SPECTACULAR KUSABI CONCEPT CAR CELEBRATES WORLD PREMIER AT THE INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW IN FRANKFURT

LEVERKUSEN/FRANKFURT, Germany (ots/APROTEXT) 10.09.2003 -

Cross-reference: picture is available at:http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?firmaid=33972&dpmlist=bildabrufbar -

At the 60th International Motor Show in Frankfurt (11 to 21September 2003) Mazda is presenting a sensational concept carbased on the Mazda2. A sporty compact with four seats, the carcombines dynamic styling with a high level of functionality.Particularly striking is the new and revolutionary splittailgate. The Mazda Kusabi design concept is powered by aspirited 1.6 litre common rail diesel engine and offers a highmeasure of driving dynamics.

The Japanese word "Kusabi" means a fetter or link firmlybinding two things: a suitable name for Mazda's new concept fora sporty compact, as it interconnects features to offercustomers something extraordinary by comparison with theconventional cars of this segment. The Kusabi embodies the uniqueconcept of a "sports car for everyday use" and offers thecustomer the typical advantages of a compact: smallness,agility, economy and environmental friendliness - together withextraordinary design and impressive performance. The Kusabi isanother innovative example of Mazda's zoom-zoom philosophy.

The Mazda Kusabi is distinguished by an overall length ofonly 3800 mm, a body width of 1750 mm and yet a long wheelbaseof 2490 mm. The extremely short overhang and the 17 inch wheels,the low and dipped position superbly position the car on theroad. Its proportions yield a compact form with clear contoursimmediately creating an aggressive sports car look and anexceptional appearance.

"Kusabi" also means wedge, as in the wedge-like design of theroof. Indeed, the roof has sharp edges and slants down to therear, creating together with the side windows and the rearwindow an X-shaped C-pillar in the form of two wedges. Theresult is a simple and yet extraordinary design, and anaggressive, impressive sports car that rises above the crowd.

With its 2+2 design of the passenger compartment, the newMazda Kusabi offers a high level of functionality for everydayuse. The sporty compact has a revolutionary new tailgatemechanism allowing fast and convenient access to the luggagecompartment.

The split tailgate has two entirely different openingoptions. Two flaps can be individually opened by means of alongitudinal hinge running through the middle of the roof. Thisversion is especially practical for accommodating smaller items.Of course, the tailgate can also be fully opened if largerobjects have to be stowed.

The rear part of the passenger compartment of the new MazdaKusabi offers a level of flexibility unique for this segment.The rear seats have room for passengers, but can also be foldeddown to provide extremely practical stowage space. For creatingeven more luggage space, the aluminium struts behind the rearseats can be removed.

The backrests of the front seats in the Mazda Kusabi conceptcar can be swivelled to allow easy access to the rear seats. Ahinge mechanism between the driver and front passenger seatsswivels the backrests inwards, like a door, to afford passengerseasy entry.

ots original text: Mazda Motors Europe

Please address queries to: Mazda Motors (Germany) GmbH PeterThul Press / Publicity Relations Manager Hitdorfer Strasse 7351371 Leverkusen Germany Telephone: 02173/943220 Fax:02173/943468 e-mail: pthul@mazda.de

Mazda Motors Europe Franz Danner Vice-President / PRHitdorfer Strasse 73 51371 Leverkusen Germany Telephone:02173/943805 Fax:

02173/943468 e-mail: Fdanner@mazda.de

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