There’s more than one way to increase efficiency, and Mazda seems intent on proving that it can compete in the ever-rising stakes of fuel mileage without actually going to the trouble of investing heavily in hybrid technology.

@funkmasterflex

Instead, Mazda is taking a multi-pronged approach that includes new gasoline and diesel engines, efficient automatic and manual transmissions and lightweight structures that incorporate both the body shell and supporting chassis architecture. That whole philosophy is bundled up nicely in a package Mazda is calling SkyActiv.

In addition to SkyActiv, Mazda is also using the 2011 Geneva Motor Show to introduce the world to the second showcar (the first being the Shinari) styled using its Kodo design language: the Minagi Concept. A production version of the Minagi is slated for a debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year.

We wouldn’t expect many wholesale changes to the exterior design of the Minagi, as it looks pretty production-ready in its current state… minus a few of the extra-concepty bits like the minimilist exterior mirrors and giant rolling stock. Naturally, the marque’s SkyActiv technology will be in full effect in the production Minagi.