Mazda Previews RX-8 Successor and Efficient Mazda3

The 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel unit already on use in the Mazda2 and CX-3 has now made its way over to the award-winning Mazda3. Figures come in at 74.3 mpg and 99 g/km when equipped with manual transmission.

But as important as running costs may be today, the old RX-8 is something of its own. Its successor has been previewed under the name of the RX-VISION concept, and uses a SKYACTIV-R engine. Rumour has it that the rotary engine could use turbocharging as a manner of getting torque available lower down the rev band, although this has not been confirmed.

Its short overhangs, elongated, low bonnet and 20-inch alloys give it the perfect proportions for a car of its type. At 4,389 mm long, it's almost 16 cm shorter than the Mercedes-AMG GT.  It's 1.4 cm narrower and 12.6 cm lower than the AMG GT too.

Although we can hope that it will be competitively priced, think Ford Mustang, some think it could be in the Corvette territory, or to us Brits, twice the price. Only time will tell.