Awarded by the Japan Fashion Color Association (JAFCA), the CX-80’s new color, Melting Copper, is considered as this year’s most attractive automotive color. This is the fourth time Mazda has won the award following the MX-5’s Machine Gray in 2016 and the Mazda3 and CX-30’s Polymetal Gray in 2019.

Jurors noted that this new copper has been beautifully realized. And when paired with the CX-80’s black interior, it resulted in a perfect balance between color, material, and finish.

For its part, Mazda says Melting Copper ties in with the CX-80’s “Graceful Toughness” design. The exterior shade has been developed to exude elegance and a sense of motion in a way that makes the smooth body sides seem to flow. It also has a new kind of brilliance and sheen that’s reminiscent of its namesake. Meanwhile, the black interior with controlled levels of gloss is made to tighten up the interior visually, while also accentuating a sense of strength.

Best of all, Melting Copper uses Mazda's unique high-quality, low-environmental-impact water-based painting technology, “Aquatec Paint.” Not only does this improve paint quality, but reduces CO2 and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as paint thinners.

Established in 1953, the JAFCA promotes the advancement of industrial color design.

Other nominees this year are:

• Kawasaki Z900RS – Candy Tone Red
• Suzuki Swift – Cool Yellow Metallic w/ Gunmetallic Roof
• Subaru Levorg – Asteroid Gray Pearl
• Lexus LM – Sonic Titanium
• Nissan Note – Forest Green
• Nissan Urvan/Caravan – Sand Beige
• Honda Freed – Desert Beige Pearl / Fjord Mist Pearl
• Honda X-ADV – Matte Goldfinch Yellow
• Mitsubishi Triton – Yamabuki Orange Metallic / Graphite Gray Metallic