Mazda 3 i-stop

While the 3 MPS reinforces Mazda's sporty image, elsewhere on its stand there are cars that emphasise the company's environmental commitments.

The Mazda 3 i-stop is powered by a 2.0-litre 150bhp petrol engine that comes fitted with engine stop-start.

The i-stop system the i is for idle cuts the engine when the car comes to a halt in traffic jams or at traffic lights, for example. Then, as soon as the driver depresses the clutch to move on, the system restarts the engine.

Mazda says the 3 i-stop is capable of 41.5mpg - a 14% improvement on the current car. That would equate to CO2 emissions of about 165g/km, although exact figures havent been released.

Prices and on-sale dates have yet to be confirmed.