After the cancellation of the Qatar GP for the MotoGP class on the last 8th March, and the subsequent postponements of all other events due to the Covid-19 pandemic, FIM and Dorna Sports have announced the new 2020 calendar. The 2020 season will have a duration of four months – if the championship will be held only in Europe – which could be extended to five months if racing overseas will become possible in the latter part of the year.

The first MotoGP race of the 2020 season will be held on Sunday 19th July at the Spanish Circuito de Jerez- Ángel Nieto, which will also host a second GP the following weekend, on 26th July. After that, the calendar will become very challenging, until the completion of the 13 races scheduled in Europe in just four months. The championship could also see the addition of the Americas GP (Austin), Argentina GP (Termas de Rio Hondo), Thai GP (Buriram) and Malaysian (Sepang) GP, which have not been confirmed yet, and that could extend the season until the 13th December, deadline for the completion of 2020 campaign.

CALENDAR

19th July – Spanish GP – Circuit de Jerez- Ángel Nieto
26th July – Andalusian GP – Circuit de Jerez- Ángel Nieto
9th August – Czech Republic GP – Brno Automodrom
16th August – Austrian GP – Red Bull Ring – Spielberg
23rd August – Styria GP – Red Bull Ring – Spielberg
13th September – San Marino and Riviera di Rimini GP – Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
20th September – Emilia Romagna and Riviera di Rimini GP – Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
27th September – Catalan GP – Barcelona – Catalunya
11th October – French GP – Le Mans
18th October – Aragón GP – MotorLand Aragón
25th October – Teruel GP – MotorLand Aragón
8th November – Europe GP – Comunitat Valenciana – Ricardo Tormo
15th November – Valencia GP – Comunitat Valenciana – Ricardo Tormo
To be confirmed – Americas GP – Circuit of The Americas
To be confirmed – Argentina GP – Termas de Rio Hondo
To be confirmed – Thai GP – Chang International Circuit
To be confirmed – Malaysian GP – Sepang International Circuit

All dates, events that, for now, will be held behind closed doors, will be subject to the evolution of the health situation and the approval of the governments and authorities for each country.

Luigi Dall’Igna (General Manager of Ducati Corse) said, “We are delighted with the work we have done in recent weeks with the other manufacturers involved in the championship, together with FIM, Dorna Sports and IRTA to find solutions that would allow us to return to racing in such a complicated situation. Despite the many difficulties and restrictions that we will have to accept, I think it is very positive news to finally have a calendar that still allows us to race in 2020, albeit in reduced form. During these months of lockdown, we have done all that it was possible to be ready for the start of the championship: the calendar is hectic. It will require a great effort from everyone, not only from the riders but also from all our engineers and mechanics. For this reason, I want to thank all Ducati Corse, and also all our partners and sponsors for the support and understanding shown us during this period.”

Andrea Dovizioso (#04 Ducati Team) commented, “Finally we’ll be back racing! The announcement of the new official calendar allows us to prepare for the return to action with a precise date in mind. I trained a lot during this period, but it was not easy to do so without knowing if and when we could start racing again. It will be a challenging season; everyone will have to manage a new situation. It has never happened before to have two races on following weekends at the same track and we will have to be prepared for this aspect not only physically but also mentally. Besides, having so many races in a short time leaves no room for mistakes, and therefore it will be crucial to know how to handle well the situation. I can’t wait to get back in the saddle of my Desmosedici GP, meet the team again and finally get back into action.”

Danilo Petrucci (#9 Ducati Team) commented, “This, in any case, will be a bizarre season, but having the calendar available, at least allows us to begin to metabolize the new situation. For example, we will race on circuits that we already know at different times of the year: we never raced in Jerez in July, because normally the race is in May, and the different temperature could be decisive. We’re all going to have to adapt, but now what’s important is to have a start date finally. For the greater good, we will also have to commit to complying with the sanitation standards of each country where the races will be held.”

BMW Group India launched the third generation BMW X6 in India. The all-new BMW X6 is available as completely built-up units (CBU) and can be booked at all BMW dealerships.

Arlindo Teixeira, acting President, BMW Group India said, “BMW established the SAC segment with the introduction of the BMW X6 and still continues its remarkable success story. The uniqueness of the third generation BMW X6 is born from its modern expressive design which combines athletic and elegant coupe lines with the dynamism of a BMW X model. This vehicle is like no other, to the very last detail, the all-new BMW X6 offers a unique synthesis of luxury, sporting dynamics and powerful style creating an excitingly different driving experience for our customers. From the coupe-like roofline to the chiseled profile, this Sports Activity Coupe is marked by extraordinary craftsmanship and sends a message of power and prestige. The extrovert design, impressive dynamism and agility makes the all-new BMW X6 the most attractive and distinctive car in its segment.”

