Mazda Washu's door innovations

Mazda unveiled the Washu, a six-seater MPV concept vehicle with innovative door design at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit yesterday. Sliding doors at the rear and unique forward-facing hinges on the front doors put the accent on accessibility.

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At the back, the tailgate opens in two sections with the glass hinged upwards in hatchback fashion, while the lower panel drops straight down.

The design is no “idle dream” says Mazda's chief designer Moray Callum. “A six seater that sends such a strong visual message is really unprecedented. If the RX-8 represents excitement for four people, our six-seat Washu presents excitement for six people.”

Other innovations include “Captain's chair”-style seats which can be independently moved backwards and forwards and slid sidewards to facilitate access to the rear seats.

Power comes from an all new 3.5 litre V6 engine mated to a six-speed gearbox.