Mazda preparing to expand line-up

Mazda is preparing to have more to say on the auto market: the company will add a new city car, a fresh compact SUV and more variants of its existing models. According to AutoCar, Mazda wants to become a "more aspirational brand that will be an alternative to the premium manufacturers."

The city car will be based on the Kiyora concept revealed at the Paris Auto Show. It will be named Mazda1 and is set to be revealed in 2011. It will compete with the Volkswagen Up! family and the Toyota iQ.

A new Mazda RX-7 is also in the works. Although it is yet to be officially confirmed for production, a modern version of the rotary-engined icon would form an ideal halo model to a more premium Mazda range.