The all-new BMW X6 offers customizable options to customers for the very first time. A range of optional features include BMW Laser Light, BMW Head-Up Display, Comfort Access, Panorama Glass Roof Sky Lounge, Crafted Clarity Glass Application, and Ambient Air Package. Customers can enhance the level of entertainment and enjoy their drive all the way with the options of Rear Seat Entertainment Professional and Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. Additional equipment such as 21-inch light alloy wheels, distinct paint jobs and trim options makes the all-new model look your own.

The all-new BMW X6 is available in two variants – the xLine and M Sport. Each variant has distinguished exterior and interior design cues that lend an individual personality to the car. xLine highlights the robustness of the new Sports Activity Coupe and the extrovert character enhancing the car’s off-road looks. M Sport brings a strikingly dynamic design angle offering a commanding presence and distinguishing itself as an elite sports model.

An extensive selection of standard and optional features mark out the all-new BMW X6 as an innovative Sports Activity Coupe. The interplay of advanced powertrain and chassis technology along with impressive equipment features deliver a uniquely sporting yet very comfortable driving experience.

The all-new BMW X6 ex-showroom prices are as follows –

BMW X6 xDrive40i xLine (petrol)                        :          INR 95,00,000

BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport (petrol)                  :          INR 95,00,000

Datsun has announced the launch of the new redi-GO in India with ex-showroom prices starting at Rs 2.83 lakhs.

Commenting on the launch, Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “With the new Datsun redi-GO, we have introduced a high-quality product with a strong value proposition. Built with Japanese technology, the new redi-GO offers segment-leading technological features that cater to growing ambitions of young India. We aim to enhance the value propositions of Datsun products in line with our mission of enabling progressive mobility.”

The new redi-GO features a stylish fascia with full chrome surround. Other exterior features like L-shape DRLs, sleek headlamps with silver decoration, LED fog lamps, 14-inch wheels with Pentablade Dual Tone Wheel cover, LED signature tail-lamps, and door trim with fabric add to the visual appeal.

The hatchback offers a ground clearance of 187mm which is pretty impressive for its segment. The carmaker claims that the rear knee room comfort is equivalent to that of a compact sedan.

On the convenience front, the new redi-GO is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen advanced infotainment system with voice recognition, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Onboard is also a dual-tone instrument panel with a premium brushed gunmetal finish.

When it comes to safety, the automaker has equipped with redi-GO with a strong crash-resistant body structure that protects passengers from frontal offset impact and side impact in an unfortunate incident of a collision. Pedestrian protection compliant, rear seat belt with retractive function, dual airbags and a rear view camera with projection guide round up the other important safety features.

The new redi-GO is available in six variants. These include four 0.8L Manual Transmission variants – D, A, T, and T(O), and two 1.0L variants – Manual Transmission and Smart Drive Auto (AMT) T(O).

The new redi-GO retails in six colour option with two new colours – Sandstone Brown and Vivid Blue. Datsun is also providing a two years/unlimited km standard warranty that can be extended for up to five years as a cost option offered at INR 1850. Buyers will also receive a free roadside assistance subscription for two years. The warranty and road side assistance services can be availed in over 1500 cities.

Initiating the next phase of EV revolution in India, Tata Power signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MG Motor. As part of the association, Tata Power will deploy 50KW DC Superfast chargers at select MG dealership locations and offer end-to-end EV charging solutions to MG dealerships spread across India.

Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power Company Limited, said, “We are delighted to associate with MG Motor India as an end-to-end EV charging partner as also work on second life of battery usage in future. As India’s leading integrated player in the EV charging space, we aim to provide customers a seamless charging experience. We are confident that this partnership with MG Motor will further boost our country’s ability to adopt the range of electric vehicles that MG Motor has to offer.”

Through this association, MG Motor aims to lay a specific focus on the key target cities they will be foraying into as a part of their future EV expansion plans. These superfast 50KW DC chargers will be accessible by both MG ZS EV customers as well as other EV owners whose automobiles are compatible with the CCS/CHAdeMO charging standards.

