Cars for the Czars

Aug 29 2008 Bill Caven

THIS sensational automotive art is for Russia with love from Mazda.

Called the Kazamai it is the latest design offering from the inspirational Japanese motoring marque.

This breathtaking crossover concept was unveiled this week at the Moscow International Motor Show which is expected to attract more than one and a half million visitors.

It was perhaps hardly surprising that the Zoom-Zoom masters chose this specific venue as new car sales in the former Soviet Union have literally gone through the roof.

With a booming economy, political stability and a new found consumer confidence the Russian population are spending big time on luxury items such as cars.

And, in particular, it is their love for compact sports utility vehicles which now accounts for a whopping 20 per cent of the market.

Recognising this love prompted Mazda to showcase what it believes will be the future look of the next generation compact SUVs.

Based on the NAGARE design philosophy the newcomer reveals the rich talent within the Mazda styling studios to be bold beyond belief.

The name means 'swirling crosswinds' in Japanese and if this concept ever moves into production it is sure to put the wind up its rivals.

Slightly larger in size than the current Mazda3 that is where the comparison effectively ends as the Kazamai looks like no other car even those in the pipeline.

Mazda designers make no bones that it was specifically designed with the Russian market in mind.

Dynamic and athletic to look at, the crossover has stunning, flowing lines that beautifully blend into a motoring masterpiece.

The wedge-shaped profile was designed to evoke the image of a sleek arrow cutting through a mighty wind while the panel lines on the sides represent swift, elegant crosswinds.

Combined with the distinctly flared wheel arches to accommodate massive 22-inch wheels there is a definite cool and athletic flavour throughout.

Although its shape suggests speed and power by the bucket-load, Mazda insist that it will accommodate four passengers in maximum comfort and functionality.

Constructed out of lightweight materials the Kazamai also showcases Mazda's drive to improve performance as well as tackle environmental issues.

Not that fuel costs will be taken into account by the Russians where the price of a gallon is under 50p.

Nevertheless, it is thought that the crossover will be equipped by the next generation 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine presently being worked upon by Mazda engineers.

Currently the sixth largest market worldwide for the automaker, Mazda has seen sales rocket in the last couple of years to put them on track for record global sales this year.

And it is a sharp upturn in demand in the East, where one third of all new cars are from Japanese brands, where this trend will accelerate further in the coming years.

While the Kamazai is still some way off, Mazda already has a presence in the mid-sized SUV sector following the introduction of the CX-7 which has now become its biggest market in Europe.

It will shortly be joined the larger CX-9 which was also unveiled for the first time to the Russian market.

James Muir, chief executive officer of Mazda Europe, highlighted the importance of this new market.

He said: "I can see a lot of growth in the Russian market for a long time to come. Many people are buying new cars for the very first time and we are thankfully benefiting from this booming market."