Mazda 6 News

There have been rumours for more than a year about something new from the British brand, and the confirmation came with the single press picture released at the Frankfurt Motor Show.The shot asks more questions than it answers. Still, it is obvious the car in the picture is a big departure from the chunky off-roaders that fill out the Land Rover line-up from the flagship Range Rover down to the near-new Freelander II.It is lower, much smoother and appears to have only two doors. And it has a swoopy roofline which is more like the new BMW X6 crossover coupe (also revealed at Frankfurt) than a traditional off-roader.It also promises much lower fuel economy, up to 10per cent better than the Freelander II, as well as luring younger buyers to the brand.The newcomer could be displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, instead of fighting for space at Frankfurt in a Ford family group, which included the all-new Jaguar XF, Mazda6 and facelifted Ford Focus, but there is no firm timing for showrooms.“Next year would probably be too early. But we are not talking about the timing,” says Land Rover's Natasha Waddington. “We are just showing this picture for the moment.”The Land Rover teaser comes as another luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz, gets ready to downsize on the four-wheel-drive front.It has a GLK soft-roader ready for next year that will slide in below its existing ML and GL four-wheel-drives as a rival to the Freelander II and BMW's X3. But the GLK, which is based on the mechanical package used for the C-Class sedan, is not coming to Australia.“The GLK is not going to be made in right-hand-drive. We could not make a business case,” Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy says. “There is not enough volume. We would have liked it, but on the right-hand-drive side there is only Australia, the UK, South Africa and Japan. Not enough to make the numbers work.”The sneak peek of the new Land Rover comes at a good time for the company, which is on the auction block together with Jaguar and, most likely, Volvo as Ford looks to cut costs and complications to get it back into the black.It also shows Land Rover wants to follow Jeep into a more-youthful area of the four-wheel-drive business.The American company has been very successful in the US in turning Jeep into more than just a heavyweight off-road company, although its soft-shaped Compass has not done well in Australia. The Patriot, which is even newer, promises better results.Land Rover has its own model to copy, though, as it has done very good business with the city-focused Range Rover Sport. It is much more like a car to drive, even with its boxy body.The other Land Rover news from the Frankfurt show is a stop-start engine system that will be fitted to its vehicles from 2009. It is claimed to improve fuel economy by up to 10 per cent by killing the motor when the car is stopped in traffic, but it is only promised for manual transmission vehicles with more work needed on an adaptation for automatics. 

I like Chrysler. I like its management, its freehand styling and its gumption to mass produce cars that were last seen as Hot Wheels models in a toy store.If it's about looks, Chrysler and its subsidiary Dodge have it in spades.Chrysler's products will hypnotise you into visiting a showroom where, in a trance-like state, you will buy the classiest thing ever built on four wheels. That's when the spell will end.The Chrysler Sebring, rival to the Toyota Camry, Mazda6 and Honda Accord, breaks my heart. It's a very ordinary product from an outstanding company.There is not one area where the Sebring outshines the Camry.It has a hint of the famed styling madness that we love, like its straked bonnet, but is generally styled for an older audience.A tad conservative, it's nicely balanced, though the front bumper is too long and the car is not distinctive enough for passers-by to give it a second glance. Sebring 0; Camry 1.Inside it's a Tupperware party that has overdosed on Fruity Lexia with lots of hard, multicoloured plastic, mostly browns.The seats are leather-trimmed and the front ones are heated. But they are most uncomfortable, with a bulging squab a bit like a lumbar support with a hernia.There are appreciated features like a cupholder that can heat or cool, a tyre-pressure monitor, a quality audio system, a split-fold rear seat and cruise control.The 2.4-litre motor is also used in Hyundai's Sonata and Mitsubishi Outlander, though you wouldn't pick the relationship.The Sebring's engine is a modest performer, 0-100km/h in a weary 11.3sec but it is economical.The economy is because at no stage does the raw vacuum-cleaner sound of the motor relate to what's acutally happening at the wheels. Push hard on the accelerator and no one will know what you've done.The lack of go isn't helped by a four-speed auto with ratios designed for country touring on flat roads.Handling is good. In motion, the Sebring will glide through corners and mid-corner bumps with ease. The lifeless steering points well and ride comfort is commendable.The excellent standard safety equipment includes ESC and six airbags, and the solid chassis inspires confidence.Some good, but more bad about this car. C'mon Chrysler, you can do better. 

