Nissan To Build MX-5 Rival

Nissan has decided to go ahead with its car to rival Mazda's legendary MX-5. Crucially, though, its car will be electric.

Nissan tried to revive the 200SX in the past but had to give up in 2008. This car would have used the 370Z's platform with a 1.6 litre turbo producing 188bhp that the Juke now uses. The plan has changed however, and the car will now have a completely different name along with its own chassis. This will likely originate from Daimler who agreed to supply Mazda with mid-size chassis that could accommodate anything from four-cylinder engines to V8s.

This chassis will then be used for the new 370Z, GT-R, Infiniti G and a new Infiniti sports car. There are no confirmed details on what engine will power this new car, although it is rumoured that it could use a tuned version of the Leaf's electric motor or a hybrid engine.

The car will definitely be rear-wheel drive though. Mazda have also recruited engineers from Lotus Engineering to help with the chassis, to ensure that the car handles well.

The new car will arrive in 2013 and cost around £20,000

New Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 will sit below the CX-7 in Mazda's model range as their entry-level SUV, rivalling the Land Rover Freelander. It will be the first of Mazda's cars to use its SkyActiv eco technologies, giving it CO2 figures of 120g/km. These technologies include a brand new chassis, engine and transmission and it will also be the first of Mazda's cars to use their Kodo design. 

The car will be powered by a new 2.2 litre turbodiesel unit that will produce 173bhp and 310lb/ft. This new engine, coupled with the also new six-speed manual transmission give the car its remarkable CO2 figure. Mazda have optimised the compression ratio to 14:1 to make the car 20% more economical than the 2.2 diesel that this engine will replace, but this engine will also come in a higher power format too, along with a range of SkyActiv petrol engines.

The car should arrive in the UK in Spring 2012. 

Ford Plans £14k Entry-Level Focus

Until September of this year, Ford had been selling the Focus Sport (previous generation) alongside its new Focus, but the new entry-level Focus Studio, costing just £13,995 will replace this. 

The car will still come with 16-inch sports-style alloy wheels; a body coloured rear spoiler; CD player and radio with USB connectivity; air con; electrically-operated body-coloured mirrors with indicators built in; electric front windows; ESP and capless refuelling.

You will only be able to buy the Studio as a five-door hatchback with a 1.6 litre petrol engine developing 84bhp. It will be available in Panther Black, Moondust Silver and Frozen White.