Stunning Mazda Vision-X Coupe Possibly Hints at Next Mazda3
Mazda has a couple of exciting concepts on display at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo this week, none more stunning than the Vision-X Coupe, which previews the brand’s future design direction.
Upon closer inspection, this car with bold, futuristic lines clearly hints at the next-generation Mazda3, the production model of which is expected to be unveiled next year. If you remember, Mazda showed the Kai Concept at this same event back in 2018, right before introducing the current Mazda3. The latter, ironically, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity in Canada so far this year.
The Vision-X Coupe, which isn't a coupe in the traditional sense, boasts breathtaking lines and proportions including a flowing, low-slung silhouette that gives the impression of speed even when stopped. The company has taken to another level the Kodo design philosophy that’s been acclaimed for over a decade, creating a pure and timeless look that’s equal parts elegant and sporty. If that’s where the Mazda3 is headed, we’re in for a treat once again.
Inside, four superbly sculpted bucket seats are positioned behind a three-spoke steering wheel overlooking three circular digital gauges. The clean-looking cabin focuses on the driver and shows few embellishments. Mazda has not shared any details about in-car technology and content, as this concept is more of a design study.
That said, we know the Vision-X Coupe is a plug-in hybrid that uses a turbocharged twin-rotor engine paired with an electric motor and a battery. Output is said to be 510 horsepower, while the all-electric range is estimated at around 160 km. Mazda even claims that the car can travel approximately 800 km on a single tank of fuel.
Get this: the rotary engine can run on fuel extracted from microalgae while also harnessing and recycling the carbon dioxide produced in their emission. The technology, of course, is still at an early stage of development, but it has the potential of becoming a serious alternative to electric vehicles.
The new Mazda3 likely deriving from the Vision-X Coupe will continue to run on regular gasoline. Hopefully, a hybrid powertrain will join the lineup (following the lead of the CX-5 in 2027) to give competitors such as the Civic Hybrid, Corolla Hybrid and Elantra Hybrid a run for their money. Incidentally, the next-generation Corolla is expected to debut early in 2026 with hybrid technology as standard. You can see why it’s critical for Mazda to pursue this path, which will also provide a power boost to make up for the inevitable discontinuation of the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine.
