Mazda Shinari unveils new ‘Kodo’ design language for the brand

August 30, 2010 Omar Rana 2010 Paris Motor Show, Concepts, Mazda Shinari, Sedans

About 2 months ago, Mazda confirmed that it will be dropping its Nagare design theme, which was created by former design chief Laurens van den Acker. While the theme was only applied in full to one production car, the Mazda5, you saw the big “smiley” face influence all over Mazda’s lineup. Mazda”s new design chief, Ikuo Maeda, previously said that he is aiming for a more “Japanese Alfa Romeo” look and that means no smiley faces.

The company today unveiled a new concept called Shinari, a four-door-coupe study that shows the future design direction for the Japanese brand. Mazda said that it will use the word ‘Kodo’ (Japanese for soul of motion) to describe the new design language, which was created through a collaboration between Mazda’s styling studios in Germany, the United States and Japan.

“We want to play in the same group as BMW and Audi,” said Derek Jenkins, director of design for Mazda North America. “On fit and finish we want the same level of quality.”

Your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section after the jump.