Mazda Readies Two Concepts for Tokyo Auto Show

Mazda Motor Corp. has released teaser images of two concept cars the company will unveil later this month at the Tokyo auto show.

The sporty “design vision” concept (pictured) is said to preview the evolution of Mazda’s six-year-old Kodo design language. The rear-slung sedan features coupe-like styling, a long hood and short rear.

Mazda describes the other concept car as the “ideal” compact hatchback, which media reports speculate is the precursor to the next-generation Mazda3. That vehicle is expected to bow within the next two years.

The hatchback is built on a lightweight architecture and is powered by the homogeneous-charge-compression-ignition (HCCI) gasoline engine Mazda plans to launch in 2019. The powertrain technology, which Mazda refers to as Skyactiv-X, promises to boost torque and improve fuel economy by 30%.