Could this unusual-looking crossover ever reach production?
In anticipation of Europeâs growing desire for small C-segment SUVs, Mazdaâs European Design Centre developed the Hakaze, a four-seat, coupelike compact crossover that rides on a shortened version of the CX-7 platform. According to Peter Birtwhistle, chief designer at the Centre, the Hakazeâs athletic styling is supposed to help smooth over the generally negative social reaction to driving SUVs in Europe.
Drawing once again on the design language called Nagare â which in Japanese means âflowâ or âthe embodiment of movementâ â the Hakaze is definitely pushing the envelope, demonstrating a vitality of purpose that could invigorate the direction of Fordâs family of small cars...
Except for the foolishly grinning face of the Hakaze, itâs a cool new take on combining the utility required for an active lifestyle with the cutting-edge styling appreciated by the exhuberant young. â Greg N. Brown, Contributor
ateixeira says:
09:31 AM, 03/ 7/07
I think Nagare actually means "hideous" and Hakaze means "pointless".
The CX7 is already too small, they made it even smaller?
The styling is way over the top. Ribs like that belong on a 90s Pontiac.
The cheesy smile, the overdone Lambo doors, mismatched interior colors, and a too-small drop-down tail gate make this entirely pointless.
carlisimo says:
10:27 AM, 03/ 7/07
It's over the top as a concept car should be. I like the direction that these concepts portend for Mazda. The ripple wave effect is cool, and I like the lights, but the most likely feature to make production is that rear end design - it's been on all their concepts.
estreka says:
07:25 PM, 03/ 7/07
I've seen smiles on anime cartoons smaller than that.
Why must they call it an SUV? My first impulse would be "hatchback". If there's a negative conotation with SUVs, this would seem to be a no-brainer.
rsholland says:
08:22 PM, 03/ 7/07
I find it interesting too.
210delray says:
08:14 PM, 03/ 8/07
Geez, that grille makes 1958 Detroit iron look tame!
enginebuilder says:
10:10 AM, 03/11/07
well i like this its name means wind edge