The third time might be the charm, as the Mazda Kabura shown
in Detroit is the latest in a trio of small, rear-drive concepts from Mazda following the Sassou (
Frankfurt) and Senku (
Tokyo). Hard-core enthusiasts have always longed for a hardtop MX-5-sized Mazda, and with Ford also displaying the similarly sized Reflex hybrid concept here, the Kabura looks closer to production than either of its predecessors.
A 2-litre four-banger similar to the MX-5's supplies the power, and just like the
Nissan Urge, the Kabura has a 3+1 seating arrangement. More likely for production is a more subdued MX-5 coupe. Watch this space.
John LeBlanc - 16 Jan 2006