Speaking on this association, Rajeev Chaba, President & MD, MG Motor India, said, “Further strengthening our commitment to India, we aim to provide our customers with a robust charging ecosystem to promote the adoption of cleaner and greener mobility solutions. With a partner like Tata Power, a renowned major in the field of power & renewable energy, we are confident that we will create a distinct synergy together.:

MG Motor India already has a total of 10 SuperFast 50 kW charging stations across its dealerships in five cities – New Delhi- NCR, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Hyderabad – and is expanding them to more cities. Tata Power, on the other hand, has established an elaborate EV Charging ecosystem with 180+ Charging points in 19 different cities under EZ Charge brand along with digital platform to facilitate easy and smooth customer experience. The MG-Tata Power partnership will involve core values and operating model in line with their existing customer-centric approach including exploring the possibility of 2^nd life management of EV batteries.

Every new Volvo car now comes with a limited top speed of 180kmph, as Volvo Cars delivers on its promise made last year to introduce such a limitation and goes beyond regulation and legislation to help close the remaining gap to zero serious injuries and fatalities in traffic.

Apart from the speed cap, every Volvo car will now also come with a Care Key, which allows Volvo drivers to set additional limitations on the car’s top speed, for example before lending their car to other family members or to younger and inexperienced drivers.

Together, the 180kmph speed limitation and Care Key send a strong signal about the dangers of speeding, underlining Volvo Cars position as a worldwide leader in safety. Both features illustrate how car makers can take active responsibility for striving to achieve zero traffic fatalities by supporting better driver behaviour.

“We believe that a car maker has a responsibility to help improve traffic safety,” said Malin Ekholm, Head of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “Our speed limiting technology, and the dialogue that it initiated, fits that thinking. The speed cap and Care Key help people reflect and realise that speeding is dangerous, while also providing extra peace of mind and supporting better driver behaviour.”

The top speed limit has proven to be controversial since it was announced, with some observers questioning the rights of car makers to impose such limitations through available technology.

Yet Volvo Cars believes it has an obligation to continue its tradition of being a pioneer in the discussion around the rights and obligations of car makers to take action that can ultimately save lives, even if this means losing potential customers.

The problem with speeding is that above certain speeds, in-car safety technology and smart infrastructure design are no longer enough to avoid severe injuries and fatalities in the event of an accident.

This is why speed limits are in place in most western countries, yet speeding remains ubiquitous and one of the most common reasons for fatalities in traffic. Millions of people still get speeding tickets every year.

Research shows that on average, people have poor understanding of the dangers around speeding. As a result, many people often drive too fast and have poor speed adaption in relation to the traffic situation.

Apart from speeding, intoxication and distraction are two other primary areas of concern for traffic safety and that constitute the remaining gap towards Volvo Cars’ vision of a future with zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries. It is taking action to address all three elements of human behaviour in its safety work, with more features to be introduced in future cars.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled a four-year plan to achieve sustainable growth, financial stability and profitability by the end of fiscal-year 2023. The scalable plan, involving cost-rationalization and business optimization, will shift the company’s strategy from its past focus on inflated expansion.

As part of the four-year plan, Nissan will take decisive action to transform its business by streamlining unprofitable operations and surplus facilities, alongside structural reforms. The company will also reduce fixed costs by rationalizing its production capacity, global product range and expenses. Through disciplined management, the company will prioritize and invest in business areas expected to deliver a solid recovery and sustainable growth.

By implementing the plan, Nissan aims to achieve a 5 per cent operating profit margin and a sustainable global market share of 6 per cent by the end of fiscal year 2023, including proportionate contributions from its 50 per cent equity joint venture in China.

Makoto Uchida, Nissan chief executive officer, said: “Our transformation plan aims to ensure steady growth instead of excessive sales expansion. We will now concentrate on our core competencies and enhancing the quality of our business, while maintaining financial discipline and focusing on net revenue per unit to achieve profitability. This
coincides with the restoration of a culture defined by “Nissan-ness” for a new era.”

