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MAZDA MX Micro Sport concept at NAIAS

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Old 01-06-2004, 02:39 AM
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MAZDA MX Micro Sport concept at NAIAS

Mazda MX-Micro Sport Concept Premiers at the 2004 North American International Auto Show


Mazda Motor Co. has issued the following press release:

Mazda Motor Corporation zips into the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) with its smallest story in years: the MX-Micro Sport concept. The nimble and light five-door concept makes its world premier at the annual auto show in Detroit alongside seven additional all-new or face-lifted production models; including the new Mazda3 four-door and Mazda3 five-door, the new Mazda6 Sportwagon and Mazda6 five-door, the new turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5, the recently face-lifted MPV and an updated 2005 model-year Tribute. Mazda’s Hydrogen Rotary RX-8 concept, which premiered last October at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, is also making its US debut at NAIAS.

Mazda MX-Micro Sport Concept
The MX-Micro Sport concept is the company’s latest effort in its ongoing pursuit to further remake and strengthen its line of Zoom-Zoom vehicles. A production version of the MX-Micro Sport concept will debut in a key automotive market during calendar year 2004, and Mazda is currently reviewing opportunities in other key markets including North America.

MX-Micro Sport presents Mazda’s sporty and athletic, Zoom-Zoom design language in a small, compact package. As shown in Detroit, the concept offers local auto show visitors a chance to appreciate the possibilities of a small Mazda in the North American market.

The A- and B-pillars and window sashes are dressed in high-gloss black and create a highly integrated appearance with the glass area of the side windows. The vehicle’s dark greenhouse provides a strong contrast to the specially formulated, deep-gloss ZZR red paint.

The pronounced shoulder line that runs the length of the vehicle, combined with the bold front and rear fenders, express a tension of form that communicates strength. In particular, a visually pronounced edge is used to lend sharpness and a sense of volume to the fender design. Riding on 17?inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, the overall forward-leaning stance and solid shape of the concept is sporty and aggressive, a personality so typical of Mazda.

The MX-Micro Sport concept maintains the family face, yet offers a fresh interpretation of the company’s well-recognized five?point grille. A large air intake in the front skirt and bold vertical slits at either end of the front bumper have been added to emphasize the aggressive look of forward motion. Large headlamp units feature clear lenses and reflectors with a unique curvature to lend expressiveness to the front end; the finely detailed forms in the headlamps are characteristic of Japanese esthetics. Viewed in sum, all the key design elements express a dynamic, highly sculptural quality.

In a similar fashion, the rear end of the MX-Micro Sport concept features combination lamps that echo the design of the highly sculptured headlamps. The concept also includes a racing-inspired rear air diffuser, vertical slits at either end of the rear bumper and centrally located dual exhaust pipes. This methodical construction of the elements that dominate the rear view of the MX-Micro Sport further emphasize the concept’s modern, purposeful and sporty personality.

Interior Space and Design
Great attention was paid to the spaciousness and comfort of the interior. An ability to make more room from less space is a skill Mazda’s design and engineering teams have mastered during years of developing small and efficient cars for key markets around the world.

To assure ample headroom, the A-pillars and side windows feature relatively upright angles and the instrument panel is void of uneven surfaces and parting lines, resulting in a clean?cut, spacious design. In all, the interior’s highly-tangible quality, the individualistic color scheme and key design details are used to appeal to a target customer that most certainly recognizes high quality and sophisticated design.

The front seats have been specifically developed to provide exceptional side support—much like the seats used in the all-new Mazda3—and long-haul comfort. The rear fold?down seats have a sporty bucket look and are designed to provide excellent lateral support and ease of vehicle entry and exit. Both front and rear seats have generous thickness in the shoulder area, and assure firm and comfortable seating.

At 3980 mm (156.7 inches) in length, the MX-Micro Sport concept is compact in size, a full 505 mm (19.9 inches) shorter than the new Mazda3 five-door. At the same time, it is nearly as wide as the Mazda3 and 85 mm (3.3 inches) taller, so the cabin feels open, spacious, and offers room enough for four adults. The luggage compartment comes equipped with a detachable partition for flexible stowage arrangements. Fitted at floor level, the partition allows use of the area beneath the floor as a sub?trunk. Fitted in the upper position, the partition can function as a rear shelf and a cover to conceal luggage from view.

