These are the first...

These are the first shots of the newcomer, which will debut at next week"s Frankfurt Motor Show. Consigning straight lines and boxy design to the past, Mazda bosses say the Sassou is inspired by thin Japanese sliding screens - Shoji.

Used to add privacy to the country"s traditionally open homes, Shoji influenced the design of the hatchback"s lights. They"re obscured by translucent plastic and are visible only when the car is unlocked. The rest of the chunky exterior is equally adventurous, with Subaru-style pillarless doors and a large, fixed, glass roof panel.

Inside, there"s another surprise - the Sassou has a computer-derived USB stick instead of a key. These clever devices are normally used to transfer data, but the concept features a dash-mounted port. It allows music on the memory stick to be downloaded on to the car"s own hard drive.

Other novel features include a rear seat that uses compressed air to change shape to accommodate one or two passengers. There"s also a centre console screen for all the major controls, while power comes from a three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo motor.