The four-year plan is focused on two strategic areas, building on Nissan’s reputation for innovation, craftsmanship, customer-focus and quality, alongside an ongoing cultural transformation:

1) Rationalization: robust actions to restructure, reduce costs and improve efficiency

Actions:

• Right-sizing Nissan’s production capacity by 20% to 5.4 million units a year under the assumption of a standard shift operation
• Achieving plant utilization rate above 80%, making operations more profitable
• Rationalizing the global product line-up by 20% (from 69 to fewer than 55 models)
• Reducing fixed costs by approximately 300 billion yen
• Intend to close Barcelona plant in Western Europe
• Consolidating North American production around core models
• Closure of manufacturing facility in Indonesia and concentrating on Thailand plant as single production base in ASEAN
• Alliance partners to share resources, including production, models, and technologies

2) Prioritizing core markets and core products

Actions:
• Focusing Nissan’s core operations in the markets of Japan, China and North America
• Leveraging the Alliance assets to maintain Nissan’s business at appropriate operational level in South America, ASEAN and Europe
• Exiting South Korea, the Datsun business in Russia and streamlining operations in some markets in ASEAN
• Focusing on global core model segments including enhanced C and D segment vehicles, electric vehicles, sport cars
• Introduce 12 models in the next 18 months

• Expanding presence in EVs and electric-motor-driven cars, including e-POWER, with more than 1 million electrified sales units expected a year by end of FY23,
• In Japan, launching two more electric vehicles and four more e-POWER vehicles, increasing electrification ratio to 60% of sales
• Introducing ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system in more than 20 models in 20 markets, targeting more than 1.5 million units to be equipped with this system per year by the end of FY23.

Uchida concluded: “Nissan must deliver value for customers around the world. To do this, we must make breakthroughs in the products, technologies and markets where we are competitive. This is Nissan’s DNA. In this new era, Nissan remains people-focused, to deliver technologies for all people and to continue addressing challenges as only
Nissan can.”

The first Range Rover made under new social distancing measures drove off the production line at Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing plant in Solihull, following the recent temporary pause in production due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Effective social distancing, hygiene and health monitoring measures are in place following an extensive review of all production lines, engineering facilities, office areas and communal spaces as the company starts a phased return to manufacturing.

Employees’ health and wellbeing are at the centre of this plan and, with the implementation of the new protocol, staff will experience a significant number of changes to their working day from the moment they enter the site.

Measures include temperature checks with thermal cameras, a two-metre distance between people wherever possible, Personal Protective Equipment where that is not the case, the introduction of one-way systems and enhanced cleaning at the plants. In addition, Jaguar Land Rover is offering every employee a reusable face visor made by the company.

Grant McPherson, Jaguar Land Rover Executive Director, Manufacturing, said: “Seeing the first Range Rover come off our line today is a defining moment for Jaguar Land Rover, for all of us who work for the company and the many businesses in our supply chain. It marks the end of our temporary shutdown and signals the beginning of a return to normality. But, of course, this is a new normal.

“People will be experiencing many emotions, ranging from worry about hygiene to relief at being able to return to work and excitement at seeing colleagues again. The health and wellbeing of our employees has been our primary concern in the build-up to this point. Throughout the coming months, I know that as a team we will do all we can to ‘Stay safe. Be kind. Stay well’.”

In addition to new measures onsite, workers will be asked to take additional actions before returning to work. These include completing an online clinical questionnaire, signing up to a health and wellbeing charter, and monitoring their temperature at home before each shift.

Dr Steve Iley, Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Medical Officer, said: “We have been going through unprecedented times and my thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by COVID-19, as well as with the healthcare professionals, whose role fighting coronavirus is appreciated around the world.

“Clearly the health, safety and wellbeing of the Jaguar Land Rover family is our primary concern. We have developed the most effective protocol and guidelines so that our people feel reassured about coming back to the workplace.

“Our measures are based on extensive medical and operational review, including lessons learned from our teams in China and Slovakia. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, following the guidance of all relevant authorities in the markets in which we operate, and will adapt quickly as that guidance changes.”

Des Quinn, Unite the Union National Officer, added: “We are satisfied that Jaguar Land Rover has not only implemented government guidance but has gone above and beyond to satisfy and ensure as many safe systems as possible are in place from the minute employees arrive to the minute they leave work.”

Production of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles has also resumed this week at Nitra (Slovakia) and Graz (Austria). Last week the team at the Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton (UK) began building Ingenium engines again to enable the gradual return to vehicle production. Manufacturing will resume at Halewood (UK) on 8 June, starting with one shift. Small pockets of business-critical activity are taking place at Castle Bromwich as Jaguar Land Rover prepares for new model year introductions.

The company’s joint-venture plant in Changshu (China) has been operational since the middle of February as vehicle sales recover there and customers return to showrooms following the easing of the lockdown.

As countries are relaxing distancing guidelines and retailers are reopening around the world, the restart of production at the company’s other plants will be confirmed in due course.

