Spied: 2011 Mazda 1

Here’s ‘1’ for the album! These exclusive spy shots are the first to show just how far Mazda’s plans to launch a new city car have come.Based on the Kiyora concept car first shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2008, the innovative machine is due to hit the road in 2011 - and this test mule is the makers first step along the path to its launch. Though based on a ‘2’ this test car has a short wheelbase, and a dummy bonnet. It also features differently shaped taillights and headlamps, and shorter rear doors. We also spotted a differently shaped and placed fuel filler cap and a different rear hatch. And that’s not all!Under the skin, there’s a 1.3-litre direct-injection petrol engine, with a Smart Idle Stop System (SISS) that automatically shuts down and restarts the engine as required. The unit is mated to a newly developed six-speed automatic transmission system which boasts similar fuel efficiency as a manual system. Putting these technologies together limits CO2 emissions to just 90g/km or less. Let’s hope that – at least – this innovative system will make it into the production Mazda 1. Judging from the thin camouflage found on this prototype, me reckon we’ll see the car’s official presentation at the Frankfurt Show in September this year. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express