The world's biggest motor show is weeks away, yet the car companies are already scrambling over each other to release clues about their exhibits.Among the highlights of the 62nd Frankfurt International Motor Show are cars made out of bamboo, a boxer diesel engine and yet more “urban crossover SUVs.”Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil its Concept-cX compact SUV at the show.Concept-cX uses interior trim materials made from bamboo and other plant-based resins.The concept is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency 1.8 litre diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst with diesel particulate filter, and Mitsubishi's new twin clutch sport shift transmission.Dodge will also launch a crossover wagon, called Crew, which hits Australia late next year.The seven-seater is based on the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring sedan platform but with all-wheel drive and powered by 2.4-litre petrol and 2-litre turbo-diesel engines.The Crew looks like a shrunken Chrysler Voyager people mover, but with a longer nose and higher ground clearance.It will be built at Chrysler's Toluca plant in Mexico with production due to start in December.Subaru will use the show for its biggest new model blitz yet.Leading the line-up will be the new Impreza five-door hatchback in its 1.5 and 2 litre naturally aspirated formats, which arrives in Australia the same month.Other Subarus on show include an Impreza-based World Rally Car Concept, facelifted Tribeca luxury SUV with more efficient 3.6-litre boxer engine and five-speed auto, new Justy one-litre supermini and the world's first horizontally opposed boxer turbo-diesel engine, due to be progressively installed in models from early in 2008.Mazda will debut its Mazda6, the second Mazda new generation product to evolve to the next stage following the new Mazda2.Although Australia is yet to see the Kia cee'd five-door, the Korean company will debut its new sporty three-door Pro-cee'd, the third model in the family of cars designed for Europe and made in Slovakia.Only the bonnet and the front wing panels are carried over from the five-door model.Volkswagen will revive the 'people's car' with a concept Beetle.It is called the City Expert because The Beetle name has been taken by the more expensive new-generation car.The City Expert goes back to Beetle roots with a rear-mounted, flat-four boxer engine and a cheap price tag.VW will also reveal six new models with BlueMotion diesel technology, including the new Golf BlueMotion claiming economy of 4.5 litres/100km down 0.6-litres from the previous model, and CO2 emissions down 16g/km to 119g/km.Range on a 55-litre tank is now more than 1200km.Peugeot's 308RCZ concept will give a big hint towards a future body style for the 308 family.The ultra-light 2+2 coupe uses aluminium, polycarbonate windows and carbon fibre body parts and is powered by a 160kW 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo jointly developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW.Renault will show a wagon version of its Clio mini.The Clio Sport Tourer will go on sale in Europe early next year.Mini is also on the bandwagon with the return of the Clubman van.The five-door model has double rear doors and a suicide door on the driver's side.The suicide door, which opens the opposite way, is designed to allow passengers easier access to the back.It would make more sense on the other side, but clearly the former British car now owned by BMW is designed for left-hand-drive markets with the blinkers also on the left.Ford will show its Kuga crossover all-wheel-drive probably powered by a range of petrol and turbodiesel engines, including the 2-litre 100kW/320Nm TDCi that has just appeared in the Focus.The Kuga is based on the Iosis X concept unveiled at last year's Paris Motor Show.In a surprise move, Suzuki will show it's expanding from small cars and SUVs into the family market.Their Kizashi family car looks mean with a massive black grille, sloping lamp clusters and low-level fog lamps.Also looking mean is Saab's 9-3 Turbo X which will rekindle the spirit of the 1980s Saab 900 Black Turbo.It will feature Cross-Wheel Drive allowing torque to be split to either side of the rear axle via an electronically limited slip differential, based on information from the stability and traction control systems.However, the show-stealer is likely to be seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher when he unveils the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, a lighter and faster development of the existing 430 coupe and convertible.Power is up to 380kW, weight is down 100kg and the F1 transmission has new software that cuts shift times to 60 milliseconds. 

