Following its sleek Vision Coupe concept, Mazda showed off its next-generation hatchback concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. Dubbed the Kai Concept, the hatchback’s shape might be a good indication of what is coming to the Mazda 3 in the next few years.

The Kai Concept is based on the Skyactiv-vehicle architecture and sports the tech-heavy Skyactiv-X engine. If you’re unfamiliar with the engine, it’s Mazda’s compression-ignition-capable gasoline engine that only relies on spark compression in certain situations. 

Of course, the more radical parts of the concept won’t see an assembly line — the tiny, flush-mounted door handles and the small side mirrors are probably only going to live in concept form. The interior, too, is probably only going to exist in concept form despite it being subtle and sharp.

If this is the next generation of Mazda 3, with a mature take on the Kodo design language, it will make the Mazda look upmarket and modern. The higher-end Mazda 3 would also match Mazda’s push for a more luxurious profile of cars. Regardless, we’re looking forward to seeing what parts survive the concept stage and make their way to the assembly-line version of the Mazda hatchback.