Nissan India has launched and commenced bookings of the new Kicks 2020 for the Indian market.

Commenting on the announcement, Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said “As a part of our BS VI upgrade, the new Nissan KICKS 2020 offers the most powerful turbo engine in its segment along with the class leading X-tronic CVT transmission. It further strengthens on our customer centricity with high value proposition offering the NissanConnect Technology, coupled with a complete vehicle package and class-leading premium-ness.”

At an introductory price the new Nissan Kicks 2020 1.3 Turbo Manual and CVT transmission is competitively priced at INR 11,84,990 (1.3 Turbo MT) and INR 13,44,990 (1.3 CVT).

For an enhanced customer’s driving experience, the new Kicks 2020 features vehicle stability management system, electronic stability control, traction control system, and a hill start assist, and cruise control.

The HR13 DDT, which borrows cylinder coating technology from Nissan GTR for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency with 156 PS power with 254 Nm torque. The turbo engine boasts of dual variable timing system, that reduces emissions and provide higher toque at low rpm while the new X-tronic CVT is 40 per cent more efficient than existing CVTs.

The all new Kicks 2020 will also come with standard two years / 50,000 kms warranty which can be extended up to five years / 100,000 kms as a cost option. It comes with free road-side assistance subscription for two years available in more than 1500 cities. For the convenience of customers, Nissan will also offer a pre-paid maintenance service package at an attractive price starting, INR 2099 per year.

The Nissan Kicks 2020 will be available in six monotone colour options: Blade Silver, Night Shade, Bronze Grey, Fire Red, Pearl White, Deep Blue Pearl; and three dual-tone colour options: Bronze Grey with Amber Orange, Fire Red with Onyx Black and Pearl White with Onyx Black. The all new Kicks 2020 will be available in total seven variants including two options in automatic.

Datsun India has launched the BS6 compliant GO and GO+ cars in India. The new Datsun GO and GO+ are powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine and offer a maximum power of 77 PS and peak torque of 104 Nm with 5-speed manual and CVT transmission.

With the new GO and GO+, Datsun India is also offering easy financial schemes, with flexibility to choose your start of EMIs with the launch of “Buy Now and PAY IN 2021”. Some of the other schemes include 100 per cent finance option, low EMI benefit and EMI assurance benefit.

Commenting on the launch, Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “With the new Datsun GO and GO+, we have introduced high-quality products that not only have a strong value proposition but are also future-ready. Built with Japanese technology, both cars are BS6-compliant and offer the most affordable CVT options in India. With innovative financial schemes, we want to extend support to our customers in these testing times. We aim to enhance the value propositions of our products in line with Datsun’s mission of enabling progressive mobility.”

Both models are fitted with diamond-cut R14 alloy wheels; LED DRLs (daytime running lamps); and have a ground clearance of 180 mm. Furnished with anti-fatigue seats on the inside, the Datsun GO and GO+ CVT offer several advantages over AMT transmission models – smooth shift of gear; superior hill-driving experience and control; low engine noise; and no lags while accelerating.

Both cars are equipped with a host of safety features such as vehicle dynamic control, dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, and reverse parking assist. They also have a 7-inch smart touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The new Datsun GO and GO+ are also available in “sports mode”.

The new Datsun GO is a five-seater and is available for a starting price of Rs 3,99,000 for manual variant and Rs 6,25,000 for CVT; while the seven-seater Datsun GO+ is priced upward of Rs 4,19,990 for manual and Rs 6,69,990 for CVT.

Both cars are available in a choice of six colors: Ruby Red, Bronze Grey, Amber Orange, Crystal Silver, Vivid Blue, and Opal White. Both have a standard warranty of two years, which can be extended up to five years. Both the cars come with a free road side assistance subscription for 2 years. Services can be availed in 1500+ cities.

A preferred layout for attractive and visionary car design since the 1930s, the traditional two-door coupe has long been seen as the most stylish model in a manufacturer’s line-up. From the elegant high-class appeal of early grand European coupes to the ostentatious size and extravagant design of big American coupes and the sleek sportiness of performance coupes, these vehicles tend to focus more on style than their saloon counterparts.

