From Soul Red Crystal to Melting Copper: Mazda’s Colours Explained

At Mazda, colour is a carefully considered part of every vehicle's design. Each shade is chosen not only for its look but for how it complements the car's shape and the feelings it inspires in drivers. Mazda’s Senior Colour & Material Designer, Alena Gersonde, explains, “We can strengthen the emotional bond to a product with colours.” This philosophy is evident in every hue Mazda develops, from its well-known Soul Red Crystal to new shades inspired by Japanese traditions.

Mazda’s colour development process is precise and thoughtful. It combines traditional Japanese techniques with modern methods to create shades that suit each model. This attention to detail makes Mazda’s vehicles easy to recognize and helps drivers feel more connected to their cars.

How Mazda Develops Colours

Mazda’s colour development begins long before any paint touches a car. It starts with mood boards—collections of images and materials that capture the essence of what each shade should communicate. For Mazda’s Colour & Material Designers, this stage is about more than just looks; it’s about capturing the right tone and style for each model. Every colour is designed to reflect Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy, which emphasizes motion and elegance.

The creation of Soul Red Crystal, Mazda’s signature colour, is a prime example of this approach. Launched in 2017, this deep, vibrant red was developed using a three-layer painting process called Takuminuri. This method ensures that each layer of paint works together to create a finish that appears to glow. The goal was to make a colour that highlighted the car’s curves and gave it a sense of energy.

Mazda’s team continues to experiment with new shades, often drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese crafts like Aizome—the art of indigo dyeing. This technique, which uses natural indigo to create rich blue hues, has influenced Mazda's exploration of blues that might one day be used on its vehicles. By experimenting with hand-dyeing textiles, the team gains a deeper understanding of how different shades interact with light and material.

Combining Tradition and Modern Influence

Mazda’s approach to colour is not limited to traditional techniques. The brand also draws inspiration from modern trends. One of the latest additions to its colour palette is Melting Copper, a shade inspired by molten metal. Unveiled with the Mazda CX-70, this colour blends fine metallics with a touch of black pigment to create depth and a subtle shine. The goal was to develop a colour that feels both strong and refined.

The process behind Melting Copper was detailed and precise. Mazda’s designers used the Takuminuri technique to layer the paint in a way that allows light to interact with the metallic particles, creating a sense of depth. This approach makes the paint appear to shift with different lighting conditions, enhancing the car’s contours and giving it a more dynamic look.

Mazda’s designers also gather ideas from travel and design events. During Milan Design Week 2024, they explored a range of materials, textures, and trends. These experiences help Mazda’s team stay current and bring fresh ideas to the brand’s colour palette without losing its unique style.

How Colour Affects the Driving Experience

Mazda’s focus on colour goes beyond the exterior paint. It also influences the interior design of its vehicles. The choice of materials, the way light reflects off surfaces, and the balance between different shades are all carefully planned. This attention to detail helps create a comfortable and inviting cabin for drivers and passengers.

The indigo blue inspired by Aizome, while still in the testing phase, is an example of this thoughtful approach. Mazda is using the Takuminuri process to see how this shade behaves on a vehicle's surface. The goal is to create a blue that feels rich and full of life, adding character to the car.

Mazda’s use of colour helps define each model’s personality. Whether it’s the boldness of Soul Red Crystal or the subtlety of Melting Copper, every shade is designed to enhance the car’s lines and create a lasting impression.

Conclusion

Mazda’s careful approach to colour design is a core part of its brand. By combining traditional Japanese techniques with modern methods and trends, Mazda creates shades that are both unique and meaningful. Each colour is developed with a clear purpose: to enhance the car’s design and connect with drivers on a deeper level.

Visit Metrotown Mazda to explore Mazda’s range of colours in person. Discover how each shade complements the brand’s design philosophy and find the perfect match for your style.