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We saw the new Mazda Takeri concept for the first time at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon last December and now the mid-size sedan will be making its European debut at at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show. What's special about the Takeri is that it isn't one of those fantasy concept models that will go away after hitting the motor show scene as it previews the styling of the next Mazda6 range, expected in 2013.
The Takeri is the latest Mazda concept to adopt the Japanese firm's "KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme after the production CX-5 SUV and the Shinari sports sedan study showcased at Geneva last year.
Under its swooping lines, the 4,850mm-long Takeri makes full use of Mazda's much tooted SkyActiv Technology, which aims to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions while retaining a sporty drive through a suite of powertrain, chassis and body technologies.
The study is fitted with Mazda's new SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine (available with 150PS and 175PS) with a fuel-saving ‘i-stop’ system and six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission.
In addition, the Takeri is the first Mazda car to be equipped with the firm's i-ELOOP technology, short for “Intelligent Energy Loop", which is a unique regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration and stores it in an electric double-layer capacitor. The power is used to run the vehicle’s electric components, thus reducing the load on the engine and increasing fuel economy by up to 10 percent, according to Mazda.
