Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Tokyo Motor Show: Mazda Shows Off Updated Kiyora Concept

Hyundai is the latest carmaker to bail on the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, but it's far from the first, raising concerns over the show's future. Mazda is undeterred, however, today revealing a range of new engines and an updated version of the 2008 Kiyora concept that it will have on display.

The Kiyora Concept is a compact, eco-friendly hatch-type car that Mazda imagines as a fun-to-drive yet responsible runabout powered by the new SKY-G 1.3-liter gasoline engine revealed earlier today. Power is sent to the wheels by the six-speed SKY-Drive automatic transmission.

Fuel economy is estimated at 75 mpg in Japan's combined 10-15 mode test cycle. It gets there thanks in part to Mazda's i-stop system, which shuts the engine off at stops. The Kiyora also uses regenerative braking, presumably to operate the car's electronics, and weight savings and aerodynamics also play a role in the car's efficiency.

2009 Mazda Kiyora Concept Update

Even with a reduced set of manufacturers, the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show may still prove to be an interesting display of technology, as carmakers continue to push forward with increasingly "greener" powertrains and designs.

The 41st Tokyo Motor Show runs October 23-November 4, 2009, with press days starting October 21.

via:motorauthority