Color Schemes and Details
Originality is often expressed in design through the use of color and shapes. In the MX-Micro Sport, the interior is crafted with an elegant balance of black and brown leather, and highlighted with a subtle red pin stripe. This warm design theme helps create an appealing, inviting atmosphere that is distinctly modern and also sporty.

The instrument panel's central section incorporates a highly reflective silver finish that works to complement the large, black-on-white instruments. To the right of the steering wheel is a large, multi?function display. Positioned centrally between driver and front passenger, the central display is visible and easy to operate by both, adding to the high functionality of the cabin.

The black and brown, two-tone leather seats are highlighted with red pin striping along the outer seam, expressing a simple, modern, well tailored appearance, and complimenting a similar striping treatment on the instrument panel.

An additional feature of the MX-Micro Sport concept is Mazda’s keyless entry system. The system works with a “credit card” that contains personalized information about the driver. When inserted into a receiver in the instrument panel, information such as common destinations for the navigation system and preferred audio sources are automatically set by the system. In addition, the card activates the engine start switch mounted on the instrument panel. The engine is started with a simple push of a button, and can be shut down just as easily.

Dynamic Performance Fired by the Zoom-Zoom Spirit
Mazda MX-Micro Sport concept features a MacPherson-type front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension tuned to provide the lively driving response and natural balance that is a central characteristic of Mazda’s DNA. Good straight-line stability, progressive steering with sharp turn-in feel, and extremely linear brake response are consistent aspects of all Mazda products—the Zoom-Zoom driving experience that can be felt while driving quickly on an open road or even while slowly motoring through congested traffic.

The MX-Micro Sport concept is equipped with Mazda’s proven MZR 2.0-liter four?cylinder engine. Resting on liquid-filled engine mounts for improved NVH performance, the 16-valve engine benefits from a variable-length induction system, lightweight pistons and low-friction cams and tappets. The exhaust manifold has been specifically tuned to provide a pleasant, sporty engine note.

In the MX-Micro Sport, a concept six?speed manual transmission is used to take full advantage of the engine’s power and to encourage the type of enjoyable, Zoom-Zoom driving that all Mazda products have been created to deliver.
Old 01-06-2004, 02:40 AM
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others pics
Old 01-06-2004, 02:41 AM
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another one
Old 01-06-2004, 05:45 AM
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Kinda looks like a Mini if you look real closely...
Old 01-10-2004, 01:04 AM
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Honestly this looks pretty ugly to me. Just my opinion though :D
Old 01-10-2004, 08:25 PM
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I like it. Good second car for the 8. Something to offset the 8 poor gas mileage.
Al
Old 01-10-2004, 10:15 PM
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I saw it in person today!!! I loved it! The best deep red color I've ever seen, I hope they had it in the 8! I have some pics, need to shrink them first... :p
Old 01-10-2004, 10:20 PM
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Old 01-10-2004, 10:28 PM
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Old 01-10-2004, 10:29 PM
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Old 01-10-2004, 10:30 PM
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Old 01-10-2004, 10:30 PM
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Old 01-10-2004, 10:59 PM
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Look out PT's and Mini's
Old 01-11-2004, 04:59 PM
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Damn they need to slap a 13B in that puppy!
Old 01-17-2004, 01:57 PM
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It's bigger then the Mini and smaller then the PT Cruiser.....

The only American competitors are the Scions. And maybe the Pontiac Vibe
Old 01-17-2004, 03:51 PM
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Originally posted by MattFast
The only American competitors are the Scions. And maybe the Pontiac Vibe
although never having seen an xB (living in Canada) as a part of a Matrix owning family, i'm sure i can safely say that car would own it.
Old 01-17-2004, 03:59 PM
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the xb would own the MX Micro?, im in doubt, the xb looks great and its awsome, but c'mon , looks and probalby power the Micro wins
Old 01-17-2004, 04:06 PM
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Both Scion models have 105 hp engines, the Mazda Micro will have the 2.0 L 148 hp from the Mazda 3 and better handling for sure.
Old 01-19-2004, 10:42 AM
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Originally posted by mental pimp
the xb looks great and its awsome
My God..... you're serious? I think it is one of the most ugliest cars in the world.. It's just a... uhm... box and so not modern looking





:S
Old 02-01-2004, 06:40 PM
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when you guys think it'll hit the dealers in north america?
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