Mazda Vision X-Compact is a small infotainment-free hatchback with AI that suggests fun driving routes – Jalopnik

Mazda builds nice cars. From the two-seat Miata to the three-row CX-90 SUV, the cars are designed to provide owners with an engaging driving experience. At this year’s Japan Mobility Show, Mazda is showing the Vision X-Compact, a subcompact hatchback that offers a new way to put a smile on the driver’s face: artificial intelligence. Before you scroll away, the X-Compact’s AI is designed to enhance the driving experience by suggesting fun driving routes and even recognizing the driver’s skills behind the wheel. We’re very skeptical of AI here at Jalopnik, but I’ve always wanted a way to find more engaging driving routes, and this could be the answer.

The Vision X-Compact is only a concept car for now, but one thing is certain: it is absolutely compact. At just 60 inches from tip to tip, the Vision While there’s no mention of powertrain specs or sales dates, Mazda is great at making light, fun compact cars like the peppy little Mazda 2, may they rest in peace, so the perky Vision X-Compact has big shoes to fill.

Mazda’s AI plan includes a ‘Human Body Sensing Model’ designed to demonstrate the digitalization of the human senses and act as a friendly, unobtrusive driving companion. Kaisei Takahashi, designer of the Vision I’ve long wished for an option to choose scenic routes or back roads on Google Maps, so I like the idea of ​​the car recommending more attractive route options, but I could do without all the other features.

Besides the basic dimensions and a few other comments about the AI ​​(you even say “ooh, nice portmanteau!”), there are no other details about the Vision In fact, there are no screens other than the driver’s display, but the images do show an integrated phone holder, which is basically all a driver needs for navigation and music selection.

Mazda

The concept seems too small to be a preview of the next-generation Mazda 3, but perhaps it will be a next-generation Mazda 2 – the concept is slightly smaller than the current Toyota Yaris-based Mazda 2 sold in other parts of the world. But rest assured, Mazda says it will take the Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one) philosophy to new heights and “continue to deliver the ‘joy of life’ by creating exciting mobility experiences in customers’ daily lives.” We certainly hope this is more than just marketing jargon.