Mazda MX-2 Revealed

This is Mazda’s version of a downsized, credit-crunch friendly MX-5, the MX-2.

Our illustration shows what the MX-2 is likely to look like. You can see that the Furai concept will have a strong influence in the design, while a hint of Ferrari California is also present in the headlamps.

Because the MX-2 is smaller than the MX-5 it will come equipped with smaller engines. Small capacity petrol engines ranging from 0.7 to 1.6-litres will get the MX-2 moving, while a range-topping 1.6-litre turbo pushing out an expected 160bhp. Combine that with low weight, and the MX-2 will embarrass more expensive machines with ease.

The Mini Speedster and Nissan Urge may be at design and concept stage now, but they’ll be keeping the dinky Mazda on its toes.

An insider has hinted that the MX-2 will be upon us as soon as 2012, so we can expect to see a concept reflecting the ‘downsized roadster’ very soon.

Abarth Coupe

Small, fast and efficient… Say hello to the Abarth Coupe, the most exciting performance car of 2010! Our exclusive pictures show how the sporty two-seater will shape up should Fiat put it into production, giving Abarth a three model line-up to make its assault on the performance car market. The revived brand is riding high following the raucous reception for the 500 Abarth, which goes on sale in February, while the Punto Abarth was launched earlier this year. And with increasing numbers of buyers downsizing to smaller and more fuel-efficient cars, there’s never been a better time to introduce a model like this. But can it succeed where the Smart Roadster failed?

Based on the 500’s platform, the Coupe will use a simple front-wheel-drive, front-engine layout to minimise costs. It will also mimic Ford’s conversion of the Ka into the Street Ka, by carrying the majority of components and switch gear straight over from the 500. 

A lightweight aluminium chassis and low-slung stance should ensure that it retains the go-kart-like handling synonymous with Abarth models of the past. While the compact dimensions make it perfectly suited to twisting European roads and small enough to be threaded through town traffic. If Fiat looks to the past there’s no shortage of inspiration for the new Coupe’s design. Models such as the 1959 Abarth 750 Zagato Coupe employed a similar philosophy to the newcomer with a lightweight aluminium body, two-seater layout and extravagant good looks. And as always with Italian sports cars, style is high on the agenda for the Coupe, too. 

Sloping headlights and huge front air-intakes give it a snarling face, while vents in the bonnet and behind the front wheels are a sign that there’s pace to match the car’s looks. Just like the Smart Roadster, a removable roof panel allows occupants to get the open-air experience without the need for an expensive and heavy folding top. And lastly, the trademark Abarth white and red colour scheme with distinctive decals mark the car out from other traffic. The racy theme continues in the cabin, with turbo pressure gauges and Abarth Scorpion logos a plenty. Expect sculpted racing seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, too.

Driving enthusiasts will enjoy Fiat’s Torque Transfer Control (TTC), which mimics a front limited slip differential to maximise traction in the bends, while LED flashing lights on the dash alert the driver at the optimum moment to change gear – either to extract maximum performance or boost fuel economy.

Carlo Abarth, the company’s founder, was famous for wringing impressive levels of performance from small-capacity powerplants, and the Abarth philosophy has stayed true to this day. The most likely candidate for the Coupe is the 1.4-litre turbocharged unit from the 500 Abarth, kicking out 135bhp and 180Nm of torque – although an ‘esseesse’ (pronounced essay essay) version with 158bhp and 230Nm of torque, but still returning 45mpg at the pumps, could also make it to production. With the car weighing in at little more than 1,000Kg, expect a 0-60mph time of around eight seconds for the lower-powered version and seven seconds for the ‘esseesse’.

The Smart Roadster’s downfall was its extortionately high price. But it seems Fiat isn’t about to make the same mistake. Prices for the Abarth Coupe should start from around £12,000 - undercutting the cheapest Smart Roadster by £1,500. Fiat is staying tight-lipped about it’s production plans for the Abarth Coupe, but if it does make it to showrooms, expect the care to break cover in 2010 and go on sale in 2011.

Audi S1

Take a look at Audi’s pocket rocket! This stunning machine is the S1 – a super hatch flagship that will sit at the very top of the German firm’s all-new small car range. Gunning for high performance small cars such as the MINI John Cooper Works and the forthcoming Alfa MiTo GTA, the S1 will be the ultimate evolution of the A1 line-up, packing 200bhp and a Quattro four-wheel drive chassis.

But it’s the looks that will have buyers beating a path to Audi’s showrooms. Taking the compact, chunky A1 three-door shape – previewed by the Metroproject Quattro concept, revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show – the S1 adds an aggressive bodykit. It features flared arches, filled with 19-inch alloy wheels, a neat roof-mounted spoiler, and a particularly aggressive front end with a low front splitter, deep air intakes and menacing daytime LED running lights. Chrome highlights finish the visual upgrades.

The A1 line-up is set to benefit from a wide range of innovative, small capacity, forced induction engines including a turbocharged1.2-litre TFSI unit for the entry-level model – and the S1 will be no different. Under the bonnet will be a development of the same supercharged and turbocharged 1.4-litre engine as the VW Polo GTi (Issue 1,044) and SEAT Ibiza Cupra. In those models, the unit produces 178bhp – but thanks to some upgrades and a tweak of the ECU, the tiny powerplant will produce in excess of 200bhp and 300Nm of torque.

Hooked up to a seven-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox, the S1 should provide shattering performance. Expect a 0-60mph time of around six seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. However, it’ll also be economical too – that small capacity should mean it’ll return 35mpg combined. Making sure all that power reaches the road is a four-wheel drive system, biased 40:60 in favour of the rear wheels. Together with lowered and stiffened suspension, the little Audi should feel every inch the baby Quattro, offering lightning reactions and amazing grip.

It’s also likely that Audi will make its magnetic dampers available too. These will work in conjunction with Drive Select – a system which offers owners the choice of several driving modes including Dynamic and Comfort, allowing them to sharpen steering, throttle and suspension response according to road conditions.

Indeed, the S1 is likely to be a real technological tour de force. Audi has already previewed many new ideas on the Metroproject concept car, including an interface that allows owners to control many of the car’s functions through their mobile phones. This is likely to be an option on top-spec models such as the S1. Factor in a sporty cabin with a flat-bottomed steering, figure hugging, lightweight seats and aluminium pedals and the result will be a high quality small performance car with real showroom appeal. It won’t come cheap, though. While entry-level A1 models are likely to kick off at £13,000 when sales start in early 2010, the S1 will weigh in at £25,000.