What's all this then?

These, you mean.

OK, what are all these then?

These are the concept cars which Mazda has brought along to the Tokyo Motor Show, the Kai Concept hatchback and the Vision Coupe.

Tell me about the Kai Concept.

The Kai is the simplest one to deal with, as it's basically next year's new 3 hatchback with some motor show tinsel. Hopefully, Mazda will be able to get the rather gorgeous shape through to production without any major changes (please keep the Alfa-style tail lights!) and the cabin looks very smart - all but production ready.

It's powered by the new SkyActiv-X petrol compression ignition engine, which promises diesel-style fuel economy and emissions, from petrol power. Mazda reckons the engine is so clean that, on an oilwell-to-wheel lifetime assessment, it's supposedly as clean as a battery EV car.

And what about the Vision Coupe?

We're a little less sure of this one. Obviously it's also gorgeous, but it could be that it's just the new Mazda 6 saloon in motor show form. Or it could be that Mazda is looking to sidestep the fall-off in conventional saloon sales by making a rival for the VW Areton or Audi A5 Sportback. Or, it could just possibly be that this is the successor to the Mazda RX-8 coupe.

Mazda has been making noises again about rotary engines at this year's Tokyo show, and it has been mentioned that the Vision Coupe could preview an electric production car with a small rotary engine acting as a range-extender to keep the battery topped up when you're out and about. Mazda claims that the rotary's lack of vibration and noise makes it ideal for this role, giving hope to rotary fans that the technology cold still be viable.

Neil Briscoe - 25 Oct 2017