Mazda to conduct consumer trials of EVs and hybrids in Japan
Mazda says it is conducting consumer trials of both hybrid and electric cars in its home market. Whichever powertrain proves more popular will be adopted for future Mazda production models, company boss Masamichi Kogai told Auto Express.

Mazda bosses are waiting to evaluate the public reaction to the Mazda Koeru concept car shown at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show before pressing the go button on a new sporty SUV.

Mazda President Masamichi Kogai said that they would be assessing the reaction of Mazda fans and owners to the stunning new Koeru coupe/crossover concept.

He explained that: “we would like to see it in production, but we need to monitor customers voices and see if it can deliver sustainable sales volumes before making the final judgement. The Koeru Concept is a totally new proposition of SUVs, but everyone seemed to rave about the car at the show, and I am encouraged to hear that.”

Kogai said that the big fear where a production model is concerned would be car taking buyers from other crossover models in the Mazda line-up like the CX-3 and CX-5: “we need to make sure that substitution would not happen."

Mazda Global Design boss, Ikuo Maeda and European boss Kevin Rice explained that the Koeru Concept was aimed at re-defining the boundaries of SUV crossovers. They said they were “disappointed at the traditional limitations” of SUV design. With Rice adding that the aim of the Koeru Concept, a coupe crossover, was to re-define the boundaries and make it a sporty vehicle that was more elegant and refined. He went on to say that it would not be difficult to put the Koeru Concept into production if it gets the right reaction.

Mazda to decide on hybrid or electric path

Mr Kogai went on to talk in depth on Mazda’s plans for engines in the future, and revealed they were currently assessing customer reaction to trials in Japan of an electric Mazda 2 supermini and a hybrid Mazda 3. Whichever system proves to be the best option will be adopted across their entire line-up.