Mazda has unveiled its Kiyora concept car at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The concept, the latest in Mazda’s nature-themed design studies, previews a small urban 2+2 compact car that would slot below the Mazda2 in the automaker’s lineup should it reach production.

Mazda says that the Japanese word Kiyora translates to “clean and pure” and that the concept car utilizes extra light-weight materials throughout. As with Mazda’s most recent concepts, the Kyora follows the company’s Nagare design theme.

Although the Kiyora could be a precursor to the next-generation Mazda2 — which is slated to make its debut by the middle of the next decade — the concept is actually more compact than the current Mazda2. The Kiyora sports an overall length of 3,770 mm, making it just larger than many of Europe’s city cars.

Efficiency is a key element of the Kiyora, with power coming from a direct-injection 1.3L powerplant. The Kiyora’s fuel-sipping engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which should aid in fuel economy. Mazda also focused on aerodynamics and light weight materials — most of the car is constructed of carbon fiber — which reduced the Kiyora’s drag by 10 percent when compared to the current Mazda2. CO2 emissions are also impressive at just 90 g/km.

While its doubtful the Kiyora will make production in its current form, look for its Nagare design theme to make it into the next Mazda2.