Mazda's new 2 turns on the style

	When it makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the 2's bold design is sure to cause a stir

This great little machine is Mazda's all-new 2 - a stylish supermini that throws away the conservative look of its pre­decessor, and introduces in its place a fresh, head-turning shape.

When it makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the 2's bold design is sure to cause a stir. But the swooping curves are backed by real substance, because beneath the skin lies a new platform shared with Ford's next Fiesta.

However, by going on sale in autumn, the Mazda 2 will beat the blue oval model - due in 2008 - to the showrooms. And as it offers a better package than before, the newcomer should steal plenty of sales from its Ford rival, be­coming one of the Japanese firm's most popular cars.

Dispensing with the outgoing version's unpopular high-roof look, Mazda has daringly brought in a rakish shape. Key styling details include a bold yet simple front end with narrow headlights, flat surfaces and a gaping lower air intake framed by twin spotlights. There are pronounced front wheelarches, plus distinctive A-pillars, from which the rising waistlines flow towards chunky C-pillars. At the rear, neat angular tail-lights complete its appearance.

As well as the five-door shown here, there will be a sportier three-door, which will go on sale a couple of months later. There are no plans for a Renault Modus or Nissan Note-rivalling supermini-MPV, though. While the old Demio and outgoing 2 offered more of a small people carrier package, the firm is now committed to taking on mainstream models.

Buyers will get a high-quality cabin with design flair, replacing the outgoing version's dreary grey plastics with fresh, soft-touch materials.

Equipment will match that of the class-leading competition, with many versions having standard air-con and MP3 player connectivity. Safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, plus the latest traction and stability control systems.

However, the biggest leap forward will be the dynamics. Thanks to the Ford-shared platform, the new 2 prom- ises to provide an excellent ride, as well as driver-pleasing handling.

Power will come from 85bhp 1.3 and 100bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, or Ford-sourced 1.4 and 1.6-litre TDCi turbodiesels. Most models will use five-speed manual gearboxes with the option of automatic transmission. Hot hatch fans will be disappointed, though, as Mazda has no plans for a high-performance MPS version any time soon. While the market for fast superminis is thriving with the introduction of Renault-sport's Clio 197 and Vauxhall's imminent Corsa VXR, the Japanese firm will join in only if it's certain there is sufficient demand for such a variant.

Further details of the range will be kept under wraps until the Mazda 2 is revealed next month. Following its debut, five-door models will go on sale in the UK in autumn, with prices starting at around £9,000.