Mazda debut is 1 to watch

Japanese maker Mazda has peeled the wraps off its forthcoming city car, the Kiyora, which debuts at the Paris Motor Show.

Set to rival the Vauxhall Meriva and Honda Jazz, the newcomer is due to go on sale in 2010 wearing the Mazda 1 badge. We first brought you news of the model in Issue 1,013 and as this concept car proves, it’s certainly going to be a stylish machine. The Kiyora gives a very good indication of the production version – and although those glass sections in the doors are likely to be dropped, all the other details will stay.

The flowing lines take Mazda’s Nagare design theme to its most showroom-ready form yet. And the 1 will be green, too, with a 1.3-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, a six-speed automatic gearbox and an all-new start-stop system, which switches the engine off when in stationary traffic. Following the same strategy that’s been applied to cars such as the Mazda 2 and 6, it’s likely to weigh as little as possible – the concept features carbon fibre panels for instance – and will boast excellent fuel economy and low emissions. The model will be underpinned by a chopped-down version of the 2 chassis.

Inside, there will be space for four with a flexible luggage arrangement, while the stylish looks of the exterior will be carried over to the dashboard.

In addition to the Kiyora, Mazda will unveil a facelifted MX-5 (as we revealed in Issue 1,026) and a new 2.2-litre diesel 6 on the stands in Paris. The 2 hatchback will also get a new 1.6-litre oil-burning engine.