Mazda has a specific term that it has been using to describe all the models produced over the last few years. It is called KODO! This design language is the brainchild of Ikuo Maeda, the global design head for Mazda. He took over as the design manger after Laurens van den Acker, the earlier design engineer for Mazda who resigned in 2009. Ever since then, the company seems to have gone through some revolutionary changes.

Acker had been rather serene in his mindset, focusing on designs that seemed to be in tune with the natural flow of water and the wind in the environment. Maeda, on the other hand, prefers to be more provocative in his outpourings. His cars are akin to animals possessing pent-up energy and are eager to pounce whenever the opportunity arises. At least that is the impression that all of them, including what the Mazda 3 seems to convey. In scientific terms, they store potential energy that will convert into kinetic energy through movement. Maeda obtained this inspiration from an ancient martial Kendo, wherein the individual adopts the posture of a fighter with an uplifted sword, ready to strike the enemy. It is similar to a wild animal gearing up to pounce on its prey. This is the “Soul of Motion” or KODO!

Maeda has a ready explanation for the design language used for preparing cars like the Mazda 3. He associates three keywords with them too. To illustrate, the outside of the automobile suggests stored tension , which may be relieved through a display of great speed while traveling. As for the interior, it is beautifully handcrafted and alluring . He instructs his engineers at Mazda to pour their hearts and souls into the cars they create. The aim is to let the models come alive under the expert hands of the skilled drivers. Maeda is keen to go beyond conventionality and breathe “dynamism” into Mazda’s models.

Thus, even if the price of the Mazda 3 may prove to be expensive at times, automobile lovers will always be ready to swear that they give the best value for money!