A NEW rotary-powered sports coupe concept designed for family use was the star of Mazda's stand at the Tokyo Motor Show. But another concept for a sports utility model will be first to reach the production line, said Mazda Motor Corporation director Fumiaki Inami.

'We need an SUV in our line-up right away - this is the car most likely to be going on sale in the near future,' he said. With lightweight bodywork and a three-litre V6 engine, the boldly-styled go-anywhere 'activehicle' has all-independent suspension, which is claimed to offer dynamic performance with responsive handling.

Likely to follow the SUV on to the production line is the RX-Evolve, the latest in the Japanese company's 30-year programme to develop the rotary engine. Despite its low-slung stance, the RX-Evolve has innovative, pillarless bodywork which allows four doors to give remarkably easy access to all seats.