Mazda hasn’t revealed a new concept vehicle since the Shinari Kodo design concept at the 2010 LA Auto Show, but now the future of Mazda’s crossover design will be previewed by the Koeru Concept.
The Koeru will be a five-door crossover concept designed by Luca Zollino, lead designer at Mazda’s European R&D center in Heesen, Germany. It will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
Mazda describes the Koeru as making “a bold statement in an increasingly popular and competitive segment” and says it will “surpass existing standards and raise the bar for performance, efficiency and overall value.” The Koeru name means to “exceed” or “go beyond” in Japanese.
The Koeru design sketch shows the concept to have more in common with the sleeker Mazda CX-3 than the taller CX-5. It’s coupe-like shape will possibly lead to a production crossover in line with the BMW X4 and Porsche Macan, though obviously at a far lower price point.
Though the new concept will be about the size of the CX-5, it will reportedly seat seven passengers to rival models like the Kia Sorento. This brings into question whether Mazda plans to simply increase the size of its next generation CX-5 or whether the Japanese automaker will re-introduce the CX-7 to slot beneath the CX-9.
Powering the Koeru will be Mazda’s 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel SkyActiv engine with ample torque. When and how the Koeru will make it to production is unclear, but expect its design cues to work their way into future crossovers before the end of the decade.
