Mazda North American Operations is preparing to debut its newest concept, the TAKERI, at the New York International Auto Show. The car is the brand’s first concept vehicle to feature a SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter diesel engine, the second with Mazda’s new SKYACTIV technology, and the third to embody the automaker’s new KODO design theme. 
The mid-size sedan features design elements in keeping with the new KODO design strategy, including a more streamlined roofline and swooping hood.
During his keynote address to the Motor Press Guild at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, Takashi Yamanouchi, president of Mazda Motor Corp., described the new design initiative as being inspired by natural movement and power. “Distinctive design is an integral part of our makeup. Mazda design has been exploring the expression of motion for years. The latest evolution of this design direction, called KODO, which translates as ‘Soul of Motion’, draws inspiration from the strength, beauty and tension shown in the swift movement of animals. KODO captures the harnessed energy of the moment and makes hearts race in those people who see it in our cars,” Yamanouchi said.The SKYACTIV platform, Mazda’s suite of high-mpg and performance enhancing technologies, is reflected in Mazda’s first 2.2-liter clean diesel SKYACTIV-D engine. Coupled with the i-stop idling stop system, the car can restart the engine in a single cycle, whereas most stop-start systems require two engine cycles. The vehicle has a 0.4-second engine restart time, the fastest for a diesel engine system. Among the TAKERI’s fuel-conservation features is its capacitor-based regenerative braking system, the i-ELOOP. By converting kinetic energy into electricity during deceleration and storing the power in capacitors, the car uses its own generated power to supply the array of electric equipment. This highly efficient system reduces engine use and improves fuel economy by up to 10 percent. The Mazda TAKERI concept will make its North American debut next month at the New York International Auto Show.
Courtesy of OC Metro.
The 2012 Mazda2 is offered in two trim levels: Sport and Touring. The Sport has 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel plus a four-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack. Step up to the Touring package and you’ll get 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a rear roof spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a trip computer, cruise control, upgraded cloth seats, and two additional audio speakers.