CGI: 2010 Mazda 1

Finding itself under some shelter from the economic distress after posting its second best fiscal year in its history, Mazda is hard at work for the development of its newest range, the Mazda 1 (if we don't take into account the old, discontinued Mazda 121, or Mark One, released in 1987).

The new Mazda 1, set to make its first public appearance as soon late 2009-early 2010, takes a lot of its roots from the Kiyora Concept, first unveiled at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. The CGI we present you has dropped the concept's radical, water-flow inspired side panels in favor of more convenient door panels.

Otherwise, the two door Mazda 1 (a four door version is likely) shares a lot of similarities with the Kiyora. The size of the two are basically the same, while the shape retain the defining elements of the concept: the impression of a swept forward cabin, abruptly ended at the rear by sharp edges, both on the side window frame and on the body itself.

Looked at from the front, Mazda 1 will boast the same elements used by the Japanese manufacturer for the 3: a "smiling" grille (sharper than in the 3), with the foglights climbing along side the center grille and the swept back headlights.

As for the engines, little is known as far, but it's safe to assume that Mazda 1 will boast the company's new environmental approach. The engines are likely to be small displacement ones, with possible choices in between 1.3l and 1.5l ones.

According to autoexpress.co.uk, the manufacturer has already decided on one of the possible engines and will first go for a 1.3l direct injection petrol engine, with Smart Idle Stop System. This would put the Mazda 1 in the 90g/km CO2 emission range, well within today's requirements.