mazda 6, due on sale in 2013. Only door handles, wheels, and wing mirrors will change for production.

The handsome Takeri saloon sports the firm’s new ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’ design language, also seen on the CX-5. The result is a much bolder look than the current-generation 6 saloon, complete a more distinctive treatment front grille and slim, technical headlights, crisper lines and a more coupe-like profile. There also appears to be a Jaguar XF inspiration for the rear styling, particularly with the lights and brightwork across the boot.

The new saloon will benefit from the full array of SkyActiv technology, which includes new highly efficient petrol and diesel engines, compact, lightweight automatic and manual transmissions, new suspension systems and a new modular steel platform.

The Takeri is the first Mazda car to be equipped with i-ELOOP - short for 'Intelligent Energy Loop'. This is Mazda's first regenerative braking system and uses a unique solution that converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration and stores it in an electric double-layer capacitor.

The power is used to run the vehicle's electric components, thereby reducing the load on the engine and increasing fuel economy by up to 10 per cent. Interior shots reveal an Apple-style minimalistic premium look and feel for the driver-orientated four-seat cabin. A BMW i-Drive style rotary controller has also been adopted instead of more traditional controls.

Mazda chief Takashi Yamanouchi believes the concept is a showcase for the potential of the Japanese manufacturer’s technology. "It embodies SkyActiv, as efficient as a hybrid without any electrification," he said. "It is a symbol of what we can achieve with our plans. It is about driving pleasure and efficiency.”

The concept is powered by the new SkyActiv-D 173bhp, 310lb ft 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine. Its lightweight, low friction design, together with the lowest compression ratio of any production diesel engine and clever new stop-start and regenerative braking systems, results in CO2 emissions of just 104g/km and “excellent” fuel economy. This engine is mated to a new torque convertor automatic gearbox, which offers economy similar to that of a manual.

The SkyActiv technology is designed to allow Mazda to prosper as an independent car maker after its split from Ford, and to future-proof the company from strict future emissions regulations. It will appear in a production car for the first time in the Mazda CX-5 when it goes on sale in spring 2012.

The Mazda 6 will be the second car to be spun off the lighter, stiffer SkyActiv platform. This steel spaceframe is made in small sections so it can be easily scaled up or down to underpin anything from a Mazda 3 family hatchback to a full-size CX-9 SUV.