Geneva motor show - Mazda

What's the main draw at Mazda?
The all-new Mazda 2 and the Hakaze concept car promise to be the main crowd-pleasers on the Mazda stand.

With these two models, it is clear Mazda is heading in the right direction: the stylish 2 is a great improvement on the rather uninspiring previous model and the Hakaze compact crossover should add to the intrigue with its radical looks and striking interior.

The Mazda 2's vital statistics
Expect prices to start at around £9000. Although Mazda topped off its 3 model with the hot MPS, don't expect the Japanese manufacturer to do the same with the 2. It is 100kg lighter than its predecessor and the 1.3 will do 52mpg.

The 2 is set to go on sale in September and will only come in five-door format at launch.

It will be launched initially with two petrol engines, a 74bhp or 83bhp 1.3-litre engine (depending on the market) and a 102bhp 1.5-litre motor. A 1.4-litre diesel engine will be introduced a few months later.

And what's the Hakaze?
It's a crossover concept car based around the Ford Focus/Mazda 3/Volvo C30 platform.

It incorporates removable roof panels and follows the current trend of oddly named vehicles (Kia 'd, Nissan Qashqai). The idea is to marry hatchback driving qualities and a 4x4 driving position with the excitement of an open-top.

The concept car at the show uses a turbocharged 2.3-litre petrol engine, a six-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.

It's aimed at people who like the outdoors and surfers in particular. Appropriately, the cabin is awash with surfer-friendly materials such as waterproof seats and a rubber-backed boot lining.

To see video footage of the Mazda stand, click here.