Mazda’s TAKERI Concept made its North American debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, and is the brand’s first concept vehicle to feature the SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine as well as other revolutionary Mazda-developed, fuel-saving technologies such as i-stop, a stop-start system, and i-ELOOP, a regenerative braking system.

TAKERI is the third concept vehicle borne of the KODO (“Soul of Motion”) design language and the second to feature the full suite of SKYACTIV components. First introduced on the SHINARI Concept, KODO has produced elegantly powerful concept vehicle designs that have developed into equally handsome production cars, such as last year’s MINAGI Concept, a compact crossover SUV that became the basis of the all-new, award-winning 2013 CX-5.

Designed to Deliver

The TAKERI Concept’s name is derived from the Japanese word meaning “male,” fittingly matching the vehicle’s masculine manner. Its KODO design elements are easy to identify and are uniquely Mazda, first with the brand’s new family face in its sharp five-point grille and lean, chiseled front fascia to the pronounced body lines which swiftly slice into TAKERI’s steel frame to create katana-like strokes, evoking a tempered intensity. Stressing aerodynamic performance into shapely design, TAKERI’s sculptured shape carries through the vehicle’s four-door torso and into the strong rear fender hip lines and taut trunk layout. With a bold metallic-red finish and 20-inch satin-chrome alloy wheels, TAKERI is a vehicle with striking emotional appeal, unseen and unrivaled in the current mid-size sedan segment.

Elegant simplicity begets TAKERI’s interior cabin. The cockpit features a perfected balancing act of functionality, luxury and comfort. Satin chrome is used selectively and purposefully throughout the striking, mostly-black instrument panel. From control dials and door panel features to the in-dash navigation system frame and three-spoke steering wheel, the metallic sheen creates a sense of depth and quality, particularly when struck by natural light. A SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic is complemented by racing-inspired paddle shifters and alloy pedals. Plush ceramic white leather seats add the final piece of cabin comfort and feature securing side bolsters that remind driver and passenger alike of the Zoom-Zoom performance machine that lies beneath the spoiling pamper of interior amenities.