The trophy is Mazda"s...
The trophy is Mazda"s first win on home soil for 23 years - the manufacturer last took the important prize in 1983 with the Capella saloon. At a ceremony in Tokyo last week, the MX-5 roadster was crowned the best car of 2005 by select local journalists, including Auto Express"s Japanese editor, Peter Lyon. The newcomer beat its rivals after being awarded 447 points out of a maximum of 600.
The model has been designed...
The model has been designed for the Brazilian market, but recent statements from blue oval bosses that all cars will have a "global look" suggest this is how the next version of the UK"s favourite supermini might shape up.
The newcomer features large trapezoidal headlights, although a change of design sees the indicators located at the top of the cluster; on the current British specification car, they are positioned in the bottom corner. There"s also a deep front bumper, finished off with a wide slatted air intake which is flanked by foglamps.
In the Brazilian market, the 2008 model-year Fiesta will be offered in a variety of bodystyles, including a saloon and estate. However, the next-generation European variant will continue to be sold only as a hatchback when it hits showrooms next year.