Green, lean and keen: the new Mazda 2 - Prices and rivals

Prices are estimated to start at around £8500 rising to £12,000, and first deliveries are expected this September.

Mazda 2 buyers could also consider the plethora of other new superminis coming along soon, which will include Fiat's 500 and Renault's Twingo citycars.

Mitsubishi dealers will be getting their first deliveries of the company's i car this summer, too.

VW it taking the green high ground when its Polo Bluemotion goes on sale here next month, while we'll get our first proper look at the identical twins from Vauxhall and Suzuki - the Agila and Splash - at the Frankfurt motor show in September.