What creates a Zoom-Zoom – The Mazda brand philosophy

By Chad Lückhoff

Mazda has, since the first MX-5, embraced the build philosophy of Jinba-Ittai that sees the driver and vehicle work in unison. We look at the several different areas that make up the modern Jinba-Ittai experience.

 

Understanding cars

All too often we take things for granted. Whether it's the water that makes its way to our taps or the lightbulb that illuminates as we flick a switch, we often forget what goes into producing that result. Much the same can be said about our cars.

As a motoring journalist, it's my job to analyse and interpret a motor vehicle, putting into words what I experience so that you may make an informed buying decision. Some cars are easier to break down into digestible information than others, and it's usually the problematic cars that present themselves in this way.

In the good cars, there's so much that goes by unnoticed because it simply works. In the same way that the mined ore was processed and burned to eventually provide you with the electricity that made its way to that very same lightbulb, we often forget what goes on behind the scenes when developing a car.

Jinba-Ittai

Mazda Motor Corporation uses the philosophy of Jinba-Ittai in the development of their vehicles. Jinba-Ittai refers to the oneness between a horse and its rider, the near-telepathic connection that sees the two move in synchronous harmony. It's a connection between the rider and the horse, one that requires minimal coercion in order to achieve the desired result.

Jinba-Ittai is created by focussing on three distinct pillars; KODO design language, SKYACTIV technology and Human-Centric Philosophy. All three of these aspects combine to form a vehicle that embodies the spirit of Jinba-Ittai.

KODO: Soul of Motion

Instead of merely creating a three-box design with a generous glass-house to transport passengers to their destinations, Mazda designers follow the KODO Design concept that draws its inspiration from both human and animal forms.

KODO: Soul of Motion captures the moment right before an explosive activity. The instantaneous tension and energy built right before an animal pounces on its prey, the tension in an archers arm right before the drawn bow is released.

Mazdas are crafted to express the energy contained in these instances with defined creases and smooth curves. The designs are devoid of unnecessary swage lines and gusseting.

SKYACTIV Technology

Mazda's latest developments in engine, gearbox, chassis and vehicle dynamics have been given the global moniker of SKYACTIV Technology.

In their engines; Mazda utilizes direct injection and high compression ratios (as high as 14:1) to improve power and torque output while decreasing fuel consumption. The omission of turbochargers with their petrol engines means that the throttle response is instantaneous and the power delivery is kept linear. This improves the drivability and enjoyment derived from these power plants.

SKYACTIV diesel engines provide up to 20% better fuel economy compared to similar displacement engines and are fitted with high-efficiency turbochargers.

SKYACTIV Technology extends into the gearboxes, both manual and automatic. The automatic offerings have 80% more lockup to provide a more direct, manual-like feel to the shifts. They manage to do this without costing additional fuel, further contributing to the low fuel consumption experienced.

The manual 6-speed gearboxes are up to 16% lighter than previous Mazda 6-speed units and still manage to retain a solid feel with purposeful shifts.

The chassis and body structure are not left out and SKYACTIV Technology ensures that the frames and shells are lighter, but more rigid, allowing for better dispersal of energy in the event of an accident. Rigidity improves by almost 30% while weight is reduced by 8%.

Dynamically, SKYACTIV includes systems such as G-Vectoring Control System (GVC) that smoothes out the transition between G-forces in all driving scenarios. By monitoring the throttle, speed and steering input, the system can identify when a corner is being taken and automatically adjusts the torque transmitted to the wheels, maximising the vertical load on the tyres and levelling out the chassis in the corner. This works surprisingly well.

Human Centric Design Philosophy

Nothing is more crucial in achieving Jinba-Ittai than the correct driving position. Suraiwase is the combining of several components to create a finely tuned final product. One of the cogs in this machine is the ergonomics of the cabin and moreover, the actual driving position.

The correct environment and driving position allows the driver to engage with the car better, feeling what the engine, chassis and suspension are doing. The driver is then able to operate the car in a manner that is in unison with the mechanicals, creating Jinba-Ittai.

Mazda uses three steps in achieving the ideal driving position:

1. Define the ideal human posture
2. Arrange operation devices, such as steering wheel, seat, brake pedal and accelerator, to match the ideal driving posture.
3. Build in forms and characteristics to achieve an optimal seating or driving position.

Much time is spent designing and developing this ideal driving position with small things going a long way. The angle of the brake pedal in correlation to the accelerator pedal, the slight cant to the seating position and the rake of the steering wheel.

The result of all of this is a driving experience that is enjoyable, relaxing and doesn't fatigue the driver. It allows the driver to explore the dynamics of the vehicle and build confidence as time passes. Connecting with a Mazda product is inevitable and hugely rewarding.