Whenever we have an auto show anywhere in the world there is plenty of amazing new concept vehicles to look at and be amazed by. While many are not fit for production because they are so over the top and typically only answer one or more questions, some are presented as models that could easily be ready to drive right off the assembly lines at various plants around the world. When this happens we just want to know more. Sure we are all in awe of that strange vehicle at the booth across the way that turns into a kitchen when parked (just an example of a possibility, not an actual concept that was offered) but what we really want to know about is the models that are much more realistic.
Mazda decided to show us an SUV that bore quite a resemblance to their current lineup of SUVs. We already have the CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9 but there is room for another crossover SUV to fit in. The concept offered was considered to fit the bill of “Koeru” which means exceed in Japanese and it appears Mazda has done just that, but in a way that we are already very familiar with.
The Koeru shares the same wheelbase with the CX-5 at 106.3 inches which is also the same size as the Mazda 3 hatchback. Because the CX-5 was just refreshed for the new 2016 model year the idea of this being a CX-5 replacement seems pretty far-fetched. What is interesting is the fact that the wheelbase is the only similarity between the Koeru and the CX-5. The new concept vehicle is longer, wider and lower than the CX-5. To give you some numbers the Koeru is 181.1 inches long, 74.8 inches wide and 59.1 inches tall while the CX-5 is 178.7 inches long, 72.4 inches wide and 65.7 inches tall. With these dimensions what exactly are we looking at?
What it appears to be is an SUV that will be built more toward the sport part of the segment and offer less resistance and more aerodynamics than the current CX-5. Because it’s larger it could be a replacement for the CX-9, but it certainly doesn’t look like you can fit three rows into the vehicle. Instead of either of these changes, might this be the return of the CX-7 crossover SUV? Let’s hope so, another Mazda SUV certainly would be welcome.
Whether it’s a new CX-7 or ends up keeping its Koeru name will later be seen. Unfortunately there were not powertrain notes to speak of for this new concept so we can only hope Mazda will drop a nice power plant inside to give this new SUV plenty of “zoom zoom” for us to enjoy. The questions certain can mount up quickly when you see a new concept that appears to be so well built that you are ready to drive it off the platform and take it home to stay with you forever. As for the Koeru, all we can do is wait and see what it turns into.
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