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| Mazda Takeri Concept |
Yes, You Have seen this before. Only, last time, it was called the Shinari, and it was a bit bigger.
Ok, we're being a bit unfair on the new Takeri. The Shinari concept Mazda unveiled in Milan last September was undeniably handsome, but also a bit far-fetched. Who'd believe Mazda would build an Aston Rapide rival? Laughable, right? But they might have a go at taking on the BMW 3-Series et al...
The Takeri is the Shinari taken to the next stage, made smaller and readier for production. The step after this it will have blossomed into the replacement for the 6 saloon-hopefully with as little extra manipulation as possible, as the Takeri is a very good-looking thing.
For thing, read saloon, albeit a very swoopy, coupe-ish one that looks far cooler than anything else in the Mondeo class.
It'll be unveiled at the Tokyo motor show at the start of next month, and, unlike most concept cars, it has an engine in it. Mazda is very proud of its Skyactiv engines, and the Takeri is fitted with the 2.2-litre diesel, which develops 173bhp and 310lb ft of torque. There's no word on performance or economy, but it has some tech additions that are worth knowing about.
Start/stop is everywhere now, but the Takeri adds a regenerative braking system that stores energy in capacitors and uses it to power the car's electrical system. This is step two of Mazda's "Building Block Strategy", step three being electric-drive technology. That'll be along shortly. And so, we hope, will the Takeri. Just as it is, please, Mazda. (LATEST CAR NEWS)
