Mazda has confirmed it will unveil an all-new concept – a sporty, compact crossover vehicle, called the Mazda Kazamai – at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on Tuesday 26 August.

Kazamai, which means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese, expresses the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover.  The concept is based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom’ which aims to provide a unique balance between sporty driving fun, and superior environmental and safety performance.

The evolving Mazda design language ‘Nagare’ is evident on Kazamai’s exterior, with panel lines inspired by crosswinds in nature which evoke visual lightness, fused with aerodynamic proportions.  The bold five-point grille, accentuated front wheelarches and sleek roof line, combined with large 22-inch diameter wheels, endow Kazamai with high emotional appeal.

Sporty to look at, Kazamai is designed to be spirited and fun to drive, with compact dimensions.  The concept’s four-wheel drive Mazda powertrain will consist of a next-generation direct-injection engine and a newly-developed transmission.  It is also aerodynamically efficient, with an evolved lightweight and robust body structure that also contributes to the vehicle’s dynamics and safety.

If it were to be built, Mazda’s latest showcar would deliver exciting driving dynamics, frugal fuel consumption and greatly reduced CO2 emissions.

The Mazda Kazamai promises to be another ground-breaking show car from Mazda Design, winner of this year’s Grand Prix du Design in Paris.  Created especially for the Moscow International Automobile Salon, Kazamai gives a good indication of where Mazda is going with a possible future compact crossover.

In Russia’s growing automotive market, compact SUVs are the second-largest segment, representing about 13 percent of all new car sales.  Consequently, the 2008 MIAS will also mark the Russian debut of Mazda’s CX-9 SUV, which was crowned 2008 North American Truck of the Year in February.

Complete information about Kazamai will be made available immediately after Mazda’s press conference at 10:15 hrs local time, on 26 August.