Mazda will expand its Australian diesel models later this year, with a Mazda3 diesel to join the Mazda6.The new addition is expected to arrive in September and will be available in sedan and hatchback. It will have the same engine as the Mazda6 diesel.The two-litre common-rail turbo diesel produces 105kW and 360Nm. It has a claimed fuel consumption of six litres/100km.It will be available only in Maxx Sport trim and will have a rear spoiler, 16-inch wheels and unlike the petrol models, will have Electronic Stability Program as standard.Mazda spokesman Alistair Doak said the company expected to sell more than 100 Mazda3 diesels a month. Mazda sold 2758 Mazda3s last month, making it the second-most popular small car, behind the Toyota Corolla.When the Mazda6 diesel went on sale, Mazda originally forecast 50 sales a month, but Mr Doak said it had been closer to 100.He said there were no plans to expand the diesel range in Australia.“They will be our two diesel passenger cars, the ones that sell the most in Europe,” he said. “None of our Japanese competitors has diesel and we're introducing a second.”Mr Doak said there were no plans for diesel engines in the CX-7 or CX-9 because those cars were primarily for the North American market, where diesels were not in demand.The Mazda3 diesel will be followed by a new Mazda2 model.The smaller Mazda will go on sale in October and is expected to cost about $16,000 for the base model.Mr Doak said buyers could expect the new Mazda2 to be comparable in price to the present car, which started at $16,335 for the Neo and rose to $20,290 for the Genki model.But unlike its rivals, which have 1.3-litre entry models, Mr Doak said the Mazda2 would be sold with only a 1.5-litre engine.He said the Mazda2 was a vital part of the overall line-up, with the car coming third in sales to the Mazda3 and Mazda6.The current car has been on sale since December 2002. So far this year Mazda has sold 3045, up 30 per cent on last year's figures.The car's styling brought it into line with the rest of the Mazda line-up.Mazda is also expected to carry over the existing three models the Neo, Maxx and Genki. 

The Mazda3 diesel will join the Mazda6 and is expected to arrive in September. It will be available in both sedan and hatchback form and will have the same engine as the current Mazda6 diesel.The 2.0-litre common-rail turbo diesel produces 105kW and 360Nm and has a claimed fuel consumption of 6L/100km.It will only be available in the one Maxx Sport trim level and will feature a rear spoiler, 16-inch wheels and, unlike the petrol models, Direct Stability Control will be a standard feature.Mazda spokesman Alistair Doak says the company expects to sell more than 100 Mazda3 diesels a month, but says it will be a reasonably small percentage of overall Mazda3 sales. Mazda sold 2758 Mazda3s last month, the second-most popular small car, behind the Toyota Corolla.When the Mazda6 diesel went on sale, Mazda originally forecast 50 sales a month, but Doak says it has been closer to 100 models a month.He says there are no plans to expand the diesel range further in Australia.“They will be our two diesel passenger cars, the ones that sell the most in Europe,” he says. None of our Japanese competitors have any diesel and we're introducing a second.”Doak says there are no plans for diesel engines in the larger CX-7 and yet-to-arrive CX-9 because these cars are primarily for the North American market, where diesel isn't in demand.The Mazda3 diesel will be followed by the new generation of the Mazda2. The smaller Mazda will go on sale in October and is expected remain at about $16,000 for the entry model.Doak says buyers can expect the new Mazda2 to be comparable in price to the current car, which starts at $16,335 for the Neo and rises to $20,290 for the top-line Genki model. But unlike some of its rivals, which offer 1.3-litre entry models, Doak says the Mazda2 would be available only with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.“I don't think there is a lot of benefit going to a 1.3. Certainly there isn't that much difference on cost,” he says.Doak says the Mazda2 is a vital part of the overall line-up, with the light car running in third sales spot behind Mazda3 and Mazda6.The current car has been on sale since December 2002. So far this year Mazda has sold 3045, up 30 per cent on last year's figures.The car's styling brings it into line with the rest of the Mazda line-up, he says.“Mazda has always established a reputation as being a style leader and the Mazda2 should do so in the light-car segment,” Doak says.Mazda is also expected to carry over the existing three model names; Neo, Maxx and Genki.Safety has been at the forefront of the car's appeal, with the option of curtain and side airbags and ABS in the current model. The newcomer is expected to add dynamic stability control to the safety kit. It sheds about 100kg in weight over its predecessor.Using high-tensile steel, Mazda says it has been able to slice out weight without compromising safety, body rigidity and noise, vibration and harshness. This has benefits for fuel economy, with Mazda saying it has improved up to 15 per cent over the current car. The 60/40 split rear-fold seat carries over, but luggage space is down from 280 to 250 litres.The 1.5-litre develops 76kW at 6000 revs and 136Nm at 4000 revs, down from 82kW at 6000 revs and 141Nm at 4000 revs.

