Design Language

KODO Design Language

The underlying design philosophy for the next generation of Mazda cars is adding the power and beauty that one sees in the instantaneous movement of animals or humans.
Mazda unveil the new design theme

KODO - Soul of Motion

Throughout its history, Mazda Design has explored various forms that depict ‘motion’. In recent years, this has been fused with the graceful beauty found in movement in nature, in wind and the flow of water, to realise a unique design expression for Mazda.

The expression of the new design language, KODO, can be seen in Mazda’s latest concept cars – Shinari, Minagi and Takeri.


Mazda’s creative approach is now evolving. The underlying design philosophy for the next generation of Mazda cars is adding the power and beauty that one sees in the instantaneous movement of animals or humans. This is the form displayed in the moment motion begins – for example the instant when a cheetah pounces on its prey, or the moment of a sword strike in the ancient Japanese martial art of kendo. It is this moment where accumulated force is released that contains the most finely-honed balance of strength and streamlined beauty. It is in this instant – which requires maximum concentration – that we feel instantaneous power, speed, a dignified tension, a sophisticated beauty – it is, in its way, highly seductive.

Mazda has positioned this instantaneous movement, filled with vitality and the stirring of the emotions, as the ultimate form of motion, and has defined it as ‘KODO’. KODO will be incorporated into all Mazda designs, to express a faster, more forceful movement, and to include a more soulful element. This is embodied in the design language of ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ and it represents the next generation of Mazda design.

Speed, Tense and Alluring

Speed: Vehicle form conveys speed and looking at the car awakens a wild instinct to want to drive this machine. A machine which is an expression of speed with power.

Tense:
The form generates a finely-honed sense of tension, of the moment just as motion begins. A form that is refined, without waste and which embodies the spirit of Japanese simplicity.

Alluring:
A quality feel that conveys depth and sophistication, expresses craftsmanship, and invokes the human touch of a product made by hand.

We aim to combine these three value elements to form ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’.