Mazda to show Kiyora concept, MX-5 face-lift in Paris

The Mazda Kiyora concept will be officially revealed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

(Credit: Mazda USA)

While Mazda waits on the cost of batteries to decrease before entering the hybrid/electric-vehicle market, the company is focusing on increasing the fuel economy of their standard internal combustion powered vehicles. The Kiyora concept, set to be officially revealed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, is a lightweight, urban compact concept car that showcases Mazda's developments in the area of efficiency.

(Credit: Mazda USA)

Mazda Kiyora (meaning "clean and pure" in Japanese) is equipped with Mazda's next generation four-cylinder direct injection engine and features the company's Smart Idle Stop System to boost fuel economy and reduce CO₂ emissions. Mazda also claims the Kiyora features improved aerodynamic performance and an all-new platform designed to maximize weight reduction and a high level of safety.

Since the Kiyora is just a concept vehicle that most likely no one will ever drive, Mazda can claim whatever it pleases. However, the Kiyora likely represents the broad strokes of Mazda's future design and engine tech direction for the Mazda3, so it's worth investigation.

The MX-5 gets face-lifted with a botoxed and perma-smiling front end.

(Credit: Mazda USA)

Mazda also plans to reveal the face-lifted Mazda MX-5, which has already leaked onto the Internet, and two new diesel vehicles, the Mazda6 equipped with Mazda's newly developed MZR-CD 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine and the Mazda2 powered by a MZ-CD 1.6-liter diesel engine.