The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria has just completed its annual cost of ownership survey of a range of current models.The survey looks at total running cost and is based on vehicles travelling 15,000km a year, which is the Australian average.It factors in the cost of a typical car loan, depreciation, registration, club membership, comprehensive insurance plus servicing, fuel and tyre costs.Fuel costs were calculated on an unleaded petrol pump price of $1.26 a litre, $1.31 for diesel and 47c for LPG.Fuel prices have risen significantly since the survey was finished so true running costs will be even higher.The survey results show the cheapest car costs about $6000 a year to run, compared to $18,500 for the most expensive.The most affordable car was Hyundai's Getz at $116.54 a week, followed by Holden's Barina ($120.85) and the Toyota Yaris ($125.88).Go up a size and Toyota's Corolla was the winner at $154.49, followed by the Ford Focus ($156.49) and Holden Astra ($158.12).The medium class sector was won by Toyota's Camry at $193.05, followed by the Mazda6 at $197.85, and Honda Accord Euro ($218.07).Large cars are, as expected, more expensive to run but, surprisingly not that much more.The best was Mitsubishi's 380 at $200.44, so it is cheaper than the Honda Accord. Toyota's Aurion was next best ($217.60), followed by Ford's Falcon ($229.13).For large families, the Kia Carnival people mover at $216.68 beat the Honda Odyssey ($228) and Toyota Tarago ($267.61).Diesel and hybrid cars were cheaper to run but don't forget diesel cars initially cost more and replacement batteries for hybrids are hellishly expensive and have a short lifespan.The cheapest was the Honda Civic hybrid at $175.29, beating the Toyota Prius at $200.63. A VW Golf diesel was better than the Prius on the wallet at $187.93.A Ford Falcon running on LPG cost $211.43 a week, while the dual-fuel Commodore came in at $225.10.The popular compact SUV market was headed by Honda's CRV at $203.86, followed by Nissan's Xtrail ($207.36) and Subaru's Forester ($208.52).Medium SUVs had the Holden Captiva out in front at $225.16, followed by the Ford Territory ($234.47) and Toyota Prado ($286.16).At the expensive end of the running cost spreadsheet were the big four-wheel-drives.The cheapest was Nissan's Patrol at $269.53, while the Toyota LandCruiser cost $357.51 a week.

Mazda this week added more features to its revamped Mazda6 lineup while lowering the price, which Mazda says gives it more value for money.The sedan, hatch and wagon have been rebadged to come in Sports, Classic Sports and Diesel variants. The former slow-selling Limited version which was the entry level to the Mazda6 sedan range has been dropped. There have been no changes to the all-wheel drive model, the MPS.The entry model is now the Sports, priced from $28,990 for the six-speed manual sedan. It replaces the old Classic that sold for $31,980.New trim, alloy wheels and a rear spoiler on all but the wagon versions have been added to its already comprehensive equipment list that includes six air bags, a six-stack CD player, auto air conditioning and remote locking.Next comes the Classic Sports ($39,990), which replaces the old Luxury Sports ($40,955). It adds dynamic stability control and comes with bigger wheels, sunroof, leather seats, Bose sound system and power-adjustable driver's seat.The turbocharged Diesel wagon and hatch have similar equipment levels to the Sports and will sell from $35,205.The biggest-selling feature is fuel consumption — a claimed 5.9 litres per 100km for a mix of city and highway driving, giving it a potential 1000km range on a single tank of fuel.

