Mazda is another of the big manufacturers which will use next month’s Paris Motor Show to unveils a new city car. Its entry into what is becoming a highly contested area will be based on this new concept, the Kiyora. Due in 2010, it will be first Mazda to incorporate the firm's new green technology, including new small-capacity direct injection petrol engines.

Expected to be called the Mazda1, the newcomer will be built on a chopped down Mazda 2 platform and share many of its mechanicals. It’s also likely the 1 will actually be a 2+2, thus ensuring higher flexibility than some rivals like the Smart ForTwo.

A turbocharged direct injection petrol engine, with stop/start, is also likely to feature in the range and Mazda is also working on reducing the weight of its future models with the small car project having a target weight of 900kg.