Mazda to drop Nagare design theme, aiming for ‘Japanese Alfa Romeo’ look

Mazda Nagare Concept

Mazda’s Nagare design theme is soon to be put to rest. Peter Birtwhistle, Mazda of Europe’s British design boss has confirmed that the design language for the current Mazda look is set to be replaced very soon.

“Nagare is done,” said Birtwhistle. “After the 5, it”s highly unlikely that there will be another Nagare car. Mazda has moved on.”

The Nagare design theme, created by former design chief Laurens van den Acker, has only been applied in full to one production car, the Mazda5.

Why the sudden death of the design theme? Apparently, the top executives are convinced by the look and Birtwhistle says it’s “particularly difficult to apply to a boxy people carrier shape.” So what’s next for Mazda? According to Birtwhistle, Mazda’s new design chief, Ikuo Maeda, is aiming for a more “Japanese Alfa Romeo” look.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: AutoExpress