Mazda Takeri concept car previews new 6

This is the Mazda Takeri concept car, which will make its public debut at the Tokyo motor show in November.

The Takeri showcases Mazdas Skyactiv technology and also gives a good idea of how the next 6 family car will look when it is launched in 2013.

This car is the second Mazda designed using its new Kodo design language. The first was the CX-5 SUV, and the Takeri has similar styling details, including the large front grille, edged by metallic trim that flows into the headlights. There are sharp creases along the sides, while the side window profile is similar to the current 6s.

The interior has a simple, sporty look, with a centre console that houses just three rotary controls. Theres an iDrive-style controller behind the gearlever and an unusually shaped information screen at the top of the dash. A body-coloured strip separates the upper and lower parts of the panel, which both feature a stitched leather covering.

The Takeri uses Mazda's Skyactiv technology, which was introduced on the CX-5 and is designed to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions through a combination of lightweight construction and all-new petrol and diesel engines.

To increase efficiency, the Skyactiv petrol engines have particularly high compression ratios, while the diesels have very low compression ratios. All have been engineered to provide strong torque at low revs. There are new manual and automatic transmissions, too.

In the CX-5, extensive use of high-tensile steel and 'ring structures' in the construction lead to a body that, where comparable, is 8% lighter but 30% more rigid than before.

The Takeri has a stop-start system and Mazdas first regenerative braking system, which converts kinetic energy to electricity under braking. This is then used to reduce the load on the engine and save fuel.

We expect the Takeri - with minimal exterior changes - to become the next 6, due on sale in 2013. Mazda is yet to confirm this, but the CX-5 changed little from the Minagi concept car and wed be surprised if the same wasnt true for the Takeri and the next Mazda 6.