Mazda Kazamai news - Cross wind - 2008

Another motor show, another Mazda 'Nagare' concept. More specifically, it's the Moscow International Automobile Salon in August, and this, the Kazamai - a 'sporty, compact crossover vehicle' from the guys who brought you the Ryuga, the Hazake, the Taiki...

Kazamai, says Mazda, means 'swirling crosswinds' in Japanese, which quite possibly makes this the first car ever named after a hazard to light aircraft.

Consequently, the Kazamai's lines are inspired by 'crosswinds in nature' (are there any non-natural crosswinds?), with the same flowing, ridged shapes as, erm, the rest of those Nagare concepts.

Powered by an unspecified 'next-generation direct injection engine' and featuring four-wheel drive, the Kazamai would - say the Mazda chiefs - deliver frugal fuel consumption, exciting driving dynamics and low emissions. If they'd actually build it. Which they won't.

However, the press spiel hints that the Kazamai gives 'a good indication' of a future Mazda compact crossover. Pinch of salt, anyone?

We'll take the Furai any day, thanks. Our ears are still recovering from its Goodwood hill run.