The best coupes also deliver performance-enhancing structures like rigidity, aerodynamics and weight reduction – all central elements of Mazda’s product philosophy. In fact, the Japanese carmaker has been setting coupe benchmarks since the beginning. Its very first passenger car was a coupe. Practical and affordable, the two door, 2960 mm long Mazda R360 was also stylish and, as the lightest vehicle in its class, fun to drive. The winning combination made it an immediate bestseller, capturing 65 per cent of Japan’s burgeoning microcar (“kei” car) segment and 15 per cent of the domestic market in 1960, the year of its launch. The Mazda Carol P360 coupe, which had a longer wheelbase and a four-cylinder engine, joined the line-up in 1962 with comparable success.

Mazda’s first performance car was also a coupe, unveiled at the 1964 Tokyo Motor Show, the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S would arrive on the market in 1967 as the world’s first production model with a twin-rotor engine. With space-age looks matched by the powertrain’s turbine-like sound, it was the beginning of an illustrious age of unconventional rotary sports coupes at Mazda. The Cosmo Sport also launched the brand’s international motorsport career.

However, the big international sales breakthrough would come with the Familia/R100 and Capella/616/RX-2 series – the respective forerunners to the Mazda3 and Mazda6 – along with the Grand Familia/818/RX-3. Mazda took its rotary engine global with these models starting in 1968, and their Italo-design inspired looks electrified buyers, quickly driving overseas unit sales into six-figures.

Even more stunning was the Mazda Luce R130 coupe introduced in 1969. Designed at Bertone by Giorgetto Giugiaro (who had also styled the first Familia), it was Mazda’s only front wheel-driven rotary model and is now a sought-after collector’s item. Slotted above the RX-2 and RX-3, the Luce R130 would make way in 1972 for the Mazda RX-4. Marketed as luxurious and sporty, the hardtop coupe version was available with an “AP” (anti-pollution) rotary that improved emissions and fuel economy. The engine would also see service on the RX-3 and Mazda Cosmo/RX-5 launched in 1975 in coupe and fastback format. Performance of the 110-135PS rotary RX coupes, with kerb weights in the 900-1,100kg range, was very respectable for the time.

The Hiroshima carmaker took this recipe for driving fun up a level in 1978 with the Mazda RX-7, whose unique wedge-shaped design featured a wraparound glass rear window. Under the bonnet of Mazda’s first truly mass-market sports car was a completely redesigned rotary engine. Propelling a lightweight structure with near-perfect weight distribution, it was exceptional to drive. Successful on the racetrack and rally stage, the RX-7 developed over three model generations into a high-performance twin-turbocharged super-coupé on par with the best the competition had to offer. With some 811,000 produced, the RX-7 remains the most popular rotary powered car in history.

Less well known is the Eunos Cosmo, a Japan-only luxury sports coupe built from 1990 until 1995. It was the only production model with a three-rotor engine; the 300PS twin-turbo “20B-REW” was also the largest-ever production rotary. The Cosmo introduced many new cutting-edge technologies, like the first built-in GPS navigation system and a touchscreen display. Another domestic market model, the Autozam AZ-1, was remarkable in its own way. Weighing only 720kg, the exciting mid-engined kei coupe developed under Toshihiko Hira, MX-5 programme manager, had gullwing doors and a 9,000rpm redline – in a segment personified by utilitarian “boxes on wheels”.

This was typical Mazda, always seeking new ways of making its coupes look and feel special. The Mazda 929 coupe (1982-86), with its lowerable opera windows in the B-pillar, is yet another example. The stylish Mazda MX-6 (1987-97), meanwhile, had optional four-wheel steering. And the compact Mazda MX-3 (1992-98) was available with the 1.8-litre K8 engine, the world’s smallest mass-production V6.

Even back in those days, Mazda dabbled in crossover designs, widely considered a 21st-century phenomena. The Mazda 323F (1989-98) made a family friendly five-seater out of a wedge-shaped sports coupe with pop-up headlights, while the Mazda Xedos 6 (1992-99) walked the line between luxury coupe and mid-sized saloon. And the Mazda RX-8 (2003-12), a two-row ‘quad coupé’ with freestyle doors yet, again demonstrated the company’s sophistication when it came to refreshing coupe design.

Today Mazda continues to push design convention with models like the Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback). As with the previous generation MX-5 Roadster Coupe, the RF’s one-of-a-kind power hardtop gives the world’s most popular roadster the comfort of an enclosed cabin, while concept cars like the Mazda RX-Vision and Vision Coupe demonstrate how stunning coupe design influences the Kodo: Soul of Motion design philosophy that delivers the award-winning styling you find across the whole Mazda range, something demonstrated by the 2020 World Car Design of the Year winning Mazda3.