Honda, Mazda Announce Geneva Unveilings

Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and Mazda Motor Corp. announce the vehicles they will be unveiling at next month’s Geneva motor show.

Honda will show a Small Hybrid Sports Concept, which it says hints at a future hybrid model. The auto maker has announced a dedicated HEV due in 2009 for the U.S.

Honda’s Offenbach, Germany-based research and development team developed the Small Hybrid Sports Concept, which it says “explores the idea that a car can have a low environmental impact yet still deliver all the driving enjoyment expected of a compact sports car.”

Also on Honda’s Geneva stand will be a “fully drivable” version of its FCX Concept fuel-cell vehicle, which it plans to bring to market in 2008 in Japan and the U.S.

It also will show its next-generation clean diesel engine that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards with a catalytic converter that uses ammonia to convert oxides of nitrogen to nitrogen.

Honda plans to bring a clean diesel to the U.S. by 2009.

<i>Top:</i> A sketch of the Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept.<br><br><i>Bottom:</i> Mazda Hakaze aimed at adventurous 30-, 40-year-olds.

Mazda, meanwhile, will unveil the third in a series of recent concept cars meant to explore motion.

The Hakaze follows the Nagare, unveiled at last November’s Los Angeles auto show, and the Ryuga, shown in Detroit last month.

Much like the first two concepts, the Hakaze is hard to define. Mazda calls it a “compact crossover coupe with a roadster feel.”

Crafted at Mazda’s Frankfurt design studio, Hakaze lacks a B-pillar; has a partially removable roof; a high hip point; and compact SUV-like interior functionality, the auto maker says.

Its sheetmetal ripples recall Nagare’s “sand dune”-like pleats.

The C-segment, 4-seat Hakaze is the same length as the Mazda3 hatchback but it is wider and taller, with no door handles. Exterior cameras are used in place of mirrors.

A unique interior feature is a leather floor, Mazda says.

Mazda envisions a gasoline or diesel version of its 2.3L 4-cyl. turbocharged engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, powering the Hakaze.