THINK Mazda, think mainstream. It's an unfortunate label but one that has been well earned through a string of reliable, if slightly unexciting models: 121, 323, 626 and Xedos 9 immediately spring to mind. If ever a range needed an injection of fun and frivolity this is it.

Having single-handedly created the 'affordable cabriolet' class eight years ago with the MX-5, Mazda hopes to repeat the process with the Demio. Launched in Japan in 1996 it achieved record sales, becoming Mazda's best seller there last year and finishing number eight overall.

Although Mazda is the first to admit sales of this magnitude are unlikely to be reflected in the UK, it does recognise that cars like the Suzuki Wagon R and Daihatsu Grand Move - along with the Mercedes A-class due in September - have combined to create an entirely new niche and one it hopes the Demio will exploit. Only one 72bhp 1.3-litre, high specification model is available, but it has price on its side undercutting many 'rivals'.