And we've contrived a formula for our picks of sub-$40,000 cars that considers these factors:* Economy — the claimed fuel consumption in combined conditions and likely running costs, based in part on the NRMA's annually compiled data.* Practicality — size, number of seats and doors, and boot space.* Value — purchase price, standard gear and quality.* Image — a bit subjective, but even a practical purchase isn't without an emotional quotient.* Driving — derived from CARSguide's on-road experiences.Each criterion is marked out of five points for a combined score out of 25. Honda Jazz GLi$15,3905.7-litres per 100kmEconomy > 5Practicality > 4Value > 4Image > 3Driving > 3Score > 19/25 WITH a claimed fuel consumption of 5.7 litres per 100km in the manual exceeded by only 0.1 in the CVT auto, there is for once almost no (economic) argument in favour of shifting for yourself.The manual, though, will make the most of the uber-frugal 1.3-litre petrol engine. Hondas are not the cheapest cars to repair, but they offer highly competitive passenger safety levels married to reliability and quality that tops international surveys.The Jazz is a great device that can carry two adults, three kids and luggage. Mazda 6MZR-CD hatch$38,090 MZR-CD5.9 litres per 100kmEconomy > 5Practicality > 4Value > 4Image > 3Driving > 4Score > 20/25 THE mid-size Mazda embarrasses more expensive and supposedly more prestigious European cars.The addition of two (manual only) diesel models adds another dimension to the range.At $35,205, the wagon is the less expensive, but with leather trim and fixtures comparable to the Luxury level Mazda 6 petrol model, the hatch is a stylish and unique departure.The only hatch of this size on the market, it's the preferred 6 shape.And its lusher interior would come to the fore when exploiting the Mazda's posited maximum range of 1250km.Already the best drive in its class, the diesel 6s exert an allure appreciated by Those Who Know while running on a sip from an oily bowser.The obvious sedan alternative is Volkwagen's Jetta. Suzuki Swift Sport$23,9907.5 litres per 100kmEconomy > 3Practicality > 3Value > 4Image > 3Driving > 4Score > 17/25 A GTI model is en route, but for now the 1.6-litre petrol Sport is the one for frugal fun.Standard gear, even in the $15,990 S model, is superb, running to dual front airbags, ABS and steering wheel button activated six-stacker CD and trip computer.If the steering leaves something to be desired, it's hard not to enjoy this two-plus-two hatch, one that punches way above its 1100kg kerb weight. Volkswagen PoloMatch TDI$22,9905.0-litres per 100kmEconomy > 5Practicality > 4Value > 3Image > 4Driving > 3Score > 19/25DESPITE the "handicap" of coming as a manual only, the cheapest diesel available in Australia accounts for some 30 per cent of Polos sold here - something not unrelated to a potential range in the vicinity of 1000km on one tank.A Tardis that can seat four adults, or two adults and three young children, the five-door hatch is a more than respectable performer due to a punchy 1.9-litre turbo diesel that leaves all Polos bar the smart GTI model in its wake.The German badge lends a bit of cachet in a field of Japanese and Korean entrants. Hyundai Santa FeCRDi SLX$43,4907.6 litres per 100kmEconomy > 4.5Practicality > 5Value > 5Image > 1Driving > 2.5Score > 18/25 WE'VE busted the $40K mark here, but what other relatively affordable SUV could fare so well in Overlander magazine's vehicle of the year and carry seven punters in urban comfort?You can get into a petrol V6 five-seater Santa Fe for as little as $35,990, but the doughty diesel seven-seater is the best buy.You won't get a better third row of seats without paying mad money. A tight turning circle enhances every day driving and big towing torque makes for recreational enabled weekends. If the Santa Fe scores low for image, that's because some people still can't get past the badge. That's their loss. Honda CR-Vfrom $31,99010.0 litres per 100kmEconomy > 3.5Practicality > 5Value > 4Image > 3Driving > 3Score > 18.5/25 YES, that is a double digit claimed petrol consumption. Nor is it the cheapest urban shopping trolley.But though heavier and slightly thirstier than its predecessor, the new generation CR-V is just about perfect for its purpose.As with those other Hondas named here, it's suffused with the refinement and quality and the unchallenging nature that make Hondas such a no-brainer buy. Honda Civic Hybrid$32,9905.2 litres per 100kmEconomy > 5Practicality > 3Value > 4Image > 3Driving > 2.5Score > 17.5/25 WHILE not quite as miserly as that other compact petrol-electric car, Toyota's Prius, the hybrid Honda is vastly less expensive and at least looks like a car.The savings with a hybrid are accrued not only when it is running and the electric motor assists, but mainly when the vehicle is stationary and the petrol engine switches off, leaving it all to electricity.If it's an unremarkable drive, it does what it says on the label with the assurance of Honda quality into the bargain.

