Jan 31, 2001 - Mazda will reveal the 'MX Sport Tourer' concept model at the Geneva Motor Show Tuesday, February 27. This is a new kind of vehicle, combining the athletic styling and open-air fun of a sports car with the functionality of an estate model.

The MX Sport Tourer showcases Mazda’s exploration into innovative designs and technology beyond the next generation of production models.

The MX Sport Tourer concept adopts the innovative freestyle door system from the Mazda RX-8 concept, removing the need for centre pillars and permitting easy access to the rear seats.

Distinctive features include a sports car cockpit, an easy-to-use cargo area and a vario-lamella structure that allows the roof to be retracted for open-air driving or to help transport large loads. Sliding the lamella roof forward, lowering the rear window and folding the rear seat, transforms the vehicle into a stylish pick-up truck for superb functionality.

The concept sketch shows a clean, constructed design, with a strong tapering shoulder that intersects with the cabin form and front wheelarches. The front wheelarches protrude above the bodyside shoulder, recalling the Lancia Stratos. This is a trend also seen recently on the Dodge Super 8 Hemi, and to some degree on the Audi Steppenwolf. Apart from introducing an extra character element, this allows a large, constructed wheelarch together with a lower shoulder, or rounded fenders.

Unique hybrid power comes from a lightweight, high-performance 2.0-litre S-VT engine, plus an electric motor. Out-of-town, the MX Sport Tourer uses the petrol unit through a new type of four-wheel drive system. Switching to the electric motor driving the rear wheels produces zero emissions on city streets. Generating 40kW and 108Nm, the electric motor gives a maximum speed of 40 to 50 kph, recharging on the move through the petrol engine and a regenerative braking system.