Mazda-Hakaze-Concept

Before Mazda presented the Hakaze concept in Geneva, we had the opportunity to drive this “crossover coupe,” which will serve as the basis for a new SUV in late 2009. The Hakaze is the third in a series of design-related concept cars that began with the Nagare (at last fall's L.A. show) and the Ryuga (Detroit).
Mazda Hakaze Concept - John Lamm, Road & Track

The Hakaze — which is Japanese for “wind blowing through leaves of a tree” — was shaped at Mazda's European design center in Germany. It was inspired by the kite-surfing culture, with long “sail doors” that open upward 45 degrees, while the glasshouse cabin gives an exceptional feel of freedom. In a nod to the young beach crowd, the four seats are covered with neoprene, while the dash and rectangular steering wheel are very futuristic looking. The center console does without a single button; instead, a wavy sandpaper surface includes sensor-controlled functions — soft lights indicate their status. This doesn't only look cool, it's also easy to use and, according to Mazda, is cheap to produce.

Riding on a shortened all-wheel-drive CX-7 platform, the Hakaze was fully operational for our drive, its 258-bhp turbocharged 4-cylinder delivering solid acceleration and great sounds. The driver's seating position at mid-car will certainly not make it into production, but Mazda states that the Hakaze's dimensions — and some of its design cues — will be part of that new SUV for 2009.