In an age where hot hatches have staged a revival on the new car landscape, the MPS makes the list because of its point-and-squirt capability. Point because it steers as though it has German blood, and squirt because it is the hottest four-potter in production at Hiroshima. The MPS is raw, mean and keen. It offers enormous bang for your buck, with this $43,000-odd package delivering stunning performance. It has the tricky differential - torque management keeping a lid on the MPS's boost in first and second. The MPS is tough and practical and has the attributes for those seeking track day enjoyment. But some judges found it too pricey and too hard-edged for a day-to-day ride, and there were questions about the look for hot-hatch buyers.

It is, in its way, the best show for ages, with a quotient of concept vehicles and exotica balanced by real world stuff you'd actually consider buying.Highlights?It's hard to walk past Audi's R8, a fully-fledged supercar likely to come in with a "bargain" tag of substantially less than $300,000. Next to it is the second generation Audi TT, mightily improved and not screamingly unaffordable from $68,500 the entry model and about $20K more for its 3.2 V6 quattro sibling. We drove both of these through the Austrian Alps in June 2006, and will hazard the guess that Audi will struggle to meet demand for this superbly executed coupe.And, just for show, is a model of the R10 – the amazing V12 diesel that took first and third at this year's Le Mans.The great thing about concept cars is that they needn't conform to such tiresome criteria as Australian Design Rules - hence the lack of an A pillar on Saab's Aero Concept X. The lack of any pillars for that matter. Slightly more tangible is the 9-5 bio ethanol-powered wagon - a car to gladden the hearts of sugar cane growers.Lotus has revived an iconic brand name with the Europa S, a car that should affirm two-seater motoring can still be an unadulterated and largely unconstrained experience. When the product of mainstream manufacturers seems to keep getting fatter, like a choc-addicted neurotic, the mere existence of Lotus serves to remind us of (hard) core driving verities.Mazda's Kabura sports compact - with its cute 3+1 seating arrangement - is a concept from which the theme and shape of Mazdas to come can be divined. Ditto Honda's Sports 4 Concept for that marque. Or so we hope. While Honda's SH-AWD system is damn clever, it'd be neat to see it attached to something a little more athletic than the globulous Legend.A few metres away from the Kabura is the CX-7 - the crossover SUV with much of the Mazda 6 MPS's drivetrain - which you'll be seeing on our streets soon. It's one of two vehicles that perfectly defines what marketing types like to call the "zeitgeist" of the Australian buyer at the moment.The other, you may or may not choose to believe, is a Volvo. The S80 all-wheel-drive V8 luxury sedan might be the Swedish marque's new hero model, but their decidedly groovy 2+2, the C30, could be the car that finally puts paid to those ancient "bloody Volvo driver" cliches.It also points firmly in the direction that Australian private buyers are going ie: those of us not enamoured of soft road SUVs are downsizing but up-speccing.And speaking of good things in small packages, those who have queued long for the Volkswagen Golf GTI will be delighted to see that not only is demand being addressed, but the new to Australia three door-model starts $1500 under the five door at $38,490. VeeWee's highly desirable Eos CC, the big drawer at last year's Frankfurt motor show, finally made its Australian debut ahead of its release early in 2007.And yes, that's a turbo diesel variant you see parked near the turbo petrol. If diesel seems anomalous in a (part-time) open top car, it works.Given the mudslide of Holden hype this year, it comes almost as relief not to see some lurid concept jobbie from them for once, although unveiling the Hummer H3 did at least provide comic relief.With the pomp and circumstance we've come to expect from Holden on the opening day of the show, the covers were hauled off to anything but the reception they've come to expect.Far from the rapturous and somewhat sycophantic applause that greeted their Torana and Efijy creations, there was … well, the sound of no hands clapping. In fact, the silence that greeted this spectacularly pointless and ugly apparition could best be described as stoney.Nissan's Foria is a concept car we’d very much like to see come into fruition. Apart form the corporate grille, this is an elegant Lancia-like coupe intended as an MX-5-like alternative.