MX SPORT TOURER is full of Mazda's innovative ideas, including latest automotive technologies, ranging from a unique hybrid drive system to a toroidal Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This concept model reflects Mazda's spirit and commitment to environmentally-friendly technology. For the first time in Europe, Mazda is also displaying RX-8, the new generation four-door sports car, at the Geneva show.

"MX SPORT TOURER" concept model

The model's wide, lowered front suggests exceptional driving performance and handling stability. The exterior features a distinctive, dynamic rear, freestyle doors with no center pillars, vario-lamella structure that lets the roof retract from the front or the rear for open-air driving, and large wheels that facilitate "responsive handling and driving performance."

2) Interior Design
The design theme for the interior is "duet sports wagon." It incorporates a sports car cockpit area and a flexible cargo area for "superb functionality."

The snug cockpit features an easy-access layout with separate controllers and indicators. Aligned horizontally, four round meters add to the sporty look, while controllers are located in an aluminum center panel. The sporty seats incorporate a ventilation function and generic belt anchors, providing easy driving and riding posture. The cockpit of MX SPORT TOURER delivers a "fun to drive" and "sport feeling," found in other Mazda products.

By lowering the rear window and sliding the vario-lamella roof forward, the silver and orange two-toned cargo area can haul objects larger than the inside cargo. For more cargo space, the user can fold down the rear seat using a cargo area controller button. The cargo area also is equipped with tie-down hooks to secure loads.

Additionally, the interior incorporates a parcel tray that can close off the view of the cluttered cargo area.


Driving Pleasure of Providing Feeling of "Oneness between Car and Driver"
MX SPORT TOURER employs a powerful and efficient front-wheel-drive 2.0-liter S-VT direct-injection gasoline engine and an electric rear-wheel-drive motor and offers three types of driving modes:

- Economical front-wheel-drive gasoline engine mode for normal onroad conditions
- Zero-emission rear-wheel-drive electric motor mode for urban areas
- Gripping four-wheel-drive mode for highways and rugged terrain


Additionally, pressing the "Zoom-Zoom" button on the steering wheel activates the electric motor, generating additional drive power to pass other cars in traffic, offering the driving pleasure, barely found in existing hybrid vehicles.

MX SPORT TOURER uses a newly developed four-wheel multi-link suspension and M-SDS (Mazda Skyhook Damping Suspension) dampers that continuously vary attenuation, optimizing body motion.

Mazda's original toroidal CVT for front-engine, front-wheel-drive models conveys power efficiently to the drive system, and a wing shift mechanism on the steering wheel column allows the driver to switch to manual shift operation, if necessary.

The 370-mm diameter disc brakes (six pad holes for front and four pad holes for rear), along with 20-inch tires, generate exceptional braking force. Mazda's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are electrically controlled with the regenerative braking system that helps recharge the battery of the rear motor, facilitating better fuel economy and safety.

Its dynamic ability in running, cornering and braking delivers a feeling of "oneness between car and driver."


Innovative Packaging: Revolutionary Convenience
The interior has a refined, sporty look and delivers exceptional functionality.

(1) Freestyle Door System
MX SPORT TOURER features a freestyle door system with no center pillars for easy access to the rear seating area and cargo area.

(2) Seat Functions and Arrangements/Cargo Space Utility
MX SPORT TOURER accommodates four adults comfortably. To make the occupants comfortable during long trips, the seats have a ventilation function and Mazda-unique comfort-enhancing structure. The front passenger seat can be folded down and used as a table, while the rear seats store away electrically to create a maximum cargo capacity of 710 liters and a fully flat floor. The rear hatch glass can be raised and lowered for easy access to the cargo area.

(3) Open-air Motoring
The wide-open vario-lamella roof slides forward and backward. When the rear portion opens, it feels like an open pickup vehicle, providing similar functionality and a free and open atmosphere.

(4) Computer Technology
MX SPORT TOURER features the latest computer technologies, including a keyless entry system that reacts to an ID card, simple and convenient for safe and easy use. An electrically powered pop-up display incorporates an easy-to-read 10.4-inch screen. It can be removed and used as a cordless device (with Blue-tooth standards) for easy Internet access or e-mailing.