AutoCar

Burgeoning demand for compact SUVs in Russia has prompted Mazda to create an all-new sporty, compact crossover compact -- dubbed the Kazamai -- especially for the Moscow International Automobile Salon, which fires up on August 26.

In keeping with Mazda's evocative naming policy for its concepts, Kazamai means "swirling crosswinds" in Japanese, and the vehicle is meant to express the "powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover".

"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," says the carmaker.

The sweeping wheelarches and thrusting nose with a novel interpretation of Mazda's five-point grille are an indication of where the brand's future design direction is heading and extend the styling themes established by earlier concepts such as the Furai, Kabura and Ryuga.

Mazda says the Kazamai embodies its long-term vision for technology development -- which it refers to as 'Sustainable Zoom-Zoom' -- and aims to provide a "unique balance between sporty driving fun, and superior environmental and safety performance".

Although the company stops short of confirming the Kazamai is a precursor to a full-fledged production model, it says the concept provides "a good indication of where Mazda is going with a possible future compact crossover".

The swoopy two-door bodyshell will allegedly clothe a four-wheel drive powertrain consisting of a next-generation direct-injection engine and a newly-developed transmission.

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

The fact Mazda is choosing the Moscow show to unveil its new concept is indicative of the growing significance of the Russian market, where compact SUVs are the second-largest segment, representing about 13 per cent of all new car sales. Consequently, the 2008 MIAS will also mark the Russian debut of Mazda's CX-9 SUV.