Mazda Kiyora in Paris

By Chris Thorp

02nd October 2008

Small cars are big news at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Mazda already has one of the best superminis on the market in the shape of the 2, but it’s already looking to the future with a brand new city car concept.

As the covers were pulled off the Kiyora concept, bosses described how it would bring lower emissions, greater fuel economy and a more environmentally friendly package to the city car market. While it’s still a design study, the show star reveals several key ideas for future Mazda models. With everything from a roof-mounted solar panel to power the cabin, to a purifying system that makes rain water fit to drink, the concept is one of the firm’s most futuristic studies ever.

Designers at Mazda were also proudly displaying their revised MX-5. The soft-top and Roadster Coupe both benefit from the update, which adds a sharper RX-8-style nose, plus revised suspension and steering settings. Expect the new-look two-seater to go on sale in the UK next summer.

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