Mazda MX-5

Special MX-5 a bit of all white

Revised roadster is star of German expo that also debuted new models from Mercedes.

Auto Express Car Reviews

11th April 2008

The Leipzig Motor Show kicked off last week with the world debut of this stunning special-edition Mazda MX-5. Called the Niseko, it gets a striking bodykit as standard, as well as a strut brace to tighten the roadster’s already sharp handling. Finishing the package are 18-inch alloys and Marble White paintwork.

The Niseko is named after the most prestigious ski resort in Japan, and will also be available in the UK – although the European model’s bodykit is a cost option here. British buyers get Icy Blue paintwork and dark brown leather seats.

Also on the Leipzig stands were the facelifted Mercedes A-Class and B-Class, making their official debuts. Both get stop-start technology to cut CO2 emissions, plus an ultrasonic parking assistant. There were German premieres too for the Citroen C5 Estate, Lancia Delta and Toyota IQ city car.

Organisers clearly had an eye on the environment, as large areas of the expo were devoted to vehicles powered by alternative fuels – such as Porsche’s hybrid Cayenne and the Efficient Dynamics BMW X6.

Chinese firm Brilliance and China Automobile also had a strong presence, demonstrating bosses’ intent to raise the brands’ profiles in Europe.