What's Wrong With This Picture: Mazda's Mr Minagi Edition

by Edward Niedermeyer

January 18th, 2011 11:33 AM

what s wrong with this picture mazda s mr minagi edition

Having abandoned its unloved Nagare design language, Mazda has offered only two hints at its new stylistic direction so far, the Shinari concept and a design study on a forthcoming iteration of the Mazda3. And though both hint at how Mazda will express its “Japanese Alfa Romeo” ambitions, neither is obviously a near-production design. But with these just-released renderings of the Mingai Concept, Mazda is bringing its new design language ever closer to reality, as we’re looking at a future CX-5 compact crossover aimed directly at Hyundai’s hot Tucson (ix35 in Europe). It’s a sleek, Shinari-influenced design that proves that the brand’s cleaner, classier design direction can impart any segment with an upscale vibe. In fact, with mild alterations to the grille, this could almost be the rumored Italian-built Alfa compact CUV. For a brand that wins as many accolades for its fun-to-drive performance as it does ridicule for its “deranged Pokemon” styling, this is clearly a good direction to be headed in.

#3WTP #Branding #Design

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4 of 26 comments

Zackman on Jan 18, 2011

I think I like it except for the Conestoga wheels. What's up with making everything look like something out of Suprefly? The old Monte Carlos were bad enough, now the OEMs think they have to put wagon wheels on everything. Who thinks that is cool? The car itself - I'll wait to see one in person. Photos can be very deceiving. Grin be gone! Finally.

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Jkross22 on Jan 18, 2011

I guess I'm the intended audience, as I think this looks terrific! That's trouble for Mazda, as I drive a manual transmission wagon. Not too many of us one eyed cats out there.

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- SecretAznMan on Jan 18, 2011
  
  Yeah, what's wrong with this picture is that it should be lowered 5 inches and be the next Mazda3. I agree that manual wagons are awesome and endangered. If Mazda would have just sold a manual CX-7, I might have got that instead of a Saab 9-3 wagon. Asking for the JDM 6 wagon would have been asking for a double rainbow.
  
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- L'avventura on Jan 18, 2011
  
  "Yeah, what’s wrong with this picture is that it should be lowered 5 inches and be the next Mazda3" Mazda has shown what this 'Shinari' design would look like as the Mazda 3. And it looks pretty good. This design language translates pretty well into different automotive form factors. http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/09/mazda-rethinks-the-3/
  
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